Petersburg Pilot -

The Petersburg Medical Center reported 19 active cases of COVID-19 Monday after several cases were cleared by Public Health.

Seven new cases have been recorded, two of which were diagnosed in Petersburg while five cases were identified among Petersburg residents while in another Alaskan community.

PMC says there is concern of significant community spread in Petersburg, especially from gatherings where people are not masking or social distancing.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported 2,792 new cases of COVID-19 between Friday and Sunday along with four new hospitalizations and four deaths.

Asymptomatic testing will be available Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at PMC next door to Public Health.

Travel testing is available at the PMC emergency room entrance Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

People with symptoms are asked to call the COVID Information Line at 907-772-5788 to schedule a symptomatic test through the clinic.

Early testing will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable people such as very young children and those with compromised immune systems or other medical conditions according to PMC.

PMC encourages testing, masking, and vaccinations to protect the health of everyone in the community.

Vaccines and tests can be scheduled by calling the COVID Information Line.