By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Sitka shifted to “low” risk for COVID-19 today for the first time in a month, after the rolling case average fell to .43 per day.
Sitka has been at “moderate” risk since March 26 – just after spring break – and has stayed in that range since then.
Moderate risk is a 14-day rolling average of .5 to 1 (7 to 14 cases over 14 days).
Low is .29 to .43 (4 to 6 cases in 14 days).
The city sent out an announcement today of the change in risk levels, along with a reminder for precautions in line with the “low” risk level.
In other COVID-related news, the city posted an announcement from the Department of Health and Social Services about the pending federal agency approval of the Pfizer vaccine for those ages 12-15.
The state agency said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will decide soon on whether to authorize the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12–15.
“When it does, communities across Alaska will have enough doses to start vaccinating children in this age group immediately,” Dr. Lisa Rabinowitz, staff physician with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, said in the announcement.
“Pfizer recently submitted results to the FDA from its clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds. Moderna may soon submit similar results for its vaccine,” said Coleman Cutchins, Alaska’s lead clinical pharmacist focusing on COVID-19 testing and vaccination, also in the news release.
DHSS says both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, spaced apart.
“Once the FDA rules these vaccines are safe and effective for 12- to 15-year-olds, Cutchins and Alaska’s public health doctors said they would encourage families to consider vaccinating children as soon as they’re eligible.”
Today’s city announcement included a reminder about the related recommendations for “low” risk:
- Masks/face coverings recommended when 6 feet of distance can’t be maintained from others
- Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet
- Limit gathering size so a minimum of 6 feet can be maintained
- Restaurants: delivery or carryout preferred
The Sitka Fire Hall and Sitka Public Library have a “limited” risk sign ready to be posted, if Sitka gets to .21 or less on the rolling case average (three or fewer cases over 14 days).
Fire Chief Craig Warren said the chartreuse “limited” sign is sitting in his office, and was ready to go just before spring break (March 15-19), but he held off in anticipation of a rise in cases.
He said today that if Sitka has no cases through Thursday he will be able to post the sign.
“I’m hopeful,” he said.
