The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly’s regular meeting on March 17, 2020.
Local Government
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.
Nome, Iditarod officials postpone end-of-race festivities
Iditarod mushers will still be finishing on Front Street in Nome next week, but the city of Nome will not be hosting any festivities.
Alaska Folk Festival canceled for first time in 46-year history
The board says they’re concerned about safety due to the COVID-19 virus.
Gastineau Community School closed Friday while student is tested for ‘multiple viruses’
The school district emailed parents Thursday evening saying they’re closing the school and cancelling all after-school activities and meetings as a precaution.
City working through ‘what ifs’ as the Westerdam — and cruise ship season — makes its way toward Juneau
City leaders say they received hundreds of emails and phone calls from the public about the Westerdam’s arrival. People wanted to know why the ship was coming here, what it would do once it arrived, how the city could be sure there were no cases of COVID-19 on board.
Illegal for decades, many Anchorage homes still have covenants that prohibit sale to Alaska Natives and Black people
A new effort by Anchorage officials is grappling with thousands of discriminatory contracts still written into deeds all over town, part of Anchorage’s checkered legacy on race.
Special program: Coronavirus questions and concerns for Juneau
KTOO News hosted a special program on coronavirus, answering questions about school closures, cruise ships, hospital preparations and more.