Alaska sets another daily record with 116 new virus cases

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — There were 116 new COVID-19 cases reported across Alaska Sunday, the highest daily increase so far in the state.

There was one new hospitalization and no new deaths reported in Alaska, The Anchorage Daily News reported.

The state Department of Health and Social Services said 93 of the new cases involved Alaska residents and 23 involved non-residents.

The new cases reported Sunday break a previous record set the day before, when the state reported 77 cases.

The reason for Sunday’s increase was not immediately clear. It was not known if patients were showing symptoms or how sick they were at the time of testing.

Alaska has reported 1,774 cases of COVID-19 statewide, with 847 active cases.

There have been 86 people hospitalized as a result of the virus since March, and 17 residents have died.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

The Associated Press