6/04/20
COVID-19 Contingency Planning in Valdez
Did you know? The Valdez Unified Command established a set of basic contingency plans to address different types of situations we might face as a community during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Each potential situation is color coded to indicate if City Council action or State of Alaska assistance would be needed to address the situation and best support the health and safety of our community.
Red indicates a need for City Council action or state assistance is likely.
Updates and clarifying resources for State Health Mandate 010 regarding intrastate and international travel are now available on the state’s website.
These new travel requirements go into effect on Saturday morning.
Resource links:
❇️ Full Mandate: https://covid19.alaska.gov/…/MANDATE-010-REVISED-06.03.20.p…
❇️ Traveler Information: https://bit.ly/36WcfG0
❇️ Travel FAQs: https://bit.ly/3cvAewM
❇️ Testing locations: https://bit.ly/3eQSeUa
❇️ New travel declaration form: https://bit.ly/2XwkTbd
❇️ More info: dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/travel.aspx
5/22/20
Alaska is fortunate to have the lowest COVID-19 case count of all 50 states and the third lowest case count based on our population. As we continue to reopen Alaska, individual responsibility will become even more important to protect yourself, your loved ones and Alaska’s communities. Your actions matter! Let’s all work together to keep Alaskans healthy and our state strong and open. Continue practicing those important prevention measures (washing your hands, keeping six feet away from others, cleaning frequently and wearing a cloth face covering when you’re out in public). Together, we’ve flattened the curve and can continue to do so if we’re caring and responsible. Be smart, be well, be kind and stay safe. Let’s keep a lid on COVID-19 and get through this together.
Keep up the great work, Alaska!
#AKStaySafeSaveLives #AKInThisTogether
During Tuesday night’s press briefing, Governor Dunleavy announced Phases 3 and 4 of the Reopening Alaska Responsibly Plan will take effect Friday, May 22nd.
The following exceptions will remain:
*️⃣ State Mandate 010, regarding 14-day quarantine for interstate and international travel to Alaska remains in place. This will be reevaluated by June 2, 2020 but will be reviewed weekly.
*️⃣ All senior centers, prisons, and institutions will continue to have restricted access.
*️⃣ Any proposed large public gatherings such as festivals and concerts need to consult first with public health before scheduling. (More guidance on this process coming soon from the State.)
*️⃣ The State will continue to work with large industries to protect their workforce and the communities in which they operate.
*️⃣ Health Mandates 15 (Elective Medical/Dental), 17 (Commercial Fishing), and 18 (Intrastate Travel) also remain in effect.
General guidelines are available here: covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates. More detailed guidance anticipated on May 21st.
UPDATE (04.23.2020, 5:56pm)
New COVID-19 Public Information Resource –
E-Signs at the Hub in Glennallen
Last week our public information team partnered with the wonderful folks at Seed Media. Valdez COVID-19 resources are now available on Seed Media’s three electronic signs inside the Hub gas station/store in Glennallen.
PVMC continues to follow guidelines and recommendations from the state and CDC regarding face coverings. Please remember to bring a face covering with you if you have an appointment.
To ensure the protection of patients, visitors, and caregivers, everyone entering one of our Providence Alaska facilities — #Anchorage, #Kodiak, #Valdez, #Seward, #EagleRiver and #MatSu — must wear a face mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you as part of the screening process before entering. Visitor restrictions continue (http://provhealth.org/6182GB8zj). #COVID19 #Mandate15
☎: ICYMI – The Valdez COVID-19 Unified Command Recorded Hotline also went live last week. Call 907.835.0300 to hear a recorded message with the most recent local information related to COVID-19.
COVID19.alaska.gov/health-mandates
NEW! State Health Mandate 018 – Intrastate Travel
State Health Mandate 016 – Attachment V (Licensed Childcare)
State Health Mandate 015 – +Appendix 01 – Guidance for Massage Therapists +Appendix 02 – Guidance for Chiropractors +Appendix 03 – Guidance for Dentists
Post #1 – 04/30/2020
UFA webinar recording – State Health Mandate 017: Protective Measures for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels.
If you were unable to catch the live webinar on Wednesday and are looking for a good explanation of Mandate 017, please click the link below to watch the recording.
