Editor – Alaska Politics and Elections https://www.apeonline.org Sat, 04 Jul 2020 03:35:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.2 https://www.apeonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-APE-small-32x32.jpg Editor – Alaska Politics and Elections https://www.apeonline.org 32 32 Anchorage Community Briefing – mandating the use of cloth face coverings or masks in the Municipality of Anchorage https://www.apeonline.org/2020/07/03/anchorage-community-briefing-mandating-the-use-of-cloth-face-coverings-or-masks-in-the-municipality-of-anchorage/ https://www.apeonline.org/2020/07/03/anchorage-community-briefing-mandating-the-use-of-cloth-face-coverings-or-masks-in-the-municipality-of-anchorage/#respond Sat, 04 Jul 2020 02:24:08 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8891 The post Anchorage Community Briefing – mandating the use of cloth face coverings or masks in the Municipality of Anchorage appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2020, Community Briefing: Today the Mayor, Anchorage Health Department Director Natasha Pineda and Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Chandler, and Alaska CHARR CEO/President Sarah Oates will give an important community briefing on COVID-19 ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Anchorage residents may ask questions in the comments of the Facebook Live video and we will do our best to get them answered.

Posted by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz gives a community briefing about the Municipality and Federal Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

July 1, noon – 1:00 p.m., 2020

 

The briefings will be live streamed on the Mayor’s Facebook page. Residents may participate in the briefing by submitting questions in the comments of the Facebook live.

Facility Status​

​Outdoor Centers ​RESTRICTED​​
​Recreation Centers ​RESTRICTED​
​Public Greenhouse ​RESTRICTED​
​Playgrounds ​OPEN
​Trails ​OPEN​
​Pools ​RESTRICTED
​Lakes CLOSED​
Picnic ​Shelters ​OPEN​​​
​Campground ​RESTRICTED
​Spenard Skate Park ​OPEN​
​Fields ​OPEN
​Courts ​OPEN
​Disc Golf ​OPEN​​
​Motocross Track ​OPEN​
​Dog Parks ​OPEN
​Community Gardens​ ​OPEN

Mayor Issues Emergency Order EO-13

 

6/26/2020
 

​ANCHORAGE, AK — Mayor Ethan Berkowitz issued Emergency Order EO-13, mandating the use of cloth face coverings or masks in the Municipality of Anchorage. EO-13 takes effect at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2020, and remains in effect until July 31, 2020.

Emergency Order EO-13 is in response to increasing case counts in Anchorage over the last few weeks. To support the increase in economic activity following the lifting of the Hunker Down order, and to protect public health, everyone in Anchorage must wear a face covering when in a public space such as a grocery store, pharmacy, restaurant or bar, retail store, and other common indoor areas.

“COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the Lower 48 and case counts have risen in Anchorage,” said Mayor Berkowitz. “Unfortunately, not enough people are practicing the distancing needed to keep the curve flat, so we have a choice between doing nothing, hunkering down, or masking up. Masking up makes a difference. When enough of us do it, we can flatten the curve, keep our businesses open, and our community safe.”

Exceptions to this order include:

• children under two years old
• individuals with health conditions who are unable to tolerate wearing a face covering or mask due to a physical or mental disability
• individuals performing an activity that cannot be accomplished, or accomplished safely while wearing a mask

Employers are responsible to provide masks or cloth face coverings to employees who have direct contact with others. Additional details are outlined in the Emergency Order.

This emergency order follows recommendations by the Anchorage Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to slow the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a face covering or mask reduces droplets passed on to others when people talk, cough, sing, or sneeze. Face coverings are especially helpful to prevent asymptomatic people from transmitting the virus to others.

Face coverings do not replace physical distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from other people), frequent hand washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, and routine cleaning and disinfecting of regularly touched surfaces.

