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State reports one new COVID-19 case in Juneau

May 17, 2020 – News

Another person from Juneau has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). The case is a result of secondary transmission, or being in close contact with somebody else who has tested positive for COVID-19. Cumulatively, 30 people from Juneau have tested positive for COVID-19 since March; as of May 15, 28 of these individuals have recovered.

According to a press release today from DHSS: “The new Juneau case identified yesterday was a staff member at the Lemon Creek Correctional Center (LCCC). This is the 11th LCCC staff member to test positive for COVID-19. All staff and inmates were tested late last week at the facility with more test results due back soon. So far, no inmates have tested positive.”

Statewide, the State of Alaska reports 396 cumulative cases; 344 of those have recovered.

As the economy in Juneau slowly reopens and state mandates are lifted, individuals are even more strongly encouraged to adhere to preventive guidelines. It’s up to the general public to ensure there isn’t a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases:

  • Continue staying 6 -10 feet from non-household members. Social distancing remains one of the best ways to slow the spread.
  • Wear a cloth face covering in public.
  • Practice good hygiene: Avoid touching your face, wash your hands frequently, and regularly sanitize frequently-touched surfaces
  • If you’re feeling even mildly ill with new symptoms like fatigue, cough, fever, or a decreased sense of taste or smell, contact your health care provider or call Juneau’s COVID-19 Screening Hotline at 586-6000, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Testing may be arranged at the local Drive-Thru Testing Center if appropriate. Increased testing will help keep the lid on COVID-19 by making sure new cases are detected quickly. See a longer list of COVID-19 symptoms here.
  • If you’re an older adult or someone with an underlying medical condition, please continue to stay home as much as possible.

For detailed information on COVID-19 in Juneau, the City and Borough of Juneau’s Emergency Operations Center provides daily updates on its local response to the pandemic. Read the updates here.