Post #2 – 04/30/2020
(From Governor Dunleavy’s page:)
We will not be having a press briefing on #COVID19 tonight. We will resume our 5 p.m. briefings tomorrow.
Here are today’s numbers:
– New cases: 0 (Total cases: 355)
– New deaths: 0 (Total deaths: 9)
– New hospitalizations: 0 (Cumulative hospitalized: 36)
– Total recovered statewide: 252
– Total tests: 19,562
Keep up the great work Alaskans – our recoveries continue to outpace new cases! For the newest information on the COVID-19 outbreak and our Reopen Alaska Responsibly plan go here: https://covid19.alaska.gov/
New State Health Mandates Announced
✴Amended: State Health Mandate 016 Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan: Phase 1A
✴New! State Health Mandate 017 Protective Measures for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels
Click to view both mandates: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates
UPDATE (04.22.2020, 6:28pm): State of Alaska Mandate 016 – Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan: Phase 1A
Click here to view the full mandate with guidelines for specific industry sectors: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates/
Additional guidance for the commercial fishing industry – including charters – is anticipated Thursday evening.
ORIGINAL POST: Anticipated Changes at the State Level Regarding Businesses
During his evening press conference yesterday, Governor Dunleavy stated beginning Friday, April 24th, the following businesses and industries may open under rigorous health and safety guidelines:
✔Retail Stores (limited in store shopping)
✔Non-Essential Businesses (limited services)
✔Restaurants (limited in-house dining)
✔Personal Care Services (hair salons, day spas, etc.)
✔Fishing Charters (single household unit or 25% capacity)
✔Gyms (outdoor classes/training only)
Note: Additional state requirements for all of the above are anticipated this evening.
✳ For our local business community – Please know just because you can reopen in a limited fashion, does not mean you must choose do so immediately. We encourage you to make decisions which are best for your business, your employees, and your customers/clients/guests.
We encourage you to watch the Governor’s 5pm press conference today if you are able and check back regularly to the state COVID-19 website: www.covid19.alaska.gov
✴ Businesses with specific questions related to your unique operations and how new state guidelines may effect you, are encouraged to contact the state directly by emailing covidquestions@alaska.gov.
If you are a Valdez business owner/operator and would prefer to speak with someone locally, please feel free to email liaison@valdezak.gov or send our page a private message.
Additionally, our local public health officials remain available to assist you with recommendations or guidance as you make plans to reopen in as safe a manner as possible. Please reach out if we can help connect you with those resources.
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Hometown Scavenger Hunt – Brought to you by the wonderful folks at Valdez Parks & Rec:
Join us tomorrow in our Hometown Scavenger Hunt!
Booklets will be available outside of the Rec Center between 8:00 am & 4:00 pm until Friday! You and your family will have 1 week to complete the challenge and return your booklet for a PRIZE!
Please contact mbirish@valdezak.gov if you have any additional questions.
Let the fun begin!
The following post was shared from Alaska Department of Health & Social Services)
Mandates extended
COVID-19 Health Mandate 10 on International and Interstate Travel has been extended until May 19 and will be reevaluated weekly. Mandate 11 on Social Distancing and Mandate 12 on Intrastate Travel are both extended until further notice.
Read all the mandates online at: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates/?fbclid=IwAR3n8sNfDARVQu2qcA_XK9v5LuZCC9Fikeh16sf7UiXC8LfzBqwF0oCRKuw
VCS Grab and Go Meal Program is now available for all children ages 3-18, even those who are not VCS students. Outstanding news!
(Following post from Valdez City Schools page)
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Due to recent Federal waivers, the Grab and Go meal program is now available to all children residing in Valdez, ages 3 to 18. They are not required to be a student of VCS. The next Grab and Go day will be April 23 and will proceed every Thursday until May 21. Each box provided will contain breakfast and lunch for seven (7) days. Students/families can pick up the food at Gilson Middle School from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. or request delivery by contacting macockerham@valdezcityschools.org.
Valdez Cloth Face Covering Challenge
CDC and DHSS recommend wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, most especially where social (physical) distancing measures are difficult to maintain like grocery stores, the post office, the pharmacy and other locations.
Masks don’t have to be fancy. In fact, you can make your own at home as long as you follow basic guidelines recommended by the CDC and DHSS.
Face Coverings Should
✔ Fit snugly but comfortably against your nose and the side of your face.