Confirmed COVID-19 Exposure Locations

 

7/3/2020
 

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2020

Confirmed COVID-19 Exposure Locations

Anchorage, Alaska – The Anchorage Health Department (AHD) has confirmed that persons who were infectious with COVID-19 spent extended time in the following businesses:

Business Name Location Case Visits Identified Exposure Period
Anchorage Moose Lodge #1534 Anchorage 8 6/23-6/28
Panhandle Bar Anchorage 6 6/16-6/24
JJ’s Lounge Anchorage 6 6/15-6/18
The Gaslight Bar Anchorage 5 6/25-6/27
Williwaw Social Anchorage 3 6/20, 6/21, 6/25
Chilkoot Charlie’s Anchorage 2 6/18-6/25
Cabin Tavern Anchorage 2 6/24-6/25
F Street Station Anchorage 2 6/20 and 6/25
Eddie’s Sports Bar Anchorage 1 6/18
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse Anchorage 1 6/25
Pioneer Bar Anchorage 1 6/20
Bernie’s Bungalow Lounge Anchorage 1 6/25
Great Alaskan Bush Company Anchorage 1 6/24
Asia Garden Anchorage 1 6/24
The Blue Line Pub & Café Anchorage 1 6/17
Homestead Sports Lounge Eagle River 1 6/26
Matanuska Brewing Company Eagle River 2 6/26

Spurs Bar and Grill

(formerly Four Corners Lounge)

 Palmer 3 6/23-6/27
Yukon Bar Seward 2 6/23-6/25

 

If you were in these businesses during the dates listed above:

  1. Stay away from people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
  2. Watch for symptoms and check your temperature twice a day for 14 days after you were in one of the businesses during the dates listed above.
  • Symptoms, which can start up to 14 days after exposure, can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pressure or tightness, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
  1. If you develop any of these symptoms, stay home, except to get tested as soon as possible. Information on testing in Anchorage and the rest of Alaska is available here.
  • You may be infectious to others for two days BEFORE and 10 days AFTER you get sick. Do not go to work or public places. You can easily spread COVID-19 before you feel any symptoms.
  • For more detailed instructions, see CDC’s What To Do If You Are Sick

“With the current surge in cases and related contacts, our public health tracing capacity is maxed out,” said Anchorage Health Department Director Natasha Pineda. “At this time, particularly at locations where physical distancing and use of face coverings are unlikely to occur, the number of contacts is too large and complex for traditional contact tracing.”

While this is a list of confirmed exposures, please remember that COVID-19 is spreading quickly throughout our community.

To help inform the public, AHD is developing an exposure notice webpage. AHD does not list informal gatherings. Some people confirmed to have COVID-19 did not share or remember all of their close contacts or public places they visited. Additionally, it typically takes 2-7 days before our team is able to learn where potential exposures have occurred.

Community members can help our public health nursing team by keeping a contact log, noting the days and times of the places visited and the people they came in contact with. The contact log helps with contact tracing in the event you become sick with COVID-19.

Keep yourself, your loved ones, your coworkers, your neighbors, our vulnerable population and frontline workers safe by staying at least six feet away from people outside your household or social bubble, wearing a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often for 20 seconds.

For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit www.muni.org/COVID-19.

For press inquiries, email carolyn.hall@anchorageak.gov and barry.piser@anchorageak.gov.

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

Alaska Borough/Community Websites

Aleutians East Borough
Municipality of Anchorage
Bristol Bay Borough
Denali Borough
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Haines Borough
Juneau Borough
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Kodiak Island Borough
Lake and Peninsula Borough
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
North Slope Borough
Northwest Arctic Borough
Petersburg Borough
City and Borough of Sitka
Municipality of Skagway Borough
City of Unalaska
City of Valdez
Wrangell City and Borough
Yakutat Borough

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]]> https://www.apeonline.org/2020/07/03/anchorage-community-briefing-mandating-the-use-of-cloth-face-coverings-or-masks-in-the-municipality-of-anchorage/feed/ 0 Dunleavy Press Briefing – a response to increasing coronavirus cases across Alaska https://www.apeonline.org/2020/06/10/dunleavy-press-briefing-on-covid19-testing-and-rise-in-cases-across-alaska/ https://www.apeonline.org/2020/06/10/dunleavy-press-briefing-on-covid19-testing-and-rise-in-cases-across-alaska/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2020 01:49:21 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8865 The post Dunleavy Press Briefing – a response to increasing coronavirus cases across Alaska appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

June 10, 2020

Notice To Travelers Arriving in AlaskaBeginning Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 12:01am travelers arriving into Alaska from another state or country must follow new protocols. Read the new rules at the Traveler Information Page.  

