Legislature will require masks in Capitol

JUNEAU (AP) - The Alaska Legislature has required all lawmakers and staff to wear masks during the upcoming session in a bid to stop the coronavirus from spreading.

The Legislative Council passed the mandate 11-1 in a virtual meeting the last week of December that determined the rules and guidelines for the session beginning Jan. 19 in Juneau. Only Palmer Republican Rep. DeLena Johnson voted against the policy.

Lawmakers and staffers who refuse to have their temperature taken or answer health screening questions will not be allowed to enter the Capitol, and those who refuse to wear a mask may...