Updated 3.27.20
Kawerak Inc is following suit with public recommendations and taking precautions and preparing for the potential spread of COVID-19 to our region. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the outbreak, Kawerak will be taking a proactive approach to addressing the novel Coronavirus known as COVID-19 and we consider the safety of employees, clients, and people in our region as our number one priority.
 

Kawerak Inc, in order to encourage social distancing, will be closing its doors for public visitation starting Tuesday March 17th. If you need services, we would be happy to continue to assist you via phone or email. Please call 443-5231 and we can connect you.

Please note, we may be limiting our services to critical services starting Wednesday March 18th through May 1st.

 
In addition, Kawerak is actively participating in a regional Unified Incident Command Structure to share a unified message to staff and our region. Charlene Saclamana, Kawerak’s Emergency Preparedness Specialist, has already been active and is coordinating agencies and local governments to prepare.
The most up-to-date information will be available online at https://kawerak.org/covid-19-response/
 
Please do your part:
Wash your hands, disinfect commonly used surfaces, stay home if you are sick.
 
The State of Alaska is in the “preparedness phase” and wanted to begin social distancing including:
For the General Public
  • Stay home if you are sick with a respiratory illness. If you develop a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever subsides.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who is coughing, sneezing, or feeling feverish.
  • Avoid large gatherings and crowded places as much as possible.
  • Avoid shaking hands and hugging as much as possible.
  • If you live in a rural area, consider limiting non-essential travel to protect your community.
For High-Risk Groups
  • This group includes persons aged 60 years and over, and persons with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or other immune compromising illnesses.
  • When you go out in public, try to maintain at least 6 feet distance from people – especially from people who are sick.
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible, especially large gatherings.
  • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
For Businesses and Employers
  • Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible.
  • When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces.
  • Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings
  • Assess the risks of business travel.
  • Encourage liberal leave policies and teleworking options for staff.
For Schools
  • Consider adjusting or postponing gatherings that mix between classes, grades, and other schools.
  • Adjust after-school arrangements to avoid mixing between classes, grades, and other schools.
Considerations for Event Planners
For Religions and Faith-based Organizations
For more information on COVID-19 call Alaska 211: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/default.aspx
If you are sick:
You can call the Norton Sound Health Corporation nurse line at 443-6411 if you are ill and have questions. NSHC is asking people who are sick to call and speak to a nurse first before just going to the hospital.
Our region will get through this; we all need to work together to do our part to prevent the disease from spreading, especially to vulnerable populations. Thank you for doing your part.