Alaska
As COVID rates continue decline in Alaska, how close are we to end of pandemic?
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/5YSM3BAWNBBDDPYPHRNS5WKVRA.jpg "As COVID rates continue decline in Alaska, how close are we to end of pandemic?")
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention and World Well being Group nonetheless think about the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, regardless of the continued drop in case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths across the nation and globally.
With masks mandates and lockdowns a factor of the previous now that vaccines and up to date booster photographs have been made broadly accessible in america, a visit out in public would hardly give credence to the concept that society continues to be very a lot amid a pandemic, by the definition of the phrase.
So, how shut is Alaska — and the world — to lastly ending the ordeal after greater than two and a half years? Dr. Joe McLaughlin, state epidemiologist with the Alaska Division of Well being, mentioned after 5 dominant waves of coronavirus surges, the tip of the pandemic is turning into clearer.
“In some unspecified time in the future, there might be extra predictability with this virus, as we’ve seen with influenza,” McLaughlin mentioned in a current interview. “We all know with the flu, there’s going to be extra instances within the winter months.”
Since March 2020 when the primary case of the unique COVID-19 pressure was detected in Alaska, over 281,000 separate instances have been detected within the state and 1,329 Alaskans have died from COVID-19 issues.
On a worldwide scale, instances and deaths are all the way down to among the lowest ranges seen since March 2020, when the pandemic first took a agency maintain on america.
In Alaska, group transmission stayed excessive — with case charges nicely over 400 per 100,000 residents — till lately. The Municipality of Anchorage’s newest case charges have been recorded at 94 per 100,000, whereas different main areas of the state hovered simply over the 100 mark.
“That mentioned, there nonetheless is a variety of COVID circulating, so individuals nonetheless must be conscious and never let their guard down in respect to COVID hospitalizations and deaths,” McLaughlin mentioned.
The true variety of constructive COVID-19 instances recorded in Alaska is probably going greater, McLaughlin mentioned, as a result of introduction of at-home checks final fall. Since at-home checks should not capable of be tracked by the state well being division (except a person studies the take a look at outcomes themselves), it’s tough to know the precise variety of constructive instances.
“The hallmark of this pandemic, 5 waves in, is we weren’t capable of predict when the subsequent wave was coming,” McLaughlin mentioned.
Nevertheless, McLaughlin mentioned state officers can nonetheless look to hospitalization and demise numbers to get a way of the place Alaska is amid the pandemic, since these numbers are reported by hospitals and the state medical expert.
At present, there are 66 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 signs throughout the state, in response to the division of well being. McLaughlin mentioned that quantity continues to be not the place well being officers need to see it, however is a far cry from the numbers seen throughout numerous peaks in case counts, such because the delta variant surge in October 2021, when the state peaked at over 240 hospitalizations at one time.
These numbers resulted in hospitals in Anchorage and different communities statewide being pressured to function in disaster mode, as medical doctors needed to make choices on who acquired care and who didn’t as a result of overwhelming demand. McLaughlin mentioned the most important considerations now lie with residents within the oldest age teams, mainly these 70 years previous and above, which is the place the state is seeing the vast majority of new instances.
McLaughlin added that newer variants of the coronavirus — specifically the BA.4 and BA.5 variants of the omicron pressure — have been much less extreme. The newest COVID-19 surge that Alaska noticed was solely this previous July, McLaughlin mentioned, with about 85 to 90% of these instances being recorded as omicron BA.5 instances.
Throughout that surge, which paled compared to earlier surges, Alaska noticed case counts go up however didn’t see the correlating rise in deaths or hospitalizations. McLaughlin mentioned this was due partially to the 2 omicron variants inflicting much less extreme illness in contaminated individuals.
“Probably the most intrinsic traits of a virus is that it tends to be much less virulent over time,” McLaughlin mentioned. “If the virus doesn’t kill the host, it has extra of a possibility to transmit to a different host.”
McLaughlin mentioned the latest booster dose protects towards two strains: the unique Wuhan pressure — which the unique vaccine was designed to guard towards — and the 2 newest omicron variants, BA.4 and BA.5. The brand new booster is now accessible nationwide to anybody ages 12 and older that’s at the very least two months faraway from their most up-to-date COVID-19 dose, whether or not that be the preliminary booster or the unique two-shot sequence.
