Like many other work settings in Anchorage and around the country, the Anchorage Health Department (AHD) has had confirmed cases of COVID-19 within our staff. From June 1, 2020, to today, six AHD employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
AHD previously announced the first two employee cases in a July 9 press release. Since that time, there have been four additional cases identified.
AHD does not believe that any of the cases are a threat to the public, nor is there evidence of transmission occurring within the department. AHD has followed U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleaning protocols and made notifications to all staff and any close contacts.
To ensure confidentiality and privacy, the State of Alaska Department of Health & Social Services conducted the investigation and contact tracing of AHD employees who tested positive for COVID-19.
The health and safety of our community and our employees is our top priority. Since March, AHD has followed CDC recommendations to protect employees and visitors from COVID-19.
AHD screens all employees and visitors entering its 825 L Street building, requires face coverings, limits face-to-face contact between employees and visitors, encourages remote work when possible, and has increased daytime cleaning schedules.
AHD continues to diligently work with our local, state, and federal partners in on-going COVID-19 mitigation planning to ensure the safety of the public and our employees.
Despite these precautionary and preventive steps, AHD will likely have more cases in the future as COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Anchorage and the risk of infection continues to rise.
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Media contact: Barry Piser, Public Information Officer, Anchorage Health Department, barry.piser@anchorageak.gov