The state health department on Thursday reported 26 new coronavirus cases, 18 of which were among nonresidents. All but one of those were seafood workers, with 10 located in Whittier.
The numbers are based on positive tests reported throughout the day on Wednesday.
The 18 new nonresident cases mark the largest surge in such cases in one day. The total number of nonresident coronavirus cases now stands at 41. The majority of those have been seafood workers.
RELATED: 11 workers at Whittier seafood plant test positive for COVID
Among the eight new Alaska resident cases, four were from Anchorage, one in Big Lake, one in Homer, one in Soldotna, and one in Anchor Point.
There were also three positive tests among nonresident seafood workers from the Aleutian census area. Two of the cases were announced by Icicle Seafoods Wednesday.
RELATED: 86 crew members on American Seafoods trawler test positive for COVID-19 – Alaska Public Media
One positive nonresident test was reported on Kodiak Island and another was reported in Anchorage. One out-of-state resident tested positive in Sitka. It’s unclear where they work and state data says “other industry.”
RELATED: Alaska’s fishing communities have plans to contain COVID-19. Now they’ll be put to the test.
This story previously reported misstated the number of total positive cases reported on Thursday. The correct number is 26, not 24. The story also has been changed to correct inaccurate information originally reported by the Department of Health and Social Services. 10 of the nonresident cases originally ascribed to the Kenai Peninsula Borough were in fact in Whittier in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area
Read more coverage of COVID-19 from Alaska Public Media
Lex Treinen is covering the state Legislature for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at ltreinen@gmail.com.
