The Latest: Alaska military base declares health emergency
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Military leaders on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson have declared a public health emergency in response to increasing COVID-19 cases in Alaska.
They also encouraged all personnel to avoid places that do not require masks or social distancing, officials said.
U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar said Friday that the declaration will remain in effect for 30 days, but could be shortened or extended based on cases and community transmission of COVID-19.
Hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases across the state have increased as a result of the highly contagious delta variant. Alaska on Friday reported more than 1,200 newly confirmed cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks.
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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:
— US panel backs COVID-19 boosters only for seniors, high-risk
— Crisis standards of care guide medical decisions as COVID-19 overwhelms hospitals
— UN using honor system to check vaccinations for big meeting
— Many faith leaders won't endorse vaccine exemptions
— See AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
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HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:
MELBOURNE, Australia — Police used pepper spray to subdue protesters Saturday at an anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city.
About 1,000 demonstrators gathered in the suburb of Richmond after the location of the protest was changed at the last minute to evade authorities.
There were minor scuffles as well as a violent confrontation involving a handful of protesters. Several protesters were arrested.
Most of the demonstrators defied regulations by failing to wear masks.
Some 2,000 police officers were...