Coronavirus – Alaska Politics and Elections

COVID-19 Press Briefing – Governor of Alaska

Editor — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 01:30:13 +0000

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

April 16, 2020 5 pm

300 cases of COVID19 reported in Alaska.

Press Release

Seven new cases of COVID-19 announced in three Alaska communities

April 16, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced seven new cases of COVID-19 in three Alaska communities – Anchorage (4), Kodiak (1), and Juneau (2). This brings the total case count in Alaska to 300.

These new cases were reported from 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on April 15 and reflect data posted at noon today on coronavirus-response-alaska-dhss.hub.arcgis.com.

The Kodiak case is the first case in the Kodiak Island Borough. Of the new cases, five are male and two are female. One is under the age of 10; two are aged 20-29; two are aged 30-39; one is aged 50-59; and one is aged 60-69. There have been a total of 35 hospitalizations and nine deaths with one new hospitalization and no new deaths yesterday.

Stay informed:

Questions about COVID-19?

For general questions and assistance, please call 2-1-1.
For the general public, questions regarding DHSS COVID response, including mandates and alerts, can be sent to covidquestions@alaska.gov.
For DHSS media inquiries, please contact clinton.bennett@alaska.gov.

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“As we experience seismic changes to our way of life, know that your government is here for you, ready to provide Alaskan families and businesses with the resources they need. I’m honored to witness Alaskans across the Last Frontier answering the call of service and saying, ‘I can do that.’ Together, we will protect the health and wellbeing of our friends and neighbors, and Alaska will emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.”

Governor Mike Dunleavy

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Alaska Governor plans to ease restrictions on healthcare providers by Monday April 20th

Editor — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 01:05:27 +0000

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

April 15, 2020 5 pm

Opening parts of the economy including healthcare and a discussion on our upcoming fishing season. 8 new cases, 2 new hospitalizations. Starting next Monday, April 20th you should be able to visit your primary doctor again. By May 4th it is planned to allow elective health procedures to resume.

By: Governor Mike Dunleavy
Commissioner Adam Crum, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer, State of Alaska

To slow the spread of COVID-19, the State of Alaska is issuing its fifteenth health mandate, based on its authority under the Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration signed by Governor Mike Dunleavy on March 11, 2020.

While health care is an essential service, there is also the risk of coronavirus spreading in health care facilities and to vulnerable populations. The suspension of non-essential procedures and health care have been beneficial in slowing the spread of the disease. The benefits of suspension must also be balanced with delayed health care and other health outcomes.

Health Mandate 015 is being issued by Governor Mike Dunleavy and the State of Alaska. Mandate 015 will go into effect in phases, with Section II going into effect April 20, 2020 and Section IV going into effect May 4, 2020; however, the State of Alaska reserves the right to amend the Mandate at any time.

This Mandate supersedes Mandate 005 and 006 and affects the health care providers directly addressed in Mandate 009.

COVID-19 Health Mandates

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Governor Press Briefing Live 4/14 – Dunleavy Announces Suspension of State Statutes, Regulations

Editor — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 02:23:12 +0000

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

April 14, 2020 6 pm

Dunleavy Announces Suspension of State Statutes, Regulations

April 14, 2020

April 14, 2020 (Anchorage, AK) – Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced the suspension of certain regulations and statutes to provide relief to individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Disaster Order of Suspension No. 2 Appendix A – Amendment 3 suspends certain regulations and statutes within the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to allow for the curbside pickup of alcohol from restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and retail stores, as well as the delivery of sealed beer and wine from restaurants with food orders. Appendix A – Amendment 3 further suspends certain regulations and statutes within the Department of Administration and the Department of Education and Early Development.

“Alaska’s hospitality industry is a robust and significant pillar of our state’s economy. By allowing for the curbside pickup of food and drink from our restaurants and the additional delivery of beer and wine with food orders, we are able to provide some relief to Alaskan business owners while upholding our social distancing health mandates,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “My administration will continue to monitor the COVID-19 impacts within our state and seek ways to reopen Alaska’s economy as appropriate.”

