A person aboard the American Constellation wears a mask as the ship arrives late Monday afternoon at the downtown cruise docks. A cluster of COVID-19 cases associated with the ship has reached 10. All known cases in the cluster are isolating. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

A person aboard the American Constellation wears a mask as the ship arrives late Monday afternoon at the downtown cruise docks. A cluster of COVID-19 cases associated with the ship has reached 10. All known cases in the cluster are isolating. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Cruise ship COVID cluster reaches 10

Public Health: Risk of exposure to the public is low

There are now 10 confirmed cases associated with a coronavirus outbreak on board the American Cruise Lines vessel currently docked in Juneau.

The first three positive tests occurred July 9, while the American Constellation was in Petersburg, City and Borough of Juneau said in a news release. Those three people and their close contacts remain in Petersburg to isolate.

Since then, seven additional people have tested positive, according to CBJ. All 162 passengers have returned home, per the company’s policy, while the rese of the 52 crew members have stayed aboard. Some members of the crew are unvaccinated.

While seven more people have tested positive, not all the positive results have come in Juneau, according to CBJ. Four tested positive while in Juneau and are included in the city’s case counts.

CBJ Emergency Operations Center, working with Juneau Public Health and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, will be retesting all people still aboard on Thursday, according to CBJ

The potential risk of exposure to the public from those quarantining or isolating on board the vessel is low, according to CBJ. The American Constellation will remained docked in Juneau until next week.

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 17

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Juneau Police Department cars are parked outside the downtown branch station on Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
JPD’s daily incident reports getting thinner and vaguer. Why and does it matter?

Average of 5.12 daily incidents in October down from 10.74 a decade ago; details also far fewer.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The Douglas Island Breeze In on Wednesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
New owner seeks to transfer Douglas Island Breeze In’s retail alcohol license to Foodland IGA

Transfer would allow company to take over space next to supermarket occupied by Kenny’s Liquor Market.

A butter clam. Butter clams are found from the Aleutian Islands to the California coast. They are known to retain algal toxins longer than other species of shellfish. (Photo provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Among butter clams, which pose toxin dangers to Alaska harvesters, size matters, study indicates

Higher concentrations found in bigger specimens, UAS researchers find of clams on beaches near Juneau.

An aerial view of people standing near destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding on Oct. 8, 2024 in Bat Cave, North Carolina. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Members of U.S. Senate back disaster aid request amid increasing storm severity

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration’s request for nearly $100 billion in natural… Continue reading

Media members and other observers gather at the Alaska Division of Elections office on Wednesday evening as the results of all ballots, including ranked choice tabulations, were announced. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Ranked choice voting repeal fails by 0.2%, Begich defeats Peltola 51.3%-48.7% on final day of counting

Tally released Wednesday night remains unofficial until Nov. 30 certification.

Looking through the dining room and reception area to the front door. The table will be covered with holiday treats during the afternoon open house. The Stickley slide table, when several extensions are added, provides comfortable seating for 22 dinner guests. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
The Governor’s House: Welcoming Alaskans for more than 100 years

Mansion has seen many updates to please occupants, but piano bought with first funds still playable.

The language of Ballot Measure 2 appears on Alaska’s 2024 absentee ballots. The measure would repeal the states open primary and ranked choice voting system. (Andrew Kitchenman/Alaska Beacon)
Count tightens to 45-vote margin for repealing Alaska’s ranked choice system going into final day

State Division of Elections scheduled to conduct final tally at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Most Read