Alaska: State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance

Please note: As of April 15, 2021 we are no longer doing regularly scheduled updates to this page.

April 8, 2021:

(Anchorage): Under Emergency Order 19, the City of Anchorage is still implementing emergency measures regarding COVID-19, including:

• Gathering limitations: All indoor gatherings are limited to 25 people where there is consumption of food/drink or 35 people if there is no consumption of food/drink. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 60 people where there is consumption of food/drink or 100 people if there is no consumption of food/drink. Individuals must still wear face coverings at all gatherings.
• Hospitality: All restaurants, bars, and similar entities may remain open but are limited to seated table service with social distancing between tables or groups.
• Bingo halls, theaters, private clubs, and other entertainment facilities: These facilities may remain open and must implement social distancing measures.
• Organized sports: Masks are required at all times for athletes, players, coaches, and spectators both indoors and outdoors. Spectators for indoor sports are limited to two per athlete. For outdoor sports, spectators are not limited so long as six feet of social distancing can be accommodated. Food service at sports activities is prohibited.
• Fitness centers: These types of facilities may remain open. Face coverings are required while exercising indoors.

Acting Governor Quinn-Davidson also issued Emergency Order 13 (version 4), which loosens masking guidance in certain settings in response to an increase in vaccine availability. Face masks are still required when people are indoors in public settings or communal spaces or outdoors at public gatherings. However, the Order does not apply to employees within their own fully-enclosed office or workspace. Additionally, fully vaccinated employees working in a room separate from the public and unvaccinated coworkers are exempt from the mask requirement.

March 11, 2021:

On March 9, 2021, Governor Dunleavy announced that, effective immediately, the COVID-19 vaccine is available for all individuals who live or work in Alaska and are age 16 and older.

March 8, 2021:

Alaska has expanded the category of persons eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Those now eligible include:

• Anybody 55 years old and above;
• People who have certain medical conditions, as determined by the CDC;
• Essential workers, as defined by the CISA advisory list;
• People who live in a multigenerational household;
• People who assist someone who is 65 years old and above;
• People who live or work in congregate settings (such correctional facilities);
• People who work in the judicial system, group homes, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and substance treatment residential facilities; and
• People who live in “unserved communities” where more than 45% of homes lack pipes, septic tanks, or covered haul systems.

February 23, 2021:

Alaska has expanded eligibility for those seeking COVID-19 vaccinations. Alaskans now eligible include:

• People 65 years and above;
• People 50 years and above with a high-risk medical condition;
• People 50 years and above who are essential and must work within six feet of others;
• PreK-12 and childcare education staff;
• Most health care workers; and
• People living or working in congregate settings.

February 18, 2021:

Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services and Chief Medical Officer issued Health Advisories related to the COVID-19 response and recovery in the state. The advisories are not mandates but, rather, serve only as recommendations and guidance.

Health Advisory No. 1 (Recommendations for Keeping Alaskans Safe) encourages Alaskans to wear face coverings or masks, practice social distancing, self-monitor health and stay home if feeling unwell, and practice good hand hygiene. The Advisory also provides guidance on what to do if a person tests positive or have close contact with a confirmed case, as well as guidance regarding testing for COVID-19.

Health Advisory No. 2 addresses new protocols regarding travel into Alaska. Anyone entering Alaska from another state or country should:

• Submit a travel declaration through the portal and arrive with proof of a qualifying negative COVID-19 test;
• Follow the work plan that their employer filed with the State of Alaska; or
• Receive a COVID-19 test upon arrival to Alaska and follow strict social distancing until receipt of test results. Travelers may get an optional second COVID-19 test within 5-14 days after arrival.

Health Advisory No. 3 concerns travel within Alaska and provides guidance to travelers located on the Road System and Alaska Marine Highway System and traveling to communities within those systems. The Advisory suggests that local communities should not prevent individuals from traveling for a “critical personal need” or for the conduct of an essential service/critical infrastructure related job. The Advisory also provides testing recommendations regarding travel to various communities within the state.