Governor Signs COVID-19 Health Mandate 014, Allowing Federal Reimbursement

April 13, 2020

April 13, 2020 (Anchorage, AK) –Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today issued the State of Alaska’s COVID-19 Health Mandate 014 on Non-Congregate Sheltering.

The State of Alaska is developing solutions to protect the most vulnerable populations from the effects of COVID-19. These population groups include first responders and healthcare workers who need to quarantine safely without exposing their families, homeless families in congregate shelters, with at least one member who tested positive for COVID and will require isolation, and homeless individuals who require quarantine or isolation. The most viable solution to protect these groups is Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS).

In accordance with the Stafford Act, eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency at the direction of state public health officials may be reimbursed, including costs for NCS for both state and local jurisdictions to protect vulnerable populations. If the need for NCS arises, the signing of COVID-19 Health Mandate 014 will allow the State of Alaska to accept FEMA assistance. FEMA assistance will be provided at the 75 percent Federal cost share.

The Governor’s COVID-19 Health Mandates can be found here.

For the latest information on Alaska’s response to COVID-19, please visit http://coronavirus.alaska.gov.

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Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19 – School closures continue

Editor — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 01:07:29 +0000

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

April 9, 2020 5 pm

Unemployment Insurance Update – 9 new cases of COVID in the state.

Testing criteria has been updated please see below. Positive cases are going up, criteria for testing has been updated. Sometimes symptoms can be very mild.

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Governor Mike Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID19

Editor — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:57:23 +0000

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

April 8, 2020 5 pm

Cases rise in Alaska

Governor Issues Update to COVID-19 Health Mandate 005

April 7, 2020

April 7, 2020 (Anchorage, AK) – Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today issued an update to the State of Alaska’s COVID-19 Health Mandate 005 on Elective Medical Procedures in order to preserve staff personal protective equipment (PPE) and patient care supplies; ensure staff and patient safety; and expand available hospital capacity.

COVID-19 Health Mandate 005 states “all patients, providers, hospitals, and surgical centers are required to postpone or cancel all non-urgent or elective procedures until June 15, 2020 to decrease the overall impact on the Alaska health care structure and preserve personal protective equipment.” The corresponding Attachment C clarifies non-urgent or elective procedures that are to be postponed or canceled under COVID-19 Health Mandate 005.

The Governor’s COVID-19 Health Mandates can be found here.

For the latest information on Alaska’s response to COVID-19, please visit http://coronavirus.alaska.gov.

The post Governor Mike Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID19 appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

Governor Mike Dunleavy, April 6th Press Briefing on COVID19

Editor — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 00:53:55 +0000

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

April 6, 2020 5 pm

Governor Mike Dunleavy, Alaska public health officials, and incident command staff give an update on the COVID-19 outbreak in Alaska. The Samaritans Purse aircraft carried about 18 thousand pounds of medical equipment ready for the outbreak of COVID-19 into our villages. We understand the healthcare limitations in rural Alaska, the National Guard is ready to help if needed in these remote communities across Alaska.

DHSS Press Release: One new death and 14 new cases of COVID-19 announced in Alaska

Alaska DHSS sent this bulletin at 04/05/2020 04:16 PM AKDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Clinton Bennett, DHSS, (907) 269-4996, clinton.bennett@alaska.gov

One new death and 14 new cases of COVID-19 announced in Alaska

April 5, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced one new death and 14 new cases of COVID-19 in four Alaska communities – Anchorage (4), Fairbanks (7), Juneau (2) and Seward (1). This brings the total case count in Alaska to 185.

These new cases and the new death were reported from 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on April 4 and reflect data posted at noon today on coronavirus.alaska.gov. This new reporting schedule for Alaska’s COVID-19 cases began on Thursday with the rollout of a new data dashboard.