It also needs to assist defend towards long-haul COVID, a well being situation described by medical consultants as COVID-19 signs lasting for weeks and even months. Sometimes, sufferers that suffer from long-haul COVID have recurring signs corresponding to fatigue, respiration difficulties, coughing, chest ache, and modifications in odor or style.
McLaughlin mentioned the info means that the probability of getting long-haul COVID is decrease in folks that have beforehand been vaccinated or have already been contaminated, with estimates ranging as excessive as 30% larger for unprotected individuals.
So what’s subsequent? McLaughlin mentioned it largely is determined by what strains emerge over time.
“Nobody is aware of for positive, however everyone seems to be hopeful, because the virus continues to mutate over time, our our bodies might be increasingly more adept to combating off the virus,” he mentioned.
Copyright 2022 KTUU. All rights reserved.
Alaska
Cunard’s Alaska 2026 Voyages feature Queen Elizabeth sailing roundtrip itineraries from Seattle
Now on Sale
2026 season also features eight Panama Canal voyages, ranging in length from 20 to 42 days
VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Luxury cruise line Cunard has unveiled its highly anticipated Alaska 2026 program, offering travelers the chance to embark on an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
Between May and September 2026, Queen Elizabeth will sail 15 roundtrip voyages from Seattle, ranging from seven to 12 nights. Guests looking for a longer vacation that combines contrasting destinations can enjoy extended voyages of up to 42 nights, taking in the majestic landscapes of Alaska, the tropical beauty of the Caribbean, and the iconic Panama Canal.
An additional highlight to Cunard’s 2026 season is eight voyages through the famed Panama Canal, unlocking enticing destinations and experiences. A coveted voyage experience, these sailings bring guests close tropical jungles as the ship glides through 50 miles of locks and waterways between the mighty Atlantic and Pacific oceans. With so much to enjoy onboard and ashore, guests can admire the famed engineering marvel, unwind in the spa, or experience a variety of onshore adventures.
Cunard’s 2026 program on Queen Elizabeth features visits to 31 unique destinations across 16 countries, including highlights such as Colón, Panama, and Bridgetown, Barbados. Voyages are available to book from 5 a.m. PT on January 8, 2025, and guests can claim up to $800 onboard credit per stateroom* for bookings made between January 8 and March 26, 2025.
This Onboard Credit allows guests to indulge in Cunard’s signature luxury, whether that means unwinding with a spa treatment, savoring fine dining, or enjoying exceptional shore experiences. Highlights include the opportunity to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat as Queen Elizabeth sails through Alaska’s glacier-filled fjords.
Alaska highlights
Queen Elizabeth’s voyages invite travelers to immerse themselves in a world of tidewater glaciers and mirror-like waters, where each day in port offers guests the freedom to step ashore and explore somewhere new.
Whether it be Ketchikan, with its vibrant totem poles, Juneau, where famous gold mines put this historic city on the map, or Haines, a prime destination for kayaking, Alaska is an adventurer’s paradise.
And not forgetting the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier, two gems in the Alaskan crown.
Prices for a 10-night Seattle roundtrip to Alaska (Q620) in July 2026 currently start from $2069 per person based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Alaska is a truly unique destination, and we’re delighted to return with our 2026 program. Sailing through its spectacular fjords and seeing the immense glaciers is an experience like no other. On board, guests can sip regionally inspired cocktails, enjoy cuisine influenced by local flavors, and hear fascinating stories from renowned explorers. These voyages promise to create unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests on board Queen Elizabeth.”
For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.
For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com, or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.
Notes to Editors
*Up to $800 Onboard Credit per stateroom ($400 per person) is based on reserving a Queens Grill Suite on voyages for 10 to 20 nights. Guests reserving a Britannia stateroom receive up to $400 per stateroom Onboard Credit. Onboard credit amounts vary by voyage length and category booked. Visit Cunard.com for full terms and conditions.
About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, and this year celebrates an incredible 185 years of operation. 2025 is a momentous year in Cunard’s history, which will be marked with several iconic land-based events and special Event Voyages. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.