Health Mandate 10.1 – International and Interstate Travel – Order for Self-Quarantine

Travel Declaration Form for All Incoming Passengers: All people arriving in Alaska from international locations or travel from other states, whether resident, worker or visitor, are required to selfquarantine for 14 days and monitor for illness. Arriving residents and workers in self-quarantine, should work from home, unless you support critical infrastructure. For more details please see Health Mandate 10.1 and a list of critical infrastructure. Travelers arriving in Alaska may submit the form online or download, print, scan, sign, and email to akcovidtravel@ak-prepared.com. Printed forms will also be available in airports receiving flights international and out-of-state flights.

Alaska Critical Infrastructure COVID-19 Community/Workforce Protective Plans

Resources from the Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
The Governor’s Health Mandate 10 directs: “All people arriving in Alaska, whether resident, worker or visitor, are required to self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for illness. Arriving residents and workers in self-quarantine, should work from home, unless you support critical infrastructure.” The Governor’s Health Mandate 12 directs: “All in-state travel between communities, whether resident, worker, or visitor, is prohibited unless travel is to support critical infrastructure, or for critical personal needs.” If your business meets the criteria identified in Alaska Essential Services and Critical Workforce Infrastructure Order, and your workers must either travel between Alaskan communities or travel to enter Alaska and begin work on critical infrastructure before their self-quarantine period is complete, you must submit a plan or protocol for maintaining critical infrastructure to the Unified Command as soon as possible. The plan must outline protective measures your business will enact in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and not endanger lives in the communities in which you operate, of others who serve as a part of that infrastructure or the ability of that critical infrastructure to function. If workers are able complete a full 14-day self-quarantine before starting work, that is the preferred method. If not, they must adhere to the protective measures your business is enacting during work times. They must still follow guidelines for self-quarantine during non-work periods. Please submit protective plans by email to akcovidplans@ak-prepared.com, and use the name of your business at the start of the email Subject line, and the start of the filename for any attached files. CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON DEVELOPING PLANS If your company requests that the State of Alaska withhold any information contained in your Community/Workforce Protective Plan from public release because the information is protected under AS 40.25.120(a), you must submit the following information via email to criticalinfrastructurebranch@alaska.gov:

  1. identify each set of discrete information that the company asserts is protected;
  2. identify each specific legal authority that the company asserts applies to each such set of information; and
  3. for each such set of information, explain why the company asserts the information is protected based on each legal authority the company asserts applies to that information.

Please note your request that State of Alaska not disclose information your company asserts is protected is itself subject to disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. Accordingly, your company needs to do the same three things identified above for any information in your request that your company asserts is protected.

 

   

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

The post Dunleavy Press Briefing – a response to increasing coronavirus cases across Alaska appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

]]> https://www.apeonline.org/2020/06/10/dunleavy-press-briefing-on-covid19-testing-and-rise-in-cases-across-alaska/feed/ 0 Dunleavy Press Briefing – Update on Travel Mandates https://www.apeonline.org/2020/06/03/dunleavy-press-briefing-cases-continue-to-increase-in-alaska/ Thu, 04 Jun 2020 01:18:23 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8852 The post Dunleavy Press Briefing – Update on Travel Mandates appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

June 3, 2020 5 pm

MANDATORY 14-DAY QUARANTINE FOR ALL INCOMING PASSENGERS

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the high incidence of travel-related infection, the State of Alaska has instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all incoming passengers. The potential for widespread transmission of COVID-19 by infected individuals entering Alaska threatens the health and well-being of Alaskans, as well as the infrastructure and security of the state. In an abundance of caution and to assist in flattening the curve regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Alaska, the State of Alaska, under its authority to protect the public health, is implementing advanced protocols to ensure all travelers arriving in Alaska participate in 14 consecutive days of self-quarantine to begin immediately upon arrival, allowing for travel from an airport or portage to the designated quarantine location.

https://covid19.alaska.gov/unified-command/traveldeclarationform/

 

International & Interstate Travel: Health Mandate 10 orders a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for both international & interstate travelers (resident or non-resident) traveling to Alaska; failure to follow this order is punishable by law. *HM 10 has been extended until June 5, 2020.

 

18 new cases of COVID-19 reported in eight Alaska communities; one nonresident case in Anchorage

June 3, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced 18 new cases of COVID-19 in eight communities: Anchorage (5), Homer (4), Wasilla (3), Eagle River (2), Soldotna (1), Palmer (1), Kenai Peninsula Borough (1) and Big Lake (1). This brings the total number of Alaska cases to 505.

This report reflects data from 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on June 2 that posted at noon today on the Alaska Coronavirus Response Hub.

