Anchorage Assembly Member Fred Dyson has introduced a resolution encouraging citizens to report the intentional spreading of coronavirus to others. The ordinance is scheduled for debate at the March 24 Anchorage Assembly meeting.

It states that COVID-19 is a serious pandemic and that those “with criminal intent to harm or cause death of others, for their benefit, out of spite, or any reason, may exploit the state of public health.”

The resolution also notes that the State of Alaska has the “power to order individuals to isolate or quarantine themselves, and the Municipality (of Anchorage) may have that same power if a recently proposed ordinance is passed.”

It then calls on Anchorage residents to follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to “adhere to the Mayor’s and Governor’s orders, and report people who knowingly or intentionally expose others to COVID-19 to the proper authorities.”

The March 24 Assembly meeting begins at 5 p.m., but due to health concerns over large gatherings the community members are strongly encouraged to provide testimony via email or by telephone. Due to federal, state, and local health department guidance and emergency measures, the number of people allowed in the Assembly Chambers will be limited.

Anyone wishing to provide testimony can send emails to Testimony@anchorageak.gov by 2 p.m. on March 24. These comments will become part of the meeting record. The email should note in the subject line which agenda item it is addressing. The proposed resolution regarding COVID-19 crimes is AR-2020-90.

Those testifying by phone can send an email to Testimony@anchorageak.gov by 2 p.m. on March 24 with their name, phone number and agenda item to be addressed. The email subject line should include the words, “Phone Testimony.” When the Assembly reaches this agenda item, the clerk will call the person and give them three minutes to provide testimony.

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