03/17/20 City of Seward officially declared a Public Health Emergency

Seward, Alaska – At noon today, the City of Seward officially declared a Public Health Emergency at a Level III Incident, in response to the Coronavirus. City Manager Scott Meszaros sent the declaration letter to Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce and then immediately stood up a Virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

As of 1:00 p.m., all City non-essential personnel were sent home until April 24, 2020, or until further notice. The City will pay all personnel at their regular wages. All City buildings, offices, and facilities are closed to the public for the same duration, with the exception of the Police Department window at City Hall. All essential personnel will continue to work inside the City facilities and have been instructed to continue exercising caution and maintain compliance with CDC guidelines. Essential personnel may be reached by phone or email.

All City-related travel has been cancelled, and all work sessions and meetings of the Planning & Zoning Commission, Port & Commerce Advisory Board, and Historic Preservation Commission have been cancelled through April 24, 2020. The Seward City Council will meet at its regular meeting on March 23, 2020 to ratify the declaration and to conduct time-sensitive business related to COVID-19.

A public information line has been set up for the public to ask questions or provide information. Messages left on the line will be automatically forwarded to the City’s Public Information Officer for handling and response. The public information phone number is (907) 224-4015.

The City’s Virtual Joint Information Center (JIC) with community healthcare agencies and other community representatives will continue to meet; virtual meetings have been increased to three times a week. Reports and updates will be provided to the public regularly.

03/17/20 City of Soldotna Announces Closure of All City Facilities to the Public

FROM: STEPHANIE QUEEN, CITY MANAGER
DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020
SUBJECT: COVID-19 UPDATE: CLOSURE OF ALL CITY FACILITIES TO THE PUBLIC

The City of Soldotna is temporarily operating under modified customer service protocols, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) in response to COVID-19.
Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 8:00 a.m., all City Facilities are closed to the public, until further notice. City staff will be available during regular business hours by telephone at the following locations:
Soldotna City Hall* (City Manager, City Clerk, Finance, Building Department, Economic Development and Planning, and Public Works): 262-9107

Joyce K. Carver Memorial Soldotna Public Library: 262-4227

Soldotna Parks and Recreation: 262-3151

Soldotna Police Department: EMERGENCY: 9-1-1
For non-emergency SPD business: 262-4455. Streets and Maintenance: 262-4672

Water and Wastewater Utility: 262-4205

*City Clerk Notification Regarding Public Meetings: Soldotna City Hall will be open to the public for City Council meetings only; however we encourage everyone to take part in social distancing by sending comments by email in advance of the meeting, or to call the City Clerk (262-9107) for instructions on how to provide telephonic comments during public meetings.

Additional Information about making payments: although we are not able to accept cash at this time, payments for city services (utility, permit fees, etc.) can be made in the following ways:
•Over the Phone: Pay with credit/debit card or e-check by calling 262-9107
•Online: Pay with credit/debit card or e-check by visiting us online at: https://www.soldotna.org/departments/utilities/pay-utility-bills
•Leave it at the Drop Box: Pay with check by using the drop box located in the front of City Hall (near the parking lot), 177 N. Birch St, Soldotna.
•Mail: Pay with check by mailing it to: City of Soldotna, 177 N. Birch St, Soldotna, AK 99669.

Though we’re limiting our face-to-face contact for the time being, please know that the City will be continuing to deliver essential municipal services. Street Maintenance, public safety, water/sewer utilities, and the critical administrative and legislative functions of the City will carry on!

Visit us online 24/7 at Soldotna.org, and thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

03/17/20 Central Peninsula Hospital Limits Non-Essential Access to Facilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – CPH Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) UPDATE

(SOLDOTNA, AK) March 17, 2020 – Central Peninsula Hospital and other local agencies are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. We are working together to prepare, following recommendations and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as the Alaska Department of Health and Social Service (DHSS). We are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our community and visitors.

HOSPITAL - LIMITING NON-ESSENTIAL ACCESS
Out of an abundance of caution, and in order to protect staff, patients and Heritage Place residents, Central Peninsula Hospital is limiting non-essential access to help limit potential exposure to novel coronavirus, COVID-19. In an effort to maintain Central Peninsula Hospital’s operational status, we are asking community members to not come to the hospital or our outpatient clinics unless you have a healthcare related reason until further notice. We expect the levels of restriction to increase in the near future which will involve screening of all patients and visitors.
"Patients who are screened at CPH outpatient clinics and need further assessment or testing, will be directed by their clinic physician to the CPH ED ambulance bay where we have constructed three negative pressure screening rooms. These will be used for further triage, assessment and testing if necessary” said Rick Davis, CEO of Central Peninsula Hospital. He went on to say that, “Central Peninsula Hospital and Heritage Place are implementing restrictions to protect our patients, residents, community, and our healthcare workers on the front lines. They are our most valuable resource when it comes to treating and stopping the spread of the virus.”

