KPBSD update: 3-31-20

March 31, 2020 KPBSD Update

 

To our parents and students, day two of remote learning is a wrap! Are you energized, exhausted, frustrated, inspired? We know it may be bumpy, and it will get easier. KPBSD staff had two intense weeks to prepare for the beginning of this huge shift to deliver education on the Kenai Peninsula. Now, it is your time for that learning curve of the newness and figuring everything out. Be patient, reach out to your school staff or principal, and know that together we can and will do this—for all our families and youth. #GrowthMindset

 

Starting today, a few times a week KPBSD will share a short spotlight about “virtual schooling and remote learning activities” in KPBSD. Today, take a look at Mrs. Beck’s Fantastic 5^th Seward Elementary virtual classroom and story!

 

 

It is critically important to practice responsible social distancing. Today, during a briefing to the nation, Dr. Deborah L. Birx said, “Each of our behaviors will change the course of this virus in the next 30 days.”

Thank you to Alex France for her Social Distancing for Alaskans graphic:

 

 

Helpful Resources for KPBSD families:

·        “Get and Go” Free meals for students: to sign-up or change your order, call 714-8890.

·        KPBSD Remote Learning Resources For Parents

·        Internet Access Resources for students and educators

Links

·        COVID-19 and KPBSD webpage

·        KPBOEM (JIC) website

·        KPBalerts Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KPBAlerts/

·        Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Covid-19 webpage

For non-clinical COVID-19 related questions call 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221, or contact your health provider

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03/31/20 Borough COVID-19 Situation Report

Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.

Click here to read today's Twelve-page report (today's information is highlighted in red letters):https://drive.google.com/file/d/192iYwukpdnHSaqUkMCiphCyhCW5mncMo/view?usp=sharing

3/31/2020 DHSS Press Release:Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 in five Alaska communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 detected in five Alaska communities

March 31, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)

today announced 14 new cases of COVID-19 in five Alaska communities – Anchorage (2),

Eagle River (2), Fairbanks (5), Juneau (4) and Kenai (1). This brings the total case count in Alaska

to 133.

Two of the new cases are older adults (60+); 10 are adults aged 30-59; and two are younger adults

aged 19-29. Five are female and nine are male. Five of the cases are close contacts of previously

diagnosed cases; two are travel-related and seven are still under investigation.

So far the communities in Alaska that have had laboratory-confirmed cases include Anchorage

(including JBER), Eagle River/Chugiak, Girdwood, Homer, Fairbanks, North Pole, Ketchikan,

Juneau Palmer, Seward, Soldotna, Sterling and Kenai.

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.

This press release covers new cases between March 30 at 3 p.m. and March 31 at 3 p.m. when daily

case counts are updated at coronavirus.alaska.gov.

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DHSS_PressRelease_AKCOVIDCases_20203031.pdf

03/31/20 Agencies on The Kenai join together to help #stopthespread.

 

Agencies on The Kenai join together to help #stopthespread. We ask you to do the same.

For more information on the coronavirus please visit: coronavirus.alaska.gov

For all agencies responding on the Kenai Peninsula Borough please visit: kpboem.com

#Coronavirus #COVID19 #KenaiPeninsula #Alaska #PreventionMatters #InOurHandsAK

03/30/20 Central Peninsula Hospital Featured Guest on Community Conversation Tuesday March 31st

Join Dan Nelson, Borough Incident Commander, and Brenda Ahlberg, Information Officer Tuesday March 31st 7PM on Facebook @KPBalerts. Bruce Richards, Public Affairs Director Central Peninsula Hospital - Soldotna Alaska will be our guest on the Community Conversation. 
#Coronavirus #COVID19 #KenaiPeninsula #Alaska #PreventionMatters #InOurHandsAK

