Still no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alaska; officials advise preventive measures

As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, some Alaskans are concerned that the virus may turn up, here. On Wednesday, the Mat-Su Borough Office of Emergency Management said that there were still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state.  Wednesday’s statement also says that, should a case be confirmed in Alaska, the state Department of Health and Social Services would make that information available to the public.

According to the World Health Organization, as of Friday there have been 58 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States as of Tuesday. The vast majority of infections have been in China.  Worldwide, there have been more than 140,000 infections, and more than 2500 deaths.  Most deaths are elderly people and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

For areas the virus has not reached, including Alaska, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend preventive measures.  Those include handwashing, cleaning surfaces with disinfectant, and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

For specific Alaska information visit http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/Human-Coronavirus.aspx or the State of Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at https://ready.alaska.gov/sitrep . For up-to-date national information and the most current recommendations, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/COVID19 .