General FAQs
You should seek immediate medical attention.
- Please call ahead or have someone call while you are on your way so medical staff can prepare proper protective gear.
- Will the person be medivaced and who makes that decision?
The decision whether to medivac is based on the physician’s evaluation of each patient’s needs and subsequent recommendation. - Who does the medivac service?
The emergency room is always staffed with a doctor. All ER physicians have trained and managed ICU level care. The doctors will make treatment decisions. The patient can request a certain medivac provider to ER staff, however, if the medivac provider is not available, a different medivac provider may be issued to the patient. - Who pays for medivac service?
Please refer to the medivac sites listed here:
http://medevacalaska.com
http://www.lifemedalaska.com - Does the patient have a choice of hospital?
Hospital space in Anchorage will be based on availability, insurance and payer preference, as is standard practice.
All individuals who are tested for COVID-19 are asked to isolate while waiting for results, which typically take 3-7 days.
If a negative test is received, the individual will be instructed to remain in isolation until symptoms have been gone for at least 72 hours.
If a positive test is received, the individual will remain in isolation, be interviewed about their recent travel history and recent interactions, and will be monitored and moved to receive additional care, if necessary.
The City Incident Management Team will implement mitigation measures and release pertinent information to the public.
Ordinance 1185 puts forth enforcement measures to support Cordova Health Mandate 1 and Emergency Order 2020-2 along with any future orders associated with this emergency.
According to this ordinance, failure to comply with an emergency mandate adopted under the City of Cordova’s state of emergency is punishable by a fine of up to $500. Upon citation under this section, court appearance is mandatory.
A person or organization that fails to follow the State of Alaska health mandates may be subject to civil fines and criminal prosecution. Visit http://dhss.alaska.gov for more information on state mandates.
If you see a business or an individual violating a state health mandate, you can report the violation to the state at investigations@alaska.gov.
If you see a business or an individual violating a Cordova COVID-19 Emergency Rule, you can report the violation to the Cordova Police Department.
Business FAQs
See https://covid19.alaska.gov/unified-command/critical-infrastructure/ for information on state mandates and frequently asked questions.
Any businesses who are operating or plan to operate in Cordova or its waters this summer, may want to fill out a Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Cordova. The Health Assessment Form must be submitted at the same time. Completed forms can be emailed to forms@cityofcordova.net or dropped in the City dropbox at the Cordova Center.
Mutual Aid agreements are not required in 2021, but all businesses are highly encouraged to review their COVID mitigation plans from 2020 and make any necessary adjustments based on State of Alaska Health Advisories and CDC Guidance.
You must submit a plan or protocol for maintaining critical infrastructure to the state at akcovidplans@ak-prepared.com. You also must submit your state protocol to the City under Cordova COVID-19 Emergency Rules.
Also see the state travel advisories, available at https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/.
Click here for information State of Alaska Critical Infrastructure Guidance.
As of May 18, Cordova entered Phase 2 of the Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan, Phase 2 and associated attachments D-T, U and V.
See the Roadmap to Reopening Cordova for additional information.
Under the Cordova COVID-19 Emergency Rules, all businesses remaining open and serving the public at a physical location within Cordova must also post their “Business Protection Measures and Protocols.” This notice ensures their customers know what measures the store is taking regarding sanitation and social distancing.
Harbor & Fishing Related FAQs
Yes, the State of Alaska determined commercial fishing is an essential service and part of critical infrastructure. the Cordova Port and Harbor remain open at this time.
Yes, fishing vessels can sail port to port in Alaska, but operators have the responsibility to monitor their crew for COVID-19 symptoms, report any issues to the appropriate authorities and mitigate the risk of exposure to the communities in which they operate.
Cordova’s COVID-19 Emergency Rules ensure all businesses and commercial fishing operations within the City implement safety measures and protocols, and take responsibility for strictly applying those measures and protocols within Cordova and its waters.
All travelers must adhere to state travel advisories.
The City of Cordova is aligned with State of Alaska Health Advisories.
Vessels may use transit time toward a 14-day quarantine provided no one embarks/disembarks in a port of call and appropriate log books of journey are maintained.
Under State of Alaska Health Advisories, fishermen are allowed to leave their home or quarantine location to partake in work essential to the operations of the fishery. Fishermen may travel to their boat to work on it and then return directly to their quarantine location. They cannot enter public places.
Many parts and hardware stores in Cordova offer parts drop-off, delivery or curbside pick-up. See the full list at bit.ly/covidbizlist.
Click here for State Health Advisory 4 and information on Appendix 2 and 3.
If someone is helping a self-isolation or self-quarantine individual work on their boat, even if they are six feet apart, the person who is helping could become contaminated by touching the same surfaces. Personal protective gear (masks, gloves) should be worn by all. Measures to thoroughly wash and disinfect themselves and their clothing afterward are highly recommended.
