Weekend brings additional COVID-19 cases to Alaska
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced on Sunday, April 5, one new death and 14 new cases of COVID-19 in four Alaska communities – Anchorage (4), Fairbanks (7), Juneau (2) and Seward (1). This brings the total case count in Alaska to 185.
These new cases and the new death were reported from 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on April 4, and reflect data posted at noon Sunday on the state’s website, coronavirus.alaska.gov.
The person who died is a 71-year-old Anchorage resident who acquired the infection outside of Alaska, tested positive on March 28 and had been hospitalized in state. The patient had preexisting health conditions.
Rural airline RavnAlaska ceases flights, files for bankruptcy
In a weekend press release, RavnAir Group CEO Dave Pflieger announced the carrier’s suspension of service for the entire fleet of 72 aircraft in the wake of drastic reductions to ticket purchases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Unfortunately, RavnAir Group, the largest regional airline in our state, has been affected by this crisis,” Pflieger said. “It is for that reason that today we made the extremely difficult decision to ground all 72 of our aircraft; stop all operations; temporarily lay-off all of our employees; and seek Chapter 11 protection in order to obtain immediate Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) funding.”
The move closed customer service channels for passengers scheduled to travel aboard RavnAir flights. In the release, Pflieger asked individuals to contact the airline via the http://www.flyravn.com website, or make contact through customerfeedback@ravnairgroup.com.
Pflieger gave no indication regarding the airline’s return to service.
Juneau COVID-19 information available online
Like many communities around the state, the City and Borough of Juneau has created a list of resources available for residents. Featuring a local health hotline number to answer questions related to COVID-19 screening, and a list of area businesses that are still open, the website also offers current case counts and national statistics and tips related to coronavirus management from the National Institute of Mental Health, State of Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, and Centers for Disease Control.
The website is updated regularly, and can be accessed here: https://beta.juneau.org/covid-19
Fairbanks encourages online payment for some services, citations
In an effort to reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus, the City of Fairbanks is closing its front counter payment processes, and instead encourages residents to take advantage of online payment systems for some city services.
For garbage service payment, the city’s website (https://www.fairbanksalaska.us/finance/page/garbage-citation-payment-information) provides instructions related to online payments, creating and automatic payment calendar, and how to apply for the senior citizen discount.
Individuals required to pay a city citation fee can also utilize the online payment portal on the website. https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/fairbanksak/.
Additionally, if a Fairbanks resident wishes to pay garbage or citation fees over the phone, the city has suspended the usual $10/transaction fee. Call 907-459-6702 to make a payment.
