Coronavirus

This July 2020 photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine in Belgium. The U.S. is getting a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two.(Courtesy Photo / Johnson & Johnson)

1-dose shot cleared, giving US its 3rd COVID-19 vaccine

The FDA cleared it Saturday.

This July 2020 photo provided by Johnson & Johnson shows a vial of the COVID-19 vaccine in Belgium. The U.S. is getting a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two.(Courtesy Photo / Johnson & Johnson)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Friday, Feb. 26

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
Meetings at the Alaska State Capitol, seen here in this December 19, 2020 file photo, were canceled Thursday after a member of the House of Representatives tested positive for COVID-19. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

House member tests positive for COVID-19

Time to work weekends.

Meetings at the Alaska State Capitol, seen here in this December 19, 2020 file photo, were canceled Thursday after a member of the House of Representatives tested positive for COVID-19. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
The City and Borough of Juneau’s Augustus G. Brown Swimming Pool, pictured here last spring, and the Dimond Park Aquatic Center will both expand their capacity and offer additional flexibility for lap swims beginning March 1. They are among the CBJ facilities that will expand offerings now that the city’s COVID risk level has been reduced to Level 1, or minimal risk. (Peter Segall/Juneau Empire)

City officials optimistic about local COVID-19 situation

The numbers look good, but city leaders call for continued vigilance

The City and Borough of Juneau’s Augustus G. Brown Swimming Pool, pictured here last spring, and the Dimond Park Aquatic Center will both expand their capacity and offer additional flexibility for lap swims beginning March 1. They are among the CBJ facilities that will expand offerings now that the city’s COVID risk level has been reduced to Level 1, or minimal risk. (Peter Segall/Juneau Empire)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Wednesday, Feb. 24

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy addresses the public during a virtual town hall on Sept. 15, 2020 in Alaska. Dunleavy tested positive for COVID-19 his office announced Wednesday. (Courtesy Photo / Office of the Governor)

Dunleavy tests positive for COVID-19

Governor is still at home.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy addresses the public during a virtual town hall on Sept. 15, 2020 in Alaska. Dunleavy tested positive for COVID-19 his office announced Wednesday. (Courtesy Photo / Office of the Governor)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Tuesday, Feb. 23

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Monday, Feb. 21

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
This photo shows medical supplies on a table at a Feb. 11 vaccination clinic at Centennial Hall. Another clinic is planned for next month, and registration for it will open Wednesday for people 65 and older. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Vaccine clinic registration to open early for seniors

The clinic is in mid-March. Here’s how to register.

This photo shows medical supplies on a table at a Feb. 11 vaccination clinic at Centennial Hall. Another clinic is planned for next month, and registration for it will open Wednesday for people 65 and older. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy addresses the public during a virtual town hall on Sept. 15, 2020 in Alaska. Dunleavy went into self-quarantine Monday following news a close contact had tested positive for COVID-19. (Courtesy Photo / Office of the Governor)

Governor quarantines following close contact

Gov. Mike Dunleavy is in quarantine following close contact on Saturday with a person who recently tested positive for COVID-19. Dunleavy was informed of the… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy addresses the public during a virtual town hall on Sept. 15, 2020 in Alaska. Dunleavy went into self-quarantine Monday following news a close contact had tested positive for COVID-19. (Courtesy Photo / Office of the Governor)
Juneau recently dropped its community risk level to Level 1. The change allows bars and gyms to become slightly more flexible in their operations. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Lagers and joggers: Restrictions ease on local bars and gyms

The Level 1 distinction offers some subtle but important maneuvering room.

Juneau recently dropped its community risk level to Level 1. The change allows bars and gyms to become slightly more flexible in their operations. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican, holds a copy of the Alaska Constitution during a committee hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, sent Reinbold a letter on Feb. 18, 2021, saying she has used her position to “misrepresent” the state’s COVID-19 response. Reinbold said the letter was “full of baseless accusations and complaints.” (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)

Dunleavy says Reinbold misrepresents virus response

Dunleavy said his administration will no longer participate in hearings led by Sen. Lora Reinbold

Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican, holds a copy of the Alaska Constitution during a committee hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, sent Reinbold a letter on Feb. 18, 2021, saying she has used her position to “misrepresent” the state’s COVID-19 response. Reinbold said the letter was “full of baseless accusations and complaints.” (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Friday Feb. 19

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
The Juneau School District building and Harborview Elementary School, seen here on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, will begin to offer expanded in-person instruction over the next few weeks. School officials cite the community’s stable infection rate and new science-based guidance for opening schools are driving factors behind the expanded offerings. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Lower COVID numbers mean more school options for Juneau students

District looks to add more in-person learning.

The Juneau School District building and Harborview Elementary School, seen here on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, will begin to offer expanded in-person instruction over the next few weeks. School officials cite the community’s stable infection rate and new science-based guidance for opening schools are driving factors behind the expanded offerings. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be available at an upcoming vaccine clinic due to a new partnership, City and Borough of Juneau announced.(Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)

Partnership makes additional vaccines available in Juneau

Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be available at an upcoming vaccine clinic, City and Borough of Juneau announced. The surplus is due… Continue reading

Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be available at an upcoming vaccine clinic due to a new partnership, City and Borough of Juneau announced.(Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Thursday, Feb. 18

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
Thomas Moreno, Southeast Alaska Food Bank employee, unloads food at the food bank on Feb. 18, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Amid adversity, Juneau’s food banks soldier on

Demand up and donations down is not a good trajectory.

Thomas Moreno, Southeast Alaska Food Bank employee, unloads food at the food bank on Feb. 18, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at an Anchorage news conference on Dec. 11, 2020. In a Sunday news conference, Dunleavy discussed the end of Alaska’s longtime COVID-19 disaster declaration and what it means for the state’s response to the virus. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)

Governor confident in state’s ability to respond to virus without disaster declaration

Adds that change raises questions.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at an Anchorage news conference on Dec. 11, 2020. In a Sunday news conference, Dunleavy discussed the end of Alaska’s longtime COVID-19 disaster declaration and what it means for the state’s response to the virus. (Courtesy photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
Wendy Wallers administers the coronavirus vaccine to Christina MacDougall during a clinic at Centennial Hall on Feb. 11, 2021. The City and Borough of Juneau lowered the risk level for the coronavirus to Level 1 on Feb. 17, the lowest since the system was put in place. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau lowers community risk level

The risk level is the lowest it’s been since the risk system was put in place.

Wendy Wallers administers the coronavirus vaccine to Christina MacDougall during a clinic at Centennial Hall on Feb. 11, 2021. The City and Borough of Juneau lowered the risk level for the coronavirus to Level 1 on Feb. 17, the lowest since the system was put in place. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Wednesday, Feb. 17

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)