Alaska, Announcements, Business, City of Cordova, economics, Government, Health, Life, Uncategorized, Virus Response

Cordova COVID19 Information-UPDATED

by Sue Bergstrom

THIS POST WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY, SO CHECK BACK FOR NEW INFORMATION

Re-Opening Cordova:

On Wednesday at the special City Council meeting, the seven-member representative body of the community voted unanimously to bring Cordova nearly in line with the State’s “Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan” effective today, May 28, 2020 at 8:00 am. A caveat was added based on recommendations of the Medical Team, to keep the City Temporary Emergency COVID-19 rules in effect with an amendment to Emergency Rule 15 facial coverings as in emergency order 2020-08.

Here is a summary of Cordova’s Emergency Order Rule 15 Facial Coverings:

Except as otherwise provided in this rule, all individuals in Cordova must wear a mask, bandanna or other type of cloth protective covering over their nose and mouth when social distancing from another individual of at least six feet is not possible.

Individuals under the age of four, individuals with trouble breathing, and individuals with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a facial covering are exempt from this rule.

Facial coverings need not be worn in the following circumstances:

1. An individual is alone or within six feet of only members of his or her household

2. An individual is eating or drinking in compliance with State of Alaska public health mandates

3. An individual is receiving lawful services that cannot be adequately performed while the service provider or the recipient is wearing a mask.

Keeping the COVID-19 virus out of our community is a personal responsibility for all Cordovans. Please follow the guidelines for you, your friends and neighbors.

Tips to Stay Safe:

There is currently no vaccine to prevent infection with the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. It is spread:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
    • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • COVID-19 has been detected in persons who are not showing symptoms, and recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by asymptomatic people.
  • It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Summer Road Closure:

Trident Seafoods with permission from the City/IMT will be closing down Jim Poor Ave in front of their facility and Marine Way. This will consist of 3 roadblocks including Jim Poor Avenue and Break Water Avenue; Jim Poor Avenue and Haida Lane; and Marine Way and Industry Road.  

COVID-19 Info Line: 424-INFO

The City of Cordova is pleased to announce the establishment of a dedicated phone line manned by knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Here is just some of the information you might need to ask for:

  • Lists of phone numbers for local assistance groups.
  • Links and numbers for State financial and food assistance.
  • Current information on Cordova Health mandates
  • Reopen Alaska Current Phase data and implementation specific to Cordova
  • Help people find the many Forms and information on the City of Cordova Covid 19 and Cordova Chamber of Commerce websites
  • Info on where and when people can be tested at CCMC and Ilanka
  • A place where anyone can voice questions and concerns and hopefully find answers about Covid 19 and what we as a community are doing to mitigate its effects

More Info? 424- WELL

This phone line provided by the Native Village of Eyak is updated daily with the latest information from the Incident Management Team.

Masks:

  • Wearing masks in Cordova is still a community emergency rule. Looking for a mask? Fishers and tender crew are welcome to take 2 from the bags at the harbormaster’s office and the ramp at the old harbor.
  • However – Cordova volunteers have not been able to keep up with the demand. Local Cordova businesses have stepped up to the plate and masks are available at Laura’s and Alaska Commercial Company.
  • A bandana, a cloth mask, a disposable mask will help protect you and those around you. Remember – if you despise wearing a mask…you’re really not going to like the ventilator!

Test Results:

Here are the testing results for our community for the period of Thursday May 28th from midnight to midnight:

  • 460 Tests have been conducted
  • 1 active test result
  • 455 negative test results
  • 4 test results are pending
  • Our community has testing capability of 1100+ tests

Drive-Up Testing Available to ALL: UPDATE FOR MONDAY

FREE Drive-Up testing is now available for anyone in Cordova!!

Monday and Wednesday 2pm – 4pm at Ilanka Community Health Center, downstairs across from the Episcopal Church. BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 1ST 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

AND

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2pm – 4pm at Cordova Community Medical Center in the Ambulance Bay. BEGINNING MONDAY 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Please call ahead!! ICHC 424-3622 and CCMC 424-8000 to complete a required pre-registration. This will save you time! Please call if you are unable to access these times and the folks will make arrangements to accommodate your schedule.

How long does it take for test results? It depends on the type of test, but results are usually back in 1-2 days or sooner.

