Governor Mike Dunleavy held a briefing to announce the Friday arrival of the next phase in the Governor’s Reopening Alaska Responsibly plan, joined by Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer.
The Governor announced that, for the most part, the state of Alaska is opening for business on Friday, jumping to Phase Three, which accounts for what was previously known as Phase Three and Phase Four. It allows all businesses to open at 100% capacity: “We’re in Phase Two now, but on Friday, we’re gonna open up the state of Alaska to business. On Friday, May 22, all businesses and entities following guidelines may open. So, we have guidelines for entities to take a look at, individuals to take a look at, for all intents and purposes, we are opening up businesses, we’re opening up entities. For example: all businesses are open, all houses of worship are open, libraries and museums will be open, all recreational activities will be open, all sports activities will be open. So, it’ll all be open just like it was prior to the virus.”
He feels the numbers dictate that now is the time to open the state: “Our numbers are driving this. We’re looking at data, not dates. When you have zero-zero-zero (new cases, deaths, hospitalizations), for example, and you’re looking at other states that have tremendously more numbers than we do, and we’re talking with some of the best health folks we can, we all agree: it’s time to get moving.”
Governor Dunleavy noted that Alaskans are still being asked to do their part to avoid the unnecessary spread of the virus as vaccinations and treatments are being developed: “We’re still asking Alaskans, as we have for the past several weeks, to work with all of us to continue trying to keep that virus at bay. Avoid any unnecessary contact with others because we know that’s how it’s spread, but we also understand that through the daily course of business, people are going to come into contact with each other. So, we just need folks to be really vigilant and aware that this virus can jump from one person to another.”
If there are subsequent spikes in numbers, the state is prepared to respond: “If there are spikes, if there are clusters, we’ll deal with that. We’re not saying there won’t be. We’ve talked about how we believe there will be an increase in numbers. Our numbers have been zero, two, three, four; we’ve done really well there, but it’s time to get Alaska back on its feet.”
Any entities planning to host a large event are asked to consult with public health officials, but beyond that, Alaskans are asked to mitigate the disease themselves through vigilant, smart behaviors.
Exceptions/restrictions/closures:
– 14-day quarantine for interstate and international travel to Alaska remains in place. This will be reevaluated by June 2, 2020, but will be reviewed weekly.
– All senior centers, prisons, and institutions will continue to have restricted access.
– Any proposed large public gatherings such as festivals and concerts need to consult first with publichealth before scheduling.
Health Mandates 15 (elective medical and dental), 17 (commercial fishing), and 18 (intrastate travel) remain in-effect. The Governor’s team will be evaluating the mandates daily. Official guidance will be available on May 21, 2020 at https://covid19.alaska.gov/
