Emergency Hospital Workers Arrive + Mask Proposal Continues

Happy Monday, Anchorage! Here's everything you need to know to start today off on an informed note, shall we? Here's what's happening today in town.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and chilly. High: 42 Low: 35.

Here are the top stories in Anchorage and statewide today:

1. At a crucial time in the pandemic, dozens of emergency workers arrived at Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. The rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations recently led the hospital to announce crisis standards of care. Administrator Bob Onders said that the influx of new workers will hopefully give exhausted staff a break, but many staff will also be required to expand the current ICU capacity to care for an expected increase of COVID hospitalizations. (Alaska Public Media)
2. A highly contentious debate over a proposed mask mandate in Anchorage that has included Holocaust imagery and a gay slur will continue into a fourth session. The Anchorage Assembly's testimony for the proposed ordinance will continue today. Four people were arrested at last Wednesday's meeting, and one person was asked to leave on Thursday. Most of those testifying before the city’s governing body opposed the measure. (Anchorage Press)
3. Alaska Airlines will require all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to keep their jobs. The Seattle-based airline company has not set a firm date for when the requirement will take effect, but told employees via email that they must either take the injection or receive an exemption from the company. Those with an exemption granted may be required to be tested weekly or may be assigned different work environments, such as being segregated from other workers. (Must Read Alaska)
4. Beginning the week of Oct. 11th, an estimated 643,000 Alaskans will start to receive their 2021 Permanent Fund Dividend in the amount of $1,114. Eligible residents who filed electronically and chose direct deposit will see their funds during the first week; all other applicants will receive theirs during the week of Oct. 25th. Alaskans are encouraged to use the state’s website, MyPFD, to check the status of their PFD application. (Alaska Native News)

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— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a freelance copywriter for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and as an assistant producer for a live-lit storytelling show in Chicago. She holds a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies from The University of Rhode Island. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.