Free COVID-19 antigen rapid tests available again

The City & Borough of Juneau has received another shipment of federally funded COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests, which are available to the public at no cost from the following locations:

  • All Juneau Public Libraries
  • City Hall (Cash Office)
  • Juneau Police Department
  • Juneau Public Health Center

Households may also place up to three orders for free tests at covid.gov/tests or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

Laboratory testing continues to be available through local providers. In most cases laboratory testing is provided at no-cost to the individual; however, inquiring about healthcare costs is always recommended:

  • Bartlett Regional Hospital – register by calling 907-586-6000 or online
  • SEARHC – register by calling 907-364-4451 or online
  • Juneau Urgent Care – register by calling 907-790-4111 or online

For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at 907-586-5240

June 16th, 2022|

COVID-19 boosters now available for youth age 5-11

Following last week’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting, CDC expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older. CDC now recommends children age 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

Additionally, CDC strengthened its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first.

Booster doses for children age 5-11 are available at the Juneau Public Health Center, Juneau Urgent Care, SEARHC, and potentially other medical providers in town.

To make an appointment at the Public Health Center or Juneau Urgent Care, visit juneau.org/vaccine. To make an appointment at SEARHC, visit covid19.searhc.org or call 907-364-4451.

For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at 907-586-5240.

 

Reminder – Assembly considers projects for 1% temporary sales tax extension

Since the early 1990s it has been the practice of CBJ Assemblies to put forth a list of projects to the public, which, if approved, are funded by a five year 1% sales tax.  This last occurred in 2017 and projects included water/wastewater infrastructure improvements, matching funds for airport projects, funding for affordable housing, funding for the RecycleWorks waste diversion program, and facility upgrades and/or deferred maintenance for schools, Augustus Brown Pool, Centennial Hall, Aurora Harbor, and others.

The Assembly is currently considering projects for the October 2022 ballot and seeks public input.  The Assembly plans to collect ideas and information throughout May before ranking and deciding on a final list in June to present to the voters in October.  The public is invited to submit ideas to the Assembly by emailing [email protected], reaching out through Connect with City Hall, or by contacting Assembly members individually at https://juneau.org/assembly.

Funding proposals that are received by May 31 will be included in the Assembly committee deliberation that will begin on June 6.  All submissions received to date will be included and do not need to be re-submitted.

For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at 907-586-5240.

 

May 18th, 2022|

COVID-19 case rate climbs, indoor masking advised

For the past seven days, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reports 347 new individuals who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 in the Juneau community. This number does not include people who’ve tested positive through a rapid self-test. Hospital impacts are not as significant as they have been in earlier phases of the pandemic; however, the hospital is seeing an increase in patient visits and admissions. COVID-19 data is available at DHSS dashboards.

While case activity is elevated, CBJ recommends:

  • Mask in indoor public places, especially in situations where close contact cannot be avoided
  • Be aware of symptoms and follow CDC quarantine and isolation guidance if you become symptomatic or are identified as a close contact.
  • Test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms, 5 days after a close contact, and before gathering with those at increased risk.
  • If you test positive, consult with your physician or, lacking a physician, the hospital at 907-796-8900 to determine if therapeutic medications may be a good choice for you.

If you want to get vaccinated or if you are due for a vaccine booster, please visit https://juneau.org/vaccine or contact your medical provider. Vaccine boosters for children age 5-11 are not yet available, but likely will be soon due to recent FDA authorization. Final approval is dependent on CDC review and State medical directive, both of which are expected later this week.

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For more information, contact Deputy City Manager Robert Barr at 907-586-5240 or [email protected]

May 18th, 2022|

Order more free COVID tests from the federal government

Every home in the U.S. can order two sets of 4 free at-⁠home COVID-19 tests (8 tests total). If you already ordered your first and second set, order a third today at COVIDtests.gov. There are no shipping fees and you don’t need to enter a credit card number. The only information required to order the tests is your name and address. You can include your email address if you want updates on your order. If you have not yet placed an order for the first or second round, you’ll be given the option to do so after filling out the form at COVIDtests.gov.

Testing is an important tool to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Public health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using a self-test:

  • If you begin having COVID-⁠19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell; or
  • At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-⁠19; or
  • When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-⁠19 vaccines.

Learn more and order free at-home COVID-19 tests at COVIDtests.gov.

May 17th, 2022|