Tag: coronavirus
Men who tested positive for coronavirus in Fairbanks circulated in the community while contagious, state says
They're the second and third known cases of coronavirus in Alaska.
Governor orders closure of Alaska’s state-operated libraries, archives and museums
Nearly three hours after the news conference, the state announced two new cases of COVID-19 in the Fairbanks area
Oil prices, driven lower by COVID-19 outbreak, will increase state deficit, Alaska officials say
The most recent Legislative Finance Division projections put Alaska’s final 2020 fiscal year deficit around $930 million.
The firefighters called to Alaska’s first COVID-19 case were quarantined. Officials say that won’t happen again.
The firefighters, who responded to a 911 call about the case last week, took standard measures to protect against infectious disease. But at the time, federal and other guidance about the best specific measures to protect against the coronavirus was not entirely settled.
Anchorage suspends restaurant dining, bar service
Mayor Berkowitz has banned dine-in service for food and drink at restaurants, bars and breweries. The order also closes gyms, bingo halls and theaters, and it bans gatherings of more than 50 people.
State asks Alaska healthcare providers to postpone non-urgent procedures
"Given Alaska’s distances and limited health care capacity, it is especially important to open acute health care beds for anticipated COVID-19 care," the state health department said.
Alaska’s chief justice shuts down all new jury trials
Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger on Sunday ordered that all new jury trials be suspended, building on a directive last week that had led to the suspension of trials in half of the state's judicial districts out of concern over the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Alaska health department issues advisory for travelers returning from other countries and states
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services issued an advisory Sunday recommending Alaskans returning to the state from other countries and other states practice varying degrees of isolation to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Most Alaska villages lack road access and hospitals. Here’s how they’ll fight the coronavirus.
Since most cases of COVID-19 don’t cause serious illness, officials hope that most sick people can stay at home and monitor their symptoms. But they've also developed plans to move people to regional hubs or the Anchorage tribal hospital if necessary, and to provide alternative housing if the sick person poses risks to elders.
Anchorage officials to use ice arena for emergency shelter
The Ben Boeke Ice Arena in Anchorage is the preferred location for an additional shelter to house many of the city’s homeless as the COVID-19 virus spreads, officials said.
Alaska state basketball tournament canceled due to coronavirus concerns
In a statement, the ASAA says “MarchMadness Alaska is possibly the largest statewide gathering each year and ASAA would not be acting responsibly if we were to host this year’s event.”
As coronavirus concerns grow in Alaska, officials warn shoppers not to overdo it
Zidek said it’s unlikely the coronavirus outbreak will cause a disruption to the delivery of goods from out of state.
‘Well that’s a little different’: Iditarod mushers learn about moved checkpoints, closed schools as coronavirus concerns grow
Schools, towns and checkpoints along the final third of the trail, including in Shaktoolik and Nulato, are limiting their involvement with the event.
While the coronavirus sidelines other sports, the Iditarod mushes on
In some ways, the Iditarod may be the ultimate form of social distancing. Teams travel hundreds of miles through remote, rural Alaska. But, along the way, they also stop at small communities that serve as race checkpoints. And some of those communities are concerned.
Alaska public schools closed to students until March 30, governor says
K-12 public schools in Alaska will be closed to children until March 30.
Anchorage Fire Department responded to coronavirus patient; Three staffers are now self-monitoring at home
Meanwhile, the City of Fairbanks announced Friday that one of its fire department employees is being tested for COVID-19.
State restricts visitors to Alaska nursing homes
The State of Alaska is restricting visitors to long-term care facilities and nursing homes, to shield residents from exposure to the coronavirus.
Alaska Court System suspends new trials in Anchorage, Palmer, Kenai
Jury trials in Anchorage, Palmer and Kenai next week have been suspended to slow the spread of coronavirus, the Alaska Court System said Friday.
Coronavirus forces closure of Anchorage libraries, other civic buildings
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has ordered the closure of all municipal libraries and civic, cultural and recreational facilities until March 31 "in order to protect and preserve public health and safety," the city said in a release on Friday.
Alaska Capitol will close to the public
Lawmakers voted today to close the State Capitol to the public to limit the spread of coronavirus.