COVID Surge
Dear Editor: The ongoing surge of COVID-19 in Sitka has been disappointing for all of us. Sitka now has one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates in the country. Despite this, we remain well prepared to address the complex issues facing us as a community.
Vaccines are a key weapon in our fight against COVID-19. Research and data continue to show that they are safe and effective against all forms of the virus. Throughout the country, and here in Sitka, unvaccinated people continue to contract the virus at rates 3-4 times higher than those who are vaccinated, and unfortunately the unvaccinated become much sicker. It is rare for a vaccinated person to require hospitalization or to die from the virus. Over 97% of all hospitalizations are in unvaccinated people.
In Sitka this week over 120 people received vaccination either through SEARHC or White’s Pharmacy. This is good news. If you have questions about the vaccines or need to sign up for vaccine, please visit the covid19.searhc.org website. Sign up for White’s vaccine clinics is at sitkapharmacies.com. I also recommend you speak with your doctor about vaccine safety if you have questions.
A second essential tool in defeating this outbreak in Sitka is masking. Wear a mask when you are outside your home and in public. For now, given the surge in Sitka, this applies to all of us vaccinated and unvaccinated. Wash your hands. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. Limit your social sphere and practice safe distancing wherever possible.
A third important tool in this fight is the behavior of people who are positive or are sick. If you are COVID positive or sick, stay home and isolate yourself for 10 days after symptoms started. If you are sick or have symptoms, get a COVID test regardless of your vaccination status. If you do not have symptoms and are fully vaccinated, testing is not necessary or required but is available. Testing is consolidated into a single drive through location across the street from the hospital on Japonski Island. Drive up daily 0800 to 1630. An appointment is not required.
At SEARHC hospital and clinics, our supplies of protective equipment, vaccine, testing materials, pharmaceuticals, and other resources remain strong. Our staff are well-trained, prepared, and highly committed. They are all immunized (over 97%). They have been working tremendously hard to provide increased testing, increased vaccination clinics, and to care for those who are sick. This has required personal sacrifice and risk for the staff, and I would like to acknowledge their commitment and hard work. Please take a moment to thank them when you see them.
Lastly, I point out that our healthcare resources are not unlimited. The present circumstance is serious. Some people are getting quite sick. We expect to see regional demand for resources increase as the surge spreads. There is a point where demand can exceed resources. While we have extensive plans for such a possibility, that is not an excuse for inaction. It is time for the Sitka community to come together and use all the tools at our disposal – vaccination, testing, masking and personal behavior (staying home if you are positive or sick) – to move forward and stop the surge. With each of your help, I am confident that we can find the will to succeed in this effort.
Dr. Elliot Bruhl, M.D.,
SEARHC Chief Medical Officer
Photographer
Dear Editor: I second Marcia Strand’s praise of James Poulson’s photography. Each day I look forward to seeing what picture will be on the Sentinel’s front page. James’ photos are historic or artistic, often both, and they provide a record and a commentary of/on what is happening in Sitka. Keep clicking, James! May you be much blessed.
Alice Smith, Sitka
