Ketchikan’s 19th recorded pandemic death was a man in his 60s, state health authorities say

This scanning electron microscope image shows the virus that causes COVID-19 in green. (Courtesy of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

Another Ketchikan resident has reportedly died of COVID-19. State health officials reported Wednesday that the unnamed man was in his 60s. The death occurred last month, according to state data.

It’s at least the 19th COVID-related death in Ketchikan since the pandemic began in early 2020. And it comes as Ketchikan’s largest-ever surge in cases appears to be tapering off. But state data shows case levels are still well above those seen in 2020 and 2021. Health officials attribute the statewide surge in cases to the easily-transmissible omicron variant.

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center reported on Wednesday that one person was hospitalized with COVID-19 at its 25-bed facility.

Updates about COVID-19 data in Ketchikan are available on the state Department of Health and Social Services’ online dashboard.