Governor Mike Dunleavy was joined by Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer of Alaska, as well as Adam Crum, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, for a press briefing on Tuesday evening. They discussed amending mandates as well as discussing a new plan leading towards a return to normalcy.
The Governor introduced the idea of “Five Phases” to the re-opening of economic sectors in a staggered manner. He lauded Alaska’s numbers as being the best in the nation, attributing much of that success to not only the behavior of Alaskans, but also the quick reaction that his administration took early in the pandemic. He also noted that two disasters hit the world at the same time: the pandemic, and then the economic impact. The Governor believes that, while health comes first, it is time to prevent the economic disaster from being perpetuated.
Commissioner Crum discussed mandates that are being adjusted:
- Health Mandate 10: the mandatory quarantine of 14-days when entering the state of Alaska, will be extended until May 19 and evaluated weekly.
- Health Mandate 11: the policy on social distancing, has been extended indefinitely.
- Health Mandate 12: the barring of unnecessary intrastate travel, is also extended indefinitely.
He also went into detail about Phase One of the governor’s plan to re-open the economy. This phase marks the opening of ‘non-essential’ businesses, effective Friday, April 24:
- Retail stores can open, with the recommendation of only allowing one individual per household inside, with face coverings being worn by staff and hand sanitizer at the entrance;
- Restaurants will be open for dining options, limited to a household party of one table with ten feet between tables, utilizing reservations;
- Personal-appearance services will have an opportunity to open: appointments only, one client at a time, no waiting rooms;
- Fishing charters will allowed to re-open, with charters allowing a single household unit or up to 25% capacity of mixed units;
- Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to offer outdoor classes for groups less than 20, with ten feet of separation between each person, plus screening staff and patrons;
- Social distancing will be eased a bit, allowing groups of less than 20 people while maintaining a six-foot distance between non-household individuals, opening things up for weddings and religious services.
Details about Phase Two will be revealed next week, with even more opportunities to open businesses that have been closed. To those unsure if their businesses will be impacted by Phase One, Commissioner Crum and Governor Dunleavy each recommended contacting the office online.
The Governor offered advice to Alaskans, suggesting they continue to be careful while looking out for the most vulnerable in the population.