There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally, with the brand now boasting four ships in simultaneous service for the first time since 1999. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).
Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline
For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard, [email protected]
Cindy Adams, [email protected]
SOURCE Cunard
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks from the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., November 26, 2024.
Nathan Howard | Reuters
The U.S. state of Alaska has sued the Biden administration for what it calls violations of a Congressional directive to allow oil and gas development in a portion of the federal Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Monday’s lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Alaska challenges the federal government’s December 2024 decision to offer oil and gas drilling leases in an area known as the coastal plain with restrictions.
The lawsuit said curbs on surface use and occupancy make it “impossible or impracticable to develop” 400,000 acres (162,000 hectares) of land the U.S. Interior Department plans to auction this month to oil and gas drillers.
The limits would severely limit future oil exploration and drilling in the refuge, it added.
“Interior’s continued and irrational opposition under the Biden administration to responsible energy development in the Arctic continues America on a path of energy dependence instead of utilizing the vast resources we have available,” Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy said in a statement.
Alaska wants the court to set aside the December decision and prohibit the department from issuing leases at the auction.
The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Land Management declined to comment.
When combined with the department’s cancellation of leases granted during the waning days of Donald Trump’s presidency, Alaska says it will receive just a fraction of the $1.1 billion the Congressional Budget Office estimated it would get in direct lease-related revenues from energy development in the area.
The lawsuit is Alaska’s latest legal response to the Biden administration’s efforts to protect the 19.6-million-acre (8-million-hectare) ANWR for species such as polar bears and caribou.
An October 2023 lawsuit by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority contested the administration’s decision to cancel the seven leases it held. Another state lawsuit in July 2024 sought to recover revenue lost as a result.
Drilling in the ANWR, the largest national wildlife refuge, was off-limits for decades and the subject of fierce political fights between environmentalists and Alaska’s political leaders, who have long supported development in the coastal plain.
In 2017, Alaska lawmakers secured that opportunity through a provision in a Trump-backed tax cut bill passed by Congress. In the final days of Trump’s administration, it issued nine 10-year leases for drilling in ANWR.
Under Biden, two lease winners withdrew from their holdings in 2022. In September, the interior department canceled the seven issued to the state industrial development body.
Attorneys for the state of Alaska filed a lawsuit Monday to try to invalidate a federal lease sale for oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The lawsuit says the Biden administration is offering so little land for lease and has put so many restrictions on it that the lease sale doesn’t comply with the law.
So the state, a stalwart supporter of drilling in the refuge, is asking a judge not to let the federal government issue leases to oil companies. The role reversal is the latest wrinkle in a long saga over what to do with the coastal plain of the refuge, in the northeast corner of Alaska.
After decades of hot debate in Congress, Sen. Lisa Murkowski championed a provision in a 2017 tax law mandating two lease sales, of at least 400,000 acres each, on the coastal plain of the refuge.
The first was held in 2021, in the final days of the Trump administration. As a measure of industry interest, it was a dud. None of the big oil companies offered a bid. Two private firms won leases but then relinquished them. The main bidder was the state-owned Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority.
In 2023, the Biden administration cancelled the leases, saying the process was flawed.
The state, citing an earlier congressional estimate, said it was in line to get more than $1 billion in lease revenues, plus royalty payments and the indirect economic benefits that come with more industrial activity.
Bids for the second sale were due Monday, and they’re scheduled to be unsealed Friday. The state lawsuit notes that this time, the government made only a third of the coastal plain available for bidding.
“Worse,” the legal complaint says, “it makes the lands available for lease impossible or impracticable to develop by significantly restricting surface use and occupancy. In essence, the [lease sale conditions] are designed to inhibit and deter, rather than promote, development of the Coastal Plain’s mineral resources.”
The Biden administration says its restrictions are the best way to balance all of the laws it has to follow. Before the 2017 law ordering lease sales, Congress set other goals for the Arctic Refuge, including conserving birds and wildlife, and protecting subsistence hunting and fishing opportunities.
If the lawsuit succeeds the Trump administration could get a do-over to offer more land for lease and under terms that would facilitate drilling.
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