Dunleavy suspends community visits to focus on coronavirus preparation

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Gov. Mike Dunleavy had three community visits scheduled for the Kenai Peninsula this week, but has suspended all of them in order to give his full attention to the rapidly evolving situation with the coronavirus.

No cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Alaska, but health professionals believe it is only a matter of time. Some 23 people have been tested.

“We plan to continue these important conversations with local governments, school districts, businesses, tribes, and non-profits around Alaska by telephonic means, as well as Facebook town halls, until such time as we can resume travel to communities,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “My administration has been closely monitoring the novel coronavirus outbreak since mid-January and are well-prepared with strong protocols should we see any cases come to Alaska. The health, safety, and welfare of Alaskans remains my number one priority. We’re going to work together as Alaskans – we pull together during times like this.”

Earlier in the day, Chief Health Officer Anne Zink and Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum reinforced the need to slow down the spread of the virus by washing hands and not touching faces. The governor said this would be a time for people to consider telephonic meetings, and for elderly people with preexisting conditions to postpone unnecessary travel.

The cancelled meetings are:

  • Kenai, AK – Monday, March 9, 2020
    • 6pm-8pm – Kenai Central High School
  • Seward, AK – Tuesday, March 10, 2020
    • 5pm-7pm – AVTEC Gym
  • Homer, AK – Wednesday, March 11, 2020
    • 5pm-7pm at Land’s End Resort

2 COMMENTS

  1. Dang.
    I was planning to attend tonight. I wanted to support the Gov. in his efforts to save the state from the big spenders.

  2. Yeah, that’s why he doesn’t want to go out and meet people who aren’t being tested.

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