Seven more people have tested positive on Tuesday for COVID-19 from the American Constellation cruise ship that visited the Upper Lynn Canal last week, bringing the total to 10 active cases. 

American Cruise Lines, which owns and operates the ship, cut the cruise short last week after three cases were identified in Petersburg, and docked the ship in Juneau last Saturday about halfway through a 10-night cruise. 

Passengers flew out of Juneau after docking there and the crew remained onboard. Those who were symptomatic were tested. Since last Friday, another seven people from the ship have tested positive, driving the total case count to ten. 

A statement on Tuesday from the City and Borough of Juneau says some of the new positives came back for close contacts isolating in Petersburg, while others received positive test results in Juneau.

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 isolate for 10 days and close contacts are directed to quarantine for 14 days.

State health and emergency officials have praised the response of American Cruise Lines, on a weekly COVID update. Here’s Bryan Fisher, the state’s director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

“The good news story about the American Constellation is the cases were identified very early,” Fisher said. “The company made the right decision to terminate the rest of that cruise and to isolate the folks that tested positive and all.”

Juneau’s emergency operations center says it’s working with the company along with state officials. That EOC planned another round of testing for the 43 people still onboard the Constellation Thursday (today).

Health officials say the potential risk of exposure to the public is low, and urge anyone with symptoms to get a COVID test. 

(Web: For testing in Skagway, there is free COVID testing by appointment only from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays , provided by the Skagway Traditional Council. 

In Haines, contact SEARHC to set up an appointment for testing Sunday through Thursday. Those without health insurance may be charged. The number is: 907.766.6300For more information go to covid19.searhc.org.