The person who died is a 71-year-old Anchorage resident who acquired the infection outside of Alaska, tested positive on March 28 and had been hospitalized in state. The patient had preexisting health conditions.

Also of note today is that one of the Anchorage cases is a staff member at the McLaughlin Youth Center (MYC) within the DHSS Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Since learning of the positive test result, DJJ Director Tracy Dompeling has been in close contact with the Alaska Section of Epidemiology and the Anchorage Health Department to facilitate contact investigations. DJJ is implementing all recommended and necessary protective measures for both staff and residents.

“We express our condolences to the family and loved ones of the Anchorage resident who died and is included in our case count today. Our thoughts are with them,” said DHSS Commissioner Adam Crum. “Regarding the situation at McLaughlin, please know DJJ is working closely with state and local public health officials to ensure that MYC residents, staff and anyone who may have been in contact with this positive case is aware of this situation and knows what we plan to do.”

Because all of the DJJ facilities around Alaska are 24-hour facilities, operations cannot cease and all employees cannot be sent home to telecommute. Additional measures being taken to safely staff the facility at this time include:

Bringing in state and local public health officials to assist with testing and contact investigations.
Prioritized testing for staff and clients.
Sending home staff members from the affected unit who likely had contact with the individual who tested positive.

DHSS remains committed to protecting the health and safety of staff and residents at all DJJ facilities. Since March 27, before this positive case occurred, DJJ had already suspended in-person visitation for family members and religious volunteers, providing visitation and services through electronic means. Other measures already in place at the facility include frequent handwashing, routine disinfection of high-touch surfaces and encouraging staff members who are sick to stay home.

Of the new cases from yesterday that are reported today, five are male and nine are female. Two cases are aged 10-19, three are aged 30-39, one is aged 40-49, three are aged 50-59, three are aged 60-69 and two are aged 70-79. A total of 20 people cumulatively have ever been hospitalized in Alaska; four new hospitalizations have been added in the past 24-hour reporting period.

Stay informed

Alaska’s Response

Find more information about how to keep yourself and your family healthy at the DHSS webpage, coronavirus.alaska.gov
Visit the governor’s webpage on COVID-19 at gov.alaska.gov/covid19news
Visit ready.alaska.gov/covid19 on the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management webpage for Unified Command information, community press releases and other documents.

United States Response

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global Response

The World Health Organization guides the global response.

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Mayor Berkowitz is joined by Anchorage Health Department Director Natasha Pineda

Editor — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 20:13:22 +0000

In today’s community briefing about COVID-19, Mayor Berkowitz is joined by Anchorage Health Department Director Natasha Pineda. The community is encouraged to ask questions in the comments and we’ll do our best to get them answered. #HunkerDownAnchorTown
Posted by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on Monday, April 6, 2020

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz gives a public briefing on COVID-19

In today’s community briefing about COVID-19, Mayor Berkowitz is joined by Anchorage Health Department Director Natasha Pineda. The community is encouraged to ask questions in the comments and we’ll do our best to get them answered. #HunkerDownAnchorTown

April 6, 2020

The post Mayor Berkowitz is joined by Anchorage Health Department Director Natasha Pineda appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

Dr. Anne Zink on Social Distancing

Editor — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 01:07:53 +0000

Social Distancing Outside
How can you recreate outside while practicing social distancing? Because we get asked this question often, Dr. Anne Zink filmed this short video to show you how she stays safe while going on a run. Dr. Zink says to always keep a minimum of six feet from others; even more space is needed when you are exercising and breathing hard. Alaskans: Social distancing before it was cool! This topic is also addressed in our FAQs: dhss.alaska.gov/News/Documents/press/2020/FAQs_03272020-SOA-COVID-19-Health-Mandate-011-012.pdf
Posted by Alaska Health and Social Services on Saturday, April 4, 2020

How can you recreate outside while practicing social distancing? Because we get asked this question often, Dr. Anne Zink filmed this short video to show you how she stays safe while going on a run. Dr. Zink says to always keep a minimum of six feet from others; even more space is needed when you are exercising and breathing hard.

