COVID on the uptick in AK

More cases of COVID-19 were reported in Alaska this week than any previous week, and by a lot — more than 40 percent than the previous high week earlier this month. 1,256 cases were reported, according to the state Department of Health and Social Services.

Alaska is experiencing a sharp increase in new reported cases, with most in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region, Anchorage Municipality and Fairbanks North Star Borough. The Northwest Region continues to have the highest two-week average case rate of any region of the state and saw increases this week. 

Compared to other states’ case rates, Alaska’s average case rate per capita over the last 7 days (25.5 average daily cases over the last week per 100,000) remains at the thirteenth highest of US states, just below Wyoming (27.3) and worse off than Missouri (24.4).

Alaska still has the lowest death rates in the country, but in terms of total numbers, more have died from the China virus in Alaska than in Vermont and Wyoming. 

Alaska is the 30th highest in average daily cases, just below Wyoming. Alaska is not alone in seeing a rise in cases: Nationally, cases have been rising since mid-September, the state said, with 26 states currently seeing 7-day average case rates over 15 per 100,000 and an additional 17 states with increases in their 7-day average case rate this week. 

“An updated model epidemic curve predicts Alaska’s cases will continue to accelerate over the next week. Two weeks ago, cases were now expected to double every 105 days, with a daily projected growth rate of 0.66%. This projection has worsened, with cases now expected to double around every 20 days and a daily projected growth rate of around 3.5%,” according to DHSS.

To date, 10,323 Alaskans have contracted COVID-19, and 65 have died while affected by it. There are currently 50 Alaskans in the hospital who are infected with the coronavirus. Seven of those are on ventilators.