Governor speaks about preparation for coronavirus

So far, no coronavirus COVID-19 infections have been discovered in Alaska but health care providers are getting ready, Gov. Mike Dunleavy and top state health officials said Monday in a briefing.

“So far we have no cases in Alaska although we have carried out 23 tests,” on individuals but the results have shown no apparent infections. “Right now, we’re in pretty good shape,” in terms of being prepared, the governor said.

Most cases of the virus show only mild symptoms, although there are concerns for people with health issues, he said.

“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,” the governor said in a statement.

The state gained valuable experience with testing protocols a few weeks ago, when flight crews on cargo flights from China landed at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage and were tested. None of the tests showed positive.

State health and social services commissioner Adam Crum said in the briefing that his agency is working to understand how quickly new federal funds will be made available to states. The federal government is budgeting $3 billion for response to the outbreaks, with $950 million to be made available to states, Crum said. One hundred million of that is earmarked for “underserved” areas in the U.S., which in Alaska means rural communities.

Dunleavy said the Legislature is moving to appropriate $4.1 million in state general funds and an additional $9 million in “receipt authority,” or permission for the state to receive third party funds such as from the federal government.

The state will ensure equitable access to new funds including allocations to tribal health providers, the governor said.

Dr. Annie Zink, the state medical officer, said the state is overseeing the 23 tests and anticipates requests for more testing. “We’re trying to keep ahead of this, and the only bottlenecks we see could be the capacity of laboratories to do the tests.”

There are only two laboratories in the state equipped to perform the tests, both state-operated with one in Anchorage and the other in Fairbanks, Dr. Zink said. It takes two to five hours for labs to do the tests once samples are received from health care providers.

“It’s pretty much ‘in’ by 10 a.m. with results by 2 p.m.,” she said. However, staff at the state health department are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week to facilitate the testing. The state health department has four epidemiologists assigned to the program, Dr. Zink said.

Zink said the testing is focused on the elderly, disabled and people with underlying health conditions. She urged people who believe they have symptoms to check with primary or other health providers before heading to hospital emergency rooms.

There are discussions underway now regarding restrictions on visitors at the Pioneer Homes and nursing homes, and guidance is also being offered to people who care for senior citizens, Crum said.

Health providers are also working to use telemedicine and other procedures to speed evaluations and decrease any exposure of health workers. “We’re using a phased, layered approach. We don’t want people to overreact and panic,” Dr. Zink said.

Dunleavy said there are no special instructions so far to state workers to work from home. “Some of this is now being done in rural communities, and we’re looking at whether it can be expanded,” he said.

There are extensive preparations underway for the summer tourist season. “We are in deep conversations with the cruise ship industry to ensure Alaskans are protected when ships visit communities. We’re not expecting the first cruise ships until the end of April, so this gives us time to plan,” the governor said.

So far children and young people do not seem to be as affected by the virus based on worldwide data, Dunleavy said. The governor said common-sense practices for the flu season are most appropriate: “Wash your hands, don’t shake hands and if you can, use telecommunications to talk with the elderly,” Dunleavy said.

The governor also said community visits and public town hall meetings that had been planned in Kenai, Seward, and Homer have been suspended, which will allow the governor to remain connected to federal and local agencies while monitoring the rapidly-evolving information in regard to the coronavirus.

“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,” Dunleavy said.

Republicans in state House ask more information on virusFollowing Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Monday briefing on the coronavirus, Republicans in the state House are requesting additional information from the administration on the number of available virus test kits and the health and economic impacts in the event of a prolonged outbreak in Alaska.

“While we have no confirmed cases in Alaska at the moment, I’m concerned that we may not have a sufficient number of test kits – even with the next batch the CDC is sending us — if the virus makes its way to our state,” said Rep. Sara Rasmussen (R-Anchorage). “While I don’t believe we have a reason to be highly concerned yet, preparation and information about which ‘underlying conditions’ seem to carry the highest risk will enable us to better protect Alaskans. I’m hoping to have better lines of communication with our state’s medical office.”

“Obviously with tourist season upcoming, it’s important that we are prepared to handle whatever influx of people, or lack thereof, we see this year,” said Rep. Mel Gillis (R-Anchorage). “Many Alaskans are heavily dependent on tourism, and it is critically important that we do whatever we can to put to rest any fears that might prevent people from coming to Alaska. We must be prepared to deliver a safe, healthy, and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits our state this year. I am looking forward to receiving more information from the Dunleavy Administration of precautions being taken to protect Alaska’s economy.”