Tracking COVID-19 in Alaska: 1 death and a record 933 new cases reported Saturday

Alaska’s daily COVID-19 case tally surged to a record 933 new cases reported Saturday as officials announced the death of another Alaskan infected with the coronavirus.

Saturday’s daily case tally is by far the most reported in a single day so far during the pandemic, according to data from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. It’s the second time this week that a daily record for new cases has been set, after 760 cases were recorded Thursday (followed closely by Friday’s near-record total of 756 cases).

The consistently high daily case counts are translating to more deaths and hospitalizations that are stressing the health care system, Alaska health officials say.

The death reported Saturday involved an Anchorage woman in her 70s, according to the state health department, and follows the 12 deaths reported Friday. In total, 142 Alaskans and one nonresident have died with the virus since it was first detected here in March. While the state’s overall death rate per capita remains one of the lowest in the country, state officials say it’s difficult to compare Alaska to other states because of its unique geography and vulnerable health care system.

Read more: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2020/12/05/tracking-covid-19-in-alaska-1-death-and-a-record-933-new-cases-reported-saturday/
(Anchorage Daily News)