(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The Ketchikan Emergency Operations Center (EOC) received information from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) that there has been a positive test result for COVID-19 in Ketchikan. According to a Tuesday afternoon news release, the individual has a history of travel to the lower 48. Upon experiencing symptoms of illness, the individual self-isolated and sought testing through a Ketchikan clinic. The individual is an employee of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. 

The White Cliff Building has been closed until further notice. The Borough has contracted out for a thorough commercial disinfectant service for the entirety of the White Cliff Building and outside areas of the building. Borough employees in direct contact with the individual will be self-isolating for a period of no less than 14 days.  Employees who were not in contact with the individual may return to work sooner. 

Ketchikan Public Health officials have made contact with this individual and will continue to monitor his condition to ensure continued self-isolation. The individual was identified as a male in the news release by the statement of "his condition".

Public Health officials will initiate a contact investigation and reach out to any person who may have come into contact with this individual. Public Health will notify and isolate additional persons as appropriate. 

The Ketchikan Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reassures the public that the EOC is working closely with Ketchikan Public Health to identify anyone who may be at risk for having contact with this individual. The public will be informed of any information that is needed for community health and safety.  

Citizens are encouraged to continue to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for precautionary measures such as handwashing and social distancing. In following the CDC guidelines, we recommend that public gatherings and events be canceled. Please refer to the CDC webpage for information on precautionary measures at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html.

If you are sick or suspect that you may be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, you should take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Additional current information on COVID-19 is available through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) at www.coronavirus.alaska.gov.

If you are not sick, the Ketchikan Emergency Operations Center asks you continue to take precautionary measures to stay healthy:

• Get your flu shot! The flu shot will not prevent COVID-19 but will help prevent you from getting sick and reduce the workload on the healthcare system.
• 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.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.

As of Tuesday evening, there have been 4 confirmend cases of COVID-19 in Alaska. One in Anchorage, two in Fairbanks and one in Ketchikan.

Beth Lougee, Superintendent of the Ketchikan School District released an update this evening. Quoting Lougee's news release, As of this [Tuesday] evening, the district has taken immediate precautionary measures to ensure the district's facility is secured. Effective immediately, Ketchikan High School and District Administrative Offices are closed to all staff and the public in order for this facility to be properly sanitized. (All other district facilities are currently closed due to Spring Break.) Residents are asked for their patience as the district works to get site operations back up and running. 

As of Monday March 16th the Superintendent appointed a District Coordination Team as part of a planned response to develop communications, implement school and district level action, and participate in shared decision-making during this time. A previously planned communication developed out of that group’s work today is now being updated with consideration for the confirmed case, and will go out tomorrow with additional details. 

Quoting Lougee's news release, "This is an unprecedented time so we are working around the clock to make plans with the most updated information possible, with new information coming in every hour.  In the coming days we will be launching a website specific with COVID-19 information and updates regarding district operations to keep you and your family informed. Until then, please be checking email, social media, and the district’s main website for important notifications and updates." 

Related:

Governor Dunleavy Issues Statement on Two Positive COVID-19 Cases in Fairbanks Area
SitNews - March 17, 2020 AM

On the Web:

For the latest updates & information on the Ketchikan Borough’s COVID-19 Response
https://www.kgbak.us/913/COVID-19-Response

 

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Ketchikan Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
https://www.kgbak.us/913/COVID-19-Response

Ketchikan School District
www.kgbsd.org

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