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With community transmission of COVID-19 in Juneau, hunkering down is paramount

April 7, 2020 – News

Of the 14 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Juneau, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has not been able to identify the source of three cases after thorough investigations. This indicates community transmission of COVID-19 in Juneau.

“Learning that we definitely have community transmission only reinforces the need to assume we are all exposed when around other people, and could be spreading it without knowing we have it. We should all be staying home. On the rare occasion you go out for an essential reason, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others. In places where that’s hard to do, like the grocery store or pharmacy, wear a cloth face covering, as advised by CDC and Chief Medical Officer Anne Zink,” City and Borough of Juneau City Manager Rorie Watt said.

Seven of Juneau’s 14 cumulative COVID-19 cases have recovered. That means they are no longer contagious and are no longer in isolation.

The source of the virus in Juneau’s 14 cases can be categorized in four ways, according to local Public Health Nurses with DHSS:

  • 1 Travel – Travel was outside of Alaska during some or all of their exposure period in a location with known COVID-19 cases (either international or within the US).
  • 6 Secondary – Secondary transmission is a contact to a confirmed Alaskan case, often within a household. One secondary case in Juneau was a result of travel within Alaska.
  • 3 Community – Cases attributed to community spread were interviewed to ascertain their source of exposure, but none could be determined. Their exposure was potentially an undiagnosed case within the community or an unnamed connection to another confirmed case.
  • 4 Under Investigation

Of the 14 cumulative cases, five of the cases are aged 20-29, one is aged 40-49, two are aged 50-59, and six are aged 60-69. Eight cases are male and six are female. Five of the 14 cases received hospitalization.

Under the State of Alaska’s Statewide Social-Distancing Health Mandate, Juneau residents are required to stay at home as much as possible and practice social distancing. Read the FAQ on the mandate for more information.

For local news, information, and resources to help keep Juneau safe and healthy, go to juneau.org/covid-19. Find local FAQsrecent Assembly actions regarding COVID-19, and resources for assistance.