Information, Health and Food Help During COVID-19 Outbreak in Alaska

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, Alaska is providing information and resources to help older Alaskans and those caring for them protect themselves from the virus and help prevent it from spreading to others.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has issued health mandates for Alaskans requiring Alaskans to stay home except for necessary activities like health care and grocery shopping, and to social distance -- stay 6 feet away from others -- if they have to go out.

If you are concerned you might have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus, or have symptoms associated with coronavirus, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services recommends that you call your health care provider about whether you should be tested.
Signs of the virus are a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath.
(Read more about coronavirus and how to stay safe.)

Up-to-date state and local health information:

• The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services offers updates on those infected, plus tips for prevention, public resources and contact information.

• For medical, food and recovery services and information, call Alaska 211: Dial 2-1-1 in southcentral Alaska, or 1-800-478-2221 toll-free statewide. The one-stop resource currently has extended call center hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week. You can also email alaska211@ak.org.

• Food Bank of Alaska has resources around the state.

• The Aging & Disabilities Resource Centers around Alaska connect seniors, people with disabilities, and their caregivers with long-term care resources -- both services and supports -- regardless of age or income level.

Financial benefits, including unemployment and federal economic impact payments:

• The Alaska Division of Public Assistance has a link to applications for public assistance and to the Senior Benefits Information Office.
• This IRS web page has information on coronavirus tax relief and federal Economic Impact Payment.

If you or someone you know is feeling stressed or overwhelmed:

• Careline is the statewide someone-to-talk-to/suicide prevention line to call if you need to talk, are worried about someone, or are in crisis: 1-877-266-4357. It's free, confidential, and open 24-7. Text help is available 3-11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday: Text 4help to 839863

Beware of coronavirus scams:

• Scammers follow the news and many scams related to the coronavirus have been reported. Visit AARP's Fraud Watch Network for information on scams and tips for reducing your risk. Some are not to open emails if they are not from a familiar address, and watch out for look-alike addresses, like -gov instead of the official .gov. If you think you might have been scammed, you can call AARP's Fraud Watch Network hotline at 877-908-3360 for assistance.
• If you know you've been scammed in relation to the virus, please call the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or email the agency at disaster@leo.gov.

More on Coronavirus

• 7 Ways to Handle Anxiety During the Outbreak
• Practical Tips for Caregivers Concerned About Coronavirus