Alaskans are in a hot spot re: COVID-19. All travelers need to be active and engaged to stay safe—and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In conjunction with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, we’re highlighting best practices for travelers.
Here are some important steps everyone can take:
1. The basics: Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds and maintain physical distance of at least six feet from others.
2. If you feel sick—stay home. Anyone experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, should get tested as soon as possible. CLICK THROUGH for testing sites across Alaska.
3. IMPORTANT: Watch Dr. Anne Zink’s update including recommendations on HOLIDAY TRAVEL. Takeaway: now is not the time to be traveling. “It’s easy to underestimate the risk. Small home gatherings now are a main source of COVID-19 transmission,” said Dr. Zink, Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer. Best practice: “Gather during the holidays only with immediate family or a small household bubble,” she writes.
4. RULES are changing for travel both within Alaska and to the Lower 48/Hawaii. Click through for a summary.
a. Alaska residents returning home must complete a travel declaration form and should get tested before arriving. However, residents can get a free test on arrival. Residents must quarantine until results are received.
b. Non-residents must complete a travel declaration form and arrive with proof of a qualifying COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival of departure for Alaska. Or, pay $250 for a test at the airport.
c. All returning travelers should maintain strict physical distancing for five days regardless of test results.
REFER to the SAFE TRAVELS page for step-by-step travel guide.
IMPORTANT: Several other states have specific travel protocols/prohibitions. For Hawaii, protocols, CLICK HERE.
Travelers to Washington, Oregon and California must quarantine for 14 days on arrival. Here is a link to statements from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and California Gov. Gavin Newsom .
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