A few weeks into new traveling mandates from the municipality and the state, more than 2000 people have gone to Alaska from other states, according to the Department of Social and Health Services. Some of those arriving were aware of testing requirements, while others got a bit of a surprise stepping off the plane.
Passengers said it was somewhat disorganized. Some were surprised that they did not give them any information ahead of time of what was going to happen. The mandates wants passengers entering Alaska to fill out a travel declaration form, stating whether they've been coronavirus tested before traveling.
Passengers said it was somewhat disorganized. Some were surprised that they did not give them any information ahead of time of what was going to happen. The mandates wants passengers entering Alaska to fill out a travel declaration form, stating whether they've been coronavirus tested before traveling.
For those who were aware ahead of time and came from a place with access to testing, that was no issue. Some passengers were lucky enough to be coming from Michigan, where they have a drive-through COVID tests, and got their results and had it filled out. So they were able to walk right through.
Those who have not been tested need to be screened at the airport or move to a 14-day quarantine. For many coming to visit Alaska, that 14 days could put a halt to the vacation, but it was not much of a problem for many others. Some people are currently going out to remote areas anyways, with only a few people out there, which makes it the ideal place to self-quarantine.
Those who have not been tested need to be screened at the airport or move to a 14-day quarantine. For many coming to visit Alaska, that 14 days could put a halt to the vacation, but it was not much of a problem for many others. Some people are currently going out to remote areas anyways, with only a few people out there, which makes it the ideal place to self-quarantine.
According to DHSS, the airport evaluation has been the most popular choice, With over 600 tests done since Saturday at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Visitors can choose to test here about half the folks are currently doing, and then we're seeing about a quarter choose to self-quarantine for 14 days. The quarter is coming to Alaska with negative evaluations in-hand.
Despite this popularity, municipal and state officials ask individuals to try and get tested before walking on the plane. That reduces the odds of another COVID-19 case coming to Alaska, which involves less pressure on the resources of the state.
If a visitor gets ill here, it uses Alaska's resources, the contact tracers, and the clinic resources to look after that out of state person.
Visitors can choose to test here about half the folks are currently doing, and then we're seeing about a quarter choose to self-quarantine for 14 days. The quarter is coming to Alaska with negative evaluations in-hand.
Despite this popularity, municipal and state officials ask individuals to try and get tested before walking on the plane. That reduces the odds of another COVID-19 case coming to Alaska, which involves less pressure on the resources of the state.
If a visitor gets ill here, it uses Alaska's resources, the contact tracers, and the clinic resources to look after that out of state person.
Traveling to Alaska
Everyone coming to Alaska from another country or state must follow one of the following alternatives:
- Take a test within 72 hours before departure, bring negative test results when you travel, and fill out an online travel document form before arrival. Quarantine until you obtain negative test results, then reduce interactions pending the results of a second test conducted within 7-14 days of arrival.
- Take a test within 72 hours before departure and travel with results still pending, fill out an online travel declaration form before your arrival, quarantine until you get negative test results, then reduce interactions pending the results of a second test conducted within 7-14 days of arrival.
- Take a test within 5 days before leaving your place, travel with negative test results, fill out an online declaration form, get screened at the airport once you arrive, and limit interactions pending the results of a second test conducted within 7-14 days of coming in.
- Travel without beforehand testing, fill out an online declaration form, take a test after your arrival, self-quarantine until a negative test result occurs, and lessen interactions pending the results of a second test conducted within 7-14 days of g coming in.
- Travel without beforehand screening, then self-quarantine for 14 days upon the arrival.
Arriving in Anchorage
Tourists coming into the Municipality of Anchorage must adhere to the statewide travel requirements above, and "notify their resort, rental lodging sponsor, and/or companions of their quarantine status or if they have to decrease in-person interactions."
Travelers required to minimize interactions "may recreate outdoors, use curbside delivery and take-out, but might not dine in at restaurants, or see indoor attractions such as museums, theaters, and fitness centers that could involve heightened contact with other folks."
Firms may refuse to serve individuals who are in quarantine or minimal-interaction status. Any tourists who get a positive COVID-19 test result must isolate at their own responsibility.
Travelers required to minimize interactions "may recreate outdoors, use curbside delivery and take-out, but might not dine in at restaurants, or see indoor attractions such as museums, theaters, and fitness centers that could involve heightened contact with other folks."
