Alaska reports three-day total of 2,108 new cases of COVID-19

Today, Alaska DHSS announced a weekend total of 2,108 new cases of COVID-19 in Alaska. Of those new cases, 1,017 are in the Municipality of Anchorage according to the state's COVID-19 dashboard. The state also announced the deaths of five additional residents.

Over the weekend, the number of available adult ICU beds in Anchorage fluctuated dramatically.

On Saturday, the Municipal COVID-19 dashboard showed that nine adult ICU beds were available, but by Sunday, that number had dropped to six and today — only one adult ICU bed is reported as being available among Anchorage's three major hospitals for patients in need of critical care.

Mat-Su Regional Hospital has not reported having any available adult ICU beds since September 9. Currently, 43.2% of patients at the hospital are hospitalized with COVID-19.

Statewide, the number of available adult ICU beds is 16, down slightly from a reported 19 available adult ICU beds last week, according to state data.

Data taken from the state's COVID-19 dashboard this morning, shows that 198 people are currently hospitalized throughout the state with COVID-19. In Anchorage, data shows that 98 patients are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 and 2 others suspected of having the virus are also hospitalized.

Additional data taken from the Alaska DHSS modeling application shows the Municipality of Anchorage and the state are both on an upward trajectory in terms of daily new cases.

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson has ignored two resolutions passed by the Anchorage Assembly that call on the mayor to direct that masks or face coverings be required in public indoor areas of Municipal buildings and to promote COVID mitigation measures when the Municipality of Anchorage is at substantial or high alert levels for community transmission of COVID-19.

Over the weekend, a "listening event" organized by Eagle River Assemblyperson Jamie Allard was held in the assembly chambers. The event was held to allow those who claim they are being discriminated against by employers who have instituted vaccine requirements.

Hospital officials have said they've seen little truth to support the idea that vaccine mandates are causing a mass exodus of employees.