Port of Seattle becomes one more variable in Alaska’s suspended cruise ship season
The Port of Seattle announced this week its cruise ship season would be delayed “until the resolution of the public health emergency.”
State proposes $100M loan guarantee program as Alaska businesses seek approval for out-of-state workers
Some 600 business entities have filed plans with the state outlining how they’ll safely bring out-of-state workers into Alaska to support “critical infrastructure” amid the coronavirus pandemic, state officials said Wednesday.
Trump would like to help the cruise industry. Not everyone who works in the industry thinks that’s a good idea.
A major union representing U.S. crew members is against any public money flowing to the cruise lines.
Capital Transit asks residents to ride bus only when absolutely necessary
Buses will be limited to 9 people at a time.
Behind bars, Alaska inmates and corrections staff brace for virus
“Social distancing in a correctional setting is a challenge, but we’re really doing the best that we can,” Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Gallagher said.
How well does hunkering down work? Time will tell.
Dr. Jay Butler of the CDC says in another week or so, the CDC may have the data to gauge how effective hunkering down is at curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Alaska Supreme Court challenges lawyers on both sides in Dunleavy recall arguments
Assistant Attorney General Margaret Paton-Walsh said if Dunleavy could be recalled for failing to appoint a judge in 45 days, then any governor could be recalled for violating any law. Justice Craig Stowers pushed back.
Juneau’s hospital readies ventilators and isolation rooms for COVID-19 patients
Bartlett Regional Hospital officials in Juneau say they’ve expanded their capability to treat incoming patients infected by coronavirus. But their total capacity is likely to be a tiny fraction of Juneau’s population.
Number of coronavirus cases in Alaska jumps to 59
Two of the people who tested positive for the disease were hospitalized and in critical condition, Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink said at a news conference Wednesday evening.
Kensington Mine to quarantine workers traveling to Juneau
Kensington Mine workers will now be required to spend 14 days in quarantine in a Juneau hotel if they arrive from outside Alaska or from a coronavirus-infected community.
UAS students return to class, but most are staying home
Most University of Alaska Southeast students are studying remotely, but a handful of classes with 10 students or less are meeting in person. Students in those classes who want to study from home have that option.
Outrage grows as many Alaska state workers can’t heed the call to stay home
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has closed certain businesses and is urging Alaskans to stay home to avoid spreading the coronavirus. But some state employees still have to report to their offices, and outrage is percolating.
This Juneau distillery is making hand sanitizer for organizations in need
With COVID-19 concerns, hand sanitizer has been flying off the shelves. But distilleries are creating their own product.
Jury trials, other Alaska court hearings suspended into April
Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger issued an order March 19 that also temporarily suspends the rule requiring a speedy trial for defendants.
Dunleavy confirms Alaska’s first coronavirus-related death
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced the death at a news conference Tuesday evening. He underscored that Alaskans must stay away from each other to slow the spread of the virus: “Two weeks is what we’re asking. We believe that in this two-week period, we can do so much to combat this virus.”
Juneau ambulance crews now steering nonemergency cases away from hospital
Ambulance crews will still respond to calls in person. The change in practice is aimed at freeing up hospital resources for higher-risk patients.
Alaska Legislature eases unemployment insurance benefit rules, weighs more bills
One bill would extend Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s disaster emergency declaration for the state until Sept. 1.
A second person in Juneau has tested positive for COVID-19
A hospital spokesperson says the patient is currently in critical care at Bartlett Regional Hospital
Alaska leaders have taken drastic measures to slow the coronavirus. The ‘$1M question’ is whether they’re enough.
Experts say COVID-19’s relatively late arrival in Alaska, combined with its isolation, could give the state an advantage over areas that had less time to prepare.
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.