News

    A lot of things have changed in Alaska in the week since we last spoke with District P Senator Gary Stevens. Last week there were no coronavirus cases in Alaska and “social distancing” was a strange, new concept. Now the State Capital is closed to the public and the legislature still has a lot of work to do. 

    Stevens phoned in and spoke with KBBI’s Jay Barrett on Wednesday.

When it comes to coronavirus, we need to flatten the curve.  We want to avoid huge spikes in infections in a short period of time. Let’s not overwhelm our healthcare system.  Flattening the curve means taking actions now that keep the virus from spreading quickly.  Don’t shake hands.  Make sure to cover your sneezes and coughs.  Wash your hands more frequently.  Call your health provider first before going in.  Telemedicine options are also highly encouraged.  Learn more at coronavirus.alaska.gov
 

To prevent the spread of coronavirus, it is important that all Alaskans take social distancing seriously. It is also really important that you stay home if you are sick, even with a mild respiratory illness. We recommend preparing your home to self-quarantine for two weeks. That means having enough food and essential supplies on hand for fourteen days, not for four months. Learn more about how to prepare and prevent the spread of COVID-19 at coronavirus.alaska.gov.

The City of Homer is facilitating live, weekly, local updates of information on COVID-19. Thursday, March 19, Derotha Ferraro from South Peninsula Hospital and Homer Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Kirko presented updated information and took calls from KBBI listeners.

This is KBBI Homer with a weekly live call in COVID-19 update, this week with Chief Mark Kirko from the Homer Volunteer Fire Department and Derotha Ferraro from South Peninsula Hospital. Derotha starts off the conversation talking about the hospital's procedures for keeping safe.
SPH: 

This is Dr. Bell from the Homer Medical Center. I would like you to join me in flattening the curve.

What does that mean?
It means taking actions now that keep the virus from spreading exponentially, avoiding the sudden dizzying increases seen in Italy and other countries. Many people who spread COVID 19 are highly contagious before they even know they are sick.

    The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly was hoping for a sparse audience at last night’s regular meeting in Soldotna in hopes of encouraging social distancing, and they got it, with only four people present in the audience.

Remember if you are an older adult or have a severe chronic medical condition, make sure to put distance between yourself and others to help reduce the risk of being exposed to coronavirus.
Stay home as much as possible. Watch some movies and catch up on those books you always wanted to read.
If you do not have enough household items and groceries on hand, find a friend to run those errands for you. Take care of yourself and if you need to seek medical attention, please call first.
Learn more at coronavirus.alaska.gov