Tag: coronavirus

Already low price for Alaska crude falls further as the world responds to coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic is driving some of that recent decline. But, prices were low even before the outbreak.

Alaska Legislature quickly passes state funding for coronavirus response

On the same day that Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed an emergency disaster declaration in order to free up resources to help the state prepare for coronavirus, the Alaska Legislature voted on Wednesday to approve $4.1 million in state funding to respond to coronavirus.

Iditarod mushers will still cross the finish line in Nome, but the city has canceled its race-related festivities

The City of Nome will not be hosting any race-related festivities due to concerns about the coronavirus.
The Coral Princess Cruise ship prepares to dock in Juneau. Photo by Heather Bryant, KTOO - Juneau.

Cruise lines announce pause in voyages worldwide because of coronavirus

Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz said Thursday that the company will cancel all cruises until May.

Anchorage School District tells parents to prepare for the possibility of an extended spring break

The Anchorage School District sent an email to parents late Wednesday, saying it would inform them by Friday if "a cancellation is called either at an individual site or districtwide."

Amid coronavirus concern, Alaska state basketball tournaments postponed

The Alaska School Activities Association wrote that the ASAA/First National Bank state basketball and cheer tournaments have been postponed until further notice. The tournaments were set to start the week of March 15.

Anchorage Assembly considers legal changes to help city cope with virus

The Anchorage Assembly will meet Thursday in a special session to consider new rules for governing Alaska’s largest city during a coronavirus outbreak.

To guard against coronavirus, Alaska oil companies are screening workers before flights to the North Slope

The companies met last week and agreed to "start screening all of their workers when they check in in Anchorage," said Heidi Hedberg, Alaska's public health director.

Bethel’s Cama’i Dance Festival postponed over coronavirus concerns

The Cama’i Dance Festival in Bethel has been postponed until Fall 2020 out of concerns over the coronavirus.

City working through ‘what ifs’ as the Westerdam — and cruise ship season — makes its way toward Juneau

At a special Juneau Assembly meeting Monday night, a panel of public health experts and cruise officials tried to address as many of the outstanding questions about the Westerdam and the upcoming cruise season as possible.

Dunleavy has signed an emergency declaration due to ‘slow-moving storm’ of coronavirus spread

Anticipating that the coronavirus will spread to Alaska, the governor signed an emergency disaster declaration Wednesday to free up additional resources to help fight the virus

State of Alaska is exploring options for housing people quarantined for coronavirus

The State of Alaska put out a request Wednesday seeking "motel rooms, apartments, trailers, or other suitable dwellings" for people who may have to be quarantined for coronavirus.

LISTEN: This Anchorage resident’s elderly parents were stuck on the coronavirus cruise

Imagine this: Your parents are in their 80s. They both have chronic health conditions. And they're stuck on a cruise ship with people who have the coronavirus -- and they can't get off. For Anchorage resident Erin Jackson, that was reality.

If you need to be tested for coronavirus in Alaska, it’s likely free

Here's a little bit of good news about coronavirus in Alaska: If you need to be tested, it's likely free.
Dr Anne Zink, a white woman with brown hair and dark rimmed glasses speaks in front of an American flag.

Older Alaskans, those over 60, are most at risk and should take measures to protect themselves, state health officials say

It’s just a matter of time before Alaska confirms a case of coronavirus, state epidemiologist Joseph McLaughlin said Tuesday, speaking on Alaska Public Media’s “Talk of Alaska.”

Lawmakers crafting plan to end session if coronavirus comes to Juneau

The Legislative Council formed an emergency response preparedness subcommittee Tuesday that would develop a plan for an early adjournment of the session.

Alaska Legislature restricts travel and state imposes out-of-state travel ban and freezes hiring

The state has instituted a freeze on hiring new state workers, and has suspended all out-of-state travel for state workers.

On high alert for coronavirus, services to Alaska elders roll on

One subset of Alaskans is particularly at risk from the coronavirus: the elderly. Alaska facilities that serve senior citizens likely have tough choices ahead.

Federal warnings against cruises rattle Alaska travel industry

Listen to this story: The State Department and federal health experts are now advising people against cruise ship travel. That’s led to questions over whether...

Dunleavy urges calm as a volatile economy and tourism warnings add to Alaska coronavirus anxiety

As the coronavirus continued to cause havoc for the global economy Monday in ways that threaten the stability of Alaska's budget, the Permanent Fund and tourism, Governor Mike Dunleavy called a news conference to soothe Alaskans' anxiety.