Those arriving to Cordova from the harbor must submit a protection plan to the City of Cordova as well as a Mutual Aid Agreement and must make arrangements to complete their setup and logistics without violating the 14-day quarantine.
The City currently allows use of the harbor restroom with the caveat that it will be considered a high-risk area (“hot zone”) and advertised as such. See the City’s working Harbor COVID Operation Plan for more information. The City will not allow alternate shower/restroom sites to be used by fishermen during their quarantine, and they must plan accordingly.
There are local resources available that this may be accomplished with careful planning, distancing and sanitation.
For example, with advance planning, you could stay at a hotel, have food delivered, walk/drive to the yard each day to work on the boat while maintaining six feet distance and wearing a mask.
View a list of local resources at http://bit.ly/covidbizlist.
You are responsible for making your own quarantine accommodations and must provide the City of Cordova your plan to self-quarantine as a small boat owner/operator.
Showers and restrooms at the Harbormaster Office will be available for use by fishermen. View the City’s Harbor COVID Operations Plan for more information.
View a list of additional local resources at http://bit.ly/covidbizlist.
Quarantine & Self-Isolation FAQs
A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people and goods intended to prevent the spread of disease or pests. In this particular case, it is being used to prevent the movement of those who may have been exposed to the COVID-19 disease, but do not have a confirmed medical diagnosis or symptoms.
Isolation applies to those who display symptoms of respiratory illness, those awaiting test results and those who have received positive test results. Isolation means you are staying away from everyone, including those in your household. Isolation usually occurs in your home. However, if your symptoms are severe, you could be placed in isolation at the hospital.
You are directed to isolate if you are feeling ill, are awaiting results of a COVID-19 medical test or have received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Those who have a positive COVID-19 test result are closely monitored by DHSS public health nursing, even when isolating at home.
Limit yourself to the confines of your residence or domicile.
Social distancing puts physical space between people, in this particular case the Center for Disease Control recommends at least a six-foot distance. This is a practice all individuals should implement with everyone outside their household.
Exceptions may be made for those sharing a household, but an abundance of caution should be used during this time at your discretion.
If you are in quarantine due to travel or illness, and sharing less than six feet of space with someone in your household, that individual should also quarantine.
If you are not in quarantine, yes, but limit your trips as much as possible. Sanitize before and after your visit.
Yes, you may start your quarantine and move to another location if necessary. The most important aspect of quarantine is to separate yourselves from others so there is no chance of transmission of the COVID-19 virus if you happen to be a carrier.9.
Consider actions that will be the most considerate to others. If you can stay in your current location for the time being, consider waiting until you have completed your quarantine before going to stay at another location.
Click here for CDC guidance on when to quarantine.
Not at all, in fact time outside is encouraged.
Individuals in 14-day quarantine are not allowed to leave their homes for outdoor recreation, even if the minimum social distance is maintained. You may be outdoors on your own property, but not beyond, and may only leave your designated quarantine location to receive critical medical care or pick up needed supplies via curbside pickup or delivery.
No, community members under quarantine should not personally enter any public spaces or physically visit family or friends during quarantine.
The Chamber of Commerce has a list of local businesses that provide curbside pickup and delivery, http://bit.ly/covidbizlist.
Family members or friends (who are not under quarantine) may be willing to pick up or drop off things you may need while in quarantine. Any transfers of keys, mail, groceries, etc. should maintain standards of sanitation and social distancing – wearing gloves, hand washing, hand sanitizer use and placing items on the ground for remote retrieval before and/or after handing items passed from one individual to another.
You are encouraged to contact friends and family via phone or video chat to connect with them during the 14-day quarantine period. Even after you end your quarantine, try and stay home as much as possible.
Here are some other things you can do to help yourself:
- Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories (including social media)
- Take care of your body by taking deep breaths, stretching, meditating, eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, anxiety or feel the desire to harm yourself (or their self) or others; please seek support.
- Sound Alternatives –(907) 424-8300
- Ilanka Community Health Center – (907) 424-3622
- 911 or after-hours emergency – (907) 424-8000
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Hotline – (800) 985-8517
- Text ‘Talk with us’ to 66746
- Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799-7233
- Dial 211 to be connected to a specialist who will work with you to understand your need and connect you to the programs and services that can help.
Each day of your two-week quarantine, do a self-evaluation:
- Do you have a fever, dry cough or experience shortness of breath?
- Do you have two or more of the following symptoms: chills, diminished sense of taste or smell, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle/joint aches, nausea, rigors, runny nose, sore throat, sputum production or dermatological changes?
If so, please call the Cordova Community Medical Center, (907) 424-8200, or the Ilanka Clinic, (907) 424-3622, immediately. They will advise you by phone and guide you in any further steps necessary. Always call before arrival.
Yes. Elderly and at-risk individuals should stay home and limit visitors to only those that are essential. Groceries and other supplies should be delivered or dropped off at their doorstop by friends/family. Anyone acting as caretaker for an elderly community member should practice strong hand washing hygiene and precautionary measures.
