STATE OF ALASKA
DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identi?ed
COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death, which is a new strain
of coronavirus not previously identi?ed in humans, as posing a signi?cant public health risk;

WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the initial outbreak
of as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern;

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, United States Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M.
Azar II declared a public health emergency for the United States to aid the nation?s healthcare
community in responding to COVID- 9;

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020, I declared a Public Health Disaster Emergency due to the
imminent threat of a COVID-19 outbreak in Alaska;

WHEREAS, on April 9, 2020, President Donald J. Trump approved a major disaster declaration
for the State of Alaska to aid in recovery efforts;

WHEREAS, on November 6, 2020 Alaska has over 17,000 con?rmed cases, and 84 deaths from
COVID-19, and these numbers are expected to increase;

WHEREAS, a statewide response under Alaska Statute 18.15.390, coordinated by the
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), is needed to fully address this condition of
public health importance;

WHEREAS, on November 6, 2020 the Commissioner of DHSS certi?ed that an outbreak of
is occurring in Alaska due to widespread community transmission, in accordance
with Alaska Statute 

THEREFORE, under the authority granted by Alaska Statute I hereby declare that
a condition of public health disaster emergency exists, and this condition is of suf?cient severity
and magnitude to warrant a public health disaster emergency declaration in order to provide
assistance.

FURTHER, the Commissioners of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)
and DHSS are hereby authorized to use funds made available for these purposes that are
considered necessary for public health disaster assistance and response.

FURTHER, Anticipated spending for this disaster: $1,000,000 from the Disaster Relief Fund
pursuant to Alaska Statute CARES Act and other funding appropriated for this
?scal year to respond to, and mitigate the risk arising from, a COVID-19 outbreak.

FURTHER, The Commissioner of the DMVA is authorized to delegate tasks to other State
departments and agencies in accordance with the State Emergency Operations Plan. The

Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency

November 6, 2020

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Commissioner of DHSS is authorized to exercise the provisions provided under Alaska Statute


This Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency is effective at 12:01 am. on November
16, 2020, and will expire on 11:59 pm. on December 15, 2020, unless extended by further action
of the Governor or the Legislature.

Dated: WW 4 X020

Mike Dunleavy 
Governor