PRINCESS, VIKING SUSPEND CRUISES FOR TWO MONTHS
Must Read Alaska will, starting today, publish compendium updates relating to the Coronavirus COVID-19.
These will be numbered “COVID update 1,2,3…”
Because it’s a rapidly evolving social, political, and health environment, the updates will be published as needed, with brevity. Here’s the first:
No cases in Alaska yet: As of Thursday, the State of Alaska has not determined any cases of COVID-19 in Alaska. Of the 135,306 cases worldwide, 1,336 are in the United States, and there have been 36 deaths in the U.S. since the first case was determined in Seattle in February.
State Department: The State Department has raised its advisory for Americans to Level 3, which is when the government asks people to reconsider all travel abroad.
Europe travel: The 30-day travel order applies to citizens of 26 European countries but excludes Britain and Ireland, as well as American citizens. The orders take effect from midnight on Friday.
Princess, Viking: On Thursday, Princess Cruises and Viking Cruise Lines suspended operations for two months. The cruise season out of the Port of Seattle begins April 1.
Senate: In Washington, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate will cancel its planned recess next week and work on legislation to mitigate the pandemic. Democrats in the House have a package that would mandate paid sick leave for all workers, free coronavirus testing, and a $1 billion infusion for unemployment insurance.
Chugiak/Eagle River: The Mat-Su delegation town hall and the Chugiak/Eagle River town hall meetings scheduled for March 21 have been cancelled. Your input in writing is welcome: [email protected] or [email protected].
Sports: The NBA postponed its season on Wednesday. The National Hockey League on Thursday announced it will “pause” its season: “In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019 20 season beginning with tonight’s games.”
Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer: The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services expanded information available on its COVID-19 webpage to address high-risk populations at a new Specific Groups page, with direct links noted below.
- Direct link to recommendations concerning high risk populations (for long term care facilities; providers of long term services and supports; and seniors, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and their caregivers) : http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/SiteAssets/Pages/HumanCoV/DHSS_HighRiskGroups_Recommendations.pdf
- Direct link to guidance on residential care provided in nursing facilities, assisted living and other residential settings: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/SiteAssets/Pages/HumanCoV/DHSS_LTCF_COVID19-Guidance_20200311.pdf
- Direct link to Alaska DHSS COVID-19 website: alaska.gov, with link to Specific Groups page with section for High Risk Populations: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/populations.aspx
It’s an exponential curve. The further it goes, the faster it goes and the bigger it gets . Buckle up Alaskans (and America). No fooling. So many people are still in denial. Our President and Governor are on the right track, just a little belated, nationally. We may get a little uncomfortable before it gets better. In the meantime, get yourself as healthy as you can. Vitamins, herbal fortification (look them up), exercise, and lots of things you can do to improve the odds.
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