Two new COVID-19 virus cases reported this week
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TweetThe Haines Borough EOC reported two new cases of COVID-19 this week. On Tuesday the EOC reported that a resident tested positive for COVID-19, the sixth resident case reported in Haines since the pandemic began.
“The infection is confirmed to be community spread since the individual has not left the community recently. The individual is asymptomatic and is quarantining.”
The Department of Public Health did not provide age or gender information to the EOC, but said contact tracing has begun, according to the EOC.
On Oct. 10, the EOC announced a non-resident travel-related case in Haines. All close contacts had been notified and were quarantining.
Both cases involved asymptomatic individuals.
EOC incident commander Carolann Wooton said she often receives questions about contact tracing and encouraged residents, if they think they might be a close contact, but did not get notified by a health official, to get tested and quarantine.
“My advice to anybody in the community who’s worried they’re a close contact, you just need to take responsibility to do the right thing,” Wooton said. “If you are worried about it you should go get tested or you should quarantine.”
She advised those who were contacted by public health to follow all guidelines and recommendations.
Wooton also encouraged residents to take advantage of free flu shots at the SEARHC Clinic from on Wed. Oct. 21 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SEARHC has taken down the tent behind the clinic for winter and are changing the drive up free weekend COVID-19 testing site to the front parking lot. Testing times are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays noon to 2 p.m.
The EOC report also encouraged the public to wash hands, keep social circles small, maintain social distancing and wear a mask when outside of one’s social circle.
Wooton also encouraged the public to help each other in case of “COVID fatigue.”
“It’s very real. Look out for each other,” Wooton said. “Check on your neighbors and all those things we can do in a small town.”
On Tuesday, DPH announced 157 new cases, which brings the statewide total to 10,028 resident cases and 1,011 nonresident cases.
