Mask up Alaska! E
arly 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.”
