The Alaska Department of Health Weekly COVID-19 and Influenza Update has been updated with data from the week of August 7 – August 13, 2022 and can be viewed here. 

Key Findings: 

• COVID-19 transmission remained widespread in most parts of Alaska during the week of August 7–August 13, 2022, with evidence for increasing cases in some areas but decreases elsewhere.
  

• The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has increased over the past several weeks (see graph below illustrating hospital beds occupied by persons with COVID-19). Most parts of Alaska are at the “medium” COVID Community Level as defined by CDC. Learn more about CDC’s recommended prevention steps at each community level here.

• CDC no longer recommends quarantine of exposed persons in most settings, regardless of vaccination status. People with symptoms of COVID-19 should still get tested, and if they test positive, notify their contacts. Contacts should wear a mask and get tested. Updated guidance for isolation and for what to do if exposed is available. Learn more about CDC’s Summary of Guidance for Minimizing the Impact of COVID-19 on Individual Persons, Communities, and Health Care Systems — United States, August 2022 and CDC’s updated COVID-19 guidance practices.
  

• Respiratory viruses can circulate year-round in Alaska. Actions such as staying home when sick, washing hands, and improving ventilation can protect you, your family, and your community from COVID-19, influenza, and other pathogens.

Information and Resources:

• The State of Alaska COVID-19 vaccines update page

• The State of Alaska COVID-19 information page provides more information about the virus and how individuals and businesses can protect themselves and others from transmission.

• The DOH Business and Employer Toolkits page has communications resources for any organization that wants to keep workers, partners, clients, and customers informed about COVID-19.

• DOH COVID-19 Communication Toolkit provides PSAs, flyers, and social media graphics.

• Subscribe to the DOH Insights blog for behind-the-scenes news about Alaska’s COVID-19 response and other efforts to protect the health and well-being of Alaskans.

• DOH offers free presentations upon request to groups about COVID-19, the vaccines, COVID-19 prevention, or other health topics upon request. Learn more or request a presentation on our Speaker’s Bureau web page.

• For the most up-to-date case information, see the Alaska COVID-19 Information Hub dashboard: coronavirus.alaska.gov. All dashboard data are updated Wednesdays (except holidays). 

• For DOH media inquiries, please contact bennett@alaska.gov.

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