The Haines Borough Emergency Operations Center announced Tuesday that a second active case of COVID-19 has been identified in Haines.
According to the EOC, the latest infection came from community-spread since the individual has not left the community recently. The announcement states that the individual is asymptomatic and quarantining. The Department of Public Health is working on tracing close contacts.
The new case follows an announcement on Saturday that a non-resident in Haines had recently tested positive after traveling. All of that patient’s close contacts have been notified and are quarantining according to the EOC.
Nearly 500 Alaskans tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend as a surge in cases that started about two weeks ago continues to climb. Both Saturday and Sunday set record single-day highs for new cases reported in one day.
Those displaying COVID-19 symptoms can call the SEARHC Haines Health Center at 907-766-6300 to set up an appointment for a test. Symptoms can include – cough, chills, difficulty breathing, diminished sense of taste or smell, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, aches, nausea, rash, chills, runny nose, sore throat, or increased phlegm.
Free COVID-19 tests for asymptomatic individuals are also available at the SEARHC Haines Health Center on Saturdays from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
The Haines Borough is offering testing vouchers to anyone who has entered Haines from outside the community. To request a testing voucher email eoc@haines.ak.us