3/30/20 DHSS Press Release: Five new cases of COVID-19 detected in three Alaska Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:   Clinton Bennett, DHSS, (907) 269-4996, clinton.bennett@alaska.gov Five new cases of COVID-19 detected in three Alaska  communities March 30, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services  (DHSS) today announced five new cases of COVID-19 in three Alaska communities –  Anchorage (2), Fairbanks (2) and Palmer (1). This brings the case count total for Alaska  to 119. All of the new cases are in adults aged 30-59. Four are female and one is male.  There are no new hospitalizations or deaths today. So far the communities in Alaska that have had laboratory-confirmed cases include  Anchorage (including JBER), Eagle River/Chugiak, Girdwood, Homer, Seward, Soldotna,  Sterling, Fairbanks, North Pole, Palmer, Ketchikan and Juneau. 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. This press release covers new cases between March 29 at 3 p.m. and March 30 at  3 p.m. when daily case counts are updated at coronavirus.alaska.gov. ###

• DHSS_PressRelease_AKCOVIDCases_20203030.pdf

03/30/20 Borough COVID-19 Situation Report

Situation Report (SITREP) is a daily report that provides decision-makers and readers a quick understanding of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. The SITREP provides clear, concise facts and resources.

Click here to read today's nine-page report (today's information is highlighted in red letters):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MLxplKFdyQ9td0G3gSxXyWuS1U21kkaI/view?usp=sharing

03/30/20 City of Seward SIT Report

This Community Situation Report is intended to keep the community of Seward updated and aware of resources available to them while being challenged with restrictions placed upon them due to the Coronavirus.

Click HERE to read the post in its entirety. 

03/30/20 SeaView Community Services Support

Learn more about SeaView HERE. 

03/30/20 Agencies on The Kenai join together to help #stopthespread.

 

Agencies on The Kenai join together to help #stopthespread. We ask you to do the same.

For more information on the coronavirus please visit: coronavirus.alaska.gov

For all agencies responding on the Kenai Peninsula Borough please visit: kpboem.com

#Coronavirus #COVID19 #KenaiPeninsula #Alaska #PreventionMatters #InOurHandsAK

03/29/30 South Peninsula Hospital Provides Information Monday March 30th

Join Dan Nelson, Borough Incident Commander, and Brenda Ahlberg, Information Officer Monday March 30th 7PM on Facebook @KPBalerts. Derotha Ferraro, Director of Public Relations & Marketing - South Peninsula Hospital - Homer Alaska will be our guest on the Community Conversation. 
#Coronavirus #COVID19 #KenaiPeninsula #Alaska #PreventionMatters #InOurHandsAK

KPBSD Update 3-29-20 - School Starts Monday! #GrowthMindset

March 29, 2020 KPBSD Update

 

School begins Monday!
These next few months will require a growth mindset for each of us. Our families and students know that the school district staff is here to help as together we navigate the shift to virtual schooling and remote learning activities. We have an opportunity to learn together, and ask you to join in this historic time to learn, stretch, and discover things we did not know we could do!

 

  

Message from the KPBSD Instructional Team

Dear Parents & Students,

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and most importantly, your trust in our teachers and staff to continue to hold your student’s best interests close as we navigate through these truly historic times!

KPBSD educators are working carefully to:

·        Ensure students have an appropriate balance of online and offline work so students do not spend too much time in front of a computer.

·        Define appropriate amounts of work for students to perform in a Remote Learning environment. This link describes workload descriptions, separated by grade spans with time recommendations.

·        Ensure every student has access to learning materials and activities, regardless of computer and internet access at home.

Although delivery of our Remote Learning instruction will primarily take place online, parents and students will have access to hard copies of materials as needed. Principals and teachers are working directly with parents, and there are various options for both delivery of material, as well as returning completed work back to teachers. Kindly work with your student’s teacher, or principal, for arrangements that work for your family situation.

As school districts around our state and nation begin shifting where and how instruction happens, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Michael Johnson reminded us that “Teaching is not a location; it’s a relationship and action.” Regardless of where and how we serve parents, guardians, and students, we are committed first, to maintain and enhance our relationships with parents and students, while also providing the highest quality instruction possible.

There is no question that challenges face us ahead as we navigate this new format of teaching and learning, but KPBSD is prepared, and our teachers and staff are up to the challenge. Working together to accomplish great things is what Alaska has always been about, and we have confidence in our ability to work in partnership to provide the best learning experiences for every one of our 8,500 students!

