By Allison Sayer

On July 30, CRNA Director of Healthcare Quality and Accreditation Jim Godin released a statement on the CRNA website saying, “In total for the last 3 weeks we have likely had more than 50 confirmed [COVID-19] cases throughout our region. It’s hard to say how many more have gone untested, but there [are] certainly more cases existing than we know about.”

In a follow up conversation, Godin and Medical Director Dr. Rebekah Robinson said anyone who is sick should get tested for COVID-19. “We definitely want to test the people who are sick,” said Dr. Robinson.

CRNA’s testing protocols have changed since earlier in the pandemic. Residents are encouraged to make appointments rather than walk in, although staff have been testing residents who do walk in. CRNA staff will also not travel to farther flung communities to test groups of people.The reason for this, explained Godin, is not due to a lack of supplies but rather to revised manufacturer’s specifications on test processing.

Initially, rapid coronavirus tests were held for 24 hours before being processed. However, upon further research the protocols were revised; the samples must be processed within an hour. That has changed the way in which CRNA administers tests, but, said Godin, “It’s important to understand that we and the other [local] facilities can still meet the need for testing.” 

Dr. Robinson reviewed the latest guidelines on who should get tested, and when. The virus takes time to multiply, and may not register on a test right away. Between three and five days after possible exposure is the ideal time to get tested. She added that new guidelines state even people who have been vaccinated should still get tested. Unvaccinated people who think they have been exposed should stay home. Staying home should continue until a second negative test, 6-7 days after a potential exposure. 

Are tests in the Copper Valley being screened for the new Delta variant of coronavirus? “Positive tests get sent to the state,” said Dr. Robinson, “The state decides which and how many to sequence… The Delta variant is the predominant variant in our state.” Dr. Robinson also shared some reassuring news: Although the Delta variant is much more contagious than the original strain, it does appear to have a lower fatality rate. 

Godin added, “The other thing we want to communicate is that the vaccinations are effective.” Godin acknowledged vaccinated people can still contract COVID-19, but said the vaccine is effective in preventing serious complications. He added, “Throughout the state and throughout the country we are seeing that over 95% of the people in the hospital are not vaccinated.” He continued, “We definitely have vaccine.” 

CRNA currently has the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines on hand, which are recommended for ages 18 and up. The Pfizer vaccine, approved for patients 12 and up, is expected to be available August 19. “In partnership with the state of Alaska,” Godin added, “we are offering $25 gift cards to anyone who gets both doses of the vaccine.”