Department of Health and Social Services says “Mask Up, Alaska

Mask up Alaska!

Early in Alaska’s fight against the novel coronavirus, the Department of Health and Social Services launched a public information campaign called ‘Mask up, Alaska!’ urging residents to don masks or cloth facial coverings in an effort to decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Doctors and health officials, including Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink, have confirmed over the last six months since the COVID-19 pandemic first arrived in Alaska that wearing a mask can greatly diminish the risk of spreading the virus through airborne droplets.

Wearing a mask is important because with COVID-19, individuals can be contagious and spread the virus while showing no symptoms and may be unaware they are sick.

“Individual actions make a difference. From helping each other through earthquakes to clearing snow from a neighbor’s driveway, Alaskans take care of each other and have a strong sense of community,” the campaign said. “Wearing a face mask is another way to show you care and to protect those who are more vulnerable to serious illness.” — Erin McGroarty

Kevin Knox lives in Sitka. He is head coach of the local swim team and serves on the City and Borough of Sitka Assembly. Kevin says, “I wear my mask to protect my athletes, my family and my entire community. Living in an island town where an outbreak could spread very quickly and exhaust our limited resources, it is imperative that we do everything we can. I want to see our community continue to remain as open as possible and as a coach I want to ensure my swimmers can continue to workout, to care for their health and athletic ability as much as they can.” Nikkie Corbett is the owner of Sew Yup’ik. She lives in Soldotna and was born and raised in Bethel. “I wear my mask because it’s easy.” Amy Kruse makes masks for others and lives in Kasilof. She says, “Mask wearing can be difficult for many. We are doing our best to make masks that are extremely comfortable, colorful, fun, affordable and uniquely Alaskan. Alaskans are such amazing supporters of local artists! We are embracing the unique opportunity to express and protect oneself (and others) by sporting (wearing) artwork that you love.”

Michael and Jason Evans, brothers who live in Fairbanks, say this about masks: Jason, age 7: “Masks are good for your body so you won’t get coronavirus.”

Michael, age 12: “Just wear the mask.”

Leah Dunn lives in Homer and attends Homer High School. Before school started in August, Leah made dozens of homemade cloth masks for teachers,

school staff, students and friends.

Julie and Ken Flynn are retired and live in Anchorage (50+ year residents). Ken says, “I wear a mask because I think it’s the right thing to do. We believe in the science and that’s that.”

Gail Schubert is president and chief executive officer of Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC). Gail says she wears her mask “to do my part to keep others safe.” Maura Jones is executive assistant to the chief executive officer at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer and part of the COVID-19 response for her community. Dr. Mimi Benjamin is the Hospitalist Medical Director at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau. She says, “I wear a mask to protect my friends, family and community, even while fishing!”

Renee Daniels is lead mammographer at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau. Renee says, “I wear a mask to protect myself and others from the virus. I made a Facebook page called Mask Pride where you can post a head shot of yourself with your favorite mask, tell us about where you wear your mask, what you like about it and why you wear it. Anything to spread the word, not the virus.” Featured this #maskupalaska campaign are Lieutenant General David A. Krumm and Chief Master Sergeant David R. Wolfe. Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm is the Commander, Alaskan Command, United States Northern Command; Commander, Eleventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson, Alaska. He is the senior military officer in Alaska. Chief Master Sergeant David R. Wolfe is assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command, and the Command Chief Master Sergeant, Eleventh Air Force, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Fritz and Susie Ward are siblings who live in Anchorage. Fritz says, “I wear a mask so no one gets the virus.” Susie says, “I want people to stay safe, and to make others feel comfortable around

me.” Dean Lukin from Kotzebue is a pilot, firefighter, emergency medical technician, hunter, father of four children and grandfather of one. He says, “I wear a mask to fly, to go to the grocery store and post office, and will continue to wear one because it’s respectful and because it protects you and me from possible exposure.”

Make a “shout out” to a health care provider who’s had a positive impact on your life. Go to AlaskaPulse.com to tell us about it

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