We encourage the community to look at testing as positive progress. Testing empowers the community and with the assistance from the State of Alaska and the efforts of our unified medical teams we are now able to offer this expanded service. Testing is knowledge!

Caring for our Community:

The Salvation Army is offering guidance to those Cordovans who are in need of assistance in paying bills through the Can-Do Fund.

Jenni Ragland with the Salvation Army in Anchorage explains community members just need to express their specific need and provide some personal documentation.

If you are in need, please reach out to Jenni Ragland in Anchorage at 907-339-3440. The deadline for this assistance is currently, Friday May 29th, but Ms. Ragland has asked for an extension, but it has not been confirmed yet.

Health and Well Being

Cordova Playgrounds will open on Monday, June 1st it has been announced by the Parks and Rec Team. Understand that you are using the playground at your own risk.

  • The Noel Pallas Memorial Park: we strongly recommend utilizing the bathrooms in the snack shack prior to and after using the playground.
  • Practice social distancing with those outside of your bubble (or double bubble now) etc.
  • The Mt. Eccles playground does not have a hand washing station and parents should come prepared (hand sanitizer etc.)

The Parks and Rec Department will be steam cleaning the playground and bathrooms. This will be completed by Monday, June 1st.

Let us celebrate the re-opening of Cordova but in the process remember to have and encourage patience!

State of Alaska Health Mandate #018

Intrastate Travel Between Communities Located On The Road System And/Or The Marine Highway System is permitted for all purposes. Note: travelers may travel between the Road System and Marine Highway System communities via any normal means of transportation, including vehicle, boat, ferry, aircraft, and commercial air carrier.

State of Alaska Health Mandates Still in Effect:

#017 Protective Measures for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels

#015 Services By Health Care Providers

#014 Non-Congregate Sheltering Order

#010 International and Interstate Travel – Self Quarantine

Bidarki Rec Center and Pool Updates:

Bidarki Recreation Center is shooting to open our doors by the middle of June. You can expect:
*personal fitness by appointment
*no cash transactions ~ credit/debit only.
*you must wear a mask
*wellness assessment ~ temp. taken upon arrival
*limited group fitness classes / low impact (due to mask rule)
*group sports are postponed until further notice.
*no showers or saunas / come dressed to work out
*We will be expanding personal fitness features into half the upstairs gymnasium, to maintain a recommended 10ft distance between patrons.
*7 person capacity in lower weight room
*10 person capacity per half of the gymnasium
*10 square ft floor markings to maintain spatial awareness
*Your passes will be re-activated ~ you will pick up right where you left off; having the same amount of time left on your pass on the day we closed (3/16/20).
When we get closer to opening we will give you a specific date. 🙂
***Operational plans are developing for the pool as well. We will share more information regarding opening the pool next week ~ Thanks for your patience!

NEWS RELEASE

April 21, 2020, 7:00 pm, News Release No. 20

Coronavirus COVID-19

Advertisement

City of Cordova COVID-19 Confirmed Positive Case Count: 0

EMERGENCY RULE 6 – FACE COVERINGS: On Tuesday, April 21st, Cordova City Manager Helen Howarth signed into effect a new Emergency Rule. Effective this Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 am, all individuals in Cordova must wear a mask, bandanna or other type of protective cloth covering over their nose and mouth when entering a building open to the public, in the harbor on docks and ramps, when pumping gas or using gas station amenities, and in any other settings where social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. Individuals under the age of four, individuals with trouble breathing, and individuals with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a facial covering are exempt from this rule. All individuals alone in a space requiring facial coverings under this rule are not required to wear a covering unless and until another person outside that person’s household arrives at their location.

NEW COVID-19 DASHBOARD: The City of Cordova COVID-19 Incident Management Team is excited to announce the launch of its new Cordova COVID-19 Dashboard at covid19.cityofcordova.net. This mobile-friendly platform is filled with easy to find information on the City’s response, testing numbers, resources for citizens and businesses, quick reference guides, forms, mandates, FAQs, infographics and more. Easily searchable, multi-lingual and search engine optimized; this one-stop-shop for Coronavirus information will be updated regularly with items relevant to Cordova. Responsive cross-platform digital mutual aid agreement forms will be coming soon to this site!