Health Advisory No. 4 provides guidance to critical infrastructure businesses operating within the state. If a business is considered to be a critical infrastructure business (according to federal CISA guidance) and has staff arriving from outside Alaska or traveling between communities off the Road System or the Alaska Marine Highway System, the business is strongly encouraged to submit a Community/Workforce Protective Plan to the Alaska COVID-19 Unified Command. The Advisory also provides guidance to specific industries (such as seafood processing workers, commercial fishing vessels, and commercial fishing harvesters) as to what should be included in their Protective Plans.

February 16, 2021:

(Anchorage): The City of Anchorage remains under emergency regulations related to COVID-19. Acting Mayor Quinn-Davidson issued Emergency Order EO-18, which will remain in effect until revoked or rescinded. The Order requires the following:

• Everyone in Anchorage must limit outings and physical contact with those outside of their household.
• All individuals must wear face masks and maintain six feet of distance between household groups at all gatherings.
  • Indoor gatherings involving consumption of food or drink are limited to 10 people, and gatherings without food and drink are limited to 15 people.
  • Outdoor gatherings involving consumption of food and drink are limited to 30 people, and gatherings without food and drink are limited to 50 people.
• Restaurants, bars, breweries, nightclubs, and similar entities may operate at up to 50% occupancy. All businesses must stop selling alcohol at midnight.
• Indoor entertainment facilities (bingo halls, theaters, bowling alleys, etc.) are limited to 50% occupancy.
• Organized sports may conduct competitions with teams from within Anchorage but may not conduct competitions with teams from outside Anchorage.
• Indoor gyms, recreation centers, and fitness centers are limited to 50% of maximum capacity. Indoor classes are limited to 15 people, and face coverings are required at all times.
• Salons and personal care service providers are limited to 50% occupancy and may not provide services that require the removal of a face mask.
• Retail stores and other public-facing businesses are limited to 50% occupancy and must operate in a manner that ensures six feet of physical distancing.
• Any establishment serving the public in a “sit-down setting” or for an in-person appointment or service lasting longer than 15 minutes shall require all customers/clients to sign in with legible contact information to assist with contact tracing efforts.

(Juneau): The City and Bureau of Juneau currently has restrictions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Face masks are required in all indoor public areas, indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, and people are required to maintain six feet of physical distance from one another. Personal service business may operate by appointment only, and waiting areas are not permitted. Restaurants, bars, and fitness centers may operate at 50% of maximum capacity.

February 15, 2021:

On February 14, 2021, Governor Dunleavy’s COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration, which was most recently extended on December 15, formally expired. Governor Dunleavy does not intend to extend the Declaration again, and the legislature has not yet adopted its own disaster declaration. In the absence of such declaration, Governor Dunleavy announced that his administration would manage the rollout and distribution of the vaccine. The Governor also issued a directive to all commissioners and state employees to continue following all policies regarding COVID-19 that were in place under the disaster declaration.

Because all Health Outbreak Orders were only to remain in effect for the duration of the Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration, Health Break Orders 1-8 are no longer in effect. Additionally, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer issued Health Advisory No. 2, which addresses new protocols regarding travel into Alaska.

Anyone entering Alaska from another state or country should:

• Submit a travel declaration through the portal and arrive with proof of a qualifying negative COVID-19 test;
• Follow the work plan that their employer filed with the State of Alaska; or
• Receive a COVID-19 test upon arrival to Alaska and follow strict social distancing until results arrive.
• Travelers may get an optional second COVID-19 test within 5-14 days after arrival.

February 3, 2021:

On January 25, 2021, Governor Dunleavy introduced Senate Bill 56. If passed, the Bill would extend the public health disaster declared on January 15, 2021 and currently set to expire on February 14, 2021. Senate Bill 56 would extend the disaster declaration until September 30, 2021.

January 27, 2021:

Alaska is currently offering the coronavirus vaccine to the following groups: healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff (Phase 1a) and Alaskans aged 65 and older (Phase 1b). Frontline essential workers and people living in congregate settings will be the next eligible tier to receive the vaccine, though there is no timeline for when this group will be eligible. Alaskans can visit this link to schedule a vaccine appointment if they are eligible.

