Alaska’s COVID-19 hospitalizations increased by 53% over the past week

The variety of COVID-positive sufferers hospitalized in Alaska elevated by 53% over a 7-day interval, although there have been no new deaths linked to the virus reported since Might, in line with state well being knowledge launched Wednesday. New reported instances continued to rise amongst residents and guests to the state.

By Wednesday, there have been 87 COVID-positive sufferers hospitalized round Alaska, a big improve from the 57 reported by the state per week earlier. Simply over 7% of Alaska’s hospital sufferers had been COVID-positive, and nobody required a ventilator, in line with the newest knowledge obtainable from the state Division of Well being and Social Companies.

Regardless of the rise, Alaska’s hospitals are usually not being overwhelmed or experiencing extreme pressure like they did at different factors within the pandemic, mentioned Jared Kosin, president of the state’s hospital affiliation.

“I’m not listening to an excessive amount of from the sphere proper now,” he mentioned, noting that latest omicron strains are much less virulent and customarily inflicting much less extreme sickness than earlier strains.

“The most important strain level on our members proper now are workforce shortages,” he mentioned Wednesday.

[First 2 years of pandemic saw nearly 2,000 unexpected deaths in Alaska, many linked to COVID-19]

The state reported 3,660 instances in Alaska over a seven-day interval, a rise from the three,016 instances reported final week. This week’s complete consists of 2,633 instances amongst residents and 1,027 amongst nonresidents. That knowledge doesn’t embrace at-home exams.

Alaska’s seven-day case fee per 100,000 individuals is ninth highest within the nation as of this week, in line with a CDC tracker. Nationally, instances are rising barely.

The state reported no new deaths linked to the virus. In complete, 1,252 COVID-19 deaths amongst residents and 34 amongst nonresidents have been reported since March 2020.

Throughout the state, 64.6% of Alaskans 5 and up in addition to army personnel had accomplished their main vaccine collection. About 29.8% had been thought of updated on their vaccinations with at the least one booster.

Kids and infants as younger as 6 months at the moment are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Most vaccine appointments for this youthful age group might want to made with main care suppliers and pediatricians. For a listing of suppliers close by, go to vaccines.gov.

[Children under 5 are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, but finding a provider in Alaska may be tricky. Here’s what to know.]

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