Alaska News

Potential COVID-19 exposure prompts officials to urge testing for visitors to 2 Seward businesses

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Anyone who went to two Seward businesses at the beginning of the week should now get a COVID-19 test due to potential exposure from two individuals with the coronavirus, officials said.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services made the recommendations on Friday.

Specifically, visitors and employees who were at the Seward Alehouse on Sunday between noon and 7 p.m.; on Monday between 9 p.m. and midnight; or on Tuesday between noon and 7 p.m., or between 9 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., should get tested, the City of Seward said in a statement Saturday.

“One of our staff members has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19,” the Seward Alehouse said on Facebook. “They are currently quarantined, resting, and on track towards a healthy recovery.”

As you may be already aware, one of our staff members has unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. They are...

Posted by Seward Alehouse on Friday, June 26, 2020

Additionally, officials recommended testing for people who were at the Yukon Bar at any point on Tuesday. The bar had closed pending virus testing of all employees, the Yukon Bar said Thursday on Facebook.

On Thursday, two Seward residents tested positive for COVID-19 and are close contacts, the city said Friday. Another case was reported earlier in the week.

“The Public Health Department defines two or more cases as an ‘outbreak.' While this term may sound frightening, Seward residents can rest assured that response measures are in place,” the city said.

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The city announced two more cases of COVID-19 in Seward on Saturday.

In addition to the Yukon Bar and the Seward Alehouse, several other downtown Seward businesses temporarily closed as a proactive measure, according to the city.

Testing will be available to those who need it from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Seward Community Health Center. The city urged anyone in the area experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to call the clinic at 907-224-2273.

Additionally, Glacier Family in Seward is offering testing this coming Monday through Thursday, by appointment only, to anyone who may be interested, the city said.

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Morgan Krakow

Morgan Krakow covers education and general assignments for the Anchorage Daily News. Before joining the ADN, she interned for The Washington Post. Contact her at mkrakow@adn.com.

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