City & Borough of Juneau Health Mandates - https://beta.juneau.org/covid-19-mandates-cbj
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Juneau Mask Mandate
Where does this apply?
1. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and all other retail stores.
2. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and breweries – including food preparation, carry-out, and delivery food operations. There is a limited exception for customers while they are eating or drinking in one of these settings.
3. Buses, taxis, and other forms of public transportation when passengers are present.
4. Personal care facilities.
5. Child care facilities.
6. Communal areas of offices where people from multiple households are present.
7. Elevators and indoor communal spaces in other buildings.
What about where I work?
Employers are responsible to make sure employees who are present in the workplace have access to and wear masks or cloth face coverings when in direct contact with customers, members of the public, or other employees. Masks are not required when the only direct contact is between members of the same household or when employees are not near others (within six feet).
Are their any exemptions?
Any child under the age of 2 years. These very young children should not wear a face covering because of the risk of suffocation;
Any child under the age of 12 years unless a parent or caregiver supervises the use of face coverings by the child to avoid misuse;
Any child in a child care or day camp setting, although such settings may provide their own requirement for use for children age 2 years old or older;
Any individual for whom wearing a mask or cloth face covering would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition or mental health condition, and any individual unable to tolerate a mask due to a physical or mental disability;
Individuals who are speech impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing, or individuals communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, where facial or mouth movements are an integral part of communication;
Any individual who has trouble breathing or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance;
Individuals who are exercising, if mask wearing would interfere with their breathing;
Individuals who are incarcerated, in police custody, or inside a courtroom; these individuals should follow guidance particular to their location or institution;
Individuals performing an activity that cannot be conducted or safely conducted while wearing a mask (for example, a driver experiencing foggy glasses, a dental patient receiving care, an equipment operator where there is a risk of dangerous entanglement); and
Musicians, presenters, ministers, and others communicating to an audience or being recorded, for the duration of their presentation/practice/performance where mask usage impairs communication, and so long as safe physical distancing is maintained.
What if I have a medical reason or disability?
If a person declines to wear a mask or face covering because of a medical condition or disability as described above, this ordinance does not require them to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition or disability. Businesses may wish to consider accommodating such individuals through curbside or delivery service or by allowing the individual inside without a mask if doing so will not place others at risk.
How will this be enforced?
The Municipality reserves the right to use all available enforcement options to assure compliance with this Ordinance. However, employers will not be subject to fines based on non-compliance by customers so long as there is a clearly posted sign informing customers that they are required to wear face coverings. Brief removal of a face covering, such as is necessary to eat, drink, or scratch an itch does not constitute a violation of this ordinance (although hand washing/sanitizing is recommended after such activities). Additionally, violation of this Ordinance does not create grounds for residents to harass individuals who do not comply with it.
What will occur if the mask mandate is violated?
A person who violates the face covering requirement of Section 2 shall be subject to a civil fine not to exceed $25.00, which shall be considered incorporated into CBJC 03.30.070(a); payment of the civil fine shall be accepted in satisfaction of the violation; and the violation shall be subject to CBJC 03.30.070(b)-(c) and 03.30-075- 03.30.085.
The Laboratory at Bartlett Regional Hospital has expanded same day testing of COVID-19 to 24 hours per day. Due to limitations in supply, same day testing is currently only offered to in-patients.
“This is really good news for Bartlett and for Juneau because we’ll know within an hour or two the result,” said Infection Preventionist Charlee Gribbon, RN. She notes that the test only reflects a moment in time. “It tells at that point the amount of viral particles in the nose. It doesn’t tell us if you have an undetectable tiny amount or if you have been exposed and you’re going to get COVID-19 in the future.”
Public testing is available through the Capital City Fire and Rescue collection center, with test results available in 48-72 hours. To see about getting tested, contact your health care provider or call the Screening Hotline at 586-6000, now open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
This week Bartlett is resuming some elective surgeries and essential services in compliance with state Health Mandate 15. Patients are tested for COVID-19 at the CCFR site 48 hours prior to surgery and then given special instructions to avoid possible exposure to the virus. If test results do not arrive before the scheduled surgery, patients will receive a test at Bartlett.
In any case, Gribbon emphasizes the importance of getting tested, even if you have mild symptoms, which can include cough, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, diminished sense of taste or smell, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle/joint aches, nausea, rash, chills with shivering, runny nose, sore throat, or increased sputum (phlegm) production.
“The symptoms that signify you have respiratory illness are much more specific to this disease. Those are -shortness of breath, feeling fatigued like you don’t have enough oxygen, cough and fever. If you have these symptoms, get tested,” Gribbon emphasized. If you have any symptoms related to COVID-19, please contact your health care provider or call the Screening Hotline at 586-6000, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Emory University’s Coronavirus Checker online screening tool is also available on the Bartlett Regional Hospital home page.
If you are concerned that you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or have developed a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, contact your primary healthcare provider. Your provider will review your symptoms and determine if you should be tested at their office.
