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Alaskans: Hats off, Alaska. We flattened the curve and prevented a widespread COVID-19 outbreak. Preventing further spread is in our (washed) hands. Keep it up.

Ingenuity: Pivoting from brewing beer to manufacturing hand sanitizer and efforts to mass produce face masks, Alaskans proved what makes us special: ingenuity and grit.

Food service industry: The restaurant industry was turned on its head overnight. Many adapted to a takeout model just as fast, making sure homebound Alaskans didn’t go hungry.

Local travel: Time to get out and explore our big back yard. Travel companies in Alaska will need locals to sustain business.

– Sarah Erkmann Ward, Blueprint Alaska