New COVID-19 cases hit a new single-day high, the state on Monday announced.
Statewide, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services announced 197 new cases on Monday. Of those cases 194 are residents and three are nonresidents, according to state data.
Of the newly reported cases, more than half —102 cases —were in Anchorage. However, the cases were reported across 18 communities and double-digit single-day increases were reported for Fairbanks, 40; North Pole, 15; and Eagle River, 10.
In a news release, the state noted 14-day average case rate — 16.3 cases per 100,000 people — and percent positivity — 4.19% for a seven-day rolling average — were also at all-time highs.
The state recommends wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and regular hand washing. It advises against being in crowded or confined spaces, riding in cars with people who you do not live with and being aware of COVID-19 symptoms.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, breathing trouble, sore throat, muscle pain and loss of taste or smell. Most people develop only mild symptoms. Some people, usually those with other medical complications, develop more severe symptoms that can be fatal.
So far, 58 Alaskans have died with COVID-19, according to state data. No new deaths were reported on Monday.
Locally, new cases were reported Monday, but there was far less of a spike, as City and Borough of Juneau announced five new cases over a several-day period.
Four of the people who tested positive for the illness are residents and one is a nonresident, the city said in a news release. Of the resident cases, Public Health attributes two to close contact with a known case of COVID-19, one to out of state travel and one is under investigation. The nonresident is in the mining sector, according to the city.
The five new cases represent the total from over the weekend and Monday, according to the city. Three cases came in late Friday, one over the weekend and one on Monday.
Juneau has now had 307 resident cases since March, according to city data, and 101 nonresident cases. There are 26 known active cases and all people known to be active cases are isolation, according to the city.
• Contact Ben Hohenstatt at (907)308-4895 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt
