Alaska reports 36 virus cases among residents, a daily high

JUNEAU, Alaska – Alaska reported its largest one-day increase in coronavirus cases among residents Tuesday, with 36.

The state has reported 940 total cases among residents and 195 among nonresidents. The state’s virus website had the number at 194 but the state health department said that didn’t include a case from Monday.

The state has reported 14 deaths.

Many of new resident cases were in Anchorage, which on Monday began ordering use of masks in certain indoor public settings. Alaska’s attorney general said the order does not apply to state offices there, a point the municipal attorney disputes.

The state health department has warned there is widespread COVID-19 activity throughout Alaska and urged people to maintain physical distance, wear face coverings, wash their hands and get tested if they experience symptoms.

The figures may not capture all infections since many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.

Independence Day festivities have been cancelled in Seward amid virus concerns, and Juneau’s fireworks show was cancelled after the local assembly failed to agree on a proposed mask mandate for spectators.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.