By Sentinel Staff
Sitka saw a slight drop in COVID cases for the week, with 69 cases in the week ending May 3, down from the previous week’s 87.
With the lower case numbers, and other data taken into account, Sitka’s CDC community level went from “high” to “medium.”
Both the state and the Centers for Disease Control update their COVID data once a week. The community levels are based on cases and hospital admissions per 100,000 population, and the percent of staffed hospital beds occupied by COVID patients.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported the 50 cases for Sitka, including a few days with higher numbers – 16 for May 3, and 11 for April 28 and May 2.
As planned, the city has taken down its dashboard and information site at cityofsitka.org. The CDC website for Alaska shows most communities at low level. Areas at medium include Anchorage, parts of western Alaska and the Aleutians, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Wrangell, Juneau, Haines and Skagway.
Residents of a community with a “medium” rating are advised to keep up-to-date on boosters and vaccines, and maintain good ventilation in places where they are indoors. Additional precautions are suggested for those who are immunocompromised.
The school district reported that on Monday there were eight active cases – six at Keet Gooshi Heen and two at Blatchley Middle School. Masks are optional in school buildings and at activities, and are recommended for staff and students in close contacts, have recently traveled or are following the “test to stay” protocols, school officials said.
Those wishing to get tested or obtain vaccines and boosters can go to covid19.searhc.org or sitkapharmacies.com. The next Harry Race Pharmacy clinic is May 6 with walk in appointments available.
