KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
A passenger traveling on the Kennicott ferry has tested positive for COVID-19. The Alaska Marine Highway system says the traveler tested negative before boarding the Kennicott in Bellingham on June 27th.
After extensive contact tracing, the State Health and Social Services Department says the passenger only had close contact with one person on the journey – a traveling companion who shared private sleeping quarters. It says the two wore face coverings when outside their cabin and kept six feet away from others while on board.
The department says it doesn’t know when the passenger became infected, or, became contagious. The two travelers stayed on board until arriving in Whittier, then re-boarded the Kennicott on July 3rd for a new sailing to Cordova, where the passenger tested positive for COVID-19.
The passenger had mild “allergy-like” symptoms and did not think they were caused by COVID.
The infected passenger is a not a resident of Alaska. Both travelers have been isolated and are not having physical contact with anyone else.
The Marine Highway System is now requiring testing before departures on lengthy sailings, as well as mandatory masks and social distancing.
It says this recent case is a good example of why it’s important to wear a mask and practice social distancing, because people can have a full range of symptoms — from being asymptomatic, to having only mild reactions.
The Kennicott made a stop in Kodiak on Thursday evening.
To see video of the Kennicott departing Kodiak on July 2, click here:
