News

RavnAir has suspended all flights between villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and to many rural communities across the state.

Tribes now have access to more federal funds thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, better known as the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27.

On April 1, Bethel partially activated its Emergency Operations Center to “prevent and minimize illness and death caused by the coronavirus.” Currently located in City Hall, the EOC is documenting the crisis response, developing an inventory of hotel capacity for possible use as shelters, and educating city staff on their roles in the incident command system.

In the past week, Alaska Airlines has slashed a majority of its flights between Bethel and Anchorage to prevent flying mostly empty planes as more people hunker down at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Grocery stores in Bethel are expecting another large run on goods this week, and have substantially increased the size of their shipments into Bethel to prepare. 

The coronavirus is squeezing the local economy as businesses shutter and people lose their jobs, and Bethel Community Services Foundation wants to provide some relief. The organization has set up a fund to help nonprofits and community service providers who are helping people facing eviction, homelessness, food insecurity, and struggling to pay utility bills. It’s called the COVID-19 Response Fund.

The City of Bethel has made big changes in how taxis operate to protect both cab drivers and passengers from the spread of COVID-19. In new guidelines established April 1, passengers are now banned from sitting in the front seat next to the driver. And with support from Kusko Cab and Alaska Cab, the city is temporarily eliminating the shared ride system.

Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities are giving their residents a break on their water and sewer bills. The goal is to offer financial relief, as well as provide more water for residents to wash their hands and their homes to prevent the spread of coronavirus.