Reopening the Mat-Su Borough

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH

Office of the Borough Manager

350 East Dahlia Avenue • Palmer, AK  99645

Phone (907) 861-8689 • Fax (907) 861-8669

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PRESS RELEASE

Date:  May 1, 2020

From:  Mayor and Assembly

Re:    Reopening the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alignment with State’s Direction on COVID-19

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly is in concurrence with Governor Mike Dunleavy’s plan to “Reopen Alaska.” Mat-Su Borough remains committed to closely monitoring the spread of disease and, in concert with the State of Alaska, is poised to rapidly process new information and adjust course as appropriate.

Health Mandate 16 allows certain businesses, like restaurants, retail shops, personal services, fishing charters, childcare and day camps, and gyms, to reopen under certain conditions and guidance. For gatherings of no larger than 20, Health Mandate 16 requires six-foot distancing between non-household members and cloth face coverings be worn. Read the full mandate and associated guidance documents here.   

As MSB economy begins to slowly open, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and the local Emergency Operations Center will be tracking four core components:  the epidemiological curve of MSB’s positive cases, testing capacity, healthcare, and contact investigations on all positive cases.

All Mat-Su Borough residents have an obligation to promote public health and should continue to follow guidance regarding handwashing, staying six feet apart from others, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily, and correctly and effectively using cloth face coverings. The State encourages those who are at high risk of infection to continue to self-quarantine.  

A crucial component of reopening is to continue to test for COVID-19. If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your local health care provider. If you have additional concerns with testing, please contact the Mat-Su Borough Emergency Operations Center at (907) 861-8500 and we will attempt to address those concerns with/for you.

To see a current count for COVID cases click here:  https://matanuska-susitna-borough-coronavirus-covid-19-msb.hub.arcgis.com/