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DHSS Confirms Death Of OSI Employee Unrelated To COVID-19

KUCB

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and City of Unalaska confirmed Monday that the death of an Offshore Systems Inc. (OSI) employee in Unalaska over the weekend was unrelated to COVID-19. 

"The test from the individual found deceased over the weekend was negative for coronavirus," said the city in a press release on Monday.

The OSI employee was found dead around 2 p.m. Saturday in his private sleeping quarters. Unalaska's Department of Public Safety, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and Iliuliuk Family and Health Services (IFHS) personnel worked collaboratively to evaluate the situation, including the risk for COVID-19.

For the protection of emergency responders, clinic personnel, and the community, the city said significant precautions were taken during the response and transport.

"Although we are relieved to hear our employee did not pass away due to a COVID-19 illness, we are still deeply saddened by the loss of our good friend and colleague," said Jeff Savage, general manager of OSI. "We appreciate the prompt response and concern of health officials and will continue to institute risk mitigation practices among our employees and operations in Dutch Harbor." 

Based on the negative test result, and on the advice of health officials involved in the assessment, OSI said that it will continue to implement ongoing COVID-19 safety protocols "in order to support employees, essential vendors, and valued customers." 

According to the city, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Unalaska. 13 patients have been tested. 10 have confirmed negative test results. Three results are still pending. 

 

Hope McKenney is a public radio news director, reporter, producer and host based in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
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