Sitka’s cumulative count of COVID-19 is now up to six–five resident cases and one nonresident case (KCAW photo/Berett Wilber).

Three new cases of COVID-19 in Sitka were reported to the Sitka Unified Command yesterday (6/10/20). That brings the city’s positive test count up to six–five resident cases and one nonresident case.

In a press release this morning (6-11-20), the city announced Sitka’s sixth case, a female patient in her sixties who tested positive on Wednesday, June 10. At the time of testing, the woman was experiencing symptoms. Sitka Public Health Nurse Denise Ewing wrote in an email this evening (6-11-20) that she’s at home quarantining and “doing well.”

A male patient in his thirties also tested positive after taking a coronavirus test on Tuesday, June 9. At the time of testing, he was asymptomatic. A third case is a female patient, also in her thirties. She was tested on Friday, June 5, after experiencing mild symptoms. Ewing wrote that both are quarantining and “doing well.”

According to Ewing, one of the three new patients is a part-time resident. None of the cases were identified through contact tracing.

Until this week, only three others have tested positive for the coronavirus in Sitka. The most recent, a non-resident male who had traveled to Sitka and was exhibiting symptoms, tested positive on June 4. He has a residence here and is quarantining, according to Ewing.

When asked why she thinks Sitka’s case count has doubled over the last week, Ewing wrote: “SEARHC is doing more testing, testing at airports and re-opening businesses and travel.”

Currently there are six active cases of COVID-19 in Sitka, and according to Ewing, no one is hospitalized with the coronavirus at this time.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Ewing wrote “please wear your masks, keep six feet of distance, wash your hands and please keep your social bubble very small.”

The Sitka Unified Command said in a press release that investigations are currently underway to identify the source of the virus in all cases. Public Health Officials will notify and isolate persons that may have been in contact with these individuals as appropriate.

According to an email update from SEARHC, as of yesterday (6-10-20), 3,063 tests have been administered in Sitka, 280 of which are pending. Alaska’s cumulative count is up to 593 cases statewide, according to the State Department of Health and Social Services.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and may be updated. It was updated at 10:45 to correct information about the woman in her sixties who was experiencing symptoms. It was updated again at 11:43 am to include information from a corrected press release. 

This story was updated at 12:40 pm to include information about the number of tests that have been administered in Sitka.

This story was updated at 9:34 pm to include information provided by Sitka Public Health Nurse Denise Ewing.