HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2020-27x Sponsored by: Council Members Peterkin and Pettey
Ki;NAI
CITY OF KE NAI
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-27
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, ENCOURAGING THE GOVERNOR TO
MODIFY COVID-19 HEAL TH MANDATE 010: INTERNATIONAL AND INTERSTATE TRAVEL-
ORDER FOR SELF QUARANTINE, BY ALLOWING INTERSTATE TRAVEL AND
IMPLEMENTING ALTERNATIVE SAFETY MEASURES TO SUPPORT ALASKAN
BUSINESSES THAT RELY ON SEASONAL TOURISM WHILE RECOGNIZING THE
SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS OF THE STATE LEADERSHIP AND ALASKAN RESIDENTS TO
SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 .
WHEREAS , the COVID-19 virus originated in Hubei province in China , with the first confirmed
case occurring on November 17, 2019; and,
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2020, the United States of America had its first confirmed case of
COVID-19; and,
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization declared a public health
emergency of international concern due the COVID-19 virus; and,
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, with 2 ,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States ,
Pres ident Donald Trump declared a U.S . national emergency and ,
WHEREAS , on March 2, 2020 , the State of Alaska had its first confirmed case of COVID -19; and,
WHEREAS , in response to the confirmed presence of COVID-19 in the State of Alaska and to
prevent or slow the spread of the virus , Governor Mike Dunleavy issued his first public health
mandate on March 13, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, Governor Dunleavy issued 17 additional health mandates to date , all in an effort to
"flatten the curve " and reduce the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to a level that would not
overwhelm the health care infrastructure of the State; and
WHEREAS , because of the early and aggressive action by the Governor and the cooperation of
Alaskan residents, Alaskans have flattened the curve ; and,
WHEREAS, as of May 12, 2020 there were only 35 active cases in the State representing one
active case for every 20, 700 Alaska n residents ; and ,
WHEREAS , for the last 29 days new reported daily cases have been in the single dig its and for
the last 10 days below 5; and
WHEREAS , 9,4 04 Alaskans filed for unemployment benefits during the week ended May 2 , 2020,
adding to the 52,022 Alaskans currently receiving unemployment benefits; and
Resolution No. 2020-27
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WHEREAS , the continued closure of businesses is impacting all Alaskans, resulting in a
significant loss of jobs, business failures, and the loss of important sales tax revenues to
municipalities jeopardizing essential services ; and,
WHEREAS, as other health mandates are being repealed or superseded and as the state reopens
for business , it is critical for businesses that depend on tourism that restrictions on interstate travel
requiring a 14 day quarantine be lifted and alternative safety measures implemented to allow for
businesses from fishing guide services to restaurants to have a chance to operate successfully
this coming summer; and,
WHEREAS, reduction of interstate travel limitations can be paired with continued implementation
of other health mandates as necessary to continue protecting public health and safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI , ALASKA:
Section 1. That the City Council respectfully encourages the Governor to modify COVID-19
Health Mandate 010: International and Interstate Travel -Order for Self Quarantine , by allowing
interstate travel, and implement alternative safety measures to allow for a meaningful opportunity
for tourism to restart in our State and businesses to succeed.
Section 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to Governor Mike Dunleavy and Kenai
Peninsula Legislators Senator Peter Micciche, Senator Gary Stevens, Representative Gary
Knopp, Representative Ben Carpenter, and Representative Sarah Vance.
Section 3. That this resolution takes effect immediately upon passage .
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI , ALASKA, this 20th day of May , 2020 .
B~IAN GABRIEL, SR., MAYOR
ATTEST: