Omicron rate in Alaska is the highest per capita in nation

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Thursday, January 27th, 2022 2:53pm

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Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink during previous forum with Governor Dunleavy

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Alaska is leading the nation for the number of Omicron cases on a per capita basis.

That was the word from the state's chief medical officer, Dr. Anne Zink, during a Department of Health and Social Services' forum Thursday.

While the overall rate in the United States has come down following the large Omicron surge, she said Alaska is trailing behind.  "Alaska continues to have a lot of cases and, in fact, has moved up to having the most cases per capita."  

Dr. Zink added that the statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that greater than 99 percent of cases detected are thought to be Omicron.  

On another note, Dr. Zink said at this time the BA.2 variant has not been detected in Alaska.

She urged Alaskans to seek help in treating the disease and if they need assistance to call the state's toll-free COVID-19 Help Line at 1-833-482-9546.

 

 

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