The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services announced 1,547 new COVID-19 cases in Alaska over the weekend. That includes 149 cases reported on the Kenai Peninsula, including 46 in Kenai, 28 in Soldotna, 21 in Homer, 18 in Kenai Peninsula Borough North, 12 in Anchor Point, 12 in Kenai Peninsula Borough South, four in Sterling, three in Seward, two in Fritz Creek and one in Nikiski. Kenai and Homer each reported one nonresident case as well.

The state also reported three new deaths — an Anchorage woman older than 80, an Anchorage man in his 70s and a Fairbanks man in his 60s. Sixteen new resident hospitalizations were reported over the weekend, bringing the total number of Alaskans currently hospitalized with COVID-19 to 208, including people considered persons under investigation.

Central Peninsula Hospital was operating at 122% capacity on Monday and treating 60 patients, 22 of whom were COVID-positive. Of those, 20 — 91% — were unvaccinated. The hospital broke its inpatient census record twice last week.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough’s COVID-19 vaccination rate among people 12 and older continues to lag behind other regions in the state. In the borough, about 50% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That’s compared to 65.2% — the statewide percentage.

DHSS continues to emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccination to help mitigate virus spread.

“Choosing to get vaccinated is the single most important action you can take to protect yourself and your community and to keep our economy strong,” Monday’s DHSS update says.

Getting a COVID vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines do not cost money.

Many different organizations on the central peninsula, including pharmacies in Walmart and Walgreens, and the Kenai Fire Department offer vaccines. They are also available for both residents and visitors at airports in Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks.

Additionally, Soldotna Professional Pharmacy hosts a walk-in clinic in its strip mall storefront at the “Y” intersection of the Sterling and Kenai Spur highways Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Vaccination appointments can also be scheduled through the online portal PrepMod, which can be accessed at myhealth.alaska.gov.

A map of vaccine providers can be found on DHSS’ COVID-19 vaccine website at covidvax.alaska.gov.

People who would like assistance with scheduling a vaccination appointment can call the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management call center. The center operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The central peninsula call center can be reached at 907-262-4636.

The Homer call center can be reached at 907-235-4636. The Seward call center can be reached at 907-224-4636.

COVID testing locations

Officials encourage anyone with symptoms to test for COVID-19, despite vaccination status.

In Kenai, testing is available at the Chignik Lagoon Clinic, Odyssey Family Practice, Kenai Public Health Center and Capstone Clinic.

In Soldotna, testing is available at the Peninsula Community Health Center, Urgent Care of Soldotna, Walgreens and Soldotna Professional Pharmacy.

In Seward, testing is available at Providence Medical Center, Chugachmiut-North Star Health Clinic, Glacier Family Medicine, Seward Community Health Center and the Safeway pharmacy. Starting Sept. 14, the Seward Community Health Center is offering drive-thru testing Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

In Homer, testing is available at South Peninsula Hospital, or through other area health care providers at Seldovia Village Tribe Health and Wellness, Kachemak Medical Group and Homer Medical Center.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.