✔ Be secured with ties, ear loops or fasteners. Balaclava designs also work as long as the mask does not slide down your face.
✔ Include multiple layers of fabric or other material to prevent respiratory droplets from passing through.
✔ Allow for breathing without restriction.
✔ Be sturdy enough to machine wash and dry without damaging the mask or changing its shape.
Face Covering Tips
✔ Wash your hands before putting on your mask.
✔ Leave it on until you return home.
✔ Avoid touching the front of your mask.
✔ Avoid touching your face when removing your mask.
✔Place your mask directly in the wash upon removal and then immediately wash your hands.
✔ Be careful to avoid developing a false sense of security through the use of face coverings.
✔ Continue to maintain at least six feet between yourself and others, stay at home as much as possible, avoid touching your face and wash your hands frequently.
Check out the quick instructional video linked below from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams for one DIY mask making option.
Here are links to other great DIY mask making videos endorsed by DHSS: https://youtu.be/VgHrnS6n4iA and https://youtu.be/1r2C1zGUHbU
Please do not use surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those items are critical PPE which must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.
A MESSAGE ON MASKS: Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Zink wants to sincerely thank all the homemade mask makers in Alaska. These are being used as backup to the commercial grade PPE, or personal protective equipment, in case supplies run out. In some cases, homemade PPE can be used in combination with commercial equipment to extend its use. But more and more, many Alaskans are choosing to wear homemade masks if they need to go out in public on essential business, just to err on the side of caution. If someone wants to wear a homemade mask when they’re out in public, even if they are well, Dr. Zink says it can be helpful. But she wants Alaskans to be clear about how exactly these masks can and can’t help.
Any kind of mask or handkerchief you wear can help prevent your own respiratory droplets from infecting someone else. These aren’t foolproof; respiratory droplets are so small they can get through most fabric, but it can help prevent these droplets from spreading widely compared to a person without a mask who sneezes or coughs.
So why might healthy people wear them? The trouble with COVID-19, as we’ve seen in the data, is that some people may be infected with the virus that causes the disease and not yet know it. Symptoms may be mild, or nonexistent, and a person could be contagious. If a person happens to sneeze, cough or emit any droplets, a mask or bandanna will help contain those droplets. It can reduce the chance that we emit any droplets inadvertently which might be inhaled or transferred to another person by touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
The other thing these masks do is to help prevent people from touching their nose and mouth, which helps prevent infection. Homemade masks are also helpful because it saves the commercial grade PPE, or personal protective equipment, for health care providers and others who deal directly with COVID-19 patients and health care providers need this precious commodity.
If you’re going outside – on an essential errand such as the store or pharmacy– it can be helpful to cover up with a homemade mask, but people should know it is no guarantee. It probably doesn’t provide any significant protection for the healthy person wearing the mask and certainly doesn’t mean you should get closer than six feet to someone outside of your household, but it may help some and can help you from spreading droplets widely to others.
Thank you, Alaska mask makers. For more information, please read this Johns Hopkins School of Public Health article, “The Right Mask for the Task”:https://www.jhsph.edu/…/ar…/the-right-mask-for-the-task.htm
Photo: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Looking to find some clarity or clear your mind during these times? Try balancing your mind with these peaceful and enlightening activities. Try them all or just pick a few that speak to you!
COVID-19
Presentation 04.02.20
by Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s chief medical
officer
Excellent presentation during tonight’s press conference. Thank you to DHSS and Dr. Zink for keeping us informed and educated. You are appreciated.
Click here to view the slide deck: http://dhss.alaska.gov/…/SOA_04022020_AlaskaHealthCarePrese…
Click here to view the full presentation with Dr. Zink’s explanation and commentary: https://livestream.com/govdunleavy/events/9069900…
COVID-19
Economic Stabilization Resources
✔ State
of Alaska Economic Stabilization
Plan:
gov.alaska.gov/covid-19-economy
✔ U.S
Chamber of Commerce
Coronavirus
Emergency Loans – Small Business
Guide
https://uscham.com/3bOnmlC
✔ The
CARES Act
The
Basics: https://home.treasury.gov/cares
Toolkit: https://bit.ly/2V0Ts6T
Valdez Neighbors Facebook Group
(Coordinated by members of the VUCRG) – Consistent with the spirit of
Valdez, this group’s purpose is to help connect resources to those
who most need them. If you HAVE things that can be shared (i.e.
toilet paper, cleaning/sanitizing supplies, etc.) or are aware of
neighbors who NEED help, please send the group a private
message.
