During the summer, processors bring in thousands of employees; thousands of independent fishermen come to the region as well.
Southwest
Aniak is preparing for 2 possible disasters at once: COVID-19 and flooding
As COVID-19 is spreading across Alaska, spring is approaching and the countdown to river breakup is beginning. The Middle Kuskokwim community of Aniak is preparing for two possible disasters at once.
Donlin Gold suspends drilling program, moves employees from work camp
Donlin Gold has suspended its drilling program and plans to remove most of its employees from its remote work camp in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta starting April 9.
Dillingham urges governor to close Bristol Bay fishery
The City of Dillingham and the Curyung Tribal Council urged Governor Mike Dunleavy Monday to consider closing Bristol Bay’s commercial fishery to protect the community from the coronavirus pandemic. Bristol Bay’s summer fishing season brings with it an influx of thousands of fishermen and processor workers into small communities around the region. The sockeye fishery…
In Bristol Bay, spring means salmon — and thousands of fishermen from coronavirus hot spots
A remote fishing region will soon be flooded with seasonal workers. The hospital is equipped for only four COVID-19 patients and its chief operating officer is out of a job after emailing a coronavirus conspiracy meme. Welcome to Dillingham, Alaska.
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.
Bristol Bay health corp. executive removed after suggesting a COVID-19 conspiracy theory
A top official at Bristol Bay Area Health Corp. sent an email to other managers this month promoting the falsehood that the coronavirus pandemic is no worse than the flu and is part of a political conspiracy.
Distance-learning lesson plans take shape as Alaska’s students settle in for coronavirus closure
There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding education right now. Schools statewide are closed until at least May 1, but that doesn’t mean instruction has ended.
Alaska Marine Highway to turn away passengers with flu-like symptoms
Ferry employees are also following a no-contact policy with riders and will regularly sanitize public areas at terminals and on the ferries.
Bracing for supply shortages, Alaska bush grocers are boosting orders and planning ahead
Supplies of certain products have run low in Alaska because of people stocking up in the wake of coronavirus concerns. In Bristol Bay, several grocery stores are preparing to offset the wave of product shortages in the region.