Mat-Su Borough emphasizes safety and health

The Mat-Su Borough held a press conference on Wednesday, covering a number of health and safety topics.

Mayor Vern Halter and Ken Barkley, Director of Emergency Services, implored residents to wear life jackets if they are boating this holiday weekend. Water temperatures remain cold, and hypothermia can affect the muscles and prohibit treading water.

Barkley also asked for caution with campfires as hot, dry weather is predicted through the weekend. Alex Strawn, Development Services Manager, reminded residents that the discharge of fireworks is illegal within the Mat-Su Borough, except on New Year’s Eve. He reiterated that the current dry weather increases fire danger.

Dr. Tom Quimby, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Mat-Su Regional Hospital, wore a face mask throughout his remarks about the current status of Covid-19. Quimby said that while the Alaska trend is concerning, the state is sixth in the nation for testing and the hospital is prepared. He urged anyone experiencing any symptoms of an infectious illness to isolate themselves and seek out testing.  He encouraged continued social distancing, saying that most cases come from close contact for 15 minutes or more in enclosed spaces.  He also urged people to wear a face covering. He said that a recent study showed that countries with widespread mask wearing had an 8% increase in cases per week versus a 54% increase per week in countries where face coverings are not worn. He said that currently Covid 19 is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Barkley said that there will be a free drive-up testing site for Covid-19 at the Upper Susitna Senior Center on Thursday July 16^th from 11 am to 3 pm. Public Health is asking that anyone with symptoms, call 352-6600 to pre-register.