Contract tracing is underway to identify two mushers in close quarters with Gunnar Johnson, after his positive Covid-19 result on Wednesday.

Last Wednesday’s positive case has led Iditarod race officials to administer 43 additional Covid-19 tests for race officials and volunteers. Two mushers did share a tent with Johnson on the trails, but it is uncertain at this time who those mushers were. As tracing continues, all northbound mushers coming in and southbound mushers leaving McGrath will be tested.

Dallas Seavey is in first position out of Ophir S as of 4:26AM. Brent Sass and Wade Marrs are following having checked out of Ophir S at 7:24 and 8:30 this morning.

Alaska Public Media’s Tegan Hanlon spoke with epidemiologist Dr. Jodie Guest on the unique challenges that the race poses for contract tracing.

Also featured in this morning’s update: Climatologist Rick Thoman previews weather along the trail through the weekend.

Listen to learn more:

Image at top: Iditarod 2021 musher Dallas Seavey carrying supplies at the Iditarod checkpoint. Photo by Dave Poyzer/Iditarod, used with permission.