January 20, 2021:

The Outbreak Health Orders first issued in November of 2020 have been renewed in full by Governor Dunleavy, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and the Chief Medical Officer of Alaska. All eight Orders are in effect until rescinded.

Outbreak Health Order 1 suspends sections of the Alaska Administrative Code and sections of Alaska Statutes to allow all state agencies to be able to administer their programs in a manner that best meets the needs of the state during the COVID-19 emergency.

Outbreak Health Order 2 allows oversight boards who regulate certain healthcare providers in Alaska under AS 08 the ability to respond to COVID-19 practice issues in a more flexible manner by permitting courtesy licenses, telemedicine, and telehealth.

Outbreak Health Order 3 allows shareholder meetings to occur virtually and allows for businesses to take place in a socially-distanced manner to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Outbreak Health Order 4 requires the state to implement a temporary quarantine and isolation program utilizing non-congregate shelter solutions and provides FEMA reimbursement eligibility for temporary sheltering and quarantine.

Outbreak Health Order 5 provides guidance for critical infrastructure businesses operating in the state.

Outbreak Health Order 6 provides requirements to travelers entering Alaska from outside Alaska.

Outbreak Health Order 7 permits online ticket sales for raffles, lotteries, and other contests so that proceeds from these contests may benefit charities in Alaska.

Outbreak Health Order 8 provides guidance and requirements for travel between communities located off the Road System or the Alaska Marine Highway System.

January 6, 2021:

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has outlined a plan for Phase 1a and 1b of its COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan. Phase 1a includes three tiers, and Alaskans in these tiers are currently eligible for a vaccine.

• Tier 1: Long term care facility staff and residents; hospital-based frontline health care workers and hospital personnel who are frequently exposed to COVID-19
• Tier 2: Frontline EMS and Fire Service personnel providing medical services, who are frequently exposed to COVID-19 patients; community health aides/practitioners; health care workers providing vaccinations to populations in Phase 1a
• Tier 3: Workers in healthcare settings who meet all of the following criteria:
  • Have direct patient contact or have direct contact with infections materials from patients; and
  • Provide essential services in a hospital, clinic, home, or community-based setting that cannot be offered remotely or via telework; and
  • Provide essential health care service in a health care setting that cannot be postponed without serious negative impact to the patient’s health.

Alaskans in Phase 1b will next be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. It is not clear when Alaska will enter Phase 1b.

• Tier 1: Persons aged 60 years and older
• Tier 2: Frontline essential workers aged 50 years and older; people living or working in other congregate settings not covered in Phase 1a
• Tier 3: Persons aged 55-64 years; frontline essential workers with two or more high-risk health conditions; all persons aged 16 and older living in “unserved communities”
• Tier 4: Persons aged 50 years and older with two or more high-risk health conditions; frontline essential workers not covered in previous tiers

“Frontline essential workers” are defined as people who are working in sectors essential to the functioning of society and are at a substantially higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 because their work-related duties must be performed on-site and involve being in close proximity to the public or to coworkers, including:

• Education workers;
• First responders and public safety personnel, including state troopers, public safety officers, police, firefighters, and Office of Children’s Services staff, other public health workers not covered in Phase 1a;
• Food and agriculture (e.g., seafood, food distributors);
• Grocery store workers;
• Public transit workers;
• U.S. Postal Services workers and contract rural postal workers;
• Utility and power workers; and
• Water and wastewater

Examples of “congregate living settings” include: acute psychiatric facilities; correctional settings; group homes for individuals with disabilities or substance use disorders; homeless and domestic violence shelters; substance misuse and treatment residential facilities; and transitional living homes.

“Unserved communities” are those where greater than 45% of homes have not been served either via pipe, septic tank and well, or covered haul system.

Guidelines for Phase 1c, 2, and 3 are still being developed.

November 16, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy issued eight “Outbreak Heath Orders” on November 15, 2020. All eight orders are effective as of November 16, 2020 and will remain effective for the duration of the Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration.

Outbreak Health Order 1 suspends sections of the Alaska Administrative Code and Sections of Alaska Statutes. Each provision that is suspended is listed in the Appendix to the Order.