KPB Mayor Charlie Pierce said “The administration fully supports the prevention measures being implemented throughout the borough. Alaskans are resilient in times of adversity. Let’s do our part and practice the CDC guidance to slow the possible spread of infection on the Kenai Peninsula. Please take every precaution to care for yourself and loved ones.”

CALL BEFORE YOU VISIT
Members of the community should call their providers before they visit their family practice clinics if they have COVID-19 symptoms including: Cough, Fever, or shortness of breath. This is an essential step for triaging patients before they arrive and allows the provider to provide specific instructions to patients. This call will protect all frontline healthcare and will help prevent the spread of disease. DO NOT visit the hospital emergency department unless you have a
medical emergency. There are red and yellow signs at all CPH entrances with instructions if you have symptoms - CALL BEFORE YOU VISIT!

HERITAGE PLACE – SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS
Visitors are no longer allowed to enter Heritage per Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) directive issued on Friday evening, March 13, 2020.
Exceptions
• Healthcare workers (hospice, EMS personnel)
• End of Life Situations (family, clergy, bereavement counselors)
o Must all wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
o Perform frequent hand hygiene
o Limited to specific area (resident room or designated location)

HOSPITAL LIST OF CURRENT RESTRICTIONS/CANCELLATIONS
• Hospital Cafeteria is closed to the public until further notice
• Hospital Gift Shop is closed
• All volunteer services have ceased / volunteers have been asked to stay home
• CPH Cardiac rehab and pulmonary rehab are closed until further notice
• Heritage Place Outpatient Physical Therapy closed, patients are going to alternate locations
• The CPH Health Fair scheduled for April 4th has been cancelled
• All community classes held at CPH have been cancelled until further notice
• Dine and Discuss with Dr. Hough has been cancelled

We are closely following CDC recommendations and guidance on how to best protect our front line staff as well as how to use and preserve existing supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) due to concerns about limited supplies. As such, we want to make sure potential new cases are identified immediately, that our front line staff have the necessary PPE, training and support they need to provide care to those patients. If you are going to see your healthcare provider or are coming to the hospital because you believe you have coronavirus symptoms, PLEASE CALL FIRST. This will allow our staff to prepare for your arrival and assess your situation and provide you with specific instructions.

COVID-19 TESTING
Central Peninsula Hospital collect samples with nasal swabs per CDC guidelines. The specimens are sent to the State of Alaska for the testing. We do not conduct the test at the hospital as we don’t have that capability. There is not a drive-through test location at the hospital.

Alaska has 3 confirmed coronavirus cases one in Anchorage and two in Fairbanks at the time of this release.
CPH Corona Virus Web Page https://www.cpgh.org/corona

03/17/20 Kenai Peninsula Borough Issues Local Disaster Declaration

The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) issued a Local Disaster Declaration Monday afternoon, March 16, 2020 as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The administration requested the assembly to extend the disaster period 90 days by way of a laydown resolution at the March 17, 2020 regularly assembly meeting.

The disaster declaration activates the borough’s emergency response plan and requests disaster assistance from the State of Alaska by making available resources as needed for the ongoing response and recovery from the current and potential impacts. The declaration also allows the State to provide technical expertise and guidance to help the borough in its response and recovery from this event. Residents may also be eligible to apply for individual assistance for affected businesses and individuals when these programs are available.

The declaration has been forwarded to the Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, which has been sent to Governor Mike Dunleavy. Upon his approval, State resources can assistance borough and impacted communities in need. The declaration may also position the State to seek federal assistance when the scope of the event exceeds the State's resources.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Local Emergency Declaration and legislation can be viewed at https://kpb.legistar.com/

The borough has limited or restricted public access to many borough facilities, postponed service area meetings and working group meetings. Residents are asked to call or email the borough departments to conduct business. The administration is making every effort to ensure employees’ safety while maintaining government services. You can view the full announcement and contact information by department or service area at www.kpb.us

Social Media:
Facebook and Twitter @KPBalerts
www.kpboem.com

Media contact: Brenda Ahlberg, Public Information Officer 907-231-6505

03/16/20 Effective Monday March 16, 2020 at 5:00 PM Limited or Restricted Access to Borough Facilities

In a statement provided by Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce, “The administration fully supports the prevention measures being implemented throughout the borough. Alaskans are resilient in times of adversity. Let’s do our part and practice the CDC guidance to slow the possible spread of infection on the Kenai Peninsula. Please take every precaution to care for yourself and loved ones.”

Effective Monday March 16, 2020 at 5:00PM, Mayor Pierce has approved the recommendations to activate the Kenai Peninsula Borough Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) for all departments and thirteen service areas. The Borough Office of Emergency Management Incident Management Team (IMT) has been activated to support the rollout of the COOP to limit public access and to ensure employees’ safety during these times to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID19). The administration will make every effort to maintain government services to the public; we are asking residents to help too. Call or email the borough for assistance and limit your exposure or to individuals that may be at risk of exposure.

