Public health experts have credited measures like the quarantine order with holding Alaska’s COVID-19 case count below every other state in the country, and at least one warns that revoking it could cause a flare-up.
Arctic
UAF researchers use space-based radar to measure methane emissions in Arctic lakes
New research from the University of Alaska Fairbanks utilizing radar instruments positioned on satellites has led to a breakthrough in lake methane emission research.
After a warmer-than-normal April, Utqiaġvik sees first record low since 2007
On Wednesday morning, temperatures in the North Slope hub community of Utqiaġvik reached 20 degrees below zero, a record low for April 29.
North Slope Borough backs out of deal with Ravn, reaffirms right to commandeer assets in emergency
The North Slope Borough is backing out of a tentative deal to rent RavnAir Group’s Utqiaġvik hangar and is reasserting its right to use Ravn’s assets to support air service to its communities during the coronavirus emergency.
ConocoPhillips shuts down North Slope drilling over coronavirus concerns
Oil giant ConocoPhillips announced Wednesday that it’s shutting down its drill rigs on the remote North Slope oil fields, and placing them into long-term storage, to protect its employees and contractors during the coronavirus pandemic.
ASRC, Alaska’s largest private employer, cuts jobs after coronavirus causes oil price collapse
Alaska’s largest private-sector employer, Arctic Slope Regional Corp., has laid off employees and cut charitable giving due to the collapse in oil prices and the economic shutdown caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Dozens of Alaska villages to lose air service as Ravn announces huge cuts
Alaska’s largest rural air carrier, RavnAir Group, says it’s cutting its service by 90% amid a coronavirus-driven crash in revenue — a move that could leave dozens of rural villages with deeply diminished air service.
Despite backlash over coronavirus timing, Alaska’s investment arm puts $35M into fund for Ambler Road
Despite largely negative input from the public, the AIDEA board voted unanimously to support a resolution to categorize the Ambler Road project as an Arctic Infrastructure project.
Bush Alaska lawmakers seek extension of REAL ID deadline due to coronavirus concerns
Legislators who represent the bulk of Alaska’s villages are asking the state’s congressional delegation to try to extend the deadline for Alaskans to get REAL ID-compliant identification.
Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse canceled over coronavirus concerns
Organizers of the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon, made a decision to cancel the event over coronavirus concerns. The cancellation sent shockwaves of disappointment across the Arctic Circle.