United Way of Mat-Su Agency Statement: COVID-19
The current spread of novel coronavirus, both worldwide and in the United States, is a serious concern that we at UWMS and our Youth 360 program staff are monitoring carefully. We are implementing certain measures to do our part in preventing the spread of this virus, to ensure the healthy and safety of our staff and partners, and to prevent further burdening our healthcare systems.
All staff will have the ability to work from home. We will host virtual community meetings to minimize large in-person gatherings.
UWMS will continue to monitor official information regarding the virus, while collaborating with local health, human and social service agencies to mitigate possible effects on their programs and services. We will keep supporters and partners appraised of the situation to the best of our ability.
Timely and thorough information and updates can be found at the Department of Health and Human Services site (dhss.alaska.gov) or by visiting State of Alaska DHSEM’s page (ready.alaska.gov). We encourage the public and our donors and volunteers to check these pages regularly as the situation progresses. Other information may be found via the Division of Public Health (http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Pages/default.aspx) and the Center for Disease Control’s page (cdc.gov/coronavirus).
Youth 360 clubs in Wasilla and Houston will close in conjunction with MSBSD school closures.
For the time being, Youth 360 staff are adhering to careful precautions, including additional cleaning in and around clubhouses, and allowing students free access to handwashing soap, hand sanitizer, tissues and disposable paper towels. We encourage our students to practice good handwashing at home, to stay home if they feel ill, and to communicate with Youth 360 staff about their health.
United Way of Mat-Su’s office remains open. Our staff remains available to the public as a resource and all programs and services are operating as usual.
We take the health and safety of our staff, as well as those visiting our office, with the utmost seriousness. If it becomes necessary to close the office as a protective measure, UWMS staff will retain the ability to work remotely. Essential programs will remain in motion.
Be safe, stay strong, stay healthy.