This 2020 electron microscope made available by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention image shows the spherical coronavirus particles from the first U.S. case of COVID-19. (C.S. Goldsmith, A. Tamin/CDC via AP)

COVID-19 cases rise on peninsula, elsewhere

The 20 new cases bring Alaska’s total number of COVID-19 cases among residents to 696

This 2020 electron microscope made available by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention image shows the spherical coronavirus particles from the first U.S. case of COVID-19. (C.S. Goldsmith, A. Tamin/CDC via AP)
COVID-19. (CDC)

4 new cases of COVID-19, one on peninsula

One nonresident case was reported in a seafood industry worker in the Aleutians East Census Area.

COVID-19. (CDC)
This undated file photo provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows CDC’s laboratory test kit for the new coronavirus. (CDC via AP, File)

17 new resident COVID cases, 3 on peninsula

Thursday’s case count update brings the number of active cases on the peninsula to 66.

This undated file photo provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows CDC’s laboratory test kit for the new coronavirus. (CDC via AP, File)
COVID-19. (CDC)

Kenai Peninsula passes Fairbanks North Star Borough in COVID-19 case count

The state announced cases in Homer, Nikiski, Seward, Soldotna and an unidentified peninsula community.

COVID-19. (CDC)
Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s chief medical officer, addresses reporters during a Wednesday, March 25, 2020 press conference in the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Office of the Governor)

Zink urges personal responsibility as cases rise

Officials discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, rent and mortgage relief and testing out-of-state visitors.

Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s chief medical officer, addresses reporters during a Wednesday, March 25, 2020 press conference in the Atwood Building in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Office of the Governor)
Megan Pacer / Homer News                                 Staff from South Peninsula Hospital and Homer Public Health prepare to board the M/V Tustumena to test 35 crew and six passengers after it docked at the Homer Ferry Terminal on Monday, in Homer.

6 more Tustumena crew test positive for COVID-19

The 7 total employees will quarantine on the ship; all 6 passengers tested negative

Megan Pacer / Homer News                                 Staff from South Peninsula Hospital and Homer Public Health prepare to board the M/V Tustumena to test 35 crew and six passengers after it docked at the Homer Ferry Terminal on Monday, in Homer.
This undated file photo provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows CDC’s laboratory test kit for the new coronavirus. (CDC via AP, File)

State announces 11th death associated with COVID-19

DHSS updates the way cases are recorded for the Kenai Peninsula

This undated file photo provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows CDC’s laboratory test kit for the new coronavirus. (CDC via AP, File)
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File                                City and Borough of Juneau Beth Weldon, seen here in 2019, encourages people to get tested for the coronavirus, even if the symptoms are mild.
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File                                City and Borough of Juneau Beth Weldon, seen here in 2019, encourages people to get tested for the coronavirus, even if the symptoms are mild.
COVID-19. (CDC)

Peninsula reports 4 new cases of COVID-19

The 19 cases reported on Monday are from seven different communities in Alaska

COVID-19. (CDC)
Staff from South Peninsula Hospital and Homer Public Health board the M/V Tustumena to test 35 crew members and six passengers Monday, at the Homer Ferry Terminal. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Tustumena returns to Homer carrying COVID-19 positive crew member

6 passengers, remaining crew will all be tested and asked to quarantine

Staff from South Peninsula Hospital and Homer Public Health board the M/V Tustumena to test 35 crew members and six passengers Monday, at the Homer Ferry Terminal. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
COVID-19. (CDC)

Peninsula gains more than a dozen COVID-19 cases over weekend

The state announced 11 new resident cases Friday, and 12 new cases Saturday across Alaska.

COVID-19. (CDC)
University of Alaska regents cut 39 programs across the system
University of Alaska regents cut 39 programs across the system
A pair of tents sits at the Infinity Pools above the Tutka Backdoor Trail in Kachemak Bay State Park on July 9, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

State officials urge Alaskans to get outside

During a virtual town hall, commissioners fielded questions from the public on state recreation.

A pair of tents sits at the Infinity Pools above the Tutka Backdoor Trail in Kachemak Bay State Park on July 9, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
COVID-19. (CDC)

Nonresident COVID-19 cases nearly double; 8 residents test positive

Seventeen of the 18 new nonresident cases are workers in the seafood industry.

COVID-19. (CDC)

State turns attention to unemployment insurance fraud

Approximately 40 fraudulent claims have been identified in the past week.

With a grim financial picture ahead, the University of Alaska Southeast, seen here on Monday, May 25, 2020, could be merged with one of the other two schools in the system. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: University Board of Regents will face tough choices in June

Like the virus, this budget challenge is real, painful and demands that we take swift action.

With a grim financial picture ahead, the University of Alaska Southeast, seen here on Monday, May 25, 2020, could be merged with one of the other two schools in the system. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy tackles unemployment, economy in virtual town hall

Dunleavy tackles unemployment, economy in virtual town hall

The state’s chief medical officer also addressed a surge of cases on the Kenai Peninsula.

Dunleavy tackles unemployment, economy in virtual town hall
University of Alaska president says difficult changes are coming
University of Alaska president says difficult changes are coming
Registered Nurse Cathy Davis (left) and Chief Nursing Officer Dawn Johnson (right) work at a table to get COVID-19 tests ready for the public Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Boat House Pavilion on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. South Peninsula Hospital is now offering free COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic people with no appointments necessary at the Boat House Pavilion through June 6. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

1 new COVID-19 case in Homer as hospital offers free testing on the Spit

Additional COVID-19 cases announced in Soldotna and in a nonresident visitor to the peninsula

Registered Nurse Cathy Davis (left) and Chief Nursing Officer Dawn Johnson (right) work at a table to get COVID-19 tests ready for the public Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Boat House Pavilion on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. South Peninsula Hospital is now offering free COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic people with no appointments necessary at the Boat House Pavilion through June 6. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
COVID-19. (CDC)

7 new cases of COVID-19 on Kenai Peninsula

4 of the new cases are on the southern peninsula, and Nikiski has its first case

COVID-19. (CDC)