Aleutian Islands community sees increase in COVID-19 infections

Eastern Aleutian tribes reported seven new COVID-19 infections at Sand Point on August 5. That brings the total to 17 new cases reported in the eastern Aleutian city since July 16.

Paul Mueller, CEO of Eastern Aleutian Tribes – which operates the city’s main health clinic – said the recent increase in the number of cases “isn’t just affecting Sand Point, it is affecting all other parts of the region when the people travel, ”in a discussion on KDSP, Sand Point’s public radio station.

Mueller attributed the increase in cases to an event that took place at Sand Point last week. “And from that gathering, the cases have increased, and we see them increasing daily,” he said. He did not specify which event caused the outbreak.

Several people who attended the Sand Point Cultural Camp, a large gathering held last week, are currently in Unalaska. Officials from Iliuliuk’s Family and Health Services in Unalaska said people who traveled from Sand Point to Unalaska have all been tested for the virus.

Many Sand Point organizations have closed their doors to in-person businesses due to the outbreak, but city officials have yet to impose any city-wide closures.

Mueller would not answer questions on whether neighboring communities have been made aware of the increase in infections or the cause of the increase in cases.

Dr. Lisa Rabinowitz, a physician on staff with the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services and a member of the State COVID-19 Task Force, stressed the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and getting tested.

But Rabinowitz also offered some hope.

“While it sounds intimidating and scary when there is an increase in cases in such a small community, you know how to work together and communicate well, because you are a small community,” she said. “This is how you get by every winter – helping each other, helping find resources for the people who have a harder time navigating the system. That’s what’s going to help everyone get through this.

Healthcare professionals are advising anyone who may have come into contact with someone infected with COVID-19 to self-isolate and get tested.