Kenai Peninsula Borough announced today that three individuals at the Nikiski Fire Department have tested positive for COVID-19 and other members have been quarantined due to their potential exposure. Providence Health & Services Alaska is providing updates about the cases at their Transitional Care Center on their website. The Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing continue to assist these communities and organizations with their investigations and contact tracing.

Of the new Alaska cases, five are male and 13 are female. Three are aged 10-19; three are aged 20-29; two are 30-39; one is aged 40-49; three are aged 50-59; two are aged 60-69; three are aged 70-79; and one is 80 or older. There have been a total of 47 hospitalizations and 10 deaths with no new hospitalizations or deaths reported yesterday. Recovered cases now total 373, with two new recovered cases recorded yesterday. A total of 58,183 tests have been conducted.

One new nonresident case was identified in a seafood worker in Anchorage. The person was detected through testing at the airport on their arrival and has been in self-quarantine. The case is listed separately from the total Alaska case count as the person is not a resident of Alaska. The nonresident cases now total 23, of which 15 are in the seafood industry.

Stay informed

Questions about COVID-19?

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

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]]> Reopening Alaska COVID-19 Press Briefing https://www.apeonline.org/2020/05/29/reopening-alaska-covid10-press-briefing/ Sat, 30 May 2020 04:11:08 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8843 The post Reopening Alaska COVID-19 Press Briefing appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – 5/29 COVID-19 Press Briefing

Governor Dunleavy was joined by Dr. Zink and Commissioner Crum to provide Alaskans an update on the COVID-19 virus and discuss updates to the state’s travel quarantine mandate.

 

Five new cases of COVID-19 reported in four Alaska communities; one nonresident case in Kenai Peninsula Borough

May 29, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced five new cases of COVID-19 in four communities: Anchorage (2), Juneau (1), Homer (1) and Soldotna (1). This brings the total Alaska case count to 430.

This report reflects data from 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on May 28 that posted at noon today on the Alaska Coronavirus Response Hub.

The City and Borough of Juneau announced yesterday the Juneau case; their most recent case prior to this one was May 22.

Of the new Alaska cases, four are male and one is female. One is under the age of 10; one is aged 10-19; two are aged 20-29; and one is aged 60-69. There have been a total of 47 hospitalizations and 10 deaths with one new hospitalization and no new deaths reported yesterday. Recovered cases now total 367, with one new recovered cases recorded yesterday. A total of 49,439 tests have been conducted.

One new nonresident case was identified in a visitor in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The person was detected as a positive case after they had completed their 14-day self-quarantine. The case is listed separately from the total Alaska case count since the person is not a resident of Alaska. The nonresident cases now total 18, three of whom are visitors.

Stay informed

Questions about COVID-19?

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

The post Reopening Alaska COVID-19 Press Briefing appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

]]> Dunleavy Press Briefing – Phase II continues with one new case in Alaska https://www.apeonline.org/2020/05/15/dunleavy-press-briefing-phase-ii-continues-with-one-new-case-in-alaska/ Sat, 16 May 2020 02:08:09 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8834 The post Dunleavy Press Briefing – Phase II continues with one new case in Alaska appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

5/15 COVID-19 Press Briefing

One new cases of COVID-19 reported in Anchorage; one nonresident case

May 15, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced one new case of COVID-19 in Anchorage. This brings the total Alaska case count to 388.

These cases reflect data from 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on May 14 that posted at noon today on the Alaska Coronavirus Response Hub.

There was also a case identified in a seafood industry worker who is in the Municipality of Anchorage. Since the person is not an Alaska resident, the case is not included in the total Alaska case count of 388. There have been a total of eight nonresident cases.

The new Alaska case is a female aged 20-29. There have been a total of 41 hospitalizations and 10 deaths with two new hospitalizations and no deaths reported yesterday. Recovered cases now total 343, including nine new recovered cases recorded yesterday. A total of 32,418 tests have been conducted.

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation reported today a second case identified in the YK Delta region. The person was identified through COVID-19 screening and testing of passengers traveling through the Bethel Airport. See the YKHC press release for more details. This case will be included in tomorrow’s Alaska case count which reports data for May 15.

Stay informed

Questions about COVID-19?

