By Sentinel Staff
Sitka’s COVID-19 risk level went from “moderate” back up to “substantial” over the weekend after three cases were reported on Friday.
The three cases on Friday, although followed by no cases on Saturday or Sunday, give the community a weekly total of six, and a case rate of 70.40. Sitka had dropped from “high” alert to “substantial” on Nov. 7, and down to “moderate” on Friday.
At both the substantial and moderate levels, masks or face coverings are recommended when six-feet distancing can’t be maintained.
Substantial risk is assigned to the case rate of 50 to 99.99 – or five to eight cases in a week in Sitka. The next level down is moderate – one to four cases. Nine cases and above – making the case rate per 100,000 at 100 and higher – would put Sitka back into high alert.
The census area for Skagway and the far end of the Aleutian chain have had no cases recently and are the only places in the state considered low risk – blue. The area from Yakutat to Baranof Island – with the exception of Skagway – were orange for substantial risk, along with the False Pass area of the Aleutians. The rest of the state stayed at the high risk today.
Anytime the risk level is below “high” the local face mask ordinance expires. If it goes back to high, before the ordinance permanently expires on March 22, 2022, the ordinance will reactivate.
Precautions for substantial risk include:
- Masks/face coverings recommended when 6 feet of distance can’t be maintained from others.
- 6 feet of distance should be maintained.
- Large indoor gatherings are not recommended. Outdoor events encouraged.
- Indoor capacity reduced in restaurants and bars to maintain 6 feet of distance between parties; delivery/carryout/curbside or outside dining encouraged; all employees strongly encouraged to wear masks.
- Testing encouraged for all travelers – Limit travel when possible.