 

Sincerely

The KPBSD Instructional Team

 

Helpful Resources:

·        KPBSD Remote Learning Resources For Parents

·         “Get-It and Go” Free Meals for KPBSD Students To sign-up, or stop delivery, please call Student Nutrition Services at 714-8890

·        KPBSD Guidelines for Offline Learning Materials Read the details

·        Internet Access Resources for students and educators

Links

·        COVID-19 and KPBSD webpage

·        Check your risk for coronavirus: https://c19check.com/start

·        Kenai Peninsula Borough Joint Information Center (JIC) website

·        KPBalerts Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KPBAlerts/

·        Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Covid-19 webpage

·        DHSS Facebook

Learn more about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at coronavirus.alaska.gov

For non-clinical related questions please call 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221, or contact your health provider

 

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3/29/20 DHSS Press Release: Twelve new cases of COVID-19 detected in six Alaska Communities; third Alaska death

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:   Clinton Bennett, DHSS, (907) 269-4996, clinton.bennett@alaska.gov Twelve new cases of COVID-19 detected in six Alaska  communities; third Alaska death March 29, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services  (DHSS) today announced 12 new cases of COVID-19 in six  Alaska communities –  Anchorage (4), Eagle River (1), Fairbanks (4), North Pole (1), Juneau (1) and Ketchikan (1). DHSS also reported the third death of an Alaskan from COVID-19. The individual was a  73-year-old Anchorage resident. The patient was tested on March 23 and admitted to an  Anchorage hospital and passed away on the evening of March 28. Five of the new cases are older adults (60+); two are adults aged 30-59; four are younger  adults aged 19-29 and one is under 18.  Six are female and six are male. Six of the cases  are close contacts of previously diagnosed cases; one is travel-related and five are still  under investigation. So far the communities in Alaska that have had laboratory-confirmed cases include  Anchorage (including JBER), Eagle River/Chugiak, Girdwood, Fairbanks, North Pole,  Homer, Juneau, Ketchikan, Palmer, Seward, Soldotna and Sterling. 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. This press release covers new cases between March 28 at 3 p.m. and March 29  at 3 p.m. when daily case counts are updated at coronavirus.alaska.gov.

• DHSS_PressRelease_NewAKCases_2020329.pdf

03/29/20 Agencies on The Kenai join together to help #stopthespread

Agencies on The Kenai join together to help #stopthespread. We ask you to do the same.


 For more information on the coronavirus please visit: coronavirus.alaska.gov


 For all agencies responding on the Kenai Peninsula Borough please visit: kpboem.com

#Coronavirus #COVID19 #KenaiPeninsula #Alaska #PreventionMatters #InOurHandsAK

3/28/20 DHSS Press Release: Seventeen new cases of COVID-19 detected; first case in a long-term care facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Click Here for Printable Version

Contact:

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

Seventeen new cases of COVID-19 detected; first case in a long-term care facility 

March 28, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced 17 new positive cases of COVID-19 in six Alaska communities – Anchorage (10), Eagle River (1), Fairbanks (3), North Pole (1), Homer (1) and Soldotna (1).

Ten of the cases are still under investigation. Two cases are known to be travel-related and five are close contacts of previously diagnosed individuals. Five patients are older adults (aged 60+), nine are adults aged 30-59, two are young adults aged 19-29 and one is a child. Seven are male and 10 are female.

This brings Alaska’s total case count to 102. Of these total cases, six have been hospitalized; one new hospitalization was added in this most recent 24-hour period.

In Fairbanks, one of the new positive cases is a resident of a long-term care facility. Foundation Health Partners issued a press release today describing the steps the facility is taking in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology.

“The facility is doing an excellent job of responding swiftly to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Joe McLaughlin, Alaska’s State Epidemiologist. “They are working closely with our epidemiologists to determine which residents and staff are at highest risk for exposure and implementing control measures that are consistent with national guidelines.”

“Together with experts at the CDC, the state has developed and published guidelines for long-term care providers for this this type of situation,” said John Lee, Director of the DHSS Division of Senior and Disabilities Services. “We know how serious COVID-19 infections can be, particularly among older adults. We continue to work with this facility and all providers across the state in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.”

