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May 21, 2003
Contact: Kerre Fisher, (907) 748-7398

Public Health Increases Vigilance for Threat Level ‘Orange’

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Juneau, Alaska - - - In response to the increased threat level established yesterday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security, the Alaska Dept. of Health & Social Services, Division of Public Health (DPH) is asking its staff and partner agencies to increase their vigilance and preparation concerning possible bioterrorism attacks.

According to the National and State Homeland Security guidance, threat condition orange, meaning high, is the fourth level in the five-tier threat condition system. Threat condition orange means that there is credible intelligence indicating a high risk of a terrorist attack, but a specific target has not been identified.

“Since the Alaska tourism season is currently underway and our first suspect case of SARS was identified this past Sunday, all healthcare facilities are already on heightened awareness for infectious diseases. The increased security procedures should compliment this awareness.” said DPH Director Doug Bruce in a memo today to internal staff and other healthcare partners.

All DPH facilities and public health clinics will continue their daily operations, but will also emphasize security and emergency procedures for the safety of both the patients and the staff. Private healthcare providers and hospitals around the state are also being asked to evaluate their security procedures and emergency plans and increase their preparedness levels accordingly.

Patients and other public members should not experience any unreasonable delays at their healthcare facilities because of this upgraded threat condition; however, increased security precautions may be in place and should be expected.

Additional Online Information Regarding Threat Levels: