Wrangell takes precautionary steps for coronavirus

With the ongoing spread of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, many communities across the nation are doing their best to be prepared. This is also true in Alaska. There are only a few confirmed cases of the virus in Anchorage and Fairbanks as of March 17. All across the state, however, communities are taking precautionary measures to keep the virus from spreading further. In Wrangell, many events and facilities have been postponed for the sake of caution.

"As a preventative measure to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 the City & Borough of Wrangell is canceling group activities and closing some facilities," reads a March 13 press release from the city. "The Borough regrets this inconvenience to the community. It is out of an abundance of caution these measures are being taken. At this time, all Borough offices remain open to the public."

Among city facilities that have been closed for a minimum of two weeks are the Nolan Center, the community pool and rec center, and the Irene Ingle Public Library. The press release added that e-books can still be downloaded from the library online, and book reservations can be made over the phone. Anybody with currently checked-out books are asked to hold on to them until the library reopens, without any overdue fines.

Local events have also been postponed or cancelled. The eighth annual Shamrock Shuffle, a St. Patrick's Day-themed fun run originally scheduled for March 14, was cancelled. Rayme's Bar was planning to hold its annual St. Patrick's Day dinner on the 14th, as well, but this was also cancelled. The adult prom, another event planned for March 21, has also been postponed for the time being. Wrangell's Health Fair, planned for April, is also being rescheduled.

The Wrangell Cooperative Association has also closed its offices to the public, though employees continue to work and can be reached by phone or email. Wrangell's Legislative Information Office has also closed its doors to foot traffic for the time being. On March 17, the Wrangell Sentinel received guidelines for continuing operations for the foreseeable future. Employees are asked to maintain social distancing as much as possible, attending meetings but keeping a 6-foot distance from other people, holding interviews via email or phone whenever possible, and to self-quarantine if any employee begins to feel sick.

Local governments and businesses are not the only entities taking precautionary steps. The Wrangell School District has extended spring break. According to a notice on the district's Facebook page, students can expect to return to class on March 30. However, if there is a confirmed case of Coronavirus in Wrangell before that date, it will be subject to change. The hospital is taking precautionary steps, as well. As of March 16, the main entrance to the Wrangell Medical Center has been closed. All traffic has been directed through the emergency room entrance, and the Long Term Care facilities are limiting all visitors except for any end-of-life situations. Harbor Light Assembly of God also kept its doors shut last Sunday, March 15, opting instead to deliver a worship service via Facebook Live.

While the importance of social distancing and self quarantining is important, the community is still finding ways to come together to support one another. Zak's Cafe and J&W's have both announced they will be making meals for students, as the school cafeterias are closed for the time being, Tuesdays through Fridays. A Facebook page for people across the region to share information regarding the Coronavirus has also been created. It can be found under the name "COVID-19 and Alaska (S.E.)".

"Wash your hands," said School Board President Aaron Angerman, during a March 16 school board meeting. "Whatever we can do to prevent this that's going on."

As of March 17, there were no confirmed cases of the virus in Wrangell.