Lee is leading a tactical group within the Medical Branch of the Unified Command focused on protecting Alaska’s long-term care centers, as well as older adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. State health officials are also being guided in their response by a CDC report issued yesterday that analyzes a COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care skilled nursing facility in King County, Washington.

So far the communities in Alaska that have had laboratory-confirmed cases include Anchorage (including JBER), Eagle River/Chugiak, Girdwood, Homer, Seward, Soldotna, Sterling, Fairbanks, North Pole, Palmer, Ketchikan and Juneau.

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 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.

This press release covers new cases between March 27 at 3 p.m. and March 28 at 3 p.m. when daily case counts are updated at coronavirus.alaska.gov.

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03/28/2020 Confirmed COVID-19 Case in the Homer Area

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE IN THE HOMER AREA

For immediate release. 
Click HERE for a printable version.

March 28, 2020. COH-COVID-19-006

South Peninsula Hospital was notified today by the Alaska State Public Health Laboratory of its first positive case of COVID-19. The person was tested at the hospital earlier this week. This case marks the second confirmed COVID-19 case for Homer. The first was an individual that had been traveling in the lower 48. Upon return to Anchorage, they self-reported, tested and remain there in isolation.

Public Health Nurses are already conducting an index case investigation and have started contact tracing. The Public Health Nurses will reach out to any person who may have come into contact with this individual. Public Health will notify each significant contact and offer instructions for preventing the spread of disease including quarantine, isolation if sick and contacting your primary care provider for evaluation and potential testing. No other information is available at this time.

“The first confirmed case locally reinforces the urgency for all individuals to take this seriously and do their part to prevent the spread. The individual actions of each and every one of us in Homer are important to prevent, slow and disrupt the spread of the virus, both in our community and across Alaska. Last night Governor Dunleavy issued two new health mandates aimed at stopping the rapid spread of Covid-19 in the State. The mandates are an Alaskan-style hunker down order for everyone to stop non-essential travel in and between Alaskan communities and, when you are out, to keep a 6 foot distance from others. These actions are critical to slow the spread of COVID-19 and are especially timely for everyone to follow. Together, we can keep each other healthy and save lives.” Jenny Carroll, Public Information Officer, City of Homer.

We are counting on everyone to help STOP THE SPREAD of COVID-19:

• Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and clean frequently-touched surfaces.
• Keep at least six feet away from others. Stay home and work from home as much as possible.
• If you are sick with a respiratory infection, even with mild symptoms, isolate yourself from others and call ahead if you need medical attention.
• Follow all health mandates and guidance issued by Governor Dunleavy, DHSS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local governments and health authorities.

If you are sick or suspect that you may be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, you should take steps for your health and to prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community by:
1. Listen to and follow the directions of your doctor and state and local authorities.
2. If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
COH-COVID-19-006
3. If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.
4. If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, separate that family member and keep the entire household at home. Many new cases of COVID-19 in the state are transmitted among family members.
5. If you have arrived in Homer from a lower-48 or international destination, you must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. If you’ve arrived from an Alaskan destination, a 14-day self-quarantine is strongly recommended.
6. If you are a senior citizen, or a person with a serious underlying health condition, stay home and away from other people.

Testing for COVID-19 is available at South Peninsula Hospital, but only by referral from your provider. As of this morning, the hospital had submitted 42 total COVID-19 tests with 22 negative results and the remainder pending. If you are experiencing mild symptoms of illness (cough, fever, aches), the best advice is to stay home and self-isolate. This means keeping distance even from family members to help prevent the spread of the disease. The majority of persons with COVID-19 recover quickly with no complications. If you are experiencing more advanced symptoms (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing) call your provider immediately.

If you think you might have been in contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 infection, call you primary care provider for instructions. For non-medical related questions about COVID-19, go to coronavirus.alaska.gov or dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221 to connect with a 2-1-1 call specialist who will work with you to understand your need and connect you to the programs and services that can help.

**************************************************

Contact: Jenny Carroll, Public Information Officer,
907-435-3101 (office); 907-299-6645 (cell)
jcarroll@ci.homer.ak.us

Posted:
www.cityofhomer-ak.gov
Outside City Clerk’s Office at City Hall
Homer Public Library & Harbormaster Office