Coronavirus Q&A

Why state health officials recommend the shot for young kids who recently became eligible — even though kids typically don’t experience as severe illness from COVID-19 as adults.

Plus, the latest on getting tested in Anchorage, where the city has scaled back hours at testing locations and changed its guidance on who should get tested.

In recent public forums, Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson has made a number of refutable claims about the pandemic.

Health officials say the treatment is highly effective at keeping people out of the hospital, but is still no substitute for the vaccine.

We also spoke with local doctors who specialize in women’s reproductive health to discuss vaccine considerations for their patients who are pregnant or considering getting pregnant.

A rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the state is putting renewed focus on hospital capacity in Alaska’s largest city and pandemic precautions.

Also: How will the expiration of the state emergency declaration affect vaccine distribution in Alaska?

Also: more details on current eligibility and how to sign up for a shot.

Also: Does the body create more of an immune response following a more severe infection?

Also, how accurate are antibody tests? And do I still need a negative test result when traveling to Alaska if I’m vaccinated?

Can people without symptoms transmit COVID-19? Are hospitals in Seattle turning away patients from Alaska?

Also: is the state considering an app-based contact tracing system?

Also, health officials address why there is so much data listed as “unknown” on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard.

New research on masks suggests face coverings may significantly protect the wearer after all. Why is the test positivity rate an important metric? Plus, the latest on a vaccine that may be just on the horizon.

As flu season fast approaches, public health officials have expressed concerns about further stress placed on hospital capacity.

It might look like fewer people are getting tested now than in the past, based on state data, but that really reflects a change in how Alaska is reporting test result dates.