Governor Mike Dunleavy held a press conference Thursday evening to confirm and announce the first positive test result of COVID-19 in Alaska. According to the Department of Health and Social Services, the individual who is infected was an international visitor who had a layover in Anchorage.
Dr. Anne Zink, the State of Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer, stated that the patient is a foreign national who was traveling through Alaska. The man was aware of the virus and self-monitored and when he realized he was sick, called ahead and was assessed. The man was instructed by medical officials to self-isolate, and did so, according Zink.
Additionally, Zink said that she believes that the case is isolated and will be able to be contained. State Epidemiologists are documenting the individuals recent travel history. The DHSS Section of Epidemiology has already begun identifying people who have had close contact with the individual.
Dr. Zink: “This is not someone who has been wandering about the community. This is not somebody who’s been shopping at the mall. I understand that you all want to know the details of this person,” she said. “but again, our job is the health and well-being of all Alaskans, but part of that is treating each other with kindness and with respect and what we’ve really seen in other states is that when we identify information, people can be really aggressive, people can be really fearful.”
Those who have been exposed and are considered at risk will undergo self-quarantine for 14 days with public health supervision. The typical incubation period (time from infection to symptom onset) for COVID-19 is 2-14 days.
During the press conference Keri Gardner, the Chief Medical Officer with Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, said that exposure to the patient was limited when he came to the Emergency Department.
Don’t fear covid19 virus, just be smart. Wash your hands. Don’t shake hands, stay home if not feeling well, stay away from crowds. These simple steps will keep most of us away from the hospitals. It isn’t the end of the world. Just focus on good hygiene and change a few habits.
— Governor Mike Dunleavy (@GovDunleavy) March 12, 2020
Governor Dunleavy advised Alaska residents that they should prepare and anticipate more cases. Governor Dunleavy: “Again, there is no reason to panic, no reason to get upset. We expect to have more cases as time goes on and Alaska is as prepared as any other state to take on this issue.”
Symptoms include; fever, cough, and shortness of breath. There are a total of 1,215 confirmed cases nationwide.
DHSS will continue to inform the public with updates as needed. For additional information:
This is a developing story, updates will be posted as they are made available.