Haines is in the middle of its largest COVID-19 outbreak to date. On Thursday the borough announced an additional 11 cases, bringing the current total active cases to 57. With the Emergency Operations Center Incident Commander Carolann Wooten out of the office for the past week, interim Borough Manager Alekka Fullerton has become the interim commander. KHNS’ Mike Swasey spoke with her about the rising cases.

Fullerton – I have not heard any new numbers for Friday. But I, like everyone else in the Haines borough, are holding our breath until we get the results from the asymptomatic clinic that SEARHC performed on Wednesday, where they tested 320 people. We do not have those results yet.

Swasey – Can you tell me why when I look at these statewide numbers, Haines isn’t showing up with accurate numbers.

Fullerton – I have asked that question as well. And the answer I get is that Public Health (Department in Juneau) is so overwhelmed that they’re just behind. 

Swasey –  So this is not necessarily a Haines borough problem reporting their numbers? 

Fullerton – “We don’t have any source or raw data that we get. So it goes from SEARHC to public health. And also SEARHC now reports to us directly. We don’t report to anybody except the citizens of Haines.

Swasey – So SEARHC reports to you can work from the state and then somewhere in there, the state is just not getting their job done.

Fullerton – Exactly. But I just think they’re really overwhelmed.

Swasey – I know I’m sure that’s correct. But like, how accurate are their numbers? If they’re not accurate with Hanes, how accurate are they with the rest of the state? Are we missing out, like are there a lot more cases happening that they’re not reporting on, I wonder.

Fullerton – It’s a valid question. I don’t know the answer.

Swasey – Have you decided to set up another asymptomatic testing event?

Fullerton – Right now SEARHC announced that they’re doing asymptomatic testing Monday through Friday, from noon until 2pm. So we’re hoping that we aren’t going to have to do a big clinic again because they’ll be able to keep up with it. And then in addition to the asymptomatic testing searches doing symptomatic testing, Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 11:30am and weekends are scheduled through their on-call provider. 

Swasey – Okay. Alekka, thank you so much. 

Fullerton – Okay.

Vaccines are still available for unvaccinated residents aged 12 or older in both communities at no cost. Testing at SEARHC in Haines can be reached at 766-6372

Testing in Skagway can be done at the Dahl Memorial Clinic by appointment at no charge. They are currently prioritizing symptomatic and close contacts. Expect a call-back if positive, but no call-back if negative. To make an appointment call 983-2255.

Skagway Traditional Council is also offering testing from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, or by appointment at 983-4068.