NEWS RELEASE
State of Alaska Reports Out-of-State COVID-19 Death of Anchor Point Resident
For immediate release April 4, 2020. COH-COVID-19-007
A press release issued today by the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social (DHSS) announced 14 new cases of COVID-19 in six Alaska communities, bringing the total case count in Alaska to 171. The press release also reported two new deaths of Alaska residents from COVID-19.
According to Clinton Bennett of DHSS, “The Anchor Point case reported today was a middle-aged male who developed symptoms and subsequently died of COVID-19 out-of-state on March 29. The DHSS Section of Epidemiology was notified of this person’s death by the health authorities in the state where the individual died. The second death is an older female from Fairbanks who was confirmed as a positive case on March 27. She had been hospitalized and passed away on April 3.”
In the release, Governor Dunleavy expressed sympathy for the families of the deceased Alaskans, stating that “this is a heartbreaking reminder of how important it is for all of us to continue doing our part to slow down the transmission of the virus by strictly adhering to the social distancing and travel mandates and other health advisories.”
The City of Homer is saddened to learn of the deaths, and sends condolences to all those affected by these losses.
In addition to the City’s condolences, Homer’s Fire Chief and Incident Commander Mark Kirko states, “The news of this loss strengthens our resolve to continue to work proactively with our interagency partners to prevent the spread of COVID-19 locally – and gets to the heart of why each and every one of us should follow health mandates and advisories. These mandates are about preventing the spread of COVID-19; they require people to stay home except for essential business and outdoor recreation, to keep at least 6 feet of social distance when you are around other people, and to responsibly quarantine for 14 days after traveling. Remember, social distancing requirements are in effect on paths, trails, sidewalks, beaches, any place people may gather. Additionally, cloth facemasks are now being recommended by the Center for Disease Control and the State DHSS if you are out in public.”
For information about preventing the spread of COVID-19 and frequently asked questions about the State mandates go to the City of Homer website www.cityofhomer-ak.gov, the DHSS website www.coronavirus.alaska.gov or by calling the City’s Covid-19 Info line at 907-435-3197.
