Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (green) infected with SARS-COV-2 virus particles (orange), isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. (Courtesy National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
The coronavirus has reached Prince of Wales Island. The city of Craig announced its first confirmed case of COVID-19 Friday.
Aside from confirming that the patient is on Prince of Wales Island, Craig Deputy Public Information Officer Brian Templin didn’t share personal details of the patient, citing medical privacy laws.
State public health officials are still investigating where the person may have caught the virus. They’re also looking into who may have come in contact with the individual, according to a statement from the Craig Emergency Operations Center.
Craig city officials encourage residents to immediately contact a doctor and self-isolate if they notice symptoms of COVID-19, like a fever or cough. Authorities also ask residents to shelter in their homes and wear a homemade cloth mask when making trips for essential needs.
The coronavirus has infected at least 257 Alaskans as of Saturday. 31 of those have needed hospital care, and at least eight Alaskans have died of COVID-19.
