State officials release stricter guidelines for travelers returning to Alaska
A new health mandate says people entering Alaska within 14 days of being in an area with widespread, ongoing community spread of coronavirus are considered higher risk.
Suspended cruise ship season triggers deep tourism workforce cuts in Juneau
A few weeks ago, the general manager of Juneau Tours and Whale Watch was sweating over how busy a summer tourism season was coming. Now, she’s laying off staff and packing up the office to move to a smaller space.
How can Juneau keep homeless residents safe while also protecting them from coronavirus?
Local service providers are looking for ways to continue helping Juneau’s most vulnerable population while also keeping them safe amid the spread of coronavirus.
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.
Governor to shut down dining at bars and restaurants; total confirmed Alaska COVID-19 cases up to 6
Alaska’s chief medical officer announced that there are three new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alaska, bringing the total number of cases to six. In addition, Gov. Mike Dunleavy closed all restaurants and bars statewide to dine-in services, effective Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Former Gov. Parnell, former US Sen. Begich to lead team aiming to stabilize Alaska’s economy
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy says the team will recommend decisive policies to protect jobs, families and the economy.
State workers union expresses concerns about coronavirus exposure risks
Alaska’s largest union for state workers says government employees are dealing with the public in ways that run counter to recommendations from federal and state officials.
A resident of the US since she was 3 days old, a Bethel woman faces deportation for voting
Bethel resident Becky Trimble says she has lived in the United States since she was three days old. She didn’t know she wasn’t a U.S. citizen until she was 22.
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.
Westerdam cruise ship no longer coming to Juneau
The Holland America Line cruise ship was slated to tie up at a private dock in downtown Juneau for two to three weeks before the start of the summer tourism season. Now it will go to Puerto Vallarta instead.
2 positive COVID-19 cases identified in Fairbanks area
Officials at the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital foundation say two people in Fairbanks, both older men who had been out of state, have tested positive for COVID-19. Both of the men and their families have been quarantined in their homes.
As COVID-19 scare looms, small businesses in Juneau brace for tough times
The situation looks much different than it did a week ago, and some businesses are trying to prepare for more uncertainty to come.
Alaska governor, Anchorage mayor hold coronavirus news briefings
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has announced that all state-operated libraries, archives and museums will be closed to the public for the rest of the month. In a separate briefing, Anchorage officials explained the emergency actions the municipality is taking to stem the spread of COVID-19.
It’s not just coronavirus concerns at UAA. There’s also worry over degree program cuts.
Along with the coronavirus, students and staff at the University of Alaska Anchorage are also facing budget uncertainty and the possibility that their degree programs may cease to exist.
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.
Former Alaska first lady Bella Hammond dies at 87
Bella Hammond was a commercial fisher who loved to garden and took in stray dogs. She was a private person who took on her role as the governor’s wife without airs.
As coronavirus concerns grow in Alaska, officials warn shoppers not to overdo it
A spokesperson for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management says it’s unlikely the coronavirus outbreak will cause a disruption to the delivery of goods from out of state.
Alaska health department recommends postponing non-urgent or elective procedures
Alaska’s health department asked Monday that providers postpone non-urgent or elective procedures for the next three months “to decrease the overall impact on the Alaska health care structure,” the department said in a statement.
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.
Alaska’s chief justice shuts down all new jury trials
Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger has ordered that all new jury trials be suspended, building on a directive last week that led to the suspension of trials in half of the state’s judicial districts out of concern over the spread of the novel coronavirus.