By Sentinel Staff
Public Health Nurse Denise Ewing issued the following announcement this afternoon, related to possible COVID exposure of passengers on an Alaska Airlines flight from Sitka:
“Dear Sitkans: Out of concern for our families and friends in Sitka, as Sitka’s Public Health Nurse, I would like to provide some information regarding possible exposures.
“Unfortunately, Public Health was informed a visitor from outside Alaska came to Sitka on holiday, tested positive for COVID-19 on 7/19/21 and was provided test results with isolation instructions. The visitor, and three traveling companions were all symptomatic.
“Though Public Health, State of Alaska Epidemiology, CDC, and the airline all tried to stop the travelers from boarding the aircraft, they boarded the Alaska Airlines 6 a.m. flight #73 (and transferring to Flight #60 from Juneau) on 7/20/2021 leaving Sitka. These flights stopped in Juneau, Ketchikan, Seattle, Wash., and continued onto their home state within the lower 48 states.
“If you have family or friends that flew out on flight number 73 and 60, please let them know of the potential exposure. Take extra precautions when traveling, wear masks, keep distance when possible from other people. The facts are you might just be traveling with someone who is positive and doesn’t know it or simply being selfish and not doing the right thing.
“Take Care, Denise Ewing, RN, PHN.”
