COVID-19 Symptoms
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Important Links
What we are working on
Legislators want answers on COVID funding delays
ANCHORAGE - This morning, a group of legislators sent a letter to the Dunleavy Administration and Department of Health and Social Services requesting an update on federal funding issued during the pandemic whose distribution is being held up by the State.
Co-Chairs of HHSS encourage Alaskans to recognize and thank frontline healthcare workers in week of appreciation
Representatives Tiffany Zulkosky (D-Bethel) and Liz Snyder (D-Anchorage) invite Alaskans to join them, during the week of October 17-23, in recognizing and thanking frontline healthcare workers across the state for their continued service to Alaska throughout the ongoing pandemic.
FEMA, State of Alaska plan to bring outside health professionals to confront COVID a positive step, HSS co-chairs say
JUNEAU — The State of Alaska today announced a plan that attempts to import hundreds of medical personnel as our state experiences the highest levels of COVID-19 at any point in the pandemic and grapples with the worst infection rates in the nation.
Alaska Legislature finalizes bill that provides tools vital to ending the pandemic
JUNEAU – State lawmakers worked together to finalize a bill that provides public health leaders with the tools they need to end the COVID-19 pandemic and keep Alaska on a path toward economic recovery.
Lawmakers express commitment to extending disaster declaration
ANCHORAGE – Leaders of the Alaska Legislature today held a telephonic meeting with Gov. Mike Dunleavy to discuss the extension of the emergency disaster declaration enacted by the state in March in response to COVID-19.
Legislators urge action from administration as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations surge
ANCHORAGE – The State of Alaska is experiencing incredibly high rates of COVID-19 transmission, with daily records for new cases set multiple times last week and the availability of adult ICU beds now dangerously low.
Public health leaders predict challenging winter months as Alaska grapples with pandemic
ANCHORAGE – As Alaska’s daily case totals for COVID-19 continue to break records across the state, a broad cross-section of healthcare experts are voicing concern that the coming weeks and months could strain the state’s healthcare system and test the resolve of Alaskans unless mitigating steps are taken now.
Business owners, economic development experts highlight problems with AK CARES Act
ANCHORAGE – Small business owners and economic development experts detailed a host of problems with the AK CARES Grant Program today during a hearing of the House Labor and Commerce Committee.
Experts call for additional COVID protections during economic re-opening
ANCHORAGE – Today, at a joint hearing of the House Health and Social Services and State Affairs committees, public health experts and state employee representatives urged the state to take additional measures to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks as Alaska’s economy re-opens.
Alaska House of Representatives approves federal emergency relief funds
JUNEAU – The House of Representatives voted today to get $1.5 billion in federal emergency relief funding into the hands of Alaskan individuals, businesses, communities, and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawmakers to meet in Juneau to authorize federal emergency relief money
JUNEAU – The Alaska Legislature will reconvene in Juneau on Monday, May 18, following an extended recess that was forced by the ongoing global pandemic
Stateside Table on Actions Taken by States and Munis
Over 80 bills have been introduced in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia on paid sick leave and
worker protections as well as appropriations requests.
Updated Sectional for FCCS SB 241
Legislative Findings. Makes legislative findings related to COVID‐19, establishing the
need to extend the March 11, 2020, public health disaster declaration.
Alaska Legislature approves funding for COVID-19 response, passes capital and operating budgets
JUNEAU – The Alaska Legislature this evening passed the state’s capital and operating budgets, House Bill 205, with a 23-13 vote, and funded the bill with a supermajority vote of 30-6.
COVID-19 disaster extended to November, Legislature approves emergency response package
JUNEAU – The Alaska Legislature this evening finalized a bill that extends the governor’s public health disaster emergency declaration until this fall. The measure also ensures that some of the economic impacts of COVID-19 are mitigated for Alaskans.
Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Legislative Update – Friday, March 27
In just a few months, the COVID-19 virus has swept across the globe threatening the health and well-being of millions of people. Not since the Great Depression have we seen anything approaching the economic turmoil caused by this terrible virus.
Bipartisan group of legislators urges governor to issue statewide shelter in place order
JUNEAU – A bipartisan group of legislators sent a letter to Gov. Mike Dunleavy urging his administration to issue a statewide shelter in place mandate. The unprecedented action is needed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Last Day Before Recess, Budget Updates, and Covid-19 Response
Today is *hopefully* the last day before the legislature recesses. First, we are practicing social distancing and self-isolating outside the capitol. When we are on the floor we are too close and that is a big part of the desire to finish up for now.
Alaska House Bush Caucus
Across Alaska, local governments and tribes are diligently working towards communicating the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic within their communities and issuing guidance, advisories, and mandates to keep their communities and constituencies healthy and safe.
Alaska House Bush Caucus
We write today to request an extension of the Real ID Act implementation in our state. The Alaska Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has been unable to establish a process to issue Real ID-compliant identification cards
to Alaskans living in communities without a DMV office.
COVID-19 Resources for Alaskans
Just last Wednesday, as the chair of House Labor & Commerce Committee, I introduced HB 308. Five days later, the bill passed the legislature and was signed into law on Wednesday. Rarely has the legislature moved this quickly.
