Coronavirus has not spread to Alaska

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Borough Department of Emergency Services issued a press release on Thursday to quell Mat-Su Borough residents concerns about the concerns rising around the Novel coronavirus outbreak that began in China late last year that has also entered several other Lower 48 states.

While the DES press release reassures Mat-Su Borough residents that no cases have been documented in Alaska, the United States Coast Guard is monitoring incoming vessels and possible crew exposure as well as protocols put in place at the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage to minimize potential exposure.

“We are closely monitoring this situation and coordinating efforts with local partners. You can follow the situation through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services who have primary responsibility for managing these types of incidents. If a case was found in Alaska, they would promptly inform the public.” reads the press release.

The Ted Stevens airports is not one of the airports processing airline travel from China and the press release encourages residents to protect themselves from coronavirus by practicing good hygiene, washing hands frequently and limiting exposure when sick by covering coughs and consulting a medical professional.

For more information, visit http://DHSS.alaska.gov/dph/epi/id/pages/human-coronavirus.aspx or https://ready.alaska.gov/sitrep.