As COVID cases and hospitalizations increase in Alaska, health officials urge caution for older adults – Alaska Public Media

COVID-19 circumstances are on the rise within the state. Well being officers are encouraging Alaskans to resume their efforts to guard adults over 70.

The state division of well being reported 1,911 circumstances on Wednesday. That’s a 14% improve from the earlier week, and a 34% improve from this time final month. These numbers don’t embrace constructive at-home exams.

In keeping with the division’s COVID dashboard, areas with the best group case charges embrace Ketchikan, Denali, Bethel, Juneau, Yakutat, Haines and Skagway.

There are presently 46 individuals hospitalized with COVID within the state. In a public well being presentation on Wednesday, state epidemiologist Dr. Anne Zink mentioned most of them are over 70 years outdated.

“Even when they’re vaccinated or boosted, we all know that age is the largest threat issue for COVID and extreme COVID sickness,” she mentioned.

Zink mentioned Alaskans over 70 and people residing with older family members ought to take into account doing extra to guard themselves in opposition to COVID. That would embrace masking in indoor public areas, minimizing indoor gatherings and opening home windows to permit for extra airflow.  

On June 15, the FDA will assessment Moderna and Pfizer’s authorization requests for his or her vaccines for youths underneath 5. Zink mentioned youngsters are typically nonetheless at a lot decrease threat of extreme signs than older individuals.

“Whereas that is tremendous thrilling information, I don’t need it to remove from grandma or grandpa getting that booster,” she mentioned.

The most recent rise in circumstances within the U.S. is pushed by the most recent omicron variant, Zink mentioned. Like different omicron waves, it seems to be making its solution to Alaska extra slowly than the northeast.

Third units of free at-home COVID exams at the moment are obtainable at covidtests.gov. Zink emphasised that individuals with COVID signs ought to get PCR exams, even when their at-home exams are damaging. If you happen to’ve been in shut contact with an contaminated individual and don’t have signs, check 5 or extra days after publicity.

The division’s subsequent public well being presentation is scheduled for September.