House passes bill extending public health emergency to November
JUNEAU – The House of Representatives passed a bill extending Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s public health disaster emergency declaration until this fall. The measure also ensures essential services will continue even if the COVID-19 outbreak takes a significant toll on Alaska.
Rep Edgmon letter to Gov Dunleavy RE Bristol Bay Fishery and COVID19
he annual Bristol Bay fishery is rapidly approaching. As the largest salmon fishery in the world, it brings in thousands of American and international workers into Bristol Bay communities. At this point there is no mechanism to screen them, no plans for quarantine should an outbreak occur, and no direction to local leaders for how to proceed given the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID – 19 Tribal Funding
COVID - 19 Tribal Funding in the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Act
Small group of lawmakers forces governor to choose between paying overdue bills, COVID-19 response
JUNEAU – The Alaska House of Representatives voted today to approve the FY20 supplemental budget to help pay for expenses related to last year’s wildfires, Medicaid costs, and funds needed to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.
Rep. Matt Claman’s Alaska Matters: COVID-19 Update & Unemployment Insurance Bill Passes Legislature
The legislature continues work to finish the FY2021 budget as soon as possible. House Bill 205, a bill acting as both an Operating budget and a budget making Capital appropriations, passed the Senate on Monday afternoon and was referred to a conference committee Monday evening
House District 38 E-Newsletter – What to know about COVID-19
I know I join you in the reality of our lives, communities, and world shifting and changing in a matter of weeks, days, and sometimes hours. I share with you feelings of uncertainty and vigilance about the presence of COVID-19 in Alaska, but also a deep sense of gratitude for ‘the helpers.’
Straight Talk with Sara Hannan
I’m sure you’ve heard by now that a case of COVID-19 has been reported in Juneau. Also, the CBJ Assembly met yesterday to put in place 14-day self-quarantine restrictions on most people flying into Juneau, with several exemptions including one for legislators and staff.
Legislature passes bill expanding unemployment benefits for Alaskans impacted by COVID-19
JUNEAU – Today, a bill that will make it easier for Alaskans facing economic impacts due to the outbreak of COVID-19 to access unemployment benefits cleared its final legislative hurdle.
Rep. Bryce Edgmon’s News From the Legislature: COVID-19 Travel Update
Many of you have had questions on travel restrictions and health screenings at airports. Currently all major international airports in Alaska are still operating (Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau) and almost every other small airport is accepting flights.
Rep. Matt Claman’s Alaska Matters: COVID-19 Update & Small Business Assistance
The legislature has been working to address the many challenges related to COVID-19. On Thursday, the House passed a bill that will make sure eligible Alaskans can receive Unemployment Insurance as quickly as possible.
State and Federal Resources to Address Covid-19
As we Alaskans face the days ahead with the uncertainties of Covid-19, the only thing we can control is how we respond. I, like all of you, have been paying attention to the guidelines published by our country and state’s health leaders.
Dear Friends and Neighbors
The coronavirus is disrupting nearly every aspect of day to day life in Alaska and across the nation. These are tough times for all of us. Please know that I, and government leaders at all levels, are working on legislation for health, safety, and economic supports.
Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: COVID-19 Update – Friday, March 20
The Alaska Legislature is working quickly to respond to the hardships caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in Alaska. A core component of the response is to help workers by expanding access to unemployment benefits.
House passes immediate relief for laid off workers affected by COVID-19
In response to the thousands of Alaskans who were laid off to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the House of Representatives passed a bill that will make sure they can receive Unemployment Insurance as quickly as possible.
Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: COVID-19 Update: Wednesday, March 18
Here is today’s update on the coronavirus outbreak and the response in Alaska and nationally.
In the next few days, the Alaska Legislature will be working quickly to pass a state budget and other vital legislation to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.
Covid-19 Response and Online Constituent Meeting Saturday
Hope everyone is hanging in there! This is a long e-news, packed with information. Before scrolling down, please mark your calendar for our online Constituent Meeting this Saturday, March 21 from 3-4:30pm. We will NOT be meeting in person. To reduce exposure, Senator Begich and I will remain in Juneau, and allow you to stream or call in from your homes. Tune in to www.alaskalegislature.tv, or 563-9085 to listen in. We are asking neighbors to please send or call in your questions in advance to rep.geran.tarr@akleg.gov or sen.tom.begich@akleg.gov so we can be prepared with answers.
House State Affairs Committee hears from experts on COVID-19
JUNEAU – As COVID-19 begins to take hold in Alaska, the House State Affairs Committee heard testimony yesterday from experts on the spread of infectious diseases to help guide legislators on the policies needed to keep Alaskans safe.
Rep. Matt Claman’s Alaska Matters: COVID-19 Update and Budget Public Testimony
The World Health Organization has officially characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. Moving forward, we will continue to post periodic updates on developments related to COVID-19.
Rep. Adam Wool E-News Update: COVID-19 Resources and Updates
As everyone is likely more than aware by now, the novel Coronavirus has made its way to Alaska, with positive cases now in the Fairbanks area. I know this is likely a stressful and uncertain time for you and for your family, and I wish everyone the very best as we all work to protect ourselves and others during this pandemic.