Valdez City School Lunch Program (Member of VUCRG) –
During this extended spring break, VSC realizes we still have
children in need. Grab and go breakfast and lunch will be available
at the George Gilson Middle School Monday, March 16th through Friday,
March 27th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Students or their parents will
be allowed to stop by the middle school lunchroom to grab breakfast
and/or lunch and take them home. Students will not be allowed to stay
at the school to eat as the staff will be in their classrooms and
unavailable to do supervision. In addition to allowing parents to
pick up meals, we are utilizing buses to deliver meals to homes
during the weekdays from 11am-1pm. If you would like to request a
meal, please contact Amber Cockerham at 907-834-4700 or
acockerham@valdezcityschools.org<mailto:acockerham@valdezcityschools.org>.
These meals are available to all students K-12
Valdez Food
Bank (Member of VUCRG) – Extended their hours today and provided
“curb-side” delivery for all patrons. Instead of receiving
patrons in the food bank building, patrons were asked to stay inside
their vehicles and shop using a prepared list of available items. The
items were then gathered and delivered to the patrons’ vehicles.
TFAP continued as usual.
Brand new CDC guidance regarding events
and large gatherings – https://bit.ly/3cY16XX
Brand
new DHSS guidance regarding returning travelers –
https://bit.ly/3aZoB0Y
3/18/20
Good evening,
I will provide a more lengthy situation update later this evening.
However, I wanted to get the new state of Alaska mandate (4) issued by the Governor tonight out to all of you ASAP. This is in addition to SOA mandate 3.1 which I sent a little earlier (Two different mandates tonight; SOA published them at different times).
Please read through it VERY carefully. Please distribute widely.
The mandate has also been posted on the UCRG Facebook page.
To view tonight’s full state press conference, visit: https://livestream.com/govdunleavy/events/9044620
Take Care,
Allie Ferko
Public Information Officer, COVID-19 Unified Community Response Group (Valdez)
Let’s talk a little bit about social distancing.
“Social distancing” means avoiding large group gatherings and avoiding getting too close to others. Current guidance from the CDC and DHSS recommends avoiding gatherings of more than ten people and attempting to stay at least six feet away from others.
However, social distancing DOESN’T mean being stuck in your house if you are healthy. As long as you practice social distancing as outlined above, it is ok to go on a hike on area trails or take your dog for a walk. It is also ok to go to the store for groceries or practice your faith. It is ok for your kiddos to play with *small groups* of their friends. As long as everyone continues to practice good social distancing so we #akFlattenTheCurve.
With that said, if you are sick with *any* type of illness or have traveled internationally in the past 14 days, #BeAGoodNeighbor and stay home. If you are an elder, have underlying medical conditions or care for someone more at risk for serious complications, take extra precautions.
During this time of uncertainty, we are all experiencing a major disruption to our everyday lives. Please make sure you are also focusing on other healthy behaviors. Eat well, get enough sleep, drink lots of water, exercise and limit screen time, if possible. Wash your hands and practice good hygiene. Check on each other. Look for ways you can *safely* help your neighbors. We are all in this together.
Pictured: Dr. Sam Shirk enjoys a little time outside this past weekend while practicing good social distancing.
Photo courtesy of VUCRG
3/17/20
Good afternoon, Valdez.
As most of you are aware, the State of Alaska declared a Public Health Disaster Emergency on March 11th in response to the COVID-19 situation. You may have heard that Mayer Berkowitz also declared a disaster emergency for the Municipality of Anchorage.
So, let’s discuss what a disaster declaration actually means.
First of all, it doesn’t mean to panic. A declaration, such as in the case of the state of Alaska, often occurs prior to the arrival of an actual emergency.
A disaster declaration simply makes certain resources more readily available to communities. Such resources might include funding, supplies, additional personnel and support from the Alaska National Guard.
In the event the City issues a disaster declaration, leadership of the Valdez Unified Community Response Group will shift from the medical community to a more formalized unified command structure led by city administration. This allows our medical providers to remain focused on operational readiness and response.