Alaskans: Social distancing before it was cool!

This topic is also addressed in our FAQs: dhss.alaska.gov

Anchorage Office of Emergency Management

Alert: Cloth face coverings recommended when in public.

Evidence shows that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means people can spread the virus while not showing symptoms.
Due to this, the Anchorage Health Department, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and Centers for Disease Control recommend people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing will be difficult, including when going out to buy groceries and essential goods. It is not recommended to put a face covering on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. When wearing a face covering, continue practicing social distancing, covering your coughs and sneezes and practicing good hand hygiene.

Please do not use N-95 or surgical masks, as they are needed by healthcare workers and first responders.

All residents should be doing the following:

Remain home as much as possible.
Put off grocery shopping until many items are needed.
Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds each time with soap and water
Maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and others not living in the same house as you.
Wear a face covering in public places when maintaining 6 feet of distance apart from others may be difficult.

How to wear a face covering:

Make sure the face cover covers both nose and mouth
Do not remove the face covering until you return home
When removing face covering, do not touch the front (it could be dirty) and remove by grabbing the ear loops and put into a laundry container.
Wash hands before and after removing face covering
Wash face covering in hot, soapy water between uses.
Continue practicing social distancing, washing hands often.

Find more information, including how to make a face covering at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
or
https://youtu.be/VgHrnS6n4iA and https://youtu.be/1r2C1zGUHbU

Instructions:

Wear a face covering when going to a public place. For more information go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

FMH Emergency physician, Mark Simon, MD addressed community masking during today's FHP COVID-19 press briefing.
Posted by Fairbanks Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, April 1, 2020

FMH Emergency physician, Mark Simon, MD addressed community masking during today’s FHP COVID-19 press briefing.

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

The post Dr. Anne Zink on Social Distancing appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

Editor — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 02:45:34 +0000

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

Governor Mike Dunleavy and Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anne Zink provide an update on the COVID-19 outbreak in Alaska. April 3, 2020

The post Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19 appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz gives a public briefing on COVID-19

Editor — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 20:24:58 +0000

In today’s community briefing about COVID-19, the Mayor is joined by Superintendent Dr. Deena Bishop, who will provide an update about the school district, and Public Transportation Director Jamie Acton, who will give an update about People Mover services. Residents may participate in the briefing by submitting questions in the comments of the Facebook live.
Posted by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on Friday, April 3, 2020

Friday, April 3,

In today’s community briefing about COVID-19, the Mayor is joined by Superintendent Dr. Deena Bishop, who will provide an update about the school district, and Public Transportation Director Jamie Acton, who will give an update about People Mover services. Residents may participate in the briefing by submitting questions in the comments of the Facebook live.

COVID-19 Multi-Lingual Resources

The post Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz gives a public briefing on COVID-19 appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

Coronavirus – Alaska Politics and Elections

COVID-19 Press Briefing – Governor of Alaska

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

Press Release

Governor Mike Dunleavy

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

Alaska Governor plans to ease restrictions on healthcare providers by Monday April 20th

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

Governor Press Briefing Live 4/14 – Dunleavy Announces Suspension of State Statutes, Regulations

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19 – School closures continue

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

Governor Mike Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID19

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

Governor Mike Dunleavy, April 6th Press Briefing on COVID19

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

DHSS Press Release: One new death and 14 new cases of COVID-19 announced in Alaska

Alaska DHSS sent this bulletin at 04/05/2020 04:16 PM AKDT

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

Mayor Berkowitz is joined by Anchorage Health Department Director Natasha Pineda

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz gives a public briefing on COVID-19

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

Dr. Anne Zink on Social Distancing

Anchorage Office of Emergency Management

FMH Emergency physician, Mark Simon, MD addressed community masking during today’s FHP COVID-19 press briefing.

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz gives a public briefing on COVID-19