The Cordova Medical Response Team identified a third active positive result during screening on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
The individual involved in the most recent case is a Cordova resident who took advantage of free COVID-19 testing. The individual is asymptomatic and is in isolation at this time. The individual, a City Hall employee, is cooperating with medical officials and contact tracing is ongoing.
City Hall and the Cordova Center have been closed to the public since April and the mask mandate has been in effect for everyone, including City employees working outside of their homes. As a matter of precaution, City Hall and the Cordova Center will be closed for the rest of this week to deep clean and disinfect the buildings. During this time, City Hall employees will work from home and self-quarantine until they receive test results at the end of this week.
This is the first community spread identification of COVID-19. All individuals who shared close contact with the infected individual have been contacted by health officials notifying them of the next steps for testing and quarantine.
The City of Cordova and local medical experts are in close contact with the State of Alaska and the Department of Health and Social Services to address the influx of cases in this community. The State has offered its support, as needed.
“We still have a long way to go before the end of this pandemic. We must remain diligent in our safety practices,” said City Manager Helen Howarth. “Given the nature of the virus and how easily it’s contracted, it’s highly likely there will be more cases in our community. We cannot let our guard down. Our goal is to ensure the cases are isolated to that individual and do not spread.”
The Cordova Medical Response Team reminds the community it has the power to control the spread of this virus. Each of the following actions is proven to decrease the transmission of COVID-19:
- Wear a face covering over your mouth and nose when in public spaces.
- Socially distance by at least 6 feet.
- Self-isolate and use curbside or to-go deliveries.
- Maintain a small, social bubble and only frequent public places when necessary.
- Diligently wash hands throughout the day.
- Wipe down often-touched surfaces with disinfecting wipes.
Individuals can receive free COVID-19 testing in Cordova at the following times:
- Monday through Friday, 2-3 p.m. at Ilanka Community Health Center, downstairs across from the Episcopal Church, (907) 424-3622.
- Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9-10 a.m. at Cordova Community Medical Center in the Ambulance Bay, (907) 424-8000.
Individuals are encouraged to call ahead to complete the required pre-registration information to save time. Test results are usually available in 1-2 days, or sooner.
