Daily Sitka Sentinel

COVID Case in Sitka

By SHANNON HAUGLAND

Sentinel Staff Writer

City and health officials today announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Sitka.

SEARHC said the confirmed case is a resident of Sitka Long-term Care, who was immediately isolated, and transferred to Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center. SEARHC said plans were implemented to ensure the safety of other residents.

“An investigation is currently under way to identify the source of the virus,” said SEARHC in a news release issued at 12:45 p.m. today.

Public Health Nurse Denise Ewing said the state Division of Public Health has started the process of contact tracing, which includes calling all those who came into contact with the patient in the last 14 days.

SEARHC noted the steps the consortium has followed to protect patients in long-term care.

“For the last two months, Sitka Long-term Care has followed rigorous guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services to help keep this virus from contacting our most vulnerable population.”

That has included prohibiting visitors from entering the building, and screening staff at the beginning of every shift. All long-term care residents have been tested; tests have been offered to residents and staff at the Sitka Pioneers Home.

“Positive COVID-19 cases became a reality in Southeast on March 17, and with today’s announcement, they became a reality for Sitka,” said Dr. Elliot Bruhl, SEARHC vice president and chief medical officer, in today’s announcement. “This confirmed case showcases the persistence of this virus, and the ability for asymptomatic people to spread it within the community. SEARHC will continue to follow the framework constructed by our Incident Command System and implement planned precautions throughout the Consortium.”

SEARHC said this is the fifth confirmed case within a SEARHC facility. There are a total of 339 confirmed cases in the state, including two announced Friday in Anchorage and Chugiak. (Sitka’s confirmed case was not yet included in state statistics by the time of this story.)

The Unified Command (SEARHC, the city and emergency responders) also sent out a news release today, encouraging citizens to follow state, local and federal rules related to travel, staying home as much as possible and practice social distancing of six feet from others.

The city currently has a “hunker down” resolution in effect, which was extended by the Assembly April 14 through May 12.

SEARHC said the incident command system has been working to prepare staff and facilities for COVID patients.

“All visitor access has been restricted, screening is required at all facilities for both patients and staff, equipment has been inventoried and stocked, and the hospital has configured multiple areas, specifically for COVID-19 patients,” SEARHC said. “Incident Command System has requested usage of the three separate Mt. Edgecumbe High School dormitories for surge planning. Each would serve a dedicated use - hospital overflow, mild COVID-19 cases, and persons under investigation. The utilization of MEHS would allow patients from Southeast communities, particularly smaller communities without resources, to be sent to Sitka for ongoing care by SEARHC staff associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

COVID-19 tests are available at the alternate screening site next to Mountainside Family Clinic for those who meet the testing guidelines, which are currently fever, cough, new shortness of breath, symptoms of the common cold, new diarrhea, abnormal sense of smell/taste – regardless of travel or exposure criteria. COVID-19 testing is available by calling 907-966-8799.