COVID-19

An important test for an advanced missile-defense radar system at Clear Air Force Station has been postponed, due in part to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restaurants in Alaska can get a boost in coronavirus relief funds starting next week. The Small Business Administration is taking applications starting Monday -- but wants restaurants to sign up tomorrow. The money comes from federal legislation from the American Rescue Plan.

The Small Business Administration says there are 27,820 Alaska workers in food service and accommodations.

“72 % of Alaska food service jobs are from small businesses.”

COVID-19 cases in Interior Alaska surged last week and is keeping emergency room physicians and other medical providers busy with the case load. They are drawing a direct relationship between the high case rate and our low vaccination rate.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference has administered more than 14,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine since the pandemic began to protect Native and non-native Alaskans around the Interior from the disease. And on Monday, the Fairbanks-based organization donated 800 surplus doses to Eielson Air Force Base, to help protect servicemembers and their families, and the civilian employees who work there.

Monday, March 15 is the deadline for another housing relief program. Last week, we told you about a program for Alaska renters impacted by the pandemic. If you missed applying for that program, renters in the Interior can apply today with the Interior Region Housing Authority.

A big component of Alaska’s Number One vaccination status is Tribal Health Corporations. In the Interior, Tanana Chiefs Conference provides health care for 42 villages across the region. After weeks of successful vaccine distribution to the villages, TCC is now trying to reach people who live in Fairbanks, including FNSBSD teachers and school staff.

Friday is the deadline for a relief program that could pay up to a year’s worth of rent and utilities for renters impacted by the pandemic. The state received more than 200 million dollars to prevent folks from being evicted.