Governor Mike Dunleavy was joined by Commissioner Adam Crum of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, as well as Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer, to announce changes to Health Mandate 10, with regards to interstate travel.
Commissioner Crum said Health Mandate 10 still requires folks entering Alaska to perform a 14-day self-quarantine, unless they fall into one of several categories.
- First, the pre-test option: “You do a pre-travel SARS-CoV-2 PCR test – that is the virus that causes COVID-19. This PCR test showing that you have negative results within 72 hours prior to departure or, as a traveler, you can get a test – the PCR test – showing negative results within five days prior to departure and then when you arrive upon Alaska, we’ll actually ask you to take another PCR test at the airport and then minimize your interactions while you then wait for the results.”
- Second, for those coming into Alaska without testing: “If you come into Alaska, particularly Alaskans returning to the state, we’re going to work to have airport testing available for PCR to make sure that’s there. We’ll also give you a voucher for a second test. This is something you can do seven to 14 days after the first test if it’s negative.”
- Third, Alaska residents taking a trip that is five days or less: “They can leave the state and then come back into Alaska if it’s within that time-frame and we’d ask them to actually take a test at the airport, or they can actually say, ‘I’m gonna self report,’ and go quarantine at home.”
- Essential infrastructure employees are asked to continue following the rules they have been following up to this point.
He says there will be a declaration form online, perhaps even an app, that will help travelers keep up with their airport screening information.
The Governor noted that only Alaska and Hawai’i have restrictions with regards to travel, but he feels that is an advantage, given the geographic opportunity both states have to secure control over who enters the state.