Kenai River anglers are advised that, in an effort to continue protection of late-run king salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is prohibiting the use of bait and multiple hooks in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. August 1 through 11:59 p.m., August 15.

Travel mandates dictate that vouchers be given to Alaskans returning home from travels abroad, to pay for a COVID-19 test. Soldotna Professional Pharmacy began operating a drive-through COVID-19 testing site on June 8. This marks the first drive-through testing site in the central peninsula, greater Kenai and Soldotna area.

The last day the Small Business Administration can accept new PPP applications is August 8. However, they advise local businesses and eligible organizations to start the application process this week. Connecting with a lender and compiling necessary paperwork can take some time.

Governor Mike Dunleavy announced a change to the state’s travel policy, prompted by a rise in COVID-19 cases nationwide, during a press conference held on Tuesday evening. Nonresidents traveling to Alaska will have to present a negative result on a COVID-19 test performed within 72 hours prior to arrival, starting August 11.

PeaceHealth Ketchikan made history this month when the medical center became the first and only hospital and long-term care unit to achieve Pathway to Excellence designation in Alaska and in the PeaceHealth system.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in number, state public health leaders are offering access to themselves for the public to ask questions. Each Wednesday at noon, a team including Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anne Zink, as well as Alaska’s Chief Epidemiologist, Joe McLaughlin, will discuss the latest science and the medical response to COVID-19.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao announced that the Trump Administration will award more than $273 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants through the Federal Aviation Administration throughout the nation and U.S. territories.

The Alaska Board of Fisheries released a statement late Monday to announce the approaching deadline for submissions of 2020-21 meeting cycle agenda change requests. ACRs are submitted by the public, advisory committees, and agencies for proposals on regulatory areas and species not set for deliberation in the current meeting cycle.