The Municipality of Skagway has declared an emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus in the state last Thursday. Now the Haines and Skagway Boroughs are limiting public access to some municipal facilities in an effort to prevent the spread […]

Coronavirus precautions will delay Alaska’s cruise season; Canada closes the border, U.S. citizens excepted; borough leaders address coronavirus prevention in Haines and Skagway.

The Municipality of Skagway held a Special Assembly meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the local impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic. Cruise ship tourism is Skagway’s main industry and the town is bracing for economic impacts. Skagway began preparing for the health and safety component of the coronavirus pandemic last month. But it’s harder […]

Local businesses brace for the economic impact of the coronavirus.

  Coronavirus precautions will delay Alaska’s cruise season. That’s following word that Canada has closed its ports to large cruise ships through July 1. These restrictions are expected to be a blow to Alaska’s tourism sector. Canada’s restriction means ships carrying 500 or more people cannot enter its ports. Legal experts say the ban will […]

There’s been extra scrutiny on the cruise ship industry after coronovirus cases spread on some vessels. Two major cruise lines announced they will suspend service through early May to address health and safety concerns. Princess Cruises President Jan Swartz announced a two month pause in operations on Thursday morning. Some trips already sailing will be […]

Basketball is a big deal in Alaska. Between all the high school teams, city leagues and regional tournaments, it’s one of the most popular sports. Even though there are no NBA teams in the state, that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of fans. Last week, residents in Klukwan paid their respects to the late […]

The summer cruise ship season is delayed as two major cruise lines suspend service through early May; Lakers superfans in Klukwan hold a memorial service for the late Kobe Bryant.

COVID-19 has not reached Alaska yet, but yesterday Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a public health emergency in response to an anticipated outbreak. As the state ramps up its efforts to address the illness, medical providers in rural communities are developing best practices for responding to cases of the virus.  Dr. Elliot Bruhl is the Vice […]

Local medical providers and emergency responders prepare for coronavirus cases; Haines borough weighs in on Army Corps of Engineers plan to clean an old oil spill near the Chilkat River.