Juneau Assembly declares local emergency, escalates Emergency Operations Center to Level 3

The City and Borough of Juneau’s Emergency Operations Plan provides the framework to guide CBJ’s response during an emergency. Currently, the goal is to develop and maintain a common operational picture to effectively and efficiently respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Last week, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 and initiated a unified command structure between various state departments to ensure a swift and effective COVID-19 response. Following this action, Juneau Assembly passed a resolution last night declaring a local emergency and CBJ has escalated its Emergency Operations Center to a Level 3.

“We are continuing our coordination efforts in response to COVID-19 and have formulated a unified command with Bartlett Regional Hospital, the state’s Division of Public Health, and other partners,” CBJ City Manager Rorie Watt said.

Operating CBJ’s Emergency Operations Center at Level 3 is not in response to any new information or local developments. There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Juneau. CBJ has been actively preparing and coordinating its operations with the State of Alaska, nonprofits, the business community, and federal partners. The goal is to keep Juneau residents safe and healthy.

CBJ requests that community members continue to take everyday actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
• Clean and then disinfect frequently used surfaces
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Avoid touching your face

Visit juneau.org/covid-19 for information, links, and resources to help keep Juneau safe and healthy.

For more information, contact City Manager Rorie Watt at 586-5240 or [email protected].