Firms may refuse to serve individuals who are in quarantine or minimal-interaction status. Any tourists who get a positive COVID-19 test result must isolate at their own responsibility.
Ferries, Cruise Ships, and the Canadian Border
Non-essential travel across the US-Canada land boundary is restricted through July 21.
Bicruise ship sailings in America are suspended through July 24, per an order by the CDC, and Canada has banned cruise ship sailings in Canadian waters through Oct. 31. The Port of Seattle has also postponed the start of the cruise season until after the coronavirus pandemic. Many cruise lines have suspended 2020 Alaska sailings. Reach out to individual cruise lines for detailed information.
Bicruise ship sailings in America are suspended through July 24, per an order by the CDC, and Canada has banned cruise ship sailings in Canadian waters through Oct. 31. The Port of Seattle has also postponed the start of the cruise season until after the coronavirus pandemic. Many cruise lines have suspended 2020 Alaska sailings. Reach out to individual cruise lines for detailed information.
Business
State health mandates allow houses of worship, companies, libraries and museums, and sports and recreational activities to open. Large gatherings remain subject to consultation with health officials, and Tthe state encourages all to follow national, state, local, and industry guidelines on ways to conduct activities and business safely.
Individuals are asked to stay minimum six feet away from non-family members, wash hands regularly, when in a public atmosphere in close contact with other people, wear face coverings, stay home if feeling sick, and get tested for COVID-19 if experiencing symptoms.
In Anchorage, all businesses, services, and other entities are permitted to start, while subject to health and safety measures. Gatherings of more than 500 people need advance permission from the Municipality of Anchorage.
Individuals are asked to stay minimum six feet away from non-family members, wash hands regularly, when in a public atmosphere in close contact with other people, wear face coverings, stay home if feeling sick, and get tested for COVID-19 if experiencing symptoms.
In Anchorage, all businesses, services, and other entities are permitted to start, while subject to health and safety measures. Gatherings of more than 500 people need advance permission from the Municipality of Anchorage.
Health Tips for Travelers
For information on present Alaska case count, testing, and health supplies, visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
Travelers should take the destination. Follow steps drafted by the CDC:
We encourage the traveling public to explore and listen to the latest expert guidance and make fact-based travel choices. For more information, follow the most current information from the CDC, the Alaska DHSS, and the Municipality of Anchorage.
Travelers should take the destination. Follow steps drafted by the CDC:
- Wash your hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds, mainly after going to a public space or coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Maintain physical distance from others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you're sick.
- Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue, then throw the tissue at the trash.
- Disinfect often touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning wipe or spray.
- Take note of the latest travel advisories in the CDC.
We encourage the traveling public to explore and listen to the latest expert guidance and make fact-based travel choices. For more information, follow the most current information from the CDC, the Alaska DHSS, and the Municipality of Anchorage.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
How are companies currently combating the spread of illness?
Many companies offer curbside pickup, delivery, or other touchless alternatives to limit contact. Keeping facilities clean is part of the day-to-day regimen for businesses. Many companies also have embraced cleaning practices further in light of COVID-19. Check with companies directly for specific methods.
Can I reschedule rebook or cancel elements of my trip situation changes?
Many companies have eased rules on cancellations or rebooking. Many transportation companies are providing a "reassurance" refund policy to allow travelers to change their plans. Check with the provider to confirm their policy, or whether you might have the ability to take advantage of eased restrictions.
While traveling in an RV/camper, can I quarantine?
No. Mandate 10 needs you to submit a statement of your quarantine address, where you have to stay for 14 days. You may not depart quarantine except for health care -- traveling in an RV or other means would need stops to refuel, etc. and include interactions with the general public.
Is it possible to quarantine in an RV/camper in one room?
If you're able to provide your RV's address and remain in one place for 14 days without any interaction with others or leaving your quarantine place for any reason other than medical, you can complete the quarantine.
What should I do if I am traveling and get sick?
If you have a cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, especially within 14 days of travel from a region with ongoing or widespread community spread of coronavirus, or have been in contact with anyone who has traveled and is ill, contacts your regular medical provider by phone. If you are in Alaska and don't have a regular health care provider, dial -LRB-800-RRB- 478-2221 or 2-1-1 for more information and referrals to additional resources.
Where can I take Alaska travel or Anchorage advice?
You can get responses to travel-related queries by calling (907) 257-2363 or emailing Ask A Local. For information regarding state health mandates, contact the Alaska DHSS.
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