As originally written, the Juneau Assembly’s emergency resolution would institute a mandatory 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving from out-of-state or a community with confirmed coronavirus cases. But Juneau’s two largest private employers objected.
Local Government
City officials mandate many travelers to Juneau quarantine themselves for 14 days
The Assembly debated the measure for several hours on Sunday, trying to balance protecting public health, minimizing economic hardship, and how far to infringe civil liberties.
Voluntary screenings begin at Juneau airport as local leaders advise would-be travelers to stay home
The Juneau International Airport sees multiple daily flights to and from Seattle — one of the epicenters of coronavirus spread in the United States.
Cold weather shelter to move into Juneau Arts and Culture Center to improve social distancing
The cold weather shelter will continue to operate under the same hours for now — 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. — whenever the temperature is below freezing.
Anchorage bar, restaurant closure throws thousands of workers into limbo
“Decisions were made politically that they had their reasons for. But for us, it was a complete blindside,” said Jack Lewis, who co-owns and runs seven different Anchorage area eating places. “Nobody really was prepared for it, or saw it coming.”
1st coronavirus case in Southeast Alaska reported in Ketchikan
Local officials say the individual who tested positive is a Ketchikan Gateway Borough employee who has a history of travel to the Lower 48. It’s the first reported COVID-19 case in Southeast Alaska.
CBJ Assembly Meeting – March 17, 2020
The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly’s regular meeting on March 17, 2020.
Drive-thru coronavirus testing to start in Anchorage
Providence Alaska’s chief medical officer says the drive-thru is intended for people with mild symptoms, and they must have a referral from their health care provider or an urgent care clinic.
Stock up on books: Juneau’s public libraries close for 2 weeks in response to coronavirus
A lot of people were at the library Sunday to stock up on books. Potentially, they’ll be stuck at home, due to workplace and school closures taking effect Monday morning.
Anchorage mayor suspends restaurant dining, bar service and large gatherings
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has banned dine-in service for food and drink at restaurants, bars and breweries, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The order also closes gyms, bingo halls and theaters, and it bans gatherings of more than 50 people.