Coronavirus

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Monday, Dec. 28

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
(Courtesy photo / Alaska Department of Corrections)

State reports 5th inmate COVID-19 death

The department did not identify the man.

(Courtesy photo / Alaska Department of Corrections)
Capital City Fire/Rescue Community Community Assistance Response and Emergency Services manager Joe Mischler talks about the appointment-based drive-thru testing site located at the Hagevig Regional Fire Training Center for possible coronavirus patients, March 24, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

City to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing

It will be available Dec. 30-Jan. 10.

Capital City Fire/Rescue Community Community Assistance Response and Emergency Services manager Joe Mischler talks about the appointment-based drive-thru testing site located at the Hagevig Regional Fire Training Center for possible coronavirus patients, March 24, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Courtesy photo / Alaska State Troopers Alaska State Troopers shop for Juneau families at Fred Meyer on Dec. 21 as part of the Alaska Police Officer Association’s annual “Shop with a Cop” event.

Law enforcement officials spread holiday cheer

Distancing didn’t dampen donations or detract from delight.

Courtesy photo / Alaska State Troopers Alaska State Troopers shop for Juneau families at Fred Meyer on Dec. 21 as part of the Alaska Police Officer Association’s annual “Shop with a Cop” event.
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Survey: Majority of Alaskans are masking up to limit COVID spread

Survey says…

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This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Wednesday, Dec. 23

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Wednesday, Dec. 23

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Curtis Jackson, second from right, poses on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, with SVT Heath & Wellness Center health care workers in Jakolof Bay, Alaska, after making a trip across Kachemak Bay from Homer to deliver the medical team and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. From left to right are nurse Candice Kreger, family nurse practitioner Kourtney Holder, Jackson, and family nurse practitioner Julie Drude. The health care workers then went by road to Seldovia. (Photo by Janel Harris courtesy of Mako's Water Taxi)

‘Capt. Balto’ drives boat in rough seas to deliver vaccine, medical workers

In the spirit of the 1925 Nome Serum Run, Capt. Curtis Jackson helps deliver medical team, vaccine to remote Alaska village.

Curtis Jackson, second from right, poses on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, with SVT Heath & Wellness Center health care workers in Jakolof Bay, Alaska, after making a trip across Kachemak Bay from Homer to deliver the medical team and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. From left to right are nurse Candice Kreger, family nurse practitioner Kourtney Holder, Jackson, and family nurse practitioner Julie Drude. The health care workers then went by road to Seldovia. (Photo by Janel Harris courtesy of Mako's Water Taxi)
President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. The most improbable of presidents, Donald Trump reshaped the office and shattered its centuries-old norms and traditions while dominating the national discourse like no one before. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Trump threatens to torpedo COVID relief with new demands

Trump assailed the bipartisan $900 billion package in a video he tweeted out Tuesday night.

President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. The most improbable of presidents, Donald Trump reshaped the office and shattered its centuries-old norms and traditions while dominating the national discourse like no one before. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Emergency worker Melanie Chavez takes a sample from a man at Juneau International Airport in October. Airport-based testing is expected to transition to a vendor being secured by the state in late January. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Local COVID-19 numbers stable

Juneau’s COVID-19 case level remains stable heading into the Christmas and New Year holidays. On Tuesday, the City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Operations Center… Continue reading

Emergency worker Melanie Chavez takes a sample from a man at Juneau International Airport in October. Airport-based testing is expected to transition to a vendor being secured by the state in late January. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Tuesday, Dec. 22

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Dusk falls over the Capitol, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, in Washington. Congressional leaders have hashed out a massive, year-end catchall bill that combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care. (AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin)

$900B COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump

Lawmakers added a $1.4 trillion catchall bill and other end-of-session business in a massive bundle.

Dusk falls over the Capitol, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, in Washington. Congressional leaders have hashed out a massive, year-end catchall bill that combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care. (AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance for Tuesday, Dec. 22

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Pharmacist Katrina Green administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Justin Washburn, a CRNA student at Alaska Native Medical Center. (Courtesy Photo / Shirley Young, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium)

Chief medical officer: Vaccine reactions should be considered in context

Negative reactions to medicine aren’t uncommon, said Dr. Anne Zink.

Pharmacist Katrina Green administers a COVID-19 vaccine to Justin Washburn, a CRNA student at Alaska Native Medical Center. (Courtesy Photo / Shirley Young, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium)
Brandon Earl, right, helps David Lenus, a job seeker, fill out an application at a drive up job fair for Allied Universal during the coronavirus pandemic, in Gardena, Calif. Coronavirus restrictions in California have put millions of people out of work, increasing the state’s unemployment rate earlier this year to levels not seen since the Great Depression. (AP Photo / Chris Carlson)

Congress’ rescue aid: A dose of support, but is it enough?

With the economy still gripped by the pandemic, yet more federal help will likely be needed soon.

Brandon Earl, right, helps David Lenus, a job seeker, fill out an application at a drive up job fair for Allied Universal during the coronavirus pandemic, in Gardena, Calif. Coronavirus restrictions in California have put millions of people out of work, increasing the state’s unemployment rate earlier this year to levels not seen since the Great Depression. (AP Photo / Chris Carlson)
Peter Crimp, kelp supply director for Atlantic Sea Farms, checks on tanks of seaweed spores growing at the company's nursery, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Saco, Maine. Seaweed harvesting and farming in Maine has grown for several years as interest in foods and nutritional products made with the marine algae have risen in popularity. (AP Photo / Robert F. Bukaty)

Seaweed industry stays afloat, seeks growth during pandemic

At least one sector of the industry has found a way to grow during the crisis

Peter Crimp, kelp supply director for Atlantic Sea Farms, checks on tanks of seaweed spores growing at the company's nursery, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Saco, Maine. Seaweed harvesting and farming in Maine has grown for several years as interest in foods and nutritional products made with the marine algae have risen in popularity. (AP Photo / Robert F. Bukaty)
This photo shows the Juneau Pioneer Home on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Pioneer Homes begin vaccinating residents and staff

Juneau expected to vaccinate last week of December.

This photo shows the Juneau Pioneer Home on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
A vial of the Pfizer vaccine used at The Reservoir nursing facility, is shown, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in West Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo / Stephen Dunn,Pool)

Fairbanks health system reports vaccine reaction in employee

The woman had been observed after receiving their shots, in accordance with vaccine protocols.

A vial of the Pfizer vaccine used at The Reservoir nursing facility, is shown, Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in West Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo / Stephen Dunn,Pool)
Courtesy photo / Katie Bausler Justin Richardson, a pharmacy technician with Bartlett Regional Hospital, prepares the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday.

Feds, state monitor for adverse reactions as vaccinations ramp up

Juneau played reluctant host to the country’s first adverse reaction on Tuesday.

Courtesy photo / Katie Bausler Justin Richardson, a pharmacy technician with Bartlett Regional Hospital, prepares the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday.
Bartlett Regional Hospital pharmacy personnel Justin Richardson, Andrea Stats, Krischelle Batac and Ursula Iha take delivery of the first shipment of the coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. BRH immediately began vaccinating its personnel upon receipt of the vaccine. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Juneau

Vaccination of key healthcare staff began immediately.

Bartlett Regional Hospital pharmacy personnel Justin Richardson, Andrea Stats, Krischelle Batac and Ursula Iha take delivery of the first shipment of the coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. BRH immediately began vaccinating its personnel upon receipt of the vaccine. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)