coronavirus pandemic Archives

Sitka School Board to consider optional masking at low alert levels

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Aug 16, 2021 | Coronavirus Coverage, Local News, Syndicated

Sitka schools will reopen on August 23 with an optional masking policy, in the event that the community’s alert level drops to "low." The proposed policy may conflict with guidance from state and federal health experts who say that universal masking is the best way to keep kids in school. Read More

Sitka’s pandemic response: A lesson in getting it (more) right

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Jul 30, 2021 | Coronavirus Coverage, Local News, Syndicated

While Sitka -- like many places -- is struggling right now with the delta variant and an unexpected surge in coronavirus infections, over most of the last year it got the pandemic right: low infection rate, high support for vulnerable parts of the community. Around 80 policy researchers and government entities convened on Wednesday (7-28-21) to listen as three Sitkans explained how it was done. Read More

Bruhl: Vaccination the most effective health intervention — ever

by KCAW News | May 27, 2021 | Coronavirus Coverage, The Morning Interview

KCAW’s Robert Woolsey recently spoke with SEARHC chief medical officer Dr. Elliot Bruhl about the history of vaccination as a health intervention, and the possible end game for the COVID-19 pandemic in Sitka, and how vaccination will play a critical role in bringing it about. Read More

Extended interview: Dr. Elliot Bruhl on youth vaccination and the coronavirus pandemic ‘end game’

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | May 25, 2021 | Coronavirus Coverage, Local News

As vaccinations continue to be administered in Sitka and surrounding communities, life is beginning to resume a normal feel. Ending the pandemic for good, however, won’t happen without help -- from just about everyone. Read More

Angoon receives multi-million dollar grant to boost local tourism

by Erin McKinstry, KCAW | May 11, 2021 | Local News, Syndicated

The Admiralty Island village of Angoon has received nearly 2 million dollars in federal funding to build a visitor center. The relief money is meant to combat economic impacts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local leaders hope it will boost a homegrown cultural tourism industry. Read More