The City of Homer, in coordination with the Homer Emergency Operations Center Unified Command, announced the first positive test result of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) of a Homer resident.

Dan Nelson, Incident Commander with the Borough Office of Emergency Management: “The individual had been traveling out of state in the Lower 48, self-reported when they arrived by airplane in Anchorage, and was tested in Anchorage. They will continue to remain in Anchorage and isolated until cleared by public health officials.”

Homer’s Public Health Nurse, Lorne Carroll stated, “We’d like to thank the client for fully cooperating with public health officials in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Public Health Nurses and Alaska’s Section of Epidemiology are working closely with the client, healthcare providers, and close contacts to identify anyone who may have been significantly exposed.”

Carroll went on to state, we will continue to keep the public informed through all communication channels. Social distancing is critical. Stay home as much as possible even if you’re healthy, and stay away from those more vulnerable to severe illness. Continue checking in with each other, always maintaining a safe distance. Feeling connected makes a difference.

Testing for COVID-19 is available at South Peninsula Hospital, but only by referral from your provider. If you are experiencing mild symptoms of illness (cough, fever, aches), the best advice is to stay home and self-isolate. The majority of persons with COVID-19 recover quickly with no complications.

If you are experiencing more advanced symptoms (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing) call your provider and, depending on your conditions, they may give you a referral for testing.