Governor Mike Dunleavy held a press briefing to discuss Alaska’s 14-day self-quarantine for interstate travel. He was joined by Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer, Commissioner Adam Crum of the Department of Health and Social Services, Commissioner Julie Anderson with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, and Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer.
The Governor started the conference by noting that the state is doing its best to manage the virus, both in business and in society. He hinted at soon being able to offer details on how the state will open up schools this fall, and how some aspects of Alaskan society may not be able to be opened as residents expect. He noted that Alaska is still on the best road towards being closer to normal than before.
Governor Dunleavy then announced that Alaska’s 14-day self-quarantine for folks traveling into Alaska from other states has been extended. He believes that the travel restriction has helped tremendously, given the limited routes into Alaska. He said that none of these decisions are permanent, that they will be adjusted and revised based on the numbers with evaluations taking place daily. As business sectors open up, the state wants to see how the numbers fluctuate and they do not want lifting travel restrictions to impact that. It will be examined next week, with more decisions being made moving forward.
Commisioner Crum clarified that the quarantine will be extended until June 2. He noted that essential industries, such as commercial fisheries, will have easier access to test their employees when they enter Anchorage. This will be followed by a quarantine period and subsequent release to work if the employees test negative. He could not expand on the specifics of the number of people who might be tested using this method, but Commissioner Crum said more details are to come.
