KMXT received the following Health Alert this afternoon. We are posting it here as received, with minor editing.
**COVID-19 HEALTH ALERT**Issued: March 17, 2020
By: Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer, State of Alaska
Commissioner Adam Crum, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is suspending statewide, all long-term services and supports that occur in congregate settings, including senior centers, adult day services, and any site-based day habilitation or supported employment activities where individuals gather together. DHSS is working with federal partners to determine if services may be offered in a more flexible manner within home settings.
The state recognizes the importance of these settings and the services they provide, but is seeking to prevent harm to those we serve through the promotion of social distancing. Please continue to follow guidance posted on the State of Alaska COVID-19 website at coronavirus.alaska.gov. More guidance will be distributed through the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services’ (SDS) email subscriber list for providers and families as updates to service categories can be provided. If you are not yet a member of SDS E-Alerts, please sign up here: http://list.state.ak.us/mailman/listinfo/sds-e-news.
This is not a mandate.
State of Alaska COVID-19 Health Alert 007