Health Mandate 10.1 – International and Interstate Travel – Order for Self-Quarantine

Travel Declaration Form for All Incoming Passengers:

All people arriving in Alaska from international locations or travel from other states, whether resident, worker or visitor, are required to selfquarantine for 14 days and monitor for illness. Arriving residents and workers in self-quarantine, should work from home, unless you support critical infrastructure. For more details please see Health Mandate 10.1 and a list of critical infrastructure.

Travelers arriving in Alaska may submit the form online or download, print, scan, sign, and email to akcovidtravel@ak-prepared.com. Printed forms will also be available in airports receiving flights international and out-of-state flights.

First Lady Announces Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients

May 15, 2020 (Anchorage, AK) – First Lady Rose Dunleavy today announced and recognized Alaskan volunteers across the state as recipients of the First Lady Volunteer of the Year Award for their selfless COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. Since 1975, the awards have recognized volunteers who engage in unpaid charitable activities, demonstrate personal commitment to long-term volunteer services, and make a significant impact for Alaskans.

“This has been no ordinary year. As we face a once-in-a-generation challenge with the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of Alaskans in every corner of the Last Frontier are humbly volunteering their time, skill, and resources. This year, I am using the Volunteer of the Year Program to recognize the efforts of all those who are working so hard to support their communities and protect their neighbors and vulnerable Alaskans. Volunteers, know that your efforts this year will never be forgotten,” said First Lady Dunleavy. “Mike and I ask that all Alaskans join us in expressing our sincere gratitude for your service to our great state in this time of need.”

Watch a video message thanking Alaskans for their volunteer efforts during COVID-19 from First Lady Rose Dunleavy here.

For more information on the First Lady Volunteer Awards, including past awardees, click here.

 

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

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]]> Governor Dunleavy Announces Phase Two of Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan https://www.apeonline.org/2020/05/06/governor-dunleavy-announces-phase-two-of-reopen-alaska-responsibly-plan/ Thu, 07 May 2020 02:29:25 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8813 The post Governor Dunleavy Announces Phase Two of Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

May 6, 2020 5 pm

(Anchorage, AK) – Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced plans for Phase Two of the State’s approach to reopening segments of the Alaskan economy in an effort to balance the ongoing need to slow the rate of the COVID-19 infection with the critical need to resume economic activity in a reasonable and safe manner.

Beginning Friday, May 8, 2020, Phase Two of the Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan will take effect, allowing most non-essential businesses to reopen with safeguards. This will allow for the following:

  • 50% capacity for retail, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses outlined in Phase One. Walk-ins permitted.
  • 50% capacity, or up to 20 patrons, for personal care services. Reservations only.
  • 50 person capacity for social and religious gatherings.
  • 25% capacity for fitness centers. Walk-ins permitted.
  • 50% capacity for swimming pools. Walk-ins permitted.
  • 25% capacity for bars, libraries, and museums. Walk-ins permitted.

Additional guidance will be available on May 7, 2020 at https://covid19.alaska.gov/reopen/.

CARES Act Funds

Governor Dunleavy today called upon the Alaska Legislative Budget and Audit (LB&A) Committee to meet as soon as possible and approve the distribution of the pending $870 million CARES Act funds to Alaskan communities and businesses.

“CARES Act funding was approved several weeks ago by Congress. Right now, a large part of it is still waiting for approval from the legislature – the LB&A Committee. We were hoping that today we’d be able to report that LB&A met and approved approximately $568 million for municipal relief, $290 million for small business relief, $100 million for fisheries relief, $10 million for homeless prevention, $49 million for FAA grants to rural airports, and $3 million for transportation operations. Unfortunately, these funds are still awaiting approval by the legislature,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “As we’ve said before, we need this money in the hands of these entities now. We’re asking that the LB&A Committee to join with Senator Giessel and Representative Pruitt, and other members of the Legislature, in their effort to move quickly on this so these entities can begin mitigating the economic impacts of the virus.”

Background

On March 26th, the U.S. Congress passed the CARES Act. President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act on March 27th. On April 21st, upon receiving the funds from the U.S. Treasury, the Dunleavy administration submitted an initial distribution plan to the LB&A Committee for consideration. On May 1st, following meetings with lawmakers, community leaders, and federal partners, the Dunleavy Administration submitted a revised distribution plan to the LB&A Committee, requesting expedited action.

