03/21/20 Two New Positive Cases in the Sterling/Soldotna Area

COVID-19 TWO NEW POSITIVE CASES IN THE STERLING/SOLDOTNA AREA

Date: March 21, 2020
From: Kenai Peninsula Borough
Media: Brenda Ahlberg, Public Information Officer, 907-231-6505

This evening the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) confirmed two new positive test results for COVID-19 in the Sterling/Soldotna area. This brings the total of positive cases in the Kenai Peninsula Borough to three (3) as of March 21, 2020.

Per DHSS, health officials have contacted these individuals and will continue to monitor their condition to ensure continued self-isolation. Public Health officials will initiate a contact investigation and reach out to any person who may have come into contact with these individuals. Public Health will notify and isolate additional persons as appropriate. Through the contact investigation, Public Health will direct testing of persons that meet criteria based on contact with any confirmed case of COVID-19. Individuals who meet the criteria are being tested in accordance with CDC and State of Alaska priorities.
 
In a statement from Mayor Charlie Pierce, “I urge all residents and visitors to follow Governor Dunleavy’s Heath Alerts and Mandates. These mandates have been released in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.” In keeping with the health mandates and alerts that have been issued by Governor Dunleavy, the public to practice social distancing. Postpone any non-essential, in-state travel for personal, business or elective medical appointments. This recommendation supports the heightened concern for travel to remote communities that have limited medical resources.

We want to assure the public that critical services such as fire and emergency services, dispatch, solid waste and road maintenance will remain fully functional.

Please help stop the spread of COVID-19. We encourage citizens to follow these CDC recommendations:
· Wash your hands (including your thumbs) with soap and water often
· Avoid touching your nose, face and mouth
· Use sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol
· Avoid people who are sick to help protect yourself

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Additional current information on COVID-19 is available through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) at www.coronavirus.alaska.gov.  Information and the response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Kenai Peninsula Borough will continue to be updated daily on the KPB Office of Emergency Management Blog at www.kpboem.com as well as Facebook and Twitter @KPBalerts.