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Alaska health officials are telling the Senate Health & Social Services Committee how the disaster declaration helped the state's response to COVID-19. #akleg
"Without the public health emergency, communities that do not have local health powers will be left behind and limited, with no support." #akleg
That was state public health director Heidi Hedberg. She basically said it's essential to pass Senate Bill 56, a measure that's drawn skepticism from some committee members. #akleg
Sen. Reinbold is citing vaccine studies on animals from 2002 and 2005 for a different virus to try to raise concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, which has been given to tens of millions of human beings in the past seven weeks. #akleg
Dr. Zink says there are no deaths associated with the vaccines in the United States. Reinbold says that contradicts "things" she's read "online." #akleg
Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association CEO Jared Kosin says federal waivers are only valid if they're consistent with the state's emergency plans. If the declaration expires, "there would no longer be an emergency for which a plan is required." #akleg
Alaska Municipal League Executive Director Nils Andreassen says municipalities would lose the ability to hold mass vaccinations if there isn't a disaster declaration. #akleg
Sen. Wilson says he plans to close public testimony, with members of the public still online. Sen. Reinbold says she's never experienced this as a legislator. Wilson says the committee will reopen public testimony at the next committee meeting. #akleg
