The state Section of Epidemiology published preliminary data this week showing that Alaska’s suicide rate hasn’t gone up in the first three quarters of 2020, though unintentional drug overdoses are continuing an upward trend from previous years.
Kavitha George, KTOO
Seasonal cannery worker tests positive for COVID-19 in Cordova
The city of Cordova announced its first positive case of COVID-19 on Wednesday. The infected individual is an Ocean Beauty cannery worker who had recently traveled through Seattle and Anchorage, according to Mayor Clay Koplin.
Alaska Municipal League predicts up to $250M hit to local government revenues
The Alaska Municipal League predicts the COVID-19 pandemic will cost municipalities $200 million to $250 million in revenues, with the loss of tourism and other impacted industries.
Kodiak Island has its first confirmed case of coronavirus
Kodiak Public Health Nurse Elsa DeHart confirmed the case appeared in town, not in one of Kodiak’s six outlying villages. The state COVID-19 database shows the patient is male, between the ages of 20 and 29.
Legal advocates warn about uptick in domestic violence during pandemic
The confined living situations introduced by the pandemic — while necessary for slowing the spread of COVID-19 — can increase the likelihood of domestic violence for some Alaskans.
Endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales continue to decline, and scientists aren’t sure why
In 2008, Cook Inlet beluga whales were listed as endangered. Their numbers still continue to drop: There are fewer than 300 today, and they’re steadily declining.