Economy

With more people staying, working, and learning from home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and with the rapid flow of critical health information online, GCI is expanding its internet services.

Two of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta’s major regional airlines are enacting tighter health and sanitation procedures as they attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus in rural communities.

Bethel’s largest cab company, Kusko Cab, is shutting down at 11:59 p.m. on March 20. They will be closed until at least April 1 to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Like other airlines, Alaska Airlines continues to grapple with passengers rebooking or canceling flights due to the widening coronavirus pandemic, including reducing its overall number of flights in April and May.

Fili’s Pizza is expanding its takeout and delivery menu following the state mandate that shut down dine-in services for restaurants until April 1.

Like many organizations in the region, the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative is taking steps to protect employee health and prepare for a local coronavirus outbreak.

AVEC has closed its Anchorage and Bethel offices to members and visitors, according to CEO Meera Kohler. People can still pay their bills online, over the phone, or at the kiosk in Bethel, which is located right outside the AVEC office in the Alaska Commercial Company store.

In what may turn out to be good news for rural Alaska, online retailer Amazon has made a change aimed at moving medical supplies, household staples, and other high-demand products as quickly as possible. 

While telecommunications carrier GCI is closing down many of its urban retail stores in Alaska, the Bethel store will remain open with shortened hours, for now.