HomeMy WebLinkAbout12142020 City Council Laydown - Providence PO Box 365
Seward,AK 99664 201214 LAYDOWN - Providence
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46 "TIOVIDENCE
December 11, 2020 Seward
Seward City Council Medical & Care Center
410 Adams Street
Seward, AK 99664
Re: Emergency COVID-19 Regulation Facial Coverings
Providence Health & Services Alaska is the largest and most comprehensive provider
of health care in Alaska. This includes our delivery of compassionate care to residents
and visitors of Seward at the Providence Seward Medical & Care Center.
This year has brought a new challenge, as health care providers have tirelessly worked
to care for Alaskans battling COVID-19. The physical, mental, and economic tolls of
the virus are impacting our caregivers, neighbors, friends, and local businesses.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze,
sing, talk or breathe. Multiple studies have determined that widespread community
use of face masks significantly reduces the transmission of COVID-19.
We are hopeful as the state's first vaccine doses are set to arrive soon. This is a
historic time and we see the light on the horizon. However, this is not an immediate
solution and we cannot slow our vigilance in slowing community spread. Hospital
capacity is strained across the state and cannot continue to absorb the increasing case
counts.
The most important thing we all can do to protect ourselves and loved ones, while
supporting our local business community, is to continue to observe CDC-
recommended public health guidelines. This includes frequently washing hands,
social distancing, and wearing face masks. Masks work to support both our physical
and economic health.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal.
Sincerely,
Robert Rang, RN, MSN, MHA
CEO/Administrator