Wednesday, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported there were another 472 positive COVID-19 cases in the state, including one new death.
The individual who died of the disease was a female Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area resident in her 70s.
On the Kenai Peninsula, the state reported 22 cases in Homer, 15 in Kenai and the Kenai Peninsula Borough North and South, 14 in Soldotna, 10 in Seward, four in Sterling, and two in Anchor Point.
Additionally, as of Wednesday there were a total of 70 COVID-related hospitalizations, with 12 of the patients on ventilators.
The variants of concern continue to be the alpha (originated in the United Kingdom), gamma (originated in Brazil) and delta (originated in India) strain, because of their increased transmissibility. As of Wednesday, there were a total of 114 confirmed delta cases in Alaska. As of Tuesday, City Clerk Brenda Ballou confirmed Seward has at least one confirmed delta case.
The state has retrogressed to the high risk category, as well as seven of the state’s 11 regions. The Kenai Peninsula Borough is in the top three census areas that are the highest risk in the state.
Almost 52% of Alaskans 12 and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. On the Kenai Peninsula, less than half — only about 44% — are fully vaccinated.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
