Rep. Don Young, R- Alaska, released a statement Monday addressing his positive test for COVID-19 and his health.
“Over the weekend, I was admitted to Providence Hospital for treatment and monitoring. The team at Providence did an outstanding job, and their commitment to patient care is to be commended. I have been discharged and continue recovering and working from home in Alaska,” Young said in a statement. “Very frankly, I had not felt this sick in a very long time, and I am grateful to everyone who has kept me in their thoughts and prayers.”
Young posted on Twitter last Thursday that he had contracted the coronavirus. He urged Alaskans to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s best practices for avoiding virus. Those guidelines include frequent washing, avoiding crowded areas, maintaining 6 feet of separation from people who you do not live with and wearing masks when in public places.
[Jetliner hits brown bear while landing in Yakutat]
“COVID-19 is a serious virus, and its recent surge in our state has made this a critical moment,” Young said. “I encourage all Alaskans to continue following CDC guidelines: practice social distancing; use a mask; avoid crowds whenever possible.”
Young cautioned that the virus has created an economic crisis as well, but said that Alaskans have the tools to carry on.
“Fighting the spread of this virus is crucial if we are to recover,” Young said. “We cannot hunker down forever, but I sincerely believe that we will be successful in fighting COVID-19, so that we can restore our economic health in the present, and secure a bright future for all Alaskans; our children and grandchildren are depending on us.”
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
