Tag: coronavirus
The firefighters called to Alaska’s first COVID-19 case were quarantined. Officials say that won’t happen again.
The firefighters, who responded to a 911 call about the case last week, took standard measures to protect against infectious disease. But at the time, federal and other guidance about the best specific measures to protect against the coronavirus was not entirely settled.
Anchorage suspends restaurant dining, bar service
Mayor Berkowitz has banned dine-in service for food and drink at restaurants, bars and breweries. The order also closes gyms, bingo halls and theaters, and it bans gatherings of more than 50 people.
Alaska’s chief justice shuts down all new jury trials
Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger on Sunday ordered that all new jury trials be suspended, building on a directive last week that had led to the suspension of trials in half of the state's judicial districts out of concern over the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Alaska health department issues advisory for travelers returning from other countries and states
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services issued an advisory Sunday recommending Alaskans returning to the state from other countries and other states practice varying degrees of isolation to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Most Alaska villages lack road access and hospitals. Here’s how they’ll fight the coronavirus.
Since most cases of COVID-19 don’t cause serious illness, officials hope that most sick people can stay at home and monitor their symptoms. But they've also developed plans to move people to regional hubs or the Anchorage tribal hospital if necessary, and to provide alternative housing if the sick person poses risks to elders.
Anchorage officials to use ice arena for emergency shelter
The Ben Boeke Ice Arena in Anchorage is the preferred location for an additional shelter to house many of the city’s homeless as the COVID-19 virus spreads, officials said.
As coronavirus concerns grow in Alaska, officials warn shoppers not to overdo it
Zidek said it’s unlikely the coronavirus outbreak will cause a disruption to the delivery of goods from out of state.
‘Well that’s a little different’: Iditarod mushers learn about moved checkpoints, closed schools as coronavirus concerns grow
Schools, towns and checkpoints along the final third of the trail, including in Shaktoolik and Nulato, are limiting their involvement with the event.
While the coronavirus sidelines other sports, the Iditarod mushes on
In some ways, the Iditarod may be the ultimate form of social distancing. Teams travel hundreds of miles through remote, rural Alaska. But, along the way, they also stop at small communities that serve as race checkpoints. And some of those communities are concerned.
Alaska public schools closed to students until March 30, governor says
K-12 public schools in Alaska will be closed to children until March 30.
Anchorage Fire Department responded to coronavirus patient; Three staffers are now self-monitoring at home
Meanwhile, the City of Fairbanks announced Friday that one of its fire department employees is being tested for COVID-19.
Canada closes ports to large cruise ships until July, causing ‘enormous problem’ for Alaska industry
Canada has closed its ports to large cruise ships until July 1 in response to the spread of coronavirus. The restriction applies to vessels carrying 500 people or more.
Anchorage School District will open food distribution sites during school closure
Roth says the schools that will operate as distribution centers were chosen in part because they are are situated in neighborhoods with the some of the highest need in the district.
For those mushing the Iditarod trail, the ultimate form of social distancing, coronavirus news begins to trickle in
As news of emergency measures and coronavirus closures spreads, there’s at least one group of people that is almost totally in the dark: Iditarod mushers.
In Bristol Bay, America’s largest salmon fishery, preparations begin for coronavirus prevention ahead of the season
Thousands of fishermen, processors, and cannery workers will travel to Bristol Bay in the coming months to participate in the commercial fishery. As of Thursday afternoon, no one in the region had been tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus
Juneau school closed as student awaits virus test results
Sayéik Gastineau Community School will be closed Friday, Mar. 13. School officials were notified on Thursday that a student was tested for “multiple viruses.” They are still waiting for the results.
Alaska’s first known coronavirus patient arrived on a cargo flight and went to an ER in Anchorage, state officials say
Alaska's chief medical officer called it an isolated case that health officials believe they can contain.
Anchorage schools to remain closed for one week after spring break amid coronavirus concerns
The school district has also suspended all international, domestic and in-state travel for students and employees through April.
Coronavirus forces University of Alaska to move classes online, extend spring break
The University of Alaska system is extending spring break, moving most classes online and canceling events amid the threat of coronavirus. It's also asking students to leave on-campus dorms for the rest of the semester.
Iditapod: Coronavirus concerns and the Last Great Race
When it comes to concern about the coronavirus, the Iditarod is no exception. In Nome, the city council is considering calling off Iditarod festivities, and we’re also hearing about a big announcement coming from the Iditarod itself, though we’ve been told by someone close to the race that they are not going to be canceling the rest of Iditarod altogether. Meantime, we have a more positive update about Jeff King's health status, a race update, a story about a volunteer passing time tinkering on an old chainsaw, a listener question about who's the best dog whisperer and another dog profile, this one about Juke, in Karin Hendrickson's team.