03/23/20 COVID-19 UPDATE: POSITIVE CASE CONFIRMED IN STERLING ALASKA

Date: March 23, 2020

From: Kenai Peninsula Borough
Media: Brenda Ahlberg, Information Officer, 907-231-6505

We have received information from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), confirming one new positive test results for COVID-19 in the Sterling area today March 23, 2020. This brings the total of positive cases in the Kenai Peninsula Borough to four (4) as of March 21, 2020.

Per DHSS, health officials will continue to monitor the patient’s condition to ensure continued self-isolation at home. Public health officials will initiate a contact investigation and reach out to any person who may have come into contact with the individual. 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.

Some municipalities in Alaska already have “hunker down” or “shelter in place” orders in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). While the Kenai Peninsula Borough does not have the authority to issue a “hunker down” order, residents should limit their movements, practice physical distancing (stay at least six feet from others) and practice good hygiene. “Even if you are mildly sick, stay home. Call your doctor before you go to see your healthcare provider. Do the right thing, and shelter in place so that we can get through this challenging time together,” said Mayor Charlie Pierce.

In a statement from Dan Nelson, KPB Incident Commander, "Based on what is known about this disease, we know it’s especially important to protect older Alaskans and those with underlying health conditions. These groups are more at risk for serious illness if they become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19."

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.