Valdez COVID-19 Unified Command
NEWS RELEASE # 013
For immediate release: 07/27/2020, 8:30 p.m.
Valdez, AK – The community of Valdez received confirmation of its third resident case of COVID-19 on Monday.
The new resident case is an adult with mild symptoms. The patient has been in isolation at home since the day they began feeling ill. They are following the guidance of their medical provider and public health officials. The contact investigation for this new case is ongoing, with close contacts anticipated to be notified by Tuesday afternoon.
“Once close contacts are notified, Alaska Department of Health & Social Services will attempt to determine the patient’s source of exposure to the virus,” said Dr. Sam Shirk, Providence Valdez Medical Center chief of staff. “Until a source is confirmed, we must assume the virus is present in the community and make good choices to help slow potential spread. Our behavior now will determine the health of Valdez over the next couple of weeks. Taking small, individual actions like avoiding gatherings, physical distancing, wearing a cloth face covering around others, hand hygiene, and staying home when you are sick all make a big impact.”
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To learn more about the DHSS public health contact tracing process in Alaska, visit https://bit.ly/2BgsnXr.
Please continue to monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms which include a fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, and any new onset of illness. If you believe you have even mild symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for screening and closely follow their instructions. Remember to call ahead before you go to the doctor’s office, public health clinic, or hospital. The local medical team will continue to provide the best possible care for you and our community.
Asymptomatic testing is currently available in Valdez for select high risk populations, including those who interact with the public at work and those with state of Alaska travel vouchers. Visit www.valdezak.gov/COVID-19 for additional information and to learn more about different local testing options.
The Valdez Unified Command and public health officials continue to closely monitor the rapidly changing course of COVID-19. We ask the community to practice compassion and remember that behind every case count number is a person dealing with a difficult diagnosis. We remain committed to providing information, support, and resources to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Valdez during this unprecedented time.
Contact: Allie Ferko, public information officer, Valdez Unified Command aferko@valdezak.gov, (907) 202-0711