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

The post Governor Dunleavy Announces Phase Two of Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

]]> Alaska Governor Michael J. Dunleavy 4/29 COVID-19 Press Briefing https://www.apeonline.org/2020/04/29/governor-mike-dunleavy-plan/ Thu, 30 Apr 2020 00:59:13 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8801 The post Alaska Governor Michael J. Dunleavy 4/29 COVID-19 Press Briefing appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

April 29, 2020 5 pm

Reopen Alaska Responsibly
 

Phase 1

Starts Friday, April 24, 2020

 

On April 22 Governor Dunleavy announced Health Mandate 016 which outlines Phase 1 of his Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan. Phase 1 of the Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan, seeks to balance the ongoing need to maintain diligent efforts to slow and disrupt the rate of infection with the corresponding critical need to resume economic activity in a reasonable and safe manner.

Four new cases of COVID-19 reported in two Alaska communities

April 29, 2020 ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) today announced four new cases of COVID-19 in two communities: Anchorage (2) and Eagle River (2). This brings the total case count to 355.

This reflects data from 12:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on April 28 that posted at noon today on the DHSS Coronavirus Response AK COVID-19 Cases and Testing Dashboard.

Of the new cases, all four are male. Two are aged 20-29; one is aged 30-39; and one is aged 50-59. There have been a total of 36 hospitalizations and nine deaths with no new hospitalizations or deaths reported yesterday. The number of hospitalizations was reduced by one as a result of data verification efforts that identified a person who was incorrectly categorized as being hospitalized. Recovered cases now total 240, including 12 new recovered cases recorded yesterday.

Stay informed

Questions about COVID-19?

Epidemiological Surveillance: Efforts continue as new cases are identified from labs. Case counts continue to increase, however the rate of increase has slowed. Laboratory: Statewide Case Count totals: 351 positive/228 recovered/37 hospitalized/9 deaths. *  A total of ~16,000 tests have been conducted within the state.  * includes 1 Alaska resident located in WA state.

Blood Bank: Blood Bank of Alaska is requesting recovered COVID‐19 patients donate plasma; blood type O+/O‐ is the current “critical need”.

Distribution: Alaska has received multiple shipments from the Strategic National Stockpile to date.  Additional supplies have been secured via the private‐sector within the state. Efforts continue to strengthen existing stores of personal protective equipment.

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

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]]> Anchorage Municipality update on the responses to COVID-19 https://www.apeonline.org/2020/04/27/anchorage-municipality-update-on-the-responses-to-covid-19/ Mon, 27 Apr 2020 20:20:13 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8797 The post Anchorage Municipality update on the responses to COVID-19 appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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April 27, 2020 community briefing: Today, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is joined by Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson, Alaska Pacific University President and Cathy Sandeen, University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor. The Mayor and the university leaders will give a community update about the responses to COVID-19. Chris Schutte, Director of the MOA’s Office of Economic and Community Development will also be available to address specifics about the safety criteria released on Friday. Anchorage residents are encouraged to ask their questions in the comments and we’ll do our best to get them answered.

Posted by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on Monday, April 27, 2020

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz gives a community briefing about the Municipality and Federal Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Monday, April 27, noon – 1:00 p.m., 2020

Today, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is joined by Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson, Alaska Pacific University President, and Cathy Sandeen, University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor.

The Mayor and the university leaders will give a community update about the responses to COVID-19.

Chris Schutte, Director of the MOA’s Office of Economic and Community Development will also be available to address specifics about the safety criteria released on Friday. Anchorage residents are encouraged to ask their questions in the comments and we’ll do our best to get them answered.

Mayor issues Emergency Orders EO-07 and EO-08

ANCHORAGE — Today, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz issued Emergency Order EO-07 and Emergency Order EO-08. EO-07 replaces and supersedes the Hunker Down Order (EO-03-V2) and EO-01. The order allows many non-critical businesses to operate so long as they are able to adhere to safety criteria. EO-07 takes effect at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2020 and remains in effect until modified.

Emergency Order EO-08 aligns municipal marijuana and alcohol code and regulations with recent changes made by the State of Alaska. The order allows for curbside pickup of alcohol from restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and retail stores, as well as the delivery of sealed beer and wine from restaurants with food orders. In addition, marijuana retail businesses may temporarily change their operations to allow for online and phone orders and exterior window and curbside pickup. EO-08 also takes effect at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2020 and remains in effect until revoked.

“Hunker Down reduced the spread of COVID-19 in Anchorage and gave us time to gain medical knowledge and capacity,” said Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. “Our ability to move through “Easing Up” depends on our discipline in maintaining the physical distancing and hygiene that made us successful over the past month.”

