Print article The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, where schools have struggled with scattered closures due to coronavirus outbreaks, now has more daily average COVID-19 cases than any other part of the state. Even as Mat-Su took that position, several major high school sports events moved there from Anchorage due to less strict coronavirus protocols. Mat-Su moved into the top spot for daily average case rates Tuesday after the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region held that unwelcome position for four months as the virus ripped like wildfire through the hub of Bethel and outlying villages, some without running water. On Thursday, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported about 35 cases per 100,000 in Mat-Su over the past 14 days and about 23 cases per 100,000 for the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.
Print article Gov. Mike Dunleavy has tested positive for COVID-19 and has mild symptoms, his office said Wednesday. Dunleavy’s office previously said he had come in close contact with a COVID-positive person on Saturday and would quarantine at home as a precaution. “Because the governor has been in quarantine during his infectious period, there are no known close contacts at this time,” the governor’s office said in a statement Wednesday. Dunleavy tested negative for COVID on Sunday but began feeling unwell Tuesday night, his office said. He took another test Wednesday morning and it was positive, his office said.
Print article JUNEAU A member of the Alaska House of Representatives has tested positive for COVID-19, and House Speaker Louise Stutes has canceled all Thursday meetings in the state House as a precaution. The identity of the COVID-positive lawmaker was not released as Stutes announced the test result in an email to all legislators Wednesday night. Jessica Geary, executive director of the agency that manages the Capitol building and legislative staff, said more information will be available Thursday. Austin Baird, a spokesman for the House’s 20-member majority, also promised additional details in the morning. Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, said the Senate has not canceled meetings. He said senators are awaiting the results of contact tracing to determine whether any senators or Senate staff have been exposed, and staffers and legislators vulnerable to COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home.
Print article JUNEAU In a recent radio interview, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he will not approve new taxes without a statewide vote on one of his proposed constitutional amendments. Barring sharp increases in the price of oil, the elimination of the Permanent Fund dividend or unprecedented cuts to state services, Dunleavy’s position means at least two more years of deficit spending by the state. “I am not going to support new revenues. I’m not going to support the taking of money from Alaskans unless they have an opportunity to vote on their constitutional amendment,” Dunleavy said during a talk-radio interview Thursday.