Omicron is now the dominant COVID variant in Alaska — and it is changing the way the health department looks at the pandemic.
Alaska coronavirus news
Live updates and information on COVID-19 in Juneau and Alaska
Omicron drives Alaska to new daily record in COVID cases
Before the arrival of the new variant, the average daily case count had been below 500 since Christmas. Now, between 80% and 95% of cases screened by the state public health lab have had a marker associated with omicron.
COVID surge in Kodiak is taking a toll on schools, high school moves online
A sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in Kodiak is creating major challenges at the Kodiak Island Borough School District, including forcing Kodiak High School to close for three days this week because of employee absences.
More Alaska health care workers are out sick or in quarantine as omicron hits
There was an apparent uptick Thursday of health care workers calling in sick with COVID or having direct exposure to someone infected.
Omicron wave hit Alaska this week, state health leaders say
State Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink said there has been a significant increase in cases over the past 24 hours.
Alaska Airlines will reduce flights due to omicron staffing shortage
Alaska Airlines will reduce flights by 10% through the end of January due to omicron-related staffing challenges, the company said in a statement Thursday.