By Sentinel Staff
SEARHC today and at the Assembly meeting Monday night reminded Sitkans of the Health Alert issued by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services advisory related to travelers arriving in the state from around the U.S. and abroad.
“We perhaps are in a unique situation in Alaska to hopefully avoid the worst that the epidemic could offer,” Dr. Elliot Bruhl, chief medical officer, told the Assembly Monday. “There is a significant decrease in travelers into the state because of the travel bans and problems that have been occurring in the Lower 48. Which means there is a significant decrease in the flow of people from outside Alaska into Alaska, which is in itself protective.”
DHSS “strongly advises” that all Alaskans read and comply with the following guidance for returning travelers:
1. Higher Risk: For travelers returning within 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread, ongoing community spread such as Europe, China and other countries (i.e., a Centers for Disease Control Level 3 Travel Health Notice Area) you should (for two weeks):
– Stay home and avoid contact with other household members.
– Contact your employer and do not go to work or school for this 14-day period after you return.
– CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice Area includes China, Iran, South Korea, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City.
SEARHC added today that avoiding contact with pets is a good idea since “animals can carry the virus in their fur.”
2. Medium Risk: Travelers returning within 14 days from outside of Alaska (including the rest of the United States) should (for two weeks):
– Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
– Minimize contact with people as much as possible, self-monitor and practice social distancing.
– This may mean not going to work or school if you cannot safely be distanced from others – especially if you traveled in a location where community transmission is occurring.
Health Guidance for Returning Travelers in the Higher and Medium Risk Groups:
1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
2. Do not take mass transportation during the time you are practicing social distancing.
3. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
4. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
5. If you get sick with fever (<100.3°F), cough, or shortness of breath, please call your health care provider.
6. If you seek medical care for other reasons, such as dialysis, call ahead to your doctor and tell them about your recent travel.
Other advisories remain in effect for preventing and controlling the spread of the virus through frequent hand washing, maintaining social distances of at least six feet, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and cleaning surfaces.
SEARHC added today to continue to practice good hygiene and wash and launder items regularly.
