The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a health emergency but also an unprecedented economic crisis.

We are asking Mayor Ethan Berkowitz to change the policies around COVID-19 emergency leave in the name of public health. We can't continue serving the citizens of Anchorage if we all get sick due to inability to stay home and prevent the spread.

There are displaced workers across the country — those who have lost their jobs and those who have seen cuts in their hours and pay — and they need economic support at least until the crisis passes. For many of these displaced and "nonessential" workers, the "essential" workers are now the sole provider in their household. Many AMEA workers have been placed in this group, and are supporting the citizens of Anchorage by continuing to work in the face of a health crisis, while simultaneously supporting their friends and families during an economic crisis.

These AMEA workers, whose labor keeps our city functioning and keep essential services working for the public, are being put in a precarious position as they or their families become impacted by COVID-19. They are being told that if they feel sick, need quarantine, have a sick family member, a lack of childcare, have traveled recently, or many other COVID-19 related issues; that they must deplete leave balances and take leave-without-pay.

An employee with 14 hours of leave saved up, who knows the right thing to do is to quarantine for two weeks, is forced to do the math and realize they are out an nearly entire paycheck worth of bills if they do the right thing. They have mouths to feed, communities to support, rent to pay, and many other obligations during this crisis. So they come to work, and possibly spread the virus to their coworkers, because they have no choice if they want to continue to keep their bills paid.

We are asking Mayor Ethan Berkowitz to change that, in the name of public health. We can't continue serving the citizens of Anchorage if we all get sick due to these policies.