Tag: coronavirus

Joining villages across the state, Bristol Bay communities restrict travel to stem disease spread

Newhalen, New Stuyahok, Igiugig and Perryville have all suspended travel for non-community members until further notice.
The seal of the state of alaska as seen from below

Alaska courts quieter, but still working, amid coronavirus changes

Alaska’s court system looks very different these days, as judges, attorneys and court staff work under new directives to keep people safe from coronavirus.

Ketchikan infections spread, 3 more cases reported

Ketchikan now has 11 coronavirus infections. That’s after authorities announced one new case Tuesday evening and two new cases Wednesday afternoon. One of those is...

Regional air carriers forced to make cuts, but hoping for federal relief

In the face of community travel restrictions and a drop in demand, some regional air carriers in Alaska say they’re being forced to cut service to communities - and to cut positions from their payroll.

Longtime Petersburg resident, hospitalized in Washington state, has died of coronavirus

A Petersburg man in a Seattle hospital after testing positive with COVID-19 Monday, March 16, his family said.

An Alaskan has died from the coronavirus in Washington state, officials say

The person acquired the disease and died in Washington state, but was an Alaska resident, said Alaska's chief medical officer.

Outrage grows that many Alaska state workers can’t heed the call to stay home

State workers are worried about their exposure, and one union is suing the state.

Here’s an alphabetical list of Y-K villages restricting travel to stop the coronavirus

With elders to care for, sparse health care infrastructure, overcrowded homes and limited access to running water, many villages are putting their own restrictions into place.

Alaska Legislature eases unemployment insurance benefit rules, weighs other emergency measures

Both chambers passed a bill, House Bill 308, that would ease access to unemployment insurance benefits for those affected by the pandemic. The measure would eliminate the one-week waiting period for benefits. And it would raise the benefit per dependent, from $25 to $75 per week.

Juneau coronavirus patient is in critical care, the first Alaskan hospitalized with the virus

A patient with COVID-19 was currently in the critical care unit at Bartlett Regional Hospital on Tuesday.

Alaska leaders have taken drastic measures to slow the coronavirus. The ‘$1 million question’ is whether they’re enough.

As the coronavirus inflicts huge damage on the state and national economy, there’s increasing discussion about how far public health mandates should go, and how long they can be sustained. At the same time, doctors and some community leaders are pushing even more aggressive social distancing measures, and limits on travel.

Ketchikan officials announce two new cases of COVID-19, bringing local total to eight

Officials reiterated the importance of staying home given the exponential growth in coronavirus cases in Ketchikan.

Bush Alaska lawmakers seek extension of REAL ID deadline due to coronavirus concerns

Legislators who represent the bulk of Alaska’s villages are asking the state’s congressional delegation to try to extend the deadline for Alaskans to get REAL ID-compliant identification. The request comes amid concerns over the coronavirus.

Distance-learning lesson plans take shape as Alaska’s students settle in for coronavirus closure

Melin says each of Alaska’s 54 school districts will handle remote education differently.

Medical supply donations have kept testing going in Anchorage – but for how much longer?

Donations are keeping testing afloat and helping to bolster emergency supply stocks.

Staff member at Chugiak High School tests positive for COVID-19

Anchorage School District staff were alerted to this information Monday afternoon.

Dunleavy administration mandates two-week quarantine for people traveling into Alaska

The number of known coronavirus cases in Alaska had also grown to 36 by Monday.
A man gesticulating behind a desk

State Senate approves $1,000 stimulus checks

The Alaska Senate passed the state budget on Monday, including a $1,000 economic stimulus payment to everyone who received a permanent fund dividend last year.

‘There’s sunshine again’: Thousands of meals delivered daily to Anchorage students as coronavirus closes classrooms

On Friday, the Anchorage School District handed out more than 18,000 free meals to Anchorage students.

Anchorage mayor joins calls for travel restrictions as questions of authority linger

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz said he’s waiting to hear from city attorneys about whether he has the authority to adopt such restrictions himself, when it comes to the state-run Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.