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'Obviously, We're Not Immune:' Sand Point Confirms First Local Case Of COVID-19

City of Sand Point

 

The City of Sand Point has confirmed its first local case of COVID-19. A resident of the 950-person island community tested positive for the virus Friday.

Upon receiving the positive test result, the unnamed individual was placed in isolation, according to Eastern Aleutian Tribes, the regional tribal healthcare provider which operates the Sand Point Medical Clinic.

A statement from the healthcare provider said it's working with city and state officials to ensure precautions are taken to protect anyone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus. 

"Even though we are a small, isolated community, obviously, we're not immune. This just shows that we still need to be vigilant," said Jordan Keeler, city administrator for the community located about 550 miles southwest of Anchorage in the eastern portion of the Aleutian Chain. 

The positive case is travel-related, according to Paul Mueller, CEO of Eastern Aleutian Tribes. He would not say whether or not the resident was symptomatic. 

How the individual contracted the virus is under investigation.

 

Hope McKenney is a public radio news director, reporter, producer and host based in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
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