State reports one new COVID-19 case in Juneau

Another person in Juneau has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. How the individual contracted the virus is under investigation.

Prior to today, the most recent positive case in Juneau was reported May 22. After a thorough investigation, DHSS hasn’t been able to identify the source of the virus for that case, indicating community spread. According to DHSS, the individual started exhibiting symptoms May 17.

Cumulatively, 32 people from Juneau have tested positive for COVID-19 since March; 29 of these individuals have recovered. Statewide, the State of Alaska reports 425 cumulative cases; 366 have recovered. The state has also had a total of 17 nonresident cases.

All tests from the Emergency Operations Center’s voluntary testing effort of individuals experiencing homelessness have come back negative. A total of 78 people in Juneau were tested May 19-20.

As Juneau and the rest of the state reopens, it’s important to keep practicing the health measures we’ve learned in recent weeks and months. Let’s continue doing all the things that’ve helped flatten the curve in Juneau:

• Stay six feet or more away from non-family members.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you are sick and get tested for COVID-19 if you have even mild symptoms. Call Juneau’s COVID-19 Screening Hotline at 586-6000, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

State of Alaska’s Mandate 10 on Interstate Travel is still in effect and generally requires that any person entering Alaska must proceed directly to their designated quarantine location and remain in that location for 14 days (or the duration of the visit, if it is shorter) without leaving for any reason other than medical necessity.

For local news, information, and resources to help keep Juneau safe and healthy, go to juneau.org/covid-19 and Bartlett Hospital’s COVID-19 page.