Assemblywoman Jamie Allard said she was advised by Assemblyman Forrest Dunbar on Thursday that he was sick and she might not want to sit next to him in the work session. Allard obliged and moved. Dunbar was coughing repeatedly during the meeting.
The meeting covered vaccine rates, quarantine rates, and other topics related to the management of the municipality.
Allard was surprised then to later see Dunbar at an indoor barbecue at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, sitting between senior citizens and ate indoors with his mask off, in presence of more than 35 seniors. He donned his mask when touring the new skylights that had recently been installed.
Allard, who was surprised to see him after he had stated he was sick, sent a note to all of her fellow Assembly members about it: “Some in the medical community believe masks work and others don’t. I would kindly request if you’re sick, follow CDC guidelines and stay home.”
The Clerk’s office refused to send it to the Assembly. Allard called a second staff member of the Clerk’s office, who also refused.
Normally, such emails are distributed in an hour.
In a personal email copied to all the members on Friday, Allard sent a note to Dunbar asking him “take all precautions to protect our senior citizens, which we should all consider national treasures.”
As Alaska heads into cold and flu season, the CDC advises people with cold symptoms to:
- Stay at home while you are sick and keep children out of school or daycare while they are sick.
- Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
- Move away from people before coughing or sneezing.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue then throw it away, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.
- Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys, doorknobs, and mobile devices.
There is no vaccine to protect you against the common cold.
Dunbar has, for the past year, called in to most of the Assembly committee meetings but since Bronson was elected mayor, he has shown up in person at more meetings. He is being challenged in April’s election by Stephanie Taylor for the District 5 seat, Northeast Anchorage.
