Governor Mike Dunleavy issued Administrative Order No. 321, which states that the State of Alaska will not require vaccine passports in order to travel to, or around, Alaska. The administrative order states that the health risks for COVID-19 have been continuously monitored, and progressively addressed, by the state in conjunction with federal and tribal partners. The Governor states that the State of Alaska has led the nation in vaccine distribution for those individuals over the age of 16 that want to be vaccinated.
As of April 22, 2021, a total of 537,799 doses have been administered; 300,955 individuals have received at least one dose; 244,900 are fully vaccinated, and 48.7% of individuals 16 and over have received at least one dose. Vaccination rates are among the highest in the state among residents age 65 and older at nearly 74% receiving at least one dose, and 69% percent being fully vaccinated. In addition, beginning June 1, 2021, vaccines will be provided for anyone traveling to Alaska who chooses to be vaccinated.
Dunleavy, in his Administrative Order, states that while a strong response to the health risks of COVID-19 have occurred, the effects have been socially and economically devastating to the entire state. In addition, the tourism decisions related to the cruise industry by the United States and Canadian federal governments have added further devastation to the state’s 2021 tourism season.
Governor Dunleavy, “As I have said from the beginning, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is a private health decision best left between Alaskans and their doctor. I am unequivocally opposed to any government order requiring Alaskans to get this vaccine, or using an individual’s vaccine status as a means of restricting their rights. There will be no vaccine passports under my watch.”
Click here to read Administrative Order No. 321. A signed copy can be found here.
