State reports two new COVID-19 cases in Juneau

Two more people in Juneau have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Both cases are a result of secondary transmission, or being in close contact with somebody else who has tested positive for COVID-19. Cumulatively, 29 people from Juneau have tested positive for COVID-19 since March; 26 of these individuals have recovered.

Statewide, the State of Alaska reports 383 cumulative cases; 334 of those have recovered. The two new cases in Juneau are associated with the pocket of cases previously reported at Lemon Creek Correctional Center.

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.
• 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.