In the event of such a transition, the Valdez Unified Community Response group will remain the centralized location for community education and resources.
We are all in this together, Valdez. Thank you for remaining flexible and supporting each other through this unprecedented time. Stay educated using credible sources. Practice social distancing. Stay home is you are sick and wash your hands.
Take Care,
Allie Ferko
Public Information Officer, COVID-19 Unified Community Response Group (Valdez)
THIS POST WILL BE UPDATED AS WE RECEIVE NEW INFORMATION -LAST UPDATED 3/17/20
Important message from Valdez city manager regarding impact of COVID-19 situation on local business community:
“As of Tuesday morning (3/17/20), there is no plan by local authorities to require mandatory closure of any type of business within our city limits,” said Mark Detter, Valdez city manager. “However, the COVID-19 situation is highly dynamic and things can change quickly and without notice at both the state and local level. We ask our business community to plan ahead, remain flexible and continue to follow established CDC and DHSS public health guidelines for their establishments. This includes encouraging practical prevention techniques, asking employees to stay home when sick and providing opportunities for social distancing.”
The Valdez Unified Community Response Group is now offering multiple free tools to help support our local businesses and organizations.
Need help with your plans for continuity of operations? “Continuity of operations”, or COOP, simply means thinking about and planning ahead for how you will continue the critical functions of your business or organization in an emergency situation. It doesn’t have to be complicated or a multi-page document which sits on a shelf. Planning ahead will help you and your staff feel confident in your ability to respond to whatever may occur in the future.
For assistance or to discuss how you can improve your COOP, please contact Dr. Dennis Humphrey at djhumphrey@alaska.edu to schedule a free help session. Dr. Humphrey is retired Army National Guard colonel with almost 29 years’ experience in emergency planning and response. He now serves as associate professor of English at Prince William Sound College.
CDC Guidance for Employers and Businesses: https://bit.ly/39UfDlw<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F39UfDlw%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR06BOvFXiCq6ig9nA2E38lnZ0cNwsu4-t0Q67n02D5_83w394wqg0vz-Cs&h=AT2qF0cdN0PfcmTiHs6AYlGVlmmMisuLulL7BUFVJc1V4U3rB_S3-64dYXdkybQj7Dm2TigdqLkY8KROtdvLeQca6lj3w0DaPc3CWGlCSvidRF6DxBKmbbbIpMyC8vyrGjpq0zfFa-AYI6ravZnlOIM6-EJkwK2hg0baJ_T-dgE9fjMa0GgJ7LxmrRwTb45_hjcDRjYf_C0_y9CrQ5OOecB28Wq8Av_I0d5M9WYe-eB61q4F3wMBjHKM0cpFULy9BHBf6BUkK5EUFBGtZJpZuulMzSuxELuVn9DfbKo9L56hZuTgcI_TH292sBl7U4u_Lar2EEGCF9ND2ZJ_x-3OTnoNULVSMBsD-HFbTK7-bU4JLBqLIpsIfqxiPCHyxHUBdqofhxb-C8uag2gGSfOBPzbiXyjBPCoPBG191ij8eN-HZ7XdKVNJ2zlYQzC0JEmCN0tot7UTEuMqf1Exir90-KIfXrmjtBU4D9EOXdHuDtQ_91mdHW2l2gjppbDPR71dWDCU92yZ2mfBg24UxDI8hwNXKGrDP6rE9rIvoxIduptcFuNG8hAH4gq4L5zsG8XzpJl_T5Axo8bvouxfoFiZoWAjiVjS3sm43brADWbY6c8LpkZR62sZRmExXq3HfiX8UN3Ad4p4x2QZvJRVj0DDF-w>
City Facility Closures to Encourage Social Distancing.
To encourage social distancing and in conjunction with the Valdez Board of Education decision to extend spring break through March 22nd, the following city facilities will also be closed to the public effective 5pm on Friday, March 13th.
* Civic Center
* Movie Theater
* Recreation Center
* Pool
* Rock wall
* Gyms
* Library
For updates on the status of city parks, recreation and cultural services activities and facilities, please call the PRCS hotline @ 907.835.3200.
All other city facilities and departments will continue to operate as usual unless otherwise directed by the city manager. We will provide additional updates as the situation changes.
