Domestic violence is a major issue in Alaska, and the confined living situations introduced by the pandemic — while necessary for slowing the spread of COVID-19 — are likely to make the issue worse. Kelsey Eggert, a lawyer for Alaska Legal Services works in Juneau, but previously practiced in Kodiak. “We’ve now seen an uptick in Juneau,” Eggert said. “After …

Kodiak received its first shipment of COVID-19 rapid test kits on Wednesday evening. The kits, which can be processed on island, are expected to accelerate the turnaround time on results from days to minutes. Previously, tests had to be shipped to a lab on the mainland for evaluation. Elise Pletnikoff is a physician at Kodiak Area Native Association. “We have …

On today’s edition of The Lowdown, we hear from law enforcement about changes to the way they are operating to limit exposure between officers and the public. We also talk about how law enforcement is supporting the emergency response activities in Kodiak. Our guests on today’s show are Kodiak Police Chief Tim Putney, Alaska State Trooper Daniel Blizzard and Captain …

Kodiak’s law enforcement teams have shifted protocols since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tim Putney, chief of Kodiak Police, says they’ve suspended foot patrols and stopped doing traffic stops for minor infractions like a missed turn signal. Officers are also decontaminating patrol cars every time they have to transport someone, and using N-95 masks whenever possible when interacting with …

As of Thursday, Alaska has 235 cases of COVID-19, up nine cases from the day before. More than 7,000 COVID-19 tests have been performed statewide. Of those, 61 tests have been taken in Kodiak, with another 13 pending. By Thursday, the island received rapid testing kits, which are expected to reduce the amount of time for testing from days to …

Health services across the country are moving to virtual, rather than in-person visits, as social distancing becomes even more crucial in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Kodiak, mental health services have also moved to virtual methods, like telephone and video conferencing. Phil Jordinelli, an addiction and substance abuse counselor at Kodiak Area Native Association, said that 90 …

Like other industries in the U.S., Alaska’s commercial fishermen are taking a wallop from the COVID-19 pandemic. This week we look at some of the issues and concerns fishermen, processors, and fishing communities face as they navigate the ever-changing, never-before-travelled rough seas of rules and regulations. Let’s start in Togiak where processors are gearing up for the biggest herring fishery …

On today’s edition of The Lowdown, we do our weekly check-in with Kodiak’s mental health treatment community. We get updates on the resources available to people looking for counseling, addiction treatment and more. Our guests, Stephen Flora with Providence Counseling Center, Heidi McNerney with Kodiak Community Health Center and Phil Jordinelli with Kodiak Area Native Association, also share their best …

Alaska’s coronavirus count is at 226 as of Wednesday. The first case spread into rural Alaska, in Bethel, earlier this week. Kodiak has still not yet seen it’s first confirmed case, but the community’s doctors are spending this time to prepare to test and treat Kodiak residents if it does come. “Every day allows us to be one step further …