KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
A new state health mandate announces the use of hotel rooms, dormitories and other buildings to house specific populations who need to quarantine or isolate. KMXT posts the following press release from the Governor’s office as received, with minor edits.
Issued: April 13, 2020
By: Governor Mike Dunleavy, Commissioner Adam Crum, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer, State of Alaska
To prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the State of Alaska is issuing its fourteenth health mandate based on its authority under the Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration signed by Governor Mike Dunleavy on March 11, 2020.
This mandate is issued to protect the public health of Alaskans and mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The goal is to flatten the curve and disrupt the spread of the virus.
Health Mandate 014 – Non-Congregate Sheltering Order
The State of Alaska is prepared to implement a temporary quarantine and isolation program utilizing non-congregate shelter solutions including hotels, college and university dormitories, and properly modified non-traditional structures to house three specific populations:
- First responders and healthcare workers who need to quarantine safely without exposing their families.
- Homeless families, with at least one member who tested positive for COVID-19, who live in congregate shelters and will require isolation.
- Homeless individuals who require quarantine or isolation.
As of April 12, 2020, there were 277 confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 in the state. Chief Medical Officer for the State of Alaska has reviewed the data regarding actual COVID-19 cases and reported exposures among vulnerable populations.
Therefore, in order to protect public health and to ensure public safety, as well as to lessen or avert the threat of a healthcare catastrophe, the implementation of non-congregate shelter quarantine and isolation solutions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable populations must be put in place.
This mandate will remain in effect until rescinded.
