Happy Public Service Appreciation Week! Every year, PSA Week falls on the first full week of May, and its timing is uncanny this year. The past eight weeks have been a whirlwind for our public servants, and I cannot thank them enough. Information and mandates are rapidly changing, but our public servants have worked hard to keep our communities healthy.
As Alaska reopens, we will do so as safely as possible, keeping the health and wellbeing of our neighbors, families, and friends as our highest priorities. Last week, Dr. Zink gave an update on how we plan to reopen Alaska. The details of the plan, including who is considered essential at this time and what restrictions are still in place, can be found at the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website. Overall, Dr. Zink reminded us that social distancing is still an important strategy for remaining healthy.
Immunocompromised folks and anyone 65 and older should especially consider their personal level of risk when deciding to engage in public activities. If you choose to return to public life, continue wearing a mask, washing your hands often, and staying six feet away from non-household members. Furthermore, keep your social circle small; gatherings of more than 20 people are still not allowed.
Right now, Alaska is proceeding with caution. If we observe downward trends in the virus, we will methodically remove restrictions. If we see a spike or are running low on capacity to care for COVID-19 patients, we will reinstate some restrictions. We will use geography to our advantage. Local authorities can work with the State to implement more strict or liberal rules, as well as implement different reopening phases at different times, depending on their unique situation. This progress would not have been possible without our public servants.
From firefighters and police officers to state and local government officials, thank you for working hard to keep our communities safe and healthy.
We appreciate it every year, but this year it especially rings true.
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