EO-07 mandates that Anchorage residents:

  • limit outings and physical contact with those outside their household
  • maintain physical distancing of at least six feet from those outside their household whenever possible
  • not gather in groups of more than twenty (20) people, even with physical distancing

In addition, residents are strongly encouraged to continue practicing recommended hygiene, including wearing face coverings or masks when in public.

EO-07 allows for the limited operation of the following business sectors and gatherings, subject to increased hygiene and physical distancing requirements:

EO-07 effectuates the criteria for businesses that the Municipality released on Friday April 24, which include limits on store occupancy, hygiene, and cleaning requirements, and in many cases require businesses and customers to wear face coverings.

Critical businesses that have been open under the Hunker Down order must allow and should strongly encourage employees to wear face-coverings when around the public or in close proximity to other employees, and may require customers to do so as well.

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

Alaska Borough/Community Websites

Aleutians East Borough
Municipality of Anchorage
Bristol Bay Borough
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Fairbanks North Star Borough
Haines Borough
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Kenai Peninsula Borough
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Yakutat Borough

The post Anchorage Municipality update on the responses to COVID-19 appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

]]> Governor Dunleavy – Phase 1 of Reopen Alaska Starts Today https://www.apeonline.org/2020/04/24/governor-dunleavy-phase-1-of-reopen-alaska-starts-today/ Sat, 25 Apr 2020 01:15:59 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8787 The post Governor Dunleavy – Phase 1 of Reopen Alaska Starts Today appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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Governor Michael J. Dunleavy – Press Briefing on COVID-19

April 24, 2020 5 pm

Governor Issues COVID-19 Health Mandate 17

April 23, 2020 (Anchorage, AK) – Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services today issued the State of Alaska’s 17th COVID-19 Health Mandate on Protective Measures for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels, along with further guidance on COVID-19 Health Mandate 016.

COVID-19 Health Mandate 017 establishes standardized protective measures to be followed by all independent commercial fishing vessels operating within Alaskan waters and ports to ensure a safe, productive fishing season while protecting communities from the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The following additional guidance was issued on COVID-19 Health Mandate 016, Phase I of the Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan:

  • Attachment I – Childcare and Day Camps – modifies Mandate 011
  • Attachment J – Fishing Charters – modifies Mandate 011
  • Attachment K – Gyms and Fitness Centers – modifies Mandate 03
  • Attachment L – Lodging and Overnight Camping – modifies Mandate 011
  • Attachment M – Intrastate Travel/Outdoor Day Activity – modifies Mandates 011 and 012

“We greatly appreciate Alaskans voluntary participation and partnership as we navigate through this process of responsibly reopening the State’s economy. Alaskans are independent people who come together in times of need – and this is a shining example of that,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy.

The Governor’s COVID-19 Health Mandates can be found here.

For the latest information on Alaska’s response to COVID-19, please visit https://covid19.alaska.gov/

How many confirmed cases of COVID-19 are there in Alaska?

 

Latest data on COVID-19 in Alaska

 

AK COVID-19 Dashboard

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]]> It’s Time to Support the Hospitality Industry https://www.apeonline.org/2020/04/24/its-time-to-support-the-hospitality-industry/ https://www.apeonline.org/2020/04/24/its-time-to-support-the-hospitality-industry/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2020 21:22:09 +0000 https://www.apeonline.org/?p=8754 The post It’s Time to Support the Hospitality Industry appeared first on Alaska Politics and Elections.

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By Frank Dahl

April 24, 2020

For many of us, the sudden realities of the COVID-19 pandemic are like a slap in the face. Visceral emotions and anxiety, tangible losses, a plummeting economy of closed businesses, and $10 barrels of oil. The carnage and catastrophic damage from illness and financial decimation will be long-lasting.

As I try to equate hardships from a positive vantage point, defaulting to a “could be worse” perspective, in the case of Alaska’s hospitality market – particularly in Anchorage, optimism is tough to come by.

I’ve owned enough bars, restaurants, and retail stores over five decades to understand the basics of economy and cycles. Weathering the storm of consumer downturns or cost overruns is part of a hospitality business owner’s existence. We’re used to it. Even new taxes and fees, while not favored, can come to fruition if short-sighted policymakers and anti-business advocates gain an edge in public sentiment. Our industry is one of perseverance, consistent service delivery, and accountability.

