Tag: coronavirus

Alaska health officials promote COVID boosters as case numbers increase in Europe

State epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin said an omicron wave in Germany is showing the importance of getting boosted.

State health department ends COVID data summaries, will track COVID and flu side by side

It marks a shift from focusing on COVID case counts to tracking broader respiratory illness trends across the state.
an illustration of a person walking in the rain with an umbrella and rainboots

So you haven’t caught COVID yet. Does that mean you’re a superdodger?

A new study suggests that, yes, there are superdodgers. But explaining why they've been able to avoid the virus is a bit complicated.
a small vial sits on a table

Updated COVID boosters will be available to Alaskans next week

New boosters recommended by the CDC target both the original coronavirus strain and the omicron variants.
A glass vial with a clear liquid sitting on top of a cardboard box that says etesevimab injection

What you need to know about accessing COVID treatments in Alaska

There are a wide range of factors that could qualify you for one of four COVID treatments currently available.
A wooden outdoor sign says "Denali National Park and Preserve"

Rise in COVID level prompts Denali National Park to require masks again

Everyone aged 2 and up must wear masks on buses and inside most park buildings starting Friday.
a Covid-19 swab specialist in medical gown, face mask, and face shield prepares to swab a traveler

Citing public demand, Capstone reopens a COVID testing site in Anchorage and another in Wasilla

Capstone had closed testing sites throughout the state on June 30, saying they were no longer financially viable. But doctors and members of the public wanted sites to stay open.
A girl in a pink shirt and mask gets a shot

Alaskans under age 5 can now get COVID vaccines

In Anchorage, vaccines are available at Fairweather’s Tikahtnu Commons clinic and a pop-up clinic in Fairview every day for the rest of the month.

As drive-through testing sites close, Alaska begins ‘privatizing COVID’

Most drive-up COVID testing sites in Anchorage are set to close by June 30 as demand drops and funding runs out. The few sites that will stay open aren’t offering testing to uninsured Alaskans.
A dirt road under cloudy sky

St. Paul hunkers down following largest spike in COVID cases since start of the pandemic

Roughly half of all coronavirus cases recorded on St. Paul Island have happened in the last two weeks.
The side of a large cruise ship, with passengers visible on balconies and walkways.

Travelers say staff shortages and COVID-19 outbreaks are spoiling their Alaska cruises

Experienced cruisers want the public to know that lots of passengers are getting infected, and they’re left in the dark about outbreaks on board.
a positive at-home covid test

I got COVID. Then I got it again. What’s the deal with reinfection?

People who catch COVID may feel as if they won't get it again, at least not for a long time. Their immune system should be primed to fight it off in the future. Right? Well, let's see.
a person puts a bandaid on another person

As COVID cases and hospitalizations increase in Alaska, health officials urge caution for older adults

The state department of health reported 1,911 cases on Wednesday. That’s a 14% increase from the previous week, and a 34% increase from this time last month.
Healthcare workers throwing pies at the carnival for nurses week.

Rooftop celebration for ANTHC nurses is moment of joy after two tough years

While the pandemic is ongoing, and COVID-19 cases continue to pop up, it’s gotten to a point where for one sunny day, nurses could relax, meet with colleagues, enjoy some treats and, if their aim is good, hit their boss with a whipped cream pie.
Gloved hands holding a tray filled with syringes

Moderna asks FDA to authorize first COVID-19 vaccine for very young children

The company said two doses of the vaccine administered 28 days apart triggered levels of antibodies equivalent to what has protected older children and adults.
A white cruise ship at port

Cruise destinations in Alaska see surge in COVID cases

Communities with some of the state's highest case counts — and sharpest increases — include those frequently visited by cruise ships, like Skagway, Petersburg and Sitka.
A woman seen in profile, with her shadow cast on the side of a house

Their mom died of COVID. They say conspiracy theories are what really killed her.

Stephanie was usually careful about her health and regular vaccinations. But then she got into sharing far-out videos and fringe ideas. When COVID hit, misinformation put her and her husband at risk.
A hand holding a mask

The U.S. Justice Department will appeal the recent mask ruling by a federal judge

The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings and says "wearing masks is most beneficial in crowded or poorly ventilated locations, such as the transportation corridor."
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Coronavirus FAQ: I’m a one-way masker. With mask mandates going away, is that helpful?

Even as mask mandates on transportation and public spaces are being lifted, some folks still want to mask up to reduce the risk of a coronavirus infection. Here's a guide to one-way masking.
A moose stands in a snowy train track with a yellow train engine behind it

Wolverines, lynx and moose: Fish and Game screens wildlife for COVID

Biologists are collecting samples from moose and mustelids — that’s wolverines, minks and martens. There are plans to test caribou and Sitka black tail deer, as well as seals and belugas.