Alaska DHSS announces 1,251 total new cases of COVID-19

The Alaska Department of Health and Human Services announced 1,251 new total cases of COVID-19 this morning, demonstrating that Alaska Republicans' tactic of ignoring of a global pandemic hasn't been an effective tool in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Of today's reported 1,251 new cases, 481 cases are in the Municipality of Anchorage.

Statewide, there are 208 individuals hospitalized with and suspected of having COVID-19. In Anchorage, 102 patients are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 and there are two other patients also hospitalized suspected of being infected with the virus.

Of Anchorage's three major hospitals, only 2 adult ICU beds were reported as being available this morning and statewide the number of available adult ICU beds was 21.

Anchorage Mayor David Bronson has largely chosen to ignore the city's health crisis, steadfastly refusing to take steps to protect public safety and health, but at a special meeting of the assembly held earlier this week, a proposed ordinance was introduced that would require masks be worn indoors and at large outdoor gatherings as the assembly moves to do the job Mayor Bronson won't do — taking steps to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in our community.

The ordinance, introduced by Assembly members Meg Zaletel and Pete Peterson, comes at a time when Anchorage hospitals have become more vocal about emergency departments being flooded with COVID-19 patients. Last week, Alaska’s largest hospital, Providence Alaska Emergency Center, announced that it had begun rationing care to patients.

Data taken from the Alaska DHSS COVID-19 modeling application this morning shows that the Municipality of Anchorage is continuing on an upward trajectory in terms of daily new cases. A percentage of these new cases will almost certainly translate to hospital patients in the coming days and weeks, adding to the city's already burgeoning health crisis.