TESTING IN CORDOVA: As of 4/21/2020 there have been sixteen COVID-19 tests conducted in Cordova, with zero positive results and one test awaiting results. Local healthcare providers have the capability to test approximately 920 people in Cordova at this time. The new Abbott rapid testing units are for use with patients that are symptomatic only and are not approved for asymptomatic use. Additional testing supplies have been requested. Your local healthcare provider will order testing. While testing is an important tool in stopping the spread of coronavirus, your Cordova Medical Response Team would like to reiterate that social distancing is still the number one method for containing the spread of COVID-19.

OTHER UPDATES:

  • Gloves & Handwashing – The Incident Management Team medical section would like to clarify some safety precautions with gloves and handwashing. For the best protection against coronavirus, it’s recommended to frequently wash your hands as opposed to wearing gloves while in public for several reasons.
    • Wearing gloves could give a false sense of security.
    • Wear gloves can increase your chances of cross-contamination.
    • You can still pick up coronavirus with gloves.
    • If you then touch your face with the gloves on, you could be spreading the contamination and infect yourself.
    • With bare hands, people are more prone to frequent washing before touching anything else.
  • Pharmacy Hours – The CCMC Pharmacy is open regular hours. They are taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe and they’re asking customers to take a few steps to make services easier for everyone.
    • Call in your prescription ahead of time.
    • Everyone is encouraged to use the curbside service.
    • Use hand sanitizer before and after each transaction.
    • Use credit card instead of cash, when possible.
    • Call the CCMC Pharmacy with any questions at 424-8017.
  • CDFU Fishermen Outreach – Cordova District Fishermen United has put together a comprehensive Letter to the Fleet including the rules and safety precautions that must be taken in Area E, which is being mailed to fishermen this week. We appreciate their efforts and partnership to ensure fishermen understand the city and state requirements for safety.
  • Harbor & Airport Plans – The City IMT has been hard at work developing and executing port of entry plans to educate users and mitigate risks to the community. We have published a working Harbor COVID Operations Plan which is available for community review on the website. Some signage is already in place at the harbor and more will be installed soon at all entrances. Water is being turned on now and hand-washing stations will be installed on ramps soon. Signage is also posted prominently at the airport, and a group of volunteers who are now part of the Incident Management Team structure are greeting all arrivals with information on local and state rules and mandates as well as information on resources while in quarantine and offering PPE.

KEEPING CORDOVA INFORMED:

  • New User-Friendly Cordova COVID-19 Website: The City of Cordova has created a new user-friendly webpage and online information hub for Cordova COVID-19 information with the goal of providing more information that is easier for the public to find to access. Visit covid19.cityofcordova.net for all the latest information on Cordova’s response, state and federal mandates, guidelines, best practices and more.
  • Translations: The Cordova IMT Public Information Team is translating all official posted signage and daily releases to both Spanish and Tagalog. The PIO team has also reached out to processors to ensure that translations of key information are available in all needed languages to keep their staff informed of COVID-19 mandates, guidelines and developments.
  • Radio Updates & FAQ: Members of the City of Cordova COVID-19 Incident Management Team are hosting regular COVID-19 Radio updates on KCDV-FM 100.9 and KLAM-AM 1450. The programs include frequently asked questions and answers; as well as pertinent local, state and federal updates on COVID-19 status and planning. Tune in on the radio or listen to archived radio updates are at youtube.com/cordovatv.
  • Live Community Updates: The City of Cordova COVID-19 Public Information Team will be hosting a new live streamed Community Update every Tuesday at 4:00pm in addition to its weekly briefing on Fridays at 4:00pm. The broadcast featuring reports and guest commentary from community and business partners, industry and medical professionals and response collaborators will be streamed live to the City’s YouTube channel and will be shared on Facebook via Facebook.com/groups/CordovaPrepared.
  • Infographics: The City of Cordova’s COVID-19 Public Information Team has developed several topical infographics, intended to present information quickly and clearly. These have been released to the public and targeted user groups and can be found on the website and Facebook page. We invite and encourage the community to share them.

