Southcentral

Thousands of Alaska parents are in a tailspin as they scramble to find care for their kids during the global coronavirus pandemic that has closed public schools across the state.

According to a media release, the airman recently traveled overseas and is now self-quarantining at home.

Two of the new cases were in Anchorage and one was 75 miles south in the Kenai Peninsula town of Seward. All were travel-related.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

Canada has closed its ports to large cruise ships until July 1 in response to the spread of coronavirus. The restriction applies to vessels carrying 500 people or more.

The University of Alaska system is extending spring break, moving classes online and canceling gatherings in response to the spread of coronavirus.

At least four female employees have filed civil rights complaints against the top executive at the Denali Commission, according to an Anchorage lawyer.