A third Homer resident has tested positive for Covid-19 since Gov. Mike Dunleavy began relaxing mandates restricting in-state travel and business a week ago.
In an announcement Sunday afternoon on the City of Homer’s Covid-19 web page, it’s reported that the latest case was detected using South Peninsula Hospital’s new rapid testing equipment, and is the first confirmed positive it has flagged.
The Alaska Public Health Nurses have interviewed the patient and are tracking down those he may have come in contact with recently. They will be offered instructions on how to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Testing is now offered at no charge to anyone experiencing any of the common symptoms of Covid-19, including shortness of breath, fever, cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing, headache, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, nausea, rash, loss of sense of smell or taste, chills, body/muscle aches or increased phlegm production. Show up to South Peninsula Hospital’s main entrance parking lot, or call 235-0235 to speak to the COVID nurse for additional information on testing.
In the meantime, wearing face coverings, physical distancing, frequent hand-washing and disinfecting are the only proven ways to reduce the spread of the disease.
Through Sunday, 337 total tests have been conducted through SPH, with 299 negative and now 4 positive. Currently, there are 34 pending.