CITY FACILITY CLOSURES:

  • All public playgrounds
  • Odiak Camper Park
  • Cordova School District
  • Cordova Public Library
  • Cordova Historical Museum & Gallery
  • Bidarki Recreation Center
  • Bob Korn Memorial Pool
  • DMV – available by appointment only between the normal hours of Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm until further notice.  Only one person will be permitted in the DMV office at a time. Please call 424-6125 to schedule your appointment.
  • City Hall – available by appointment only between the normal hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm starting Thursday March 19, 2020 and until further notice. Utility payments may be dropped off in the drop box located near the exit of the upper parking lot. You may also contact the finance department regarding other financial matters at finance2@cityofcordova.net and finance3@citofcordova.net. Please call 424-6200 to schedule your appointment.
  • Harbor – Beginning Friday, March 20th, the Harbor office will be closed to walk-ins. Payments can be made by mail or by phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Appointments can be made to purchase shower tokens in bulk Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Shipyard services are also by appointment. Starting March 20, 2020, the Harbor Department will not be accepting mail or packages. If you have mail or packages being delivered to the Harbor Office, please make other arrangements.

Please consult these resources for information:

The Incident Management Team, which collaborates with our medical professionals and emergency management teams around the state, feel that the curve has been flatter in Alaska and virus incidence has been fairly low because of the social distancing and other steps that the tribes, governments, businesses, organizations and individuals have put in place to protect themselves and their communities. We cannot emphasize enough how critical it is to continue these practices. Let’s do our part and practice the CDC guidance to keep Cordova free of COVID-19 for as long as possible. Please take every precaution to care for yourself and loved ones. Updates will be posted regularly on to covid19.cityofcordova.net and Facebook.com/groups/cordovaprepared/. General local questions can be directed to cordovaprepared@yahoo.com.

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Attention Cordova Business Owners:

All local businesses who are operating or who plan on operating in Cordova this summer, need to fill out and turn in a Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Cordova (see Rules 15 & 16 in Cordova Emergency Order 2020). Forms are available at cityofcordova.net and labeled “Small Business Mutual Aid Agreement” and “Large Business Mutual Aid Agreement”. Completed forms and any questions can be emailed to forms@cityofcordova.net or dropped in the City dropbox in front of the Cordova Center.

CONTACT:

Helen Howarth, City Manager

Clay Koplin, Public Information Officer

(907) 424-6200

citymanager@cityofcordova.net

NEWS RELEASE

March 26, 2020, 5:00 pm, News Release No. 8

Coronavirus COVID-19

City of Cordova COVID-19 Confirmed Positive Case Count: 0

STATE OF ALASKA CASE COUNT: The case count in Alaska has continued to escalate with 17 new cases reported on March 25, 2020, bringing the statewide total to 59 as of that date. Of the 17 new cases, three are between ages 18 and 29, nine between 30 and 59, and five over 60. For this virus, it is important to remember that young people and young adults can contract the virus and the symptoms can be very mild, especially in younger, healthier patients. It’s also important to note that this virus can be “shedding” or contagious in patients before they are symptomatic.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: This underscores the importance of the CDC’s social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet (which should be followed by all Cordovans, even those who do not feel sick) and self-isolation for Cordova’s elderly and high-risk populations as well as the those who have entered Cordova within the last 14 days (per Cordova Health Mandate 1 and Alaska Health Mandate 10). As the state of Alaska Chief Medical Officer, Anne Zink, continues to state, the citizens of Alaska hold the future very much in their hands. How you choose to follow these mitigation measures now will help determine how long these measures must stay in place, how many Alaskans become infected, how many hospitals are overwhelmed, and how many people eventually succumb to this disease. “Really right now this is a call to action to all Alaskans. I can’t underestimate and I can’t overstate the importance of slowing down now. The more that we do now, the more we flatten that curve and it’s just critical,” said Zink. Cordova City Manager, Helen Howarth also urges Cordovans take these mitigation measures seriously. “Cordova does not yet have a confirmed positive COVID-19 case. Let’s keep it that way. Every person in town is responsible for doing their part and protecting themselves and others as if we do already have confirmed cases.” As a reminder, please follow these guidelines to STOP THE SPREAD of COVID-19:

  1. Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and clean frequently touched surfaces.
  2. Keep at least 6 feet away from others. Stay home and work from home as much as possible.
  3. If you are sick with a respiratory infection, even with mild symptoms, isolate yourself from others and call ahead if you need medical attention.
  4. In accordance with Governor Dunleavy’s March 20th Health Mandate, remember:
    • No gatherings of more than 10 people may take place.
    • If a gathering does take place people must be 6 feet apart from each other.
  5. Follow all health mandates and guidance issued by Governor Mike Dunleavy, DHSS, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and local governments and health authorities.

