By Allison Sayer

COVID-19 continues to spread throughout this region. The Copper River Native Association (CRNA) releases compiled data from CRNA, Cross Road Medical Center, and Mount Sanford Tribal Health Consortium every Friday. Last Friday’s update stated that there are currently 71 people in the area with COVID-19, 38 of whom were diagnosed within the prior 14-day period. 

The City of Valdez COVID-19 dashboard reported 19 new resident diagnoses with COVID-19 between September 17 and September 19. Of these, twelve were adults and seven were minors. All had symptoms. Fourteen were unvaccinated and five were vaccinated and considered breakthrough infections. Fifty-one Valdez residents are considered to have “active cases” of COVID-19.

On September 16, CRNA CEO Angela Vermillion released a video statement on the CRNA website indicating that the number of people with COVID-19 in the area was starting to strain local resources. The text of the statement is below:

“Copper River Native Association is experiencing a high number of COVID-19 cases. You may be experiencing longer wait times for medical appointments and scheduling COVID tests.  Along with the nation, CRNA is also facing a shortage of healthcare workers. Also there has been a short supply of COVID test kits, which has been felt across our state and our nation. At this time, we are prioritizing COVID tests for direct exposures, or patients with symptoms. We may not be able to provide testing for travelers or indirect exposures. We are doing our best to provide the highest quality of care with the limited resources that we have. We do offer free vaccinations, which data has shown reduces COVID-19 hospitalization rates. 

“Please help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding indoor gatherings and keep safe by social distancing and by wearing a mask in public indoor settings. Our staff has faithfully served our region throughout this entire pandemic. We are in unprecedented times with this pandemic, and although we are here to help, our staff is experiencing exhaustion. Please be kind to our staff. We appreciate your patience and prayers. Thank you.”

According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services’ COVID dashboard, almost the entire state is considered an area of high transmission, with more than 100 cases per 100,000 people.