How can you recreate outside while practicing social distancing? Because we get asked this question often, Dr. Anne Zink filmed this short video to show you how she stays safe while going on a run. Dr. Zink says to always keep a minimum of six feet from others; even more space is needed when you are exercising and breathing hard.

Alaskans: Social distancing before it was cool!

This topic is also addressed in our FAQs: dhss.alaska.gov

Anchorage Office of Emergency Management

Alert: Cloth face coverings recommended when in public.

Evidence shows that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.  This means people can spread the virus while not showing symptoms.
Due to this, the Anchorage Health Department, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and Centers for Disease Control recommend people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing will be difficult, including when going out to buy groceries and essential goods.  It is not recommended to put a face covering on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.  When wearing a face covering, continue practicing social distancing, covering your coughs and sneezes and practicing good hand hygiene.

Please do not use N-95 or surgical masks, as they are needed by healthcare workers and first responders.

All residents should be doing the following:

1. Remain home as much as possible.
2. Put off grocery shopping until many items are needed.
3. Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds each time with soap and water
4. Maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and others not living in the same house as you.
5. Wear a face covering in public places when maintaining 6 feet of distance apart from others may be difficult.

How to wear a face covering:

1. Make sure the face cover covers both nose and mouth
2. Do not remove the face covering until you return home
3. When removing face covering, do not touch the front (it could be dirty) and remove by grabbing the ear loops and put into a laundry container.
4. Wash hands before and after removing face covering
5. Wash face covering in hot, soapy water between uses.
6. Continue practicing social distancing, washing hands often.

Find more information, including how to make a face covering at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
or
https://youtu.be/VgHrnS6n4iA and https://youtu.be/1r2C1zGUHbU

Instructions:

Wear a face covering when going to a public place. For more information go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

FMH Emergency physician, Mark Simon, MD addressed community masking during today’s FHP COVID-19 press briefing.

FMH Emergency physician, Mark Simon, MD addressed community masking during today’s FHP COVID-19 press briefing.