Press Release - Corona Virus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 6, 2020 - 1400 hours

Contact:

Captain Michael Hanson
Acting Director
Unalaska Fire Department
[email protected]

Re: COVID-19 Virus

We do not have any confirmed cases or anyone with a suspected case of COVID-19 corona virus in Unalaska, or on a vessel moored nearby. If that should change in the future, we will work with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services to ensure that the public is promptly notified and made aware of all recommended steps to be taken to ensure the safety of our community. For current information on COVID-19, visit the AKDHSS website specific to this topic, at www.cornavirus.alaska.gov

To ease the minds of those worried about COVID-19, we would also like to share that the Department has taken a proactive approach and partnered with local fishing companies, as well as King County Health Services in Seattle, the CDC, the Alaska Department of Health, IFHS, and numerous other agencies to ensure that appropriate screening and testing measures are being implemented to slow the spread of this new virus. The CDC issued recommendations on their website for communities to follow to prevent the spread of COVID-19 corona virus.

Practice everyday preventive care now. Remind everyone in your household about the importance of practicing everyday preventive care that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries, is available here: https://www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html