Nome’s bars will remain closed for the holidays. That’s following a 5-1 vote by the Nome Common Council on Monday. Under the current plan, bars would be able to reopen on January 4th – at the earliest. Restaurants are expected to remain closed until next Monday (Dec. 21) , along with a restriction on public gatherings of over ten people.
Only Councilmember Jennifer Reader rejected the closures.
The measures and closures are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. But recognizing the economic hardship for business owners and those working in the service industry, they’ve agreed to provide a $600 weekly stipend for those affected by the restrictions. That vote did pass unanimously. Nome City Manager, Glenn Steckman, says the funds will come from the city’s share of federal pandemic relief received under the CARES Act.