Alaska’s governor suspends classes at schools, limits agency visits amid coronavirus scare

Alaska’s goverr Friday suspended classes and or activities at public schools, as well as banned visits to a number of correctional facilities as part of his effort to contain new coronavirus outbreak.

Mike Dunleavy, working with Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, ordered suspension of classes and after-school activities from March 16 to March 30.

Dunleavy also suspended visits to Department of Corrections facilities, Division of Juvenile Justice facilities, Alaska Military Youth Acemy and Alaska Psychiatric Institute. goverr limited visitation to Alaska Pioneer Homes, which house elderly.

Also on Friday night, organizers of Iditarod sled dog race said y are moving 19th checkpoint in 1,000-mile race out of community of Shaktoolik to help prevent transmission of virus.

“ Iditarod continues to utilize best practices and caution regarding COVID-19,” organizers said in a statemwent.

Also on Friday, Alaska lawmakers anunced plans to restrict access to Capitol in Juneau amid concerns about new coronavirus.

Access will be limited to lawmakers, legislative employees, members of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s ministration and credentialed journalists. In a release, issued by members of a subcommittee appointed to plan for COVID-19, steps were described as temporary but necessary for health and safety reasons and to help ensure lawmakers can finalize outstanding work.

Major issues remaining for lawmakers include budgets and a decision on size of Alaska Permanent Fund dividend to pay residents.

Committee hearings and floor sessions will be carried online and on TV. Public testimony will be accepted by phone and in writing.

For most people, new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older ults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

State officials late Thursday anunced first case of virus in Alaska.

Meanwhile, new jury trials in Anchor, Kenai and Palmer were suspended for week starting Monday. Grand jury proceedings in Anchor and elsewhere will continue as scheduled, according to state court system.

Im credit: AP