First Responders: All Fire & EMS departments and Office of Emergency Management administrative offices are closed to the public. Fire service and medical treatment will continue to be provided. However, every precaution will be made to ensure responders’ safety. Borough fire stations include Anchor Point Fire & EMS, Bear Creek Fire, Central Emergency Services, Kachemak Emergency Services, and Nikiski Fire. These departments will continue to function under the current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, state recommendations and area hospital/healthcare providers’ protocols.

FIRE & EMS NOTE:
• The Nikiski Fire Department will continue to provide potable water to area residents. Be mindful of new directional signage and instructions from attending staff.
• All volunteer firefighter trainings, community emergency response team trainings, borough-sponsored workshops and activities are suspended until further notice.

Other facilities are closed to the public, but staff will report to work. The public may still call these facilities for information during regular hours of operation:

Donald E Gilman River Center 907-714-2460
Homer Annex Public Resource office 907-235-9837
Maintenance office 907-262-4011
North Peninsula Recreation Service Area 907-776-8800
Purchasing & Capital Projects Office 907-714-2260
Roads Service Area Office 907-262-4427
Seldovia Sea Otter Community Center (CLOSED)
Seward Annex Public Resource office 907-224-2001
Seward/Bear Creek Flood Service Area office 907-224-3340
Solid Waste Office 907-262-9667

Solid Waste Facilities: The Central Peninsula Landfill and transfer sites will continue to be open to the public during normal hours of operation. Each site may have specific protocols for waste transfer. Be mindful of new directional signage and instructions from attending staff. The hours of operation for all sites are located at https://www.kpb.us/swd-waste/about-solidwaste

Road Service Area: Borough-owned roads will continue to be maintained using existing contractors.

Borough Administrative Building (144 N. Binkley Street): The administrative building will provide limited, restricted access to the public. Visitors are asked to conduct borough business through emails and phone calls.

BAB NOTE: Please use the drop box located by the main front doors to deposit payments. You may also pay property taxes and special assessments online. Follow the directions for online payments at https://www.kpb.us/finance-dept/property-tax-and-collections

Purchasing & Contracting will notify bidders to conduct bid kick off meetings using video and audio conferencing options.

Borough Clerk Notification Regarding Public Meetings: All service area board meetings, Advisory Planning Commission meetings and Anadromous Waters Habitat Protection Group meetings postponed until further notice. The Clerk is currently evaluating alternative ways to conduct public meetings that do not require a physical location. Future public meetings will be properly notices when they resume.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Current Guidance: The borough will continue to support the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS) and CDC guidelines using Facebook @KPBalerts, www.kpboem.com and www.kpb.us

DHSS online and phone resources to the public:
• DHSS information call number 2-1-1. For Alaskans who live in areas where 2-1-1 can't be accessed, please call 800-478-2221.
• DHSS Social Media: Facebook page @alaska.dhss and Twitter page Alaska_DHSS
•DHSS dedicated webpage with current guidelines: coronavirus.alaska.gov

Central Peninsula Hospital – Soldotna, AK webpage: https://www.cpgh.org/corona

South Peninsula Hospital – Homer, AK webpage: https://www.sphosp.org/

Providence Seward Medical Center – Seward, AK webpage: https://www.providence.org/

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has a dedicated webpage for staff, students and families: https://www.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/students_parents.aspx?id=41540

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907-262-INFO (4636) or EMAIL oem@kpb.us
Facebook and Twitter @KPBalerts
Pages: www.kpboem.com or www.kpb.us

Media contact: Brenda Ahlberg, Public Information Officer 907-231-6505

03/16/20 borough assembly will conduct the regular meeting Tuesday March 17, 2020 at 6PM

The borough assembly will conduct the regular meeting Tuesday March 17th at the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers, 144 N. Binkley St., Soldotna Alaska. Assembly members and borough staff are taking precautions to limit gathering at this meeting. We’re asking you to help us by staying home if at all possible. There are options for you to participate in the meeting from your home.

You may listen to the meeting on public radio station KDLL FM 91.9. You can also view the current agenda and provide comments before the meeting online. Assembly meetings are live-streamed, and packet items can be downloaded. There is also the option to submit comments using the “eComment” button. Click here for the current assembly meeting and directions on to participate at https://kpb.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Currently, the Clerk is determining ways to legally conduct public meetings using alternative methods during this time when all of us our asked to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Borough public meetings for service areas, commissions, task force and working groups are also being considered in the alternative meeting plan. An update will be provided once the plan has been approved.

Future public meetings will be properly noticed, describing access and participation in the event that physical locations are temporarily closed.

907-262-INFO (4636) or EMAIL oem@kpb.us
Facebook and Twitter @KPBalerts
Pages: www.kpboem.com or www.kpb.us

Media contact: Brenda Ahlberg, Public Information Officer 907-231-6505