Unfortunately, as the days of summer draw nearer, the number of citizens in Alaska who are infected with the virus grows. Three weeks ago, the number of folks infected was in the single digits. As of April 5, we are up to 191 people infected in the state.
The increasing numbers of infections only increase the risk of the virus coming to our community. Through early aggressive quarantine and shelter in place recommendations, Haines has not had anyone test positive yet.
I am very concerned that as summer approaches, the fishing industry and planned work projects will be starting up, bringing seasonal workers to town and fishing folks coming to our docks from other communities. We need to make sure that the protective measures that are now in place are enough to protect the community from infection. If not, how can they be strengthened?
This may include postponing certain work projects, asking fishers who have docked in other communities to stay on their boats when they come to town, and providing housing that would separate any itinerant workers from mingling with the general population.
I urge the assembly to have this dialog with the community. It is up to each one of us to engage in this conversation and to adhere to the mitigation recommendations as outlined by the state and Haines Borough in order to best protect ourselves, our EMS workers, and our elders from becoming infected.
Clay Frick