NEWS RELEASE - Health Alert

NEWS RELEASE – HEALTH ALERT

For immediate release: 10-31-2020 4:30 p.m.                               

HEALTH ALERT

In a recent press release DHSS urged Alaskans to take COVID-19 prevention measures seriously. DHSS Press Release New High for COVID-19

In the last 14 days, the State has reported 4,435 cases, 80 hospitalizations and 16 deaths due to COVID-19.  An updated model epidemic curve predicts Alaska’s cases will continue to accelerate and are likely to double again within the next 3-4 weeks or sooner. This increase puts a strain on healthcare systems. In response to the current status and the information in the DHSS press release, the Wrangell EOC is requesting Wrangell residents to consider the following:

Halloween is a fun time for many and this year we can continue to celebrate safely. Wear a mask, limit your time indoors and if you are celebrating with members outside of your household, remember to social distance. Most Alaskans get COVID-19 from a friend, family member or coworker.

PPE: Be efficient with your use of PPE resources within your home and your job as there is a nationwide PPE shortage.  Nitrile gloves and N-95 masks continue to be difficult to obtain through commercial suppliers.

Testing: Consider participating in the free asymptomatic COVID-19 testing offered at the SEARHC clinic Saturday and Sunday 11am – 3pm. Identifying cases is critical to preventing the spread of this virus. The number of individuals seeking testing has decreased over the past few weeks.  Testing is our best tool for understanding virus transmission and risk in our community. If you test positive for COVID-19, notify all your close contacts immediately; using this tracking sheet to help.  Please answer the call if a public health contact tracer calls you and follow their guidance.

Resources: If you or your family need food, housing or other non-medical assistance, please contact Alaska 2-1-1 (dial 211 or 800-478-2221) or your local emergency operations center for help. There are local resources available for you and your family should you need to stay home while you are sick, caring for a sick family member, or during a 14-day quarantine.

Practice basic mitigation measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Isolate yourself if you feel any cold-like symptoms and get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. Alaskans should get tested immediately at the first sign of symptoms.
• Avoid crowded places and gatherings; keep social circles very small.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside of your household.
• Always have a mask on when you are around people outside of your household – even if you can maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
• Wash your hands often and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects.

Let’s work together to keep Wrangell safe, slow the spread, protect our residents, and keep our local schools, services and economy running.

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