03/19/20 City of Soldotna Notice of Facilities Closed to the Public

FROM:STEPHANIE QUEEN, CITY MANAGER
DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020

SUBJECT:
COVID-1 9 UPDATE:
SOLDOTNA PUBLIC LIBRARY AND SOLDOTNA REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH MARCH 29, 2020

On Friday, March 13, 2020, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a health mandate impacting school attendance statewide, and canceling after school activities through March 30, 2020 due to the significant public health risk posed by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In light of this decision and the emergency declaration issued by Governor Dunleavy earlier this week, the City of Soldotna is taking additional measures in order to protect and preserve public health and safety.

Effective Sunday, March 15, 2020, the Soldotna Public Library and the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex will be closed to the public. All programs and activities scheduled at these facilities are canceled, through Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Presently, City Hall remains open to conduct usual business. Critical municipal services such as Police, Water/Wastewater Utility, and Road Maintenance will maintain their regular operations.

I do not make these decisions lightly, and understand the disruption facility closures will have for residents in our community. But we all have an important role to play in keeping our community safe, and the City is doing our part to 'flatten the curve' of the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts and additional steps we are taking aim to slow the spread of the virus, to ensure that our health care system can accommodate those who may become ill and need medical care. Thank you for your understanding.

It is important that we work together to reduce the possible exposure of the virus to vulnerable residents, including our senior population and those with underlying health conditions. The City of Soldotna encourages the public to follow health recommendations from the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC).

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Alaska, see the State DHSS website at: coronavirus.alaska.gov

For additional resources on how to protect yourself against COVID-19 or what to do if you think you are sick, visit the CDC's website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/