The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services announced two more COVID-19 deaths and 427 new cases Wednesday.

The deaths pushed the total number of statewide deaths to 812 since the pandemic began.

COVID cases and hospitalizations have been trending downward statewide, but Alaska remained at a high COVID transmission alert level Wednesday — with an estimated rolling average of 374.3 cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days.

The threshold for high alert level is 100 or more cases per 100,000 people in the span of one week. The state has surpassed that metric more than three times over.

Wednesday’s new case count included eight in Anchor Point, six in Soldotna, five in Kenai, four in Seward, three in Sterling, two in Homer, and one in the Kenai Peninsula Borough South.

Statewide there were 154 COVID-related hospitalizations as of Wednesday, with 18 patients on ventilators.

On Monday, External Affairs Director Bruce Richards said Central Peninsula Hospital had fewer than 11 COVID hospitalizations and was operating at 76% capacity, after many weeks of strained conditions and overflow. To protect individuals’ identities, CPH does not report COVID hospitalizations if the number of inpatients dips below 11.

Health officials widely agree that vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID.

As of Wednesday, 55% of Alaskans 5 and older were fully vaccinated, and another 60% had received at least one dose. The Kenai Peninsula Borough lags behind a bit, with 46% of people 5 and older fully vaccinated and 50% with at least one shot as of Wednesday.

Pfizer is approved for everyone 5 years and older, while the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines are approved for anyone 18 and older.

Pfizer and Moderna boosters and additional doses are also available for certain high-risk populations. Anyone who received the single-shot J&J vaccine is recommended to get a booster of any brand.

Getting a COVID vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines do not cost money.

Many different organizations on the central peninsula, including pharmacies in Walmart, Walgreens, the Kenai Fire Department and Kenai Public Health offer vaccines. They are also available for both residents and visitors at airports in Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks.

Additionally, Soldotna Professional Pharmacy hosts a walk-in clinic in its strip mall storefront at the “Y” intersection of the Sterling and Kenai Spur highways. The clinic has extended its hours to Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and opened Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vaccination appointments can also be scheduled through the online portal PrepMod, which can be accessed at myhealth.alaska.gov.

A map of vaccine providers can be found on DHSS’ COVID-19 vaccine website at covidvax.alaska.gov.

People who would like assistance with scheduling a vaccination appointment can call the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management call center. The center operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The central peninsula call center can be reached at 907-262-4636. The Homer call center can be reached at 907-235-4636. The Seward call center can be reached at 907-224-4636.

COVID testing locations

Officials encourage anyone with symptoms to test for COVID-19, despite vaccination status.

In Kenai, testing is available at the Chignik Lagoon Clinic, Odyssey Family Practice, Kenai Public Health Center and Capstone Clinic.

In Soldotna, testing is available at the Peninsula Community Health Center, Urgent Care of Soldotna, Walgreens and Soldotna Professional Pharmacy.

In Seward, testing is available at Providence Medical Center, Chugachmiut-North Star Health Clinic, Glacier Family Medicine, Seward Community Health Center and the Safeway pharmacy. The Seward Community Health Center at 417 First Avenue is offering drive-thru testing Tuesdays only, starting Nov. 16. Bring a face covering and photo ID.

In Homer, testing is available at South Peninsula Hospital, or through other area health care providers at Seldovia Village Tribe Health and Wellness, Kachemak Medical Group and Homer Medical Center.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.