The Fairbanks North Star Borough fell back into the “Intermediate” alert level for COVID-19 for the first time since August. The area has a 14-day average
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While the statewide case rate stayed stable last week, the numbers of COVID-19 disease in Fairbanks and North Pole shot up. On Wednesday, 111 cases were reported between the two towns. Outside the Fairbanks North Star Borough, other Interior communities surged as well.
Dr. Mark Simon works in the emergency department at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
I can tell you that everyone who works in the emergency department is saying ‘Wow, there’s a lot of Covid coming in.’ Everyone who is working in the hospital taking care of patients, is saying, ‘Wow, we have a lot of Covid in the hospital right now.’ This is at the level we had at our highest peak in the past.”
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The community hospital in Fairbanks got it’s package about 10:30 yesterday morning. Dr. Angelique Ramirez, Chief Medical Officer for Foundation Health Partners, says the 975 doses will be used to vaccinate hospital staff at greatest risk for exposure to COVID-19 and those who are caring for patients with the disease.
“This is the beginning of the end. And I will tell you I’m so excited, this is one of the first times I’m actually able to offer something to people that will actually protect them and make things better.”
Maria Terch, FMH Pharmacy Tech Manager and Jody Starkey, FMH Lab Blood Bank Supervisor check details of the shipment.