By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Public Health officials today announced two new positive COVID test results in Sitka.
One confirmed case is a female Alaska resident, age 30-39. She was tested on July 7 at SEARHC and received the positive test result the same day, Public Health Nurse Denise Ewing said.
The second confirmed case is a non-resident man, age 50 to 59. He also was tested July 7 at SEARHC, and received results today, Ewing said.
Both are seasonal workers in the seafood industry, and both are asymptomatic, Ewing said.
The cumulative number of positive tests is listed on this page.
“Public Health officials have initiated contact investigations and will notify and isolate additional persons who may have been in contact with this individual as appropriate,” stated the press release sent out at noon today by Unified Command.
The news release from Unified Command includes information on the contact tracing process:
“If you are sick with COVID-19, a Public Health official will call you to check on your health, discuss who you’ve been in contact with and ask you to stay at home to self-isolate for 14 days. This information is collected for health purposes only and will not be shared with any other agencies, like law enforcement or immigration. Your name will not be revealed to those you came in contact with, unless you give permission. If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, a Public Health official will call you to inform you that you’ve been exposed and ask you to stay at home and self-quarantine.”
Unified Command said SEARHC is offering free COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic people Saturdays and Sundays in Sitka beginning July 11. All residents can receive a test between the hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at the Mountainside Family Clinic alternative test site, no appointment necessary.
Those needing more information may call the SEARHC COVID-19 Hotline at 966-8799.