But the most recent Municipality of Anchorage election, and the passage of a new alcohol tax, makes me take pause. Perhaps the hospitality industry is entering a new dawn? One where the public and government minimize its importance and place little value on the tens of thousands of employees and their families in the industry.

I’m perplexed at how the voters in Anchorage could even remotely endorse taxing the hospitality industry at the same time the industry has been shuttered and forced to close. Bankruptcies, defaults, droves of staff laid off, unemployment skyrocketing, relied-upon patronage rethinking social eating and drinking… the prolific effects of COVID-19 may very-well have hobbled the hospitality industry for years to come.

Examples of the canceling of the cruise ship season, coupled with massive reductions in flights and hotel reservations, and restaurants and bars being closed are the most in-your-face results of our pandemic. Add to the equation temporary closing of movie theaters, bingo, and charitable gaming venues, bowling alleys, entertainment centers (e.g. fun centers; trampoline parks; laser tags), and myriad recreational establishments, and suddenly we’re in a literal calamity of epic proportions.

So back to the tax that only a slim majority of Anchorage voters barely approved.

For those that voted “yes,” why on Earth would you be duped into thinking a new tax on alcohol sales will reduce crime, lessen homelessness, or resolve mental illness rife throughout the Municipality?

I oppose alcohol tax, from an industry perspective, because of five primary reasons:

(1) A new tax sends a derogatory message to patrons and industry employees that we’ll all be penalized even in a downturned economy –  and it suggests alcohol is bad (hence the label “sin tax”);

(2) A new tax nudges patrons who were already considering eating and drinking at home – to do so because now they’re unsure how much more expensive their food and beverages will be after a tax, which causes a domino effect of lost revenue (e.g. the fuel used to drive to an establishment; no baby sitter used; no parking fees paid downtown; and of course, no patronage at establishments so the wait staff earns less and food services are lessened and distributors deliver less…rippling into a depreciated economy);

(3) Earmarking and promises of curing societal woes through a tax hike on food and drinks (or a hotel room or rental car or airline ticket or chewing tobacco or cannabis or vehicle fuel…) are illusory and almost never results in a community benefit or measurable resolution to civic problems;

(4) Government at many levels is too big or inefficient, and lacks accountability, so adding more money to political coffers is throwing caution to the wind; and

(5) In consideration of the pandemic before us, adversely affecting industries across the spectrum globally, a new tax NOW is offensive and insulting to an industry that’s foundational to Alaskan commerce;

Rather than shame the pro-tax, anti-hospitality industry electorate, and policymakers, I’ll try to be thoughtful and positive.

The food, beverage, lodging, and transportation facets of the Alaskan hospitality industry are integral to the state’s economy. All totaled, our industry is likely the second-largest sector after natural resource development.

The havoc thrust upon employees by COVID-19 will cause irreparable harm in some cases – and severe business injury to nearly all others. This is pure devastation.

It’s time for the members of the state’s executive and legislative branches at all levels, from municipal to borough, state to federal, to rise to the occasion and actively support the hospitality industry.

Don’t even consider a tax (and preferably repeal the Anchorage alcohol tax just passed).

To all of the government leaders, please help our industry now. Allow doors to be open and services to be rendered!

To past, current and prospective customers, please buy from, shop at, and patronize hospitality services as much as you can afford to start our economic engine.

Solidarity in support of the hospitality industry is critical now, more than ever.

The havoc thrust upon employees by COVID-19 will cause irreparable harm in some cases – and severe business injury to nearly all others. This is pure devastation. 

It’s time for the members of the state’s executive and legislative branches at all levels, from municipal to borough, state to federal, to rise to the occasion and actively support the hospitality industry. Don’t even consider a tax (and preferably repeal the Anchorage alcohol tax just passed).

And while we’re at it, let’s thank people in the industry and show our appreciation for what they’ve faced, and risk, as they serve all of us every day and stand at the front lines of business.

We’ll get through this pandemic and hopefully be the better for it, God willing without new fees and taxes, and motivated because of how vital our beloved hospitality and tourism industries are to the Last Frontier.

Frank Dahl is a former board member of Alaska CHARR, co-founder and former President of Anchorage CHARR, and longtime bar and restaurant owner. He’s a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary and Alaska Legislative Citation recipient for community and economic service to the state of Alaska.

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