Find more information about how to keep yourself and your family healthy at coronavirus.alaska.gov.

TESTING IN CORDOVA: While there are still no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Cordova, testing is taking place and is available for those that fit the CDC’s testing criteria at Cordova Community Medical Center and Ilanka Community Health Center. In a community as small and close-knit as Cordova, the City of Cordova’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team feels it is best not to reveal the exact number of individuals tested at this time to protect patient privacy. Any test which comes back positive for COVID-19 in Cordova will be reported to the public immediately.

HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION: CCMC, Ilanka Clinic and the City of Cordova are working cooperatively as a team to address COVID-19.  The Incident Command Team meets daily to gather information from all sources to share with the public.  Cordova Prepared is the comprehensive source for answers to any questions you have.  Please do not call CCMC or the Clinic with COVID questions unless related directly to your health.  We do not want to take time away from the important work of our medical providers. Please do send your questions to cordovaprepared@yahoo.com which goes directly to the City’s Public Information and Incident Management Teams.

INCIDENT & COMMUNITY ACTION PLANS: Your Incident Management Team has been assembled and planning for this pandemic since January. We ask for the community’s patience and trust as the team continues to craft its response plan, the next step of which will be triggered when Cordova receives its first positive case. The City of Cordova IMT has also been working together with stakeholders in Cordova’s commercial fishing and essential services community to craft mitigation plans to keep the community as safe as possible.

WEEKLY NEWS BRIEFINGS: Beginning tomorrow, March 27, 2020 the City of Cordova’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team will be hosting live-streamed Press Briefings each Friday at 4:00pm.

CITY FACILITY CLOSURES:

  • Cordova School District
  • Cordova Public Library
  • Cordova Historical Museum & Gallery
  • Bidarki Recreation Center
  • Bob Korn Memorial Pool
  • DMV – available by appointment only between the normal hours of Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm until further notice.  Only one person will be permitted in the DMV office at a time. Please call 424-6125 to schedule your appointment.
  • City Hall – available by appointment only between the normal hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm starting Thursday March 19, 2020 and until further notice. Utility payments may be dropped off in the drop box located near the exit of the upper parking lot. You may also contact the finance department regarding other matters at finance2@cityofcordova.net and finance3@citofcordova.net. Please call 424-6200 to schedule your appointment.
  • Harbor – Beginning Friday, March 20th, the Harbor office will be closed to walk-ins. Payments can be made by mail or by phone Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Appointments can be made to purchase shower tokens in bulk Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Shipyard services are also by appointment. Starting March 20, 2020, the Harbor Department will not be accepting mail or packages. If you have mail or packages being delivered to the Harbor Office, please make other arrangements.

The City of Cordova Emergency Management Organization and its community partners have been closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and are following best available guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Tests have been administered in Cordova, and all tests received back to date have been negative. If you have flu-like illness or respiratory symptoms (dry cough, increased fever, persistent fever that stays above 100.3F, and/or shortness of breath), please CALL AHEAD before coming into a medical facility (this applies to emergency room and clinic visits).

IMT ACTIVATED: Effective Tuesday March 16, 2020, the City of Cordova Emergency Management Organization has formed and activated its Incident Management Team (IMT) to begin implementation of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and to take necessary actions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID19) in Cordova.

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY: On March 11, following national and state declarations of emergency, Cordova’s City Manager issued a local emergency declaration. Cordova’s City Council voted to extend the emergency declaration by resolution on March 18, which enables the Incident Management Team (IMT) to continue to have authority to take actions to reduce the impact and spread of the coronavirus in our community.

Please consult these resources for information:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – coronavirus.gov
  • State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) – coronavirus.alaska.gov
  • Dial 211 – The State of Alaska information line for non-clinical questions
  • City of Cordova – cityofcordova.net

Let’s do our part and practice the CDC guidance to keep Cordova free of COVID-19 for as long as possible. Please take every precaution to care for yourself and loved ones. Updates will be posted regularly on the Cordova Prepared page of the City of Cordova Website and Facebook.com/groups/cordovaprepared/. General local questions can be directed to cordovaprepared@yahoo.com.

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