HEALTH ALERT infomation published in : www.muni.org/covid-19
On March 12, 2020, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced an emergency declaration in response to COVID-19. The declaration is effective immediately to protect and preserve public health and safety. The declaration allows the Municipality, through the Office of Emergency Management, to request assistance from the State of Alaska, including funds, services or materials deemed necessary to meet needs stemming from COVID-19. In addition, the declaration allows the Mayor to implement measures necessary to prevent the spread of disease, and to mitigate its effects. There are 9 positive cases of Coronavirus announced in Alaska. AHD is working with local, state, and federal healthcare partners in response to the rapidly-evolving outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. Our Department Operations Center is currently activated at Response Operations Level 2, Partial Activation. Additionally, the Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center is activated at Response Operations: LEVEL 2. ABOUT COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. For more information, see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s What You Need To Know About Coronavirus Disease 2019 fact sheet.
SYMPTOMS Symptoms include fever (more than 100.4 °F), cough and shortness of breath and may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
PREVENTION Remember to take everyday preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including: • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. • Older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease should avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. For more guidance, see the CDC’s People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19 webpage.
FEELING SICK? If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days of travel from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has traveled and is ill, you should: • Stay home when sick • Avoid contact with others • Call and tell your medical provider about recent travel and describe symptoms • Follow recommendations of your medical provider • If you do not have a regular medical provider, Alaska 2-1-1 can provide more information and referrals to additional resources. • Dial 2-1-1 or 800-478-2221 in areas without 211 access.
