Covid-19 Cases Decline Across Alaska for Third Straight Week

According to the Alaska Weekly Case Update, the statewide Covid-19 transmission rate and daily case rates decreased for the third straight week and were significantly lower than last week. Case rates have also begun decreasing in Fairbanks and have continued to fall in Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna regions, according to the update.

Since March, case rates have fallen across Anchorage. The average daily number of cases three months ago was 25.7. As of last week, the average daily number of cases was 11.2.

As of May 9, 2021, 55.5% percent of Anchorage residents have received one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and 48.9% of city residents are considered fully vaccinated.

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and most indoor settings.

Alaska Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anne Zink, wrote on Twitter today that she was excited to see the CDC mask recommendation updated and changed her profile picture — sans mask.

Covid-19 vaccinations are free in Alaska and many sites no longer require an appointment.