Hello, Community of Cordova,
I am contacting you as a Tribal Leader on behalf of the Native Village of Eyak.
We want all of you to know that our number one priority is the safety of our community. NVE, the City of Cordova and other local entities have been working together to take steps in preparation for a possible outbreak.
Due to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, NVE is closed to the public and only essential office personnel are in office, we have temporarily asked that all other employees work from home. However, Ilanka Community Health Clinic is still open and we ask that you please call first if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. NVE has also canceled all travel, gatherings, meetings, and events until further notice.
NVE has also been working with all the regional villages and corporations, Port Graham, Nanwalek, Qutekcak (Seward), Chenega, Valdez, Tatitlek, and Eyak, along with Chugach Alaska Regional Corporation to make sure we keep each other updated on new information and current cases in our area. Here are sites you can visit for current and accurate information.
State of Alaska DHHS: coronavirus.alaska.gov
CDC: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
ANTHC: anthc.org/news/resources-coronavirus
NVE encourages everyone to stay calm and stay informed. Follow updates from DHSS, CDC, ANTHC, and other trusted public health officials. Do not panic. Fight fear, stigma, and misinformation with correct information and news. Talk to your neighbors, friends, and co-workers about how to help each other. Remember to ask them if they have any special needs that should be considered in a health emergency.
Please see the attached call-to-action from President Trump to combat the COVID-19 Virus. These are the actions developed in concert with top health and medical professionals of the Federal Government to slow the spread of the COVID-19 Virus.
Please know that your Village is working hard to keep things running in this chaotic time, if you have any questions, please let one of the NVE Council Representatives know or call our office at 424-7738.
Raven Cunningham
NVE Tribal Council member, Cordova