If you do not have a primary healthcare provider, Juneau residents can call the new Capital City Fire/Rescue COVID-19 screening hotline, 586-6000, daily from noon to 6 p.m. A healthcare worker will help you to complete the screening survey. If you qualify for testing, you will be contacted to arrange an appointment at the new CCFR drive-thru testing center at the Hagevig Fire Training Center.
Due to limited supplies, testing is currently only available for individuals meeting strict criteria. At this time, we are not able to accommodate patients who arrive at the testing center without referrals from their primary care providers or the screening hotline. To reiterate, testing is by appointment only.
For more local news, information, and resources to help keep Juneau safe and healthy, go to juneau.org/covid-19.
Apple launched a website in coordination with CDC, FEMA and the White House: https://www.apple.com/covid19/
Covid-19 App from Apple [
http://www.coronavirus.gov/
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
The virus spreads easily between people
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from person-to-person without stopping.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.
The virus may be spread in other ways
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about how this virus spreads.
Spread between animals and people
At this time, the risk of COVID-19 spreading from animals to people is considered to be low. Learn about COVID-19 and pets and other animals.
It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations. CDC is aware of a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. Learn what you should do if you have pets.
Protect yourself and others
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You can take steps to slow the spread.
Maintain good social distance (about 6 feet). This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and others.
Surgeon General demonstrates how to make a no-sew mask
********
Glacier Valley Rotary VP, Michelle Strickler
speaking about their team making masks for medical and emergency personnel
********
State now requiring travelers entering/returning to Alaska take safety measures
To prevent or slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the State of Alaska issued a health mandate Tuesday ordering travelers entering or returning to Alaska to take certain actions depending on their level of risk.
Higher Risk: If you have traveled from an area with widespread, ongoing community spread such as Europe, China, and other countries (i.e., a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice Area) and are entering Alaska within the past 14 days you must:
Stay home and avoid contact with other household members.
Contact your employer and do not go to work or school for this 14-day period after you return.
CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice Area
China, Iran, South Korea, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City.
Medium Risk: If you have traveled anywhere outside of Alaska, (including the rest of the United States) within the past 14 days you must:
Keep your distance from others (about six feet or two meters)
This may mean not going to work or school if you cannot safely be distanced from others – especially if you traveled in a location where community transmission is occurring – contact your employer.
You must avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
Health Guidance for Returning Travelers in the Higher and Medium Risk Groups
Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
If you get sick with fever (>100.3°F), cough, or shortness of breath, please call your health care provider.
Do not take mass transportation during the time you are practicing social distancing.
Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
If you seek medical care for other reasons, such as dialysis, call ahead to your doctor and tell them about your recent travel.
All Alaskans should follow previous guidance including regular hand washing, cleaning surfaces, and avoiding large gatherings (March 13 COVID-19 Health Alert: Recommendations for Keeping Communities Safe).
Visit juneau.org/covid-19 for information, links, and resources to help keep Juneau safe and healthy.
Coronavirus: What’s that cough?
If you're sick with a cough, fever or shortness of breath, stay home and limit contact with others to prevent the spread of illness to all Alaskans, especially our most vulnerable populations. If you think that you've been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, please call your health care provider for advice on what to do next. Learn more at coronavirus.alaska.gov
Coronavirus: Rumors and Misinformation
How much do you know about the coronavirus that’s causing the COVID-19 pandemic? Often when new diseases emerge, fear, misinformation and stigma can spread even more quickly than the virus. Follow credible sources of information like cdc.gov for national updates and coronavirus.alaska.gov for the most current Alaska information.Check in too with your local authorities and health experts. When it comes to protecting the public’s health, we are all in this together!
Coronavirus: Is travel safe?
If you have travel planned or have recently returned from a trip, you may have questions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC.gov is a good place to go for traveler’s health information. Search by country name to read health notices and other important updates for travelers. Because this is a rapidly-evolving situation, check for updates often. Find current information specific to Alaska at coronavirus.alaska.gov
Here are some quick tips from Dr. Oz on how to keep yourself and those around you safe through the coronavirus outbreak.
Lifestyle. Get at least seven hours of sleep a night . . . aim to exercise 30 minutes every other day . . . meditate . . . and improve air quality by using a humidifier and HEPA filter to reduce virus particles in the air.
Hygiene. Don't shake hands . . . don't touch your face . . . triple your hand-washing time to at least 20 seconds . . . use hand sanitizer that's at least 60% alcohol . . . use disinfectant sprays instead of wipes on surfaces around the house . . . and let them sit for three minutes before drying.
Prepare. Have a two-week supply of household items like toilet paper, soap, and detergent . . . food like canned goods and freezer items . . . and both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Boost your immune system. Eat your fruits and vegetables . . . take Vitamin D3 . . . and get your flu shot.
If you're sick. Take 80 milligrams of zinc daily . . . 250 milligrams of Vitamin C twice a day . . . 250 milligrams of beta-glucan daily . . . and elderberry syrup or lozenges four times a day for five days.