Outbreak Health Order 2 permits courtesy licenses and telemedicine and telehealth.

• Courtesy licenses: Provisions governing law, professional, or occupational licensing boards are relaxed. For example, such boards may grant licenses on an expedited basis to an individual who holds a corresponding license and is in good standing in another jurisdiction; they may not increase licensing fees; they may temporarily waive or modify continuing education requirements for the year 2020; they may regulate the scope and duration of any license; and they may require any individual granted a courtesy license to arrange and agree to supervision by an individual who holds a license and is in good standing for the applicable profession.
• Telemedicine and telehealth: Provisions requiring in-person physical examinations to provide treatment, render a diagnosis, or prescribe medicine (excluding controlled substances) are suspended if the health care provider is licensed in their jurisdiction and if the provider is acting within their scope of practice.

Outbreak Heath Order 3 permits shareholders’ meetings to be held by electronic communication to the extent that the corporation’s board authorizes and adopts guidelines to govern an electronic meeting. The Order details other procedures that can assist with virtual shareholders’ meetings, including:

• The corporation may re-notice or notice the annual meeting so that it may be held by electronic communication.
• A meeting of members of a nonprofit corporation organized under Alaska law may be held by telecommunication to the extent the board adopts or amends its bylaws to allow for an electronic meeting.

Outbreak Health Order 4 requires the state to implement a temporary quarantine and isolation program utilizing non-congregate shelter solutions, including hotels, college dormitories, and properly modified non-traditional structures to provide temporary shelter for the following populations: first responders and health care workers who need to quarantine, homeless families where one member has tested positive for COVID-19; homeless individuals who have tested positive or have a known exposure; homeless shelter occupants aged 65 and older; and individuals of any age with underlying medical conditions as described by the CDC.

Outbreak Health Order 5 provides guidance for critical infrastructure businesses operating in Alaska. The Order adopts guidance published by the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and requires that all public sector critical infrastructure businesses that have staff arriving or traveling out of state or on the Alaska Marine Highway System to submit a Community/Workforce Protective Plan to the Alaska COVID-19 Unified Command. Detailed instructions for submitting the Plans can be found at: https://covid19.alaska.gov/unified-command/protective-plans/.

• Appendix 5-01 details enhanced protective measures required for seafood processing workers.
• Appendix 5-02 establishes general guidance for independent commercial fishing vessels and the minimum standard for protective measures.
• Appendix 5-03 establishes general guidance for commercial fishing harvesters and the minimum standard for protective measures.
• Appendix 5-04 is an acknowledgement form that commercial fishing vessels and shore-based harvesting operations must submit.

Outbreak Heath Order 6 details what is required of all international and interstate travelers entering Alaska.

• All international and interstate travelers must complete a travel declaration form and a self-isolation plan in the Alaska Travel Portal. If the traveler is positive with COVID-10, they may not travel to Alaska until they have been released from isolation or cleared for travel by a medical provider or public health official.
• All travelers entering Alaska must comply with one of the following:
  • Submit negative test results from a test taken within 72 hours of departure into Alaska or have proof of such test upon arrival, and social distance for five days after arrival into the state.
  • If the traveler does not yet have results from a test taken within 72 hours of departure, they must follow strict social distancing guidelines until results arrive, and then upload the result once received. If the test is positive, the traveler must remain in isolation at their own expense and cannot travel until cleared by Public Health.
  • If a non-resident traveler does not get a COVID-19 test before departure, they must pay $250 to obtain a test upon arrival at the airport. Residents of Alaska may obtain a test at the airport at no cost. These travelers must social distance until results arrive.
• Alaska residents must quarantine for 14 days after their arrival into Alaska if they do not wish to take a test. If the resident travels outside of the state for less than 72 hours, no test or quarantine is required.
• If any traveler provides proof of a previously positive COVID-19 test within 90 days of departure, is asymptomatic, and can provide documentation of recovery from a medical provider or public health official, no test is required before or upon arrival.

Outbreak Health Order 7 permits online ticket sales for raffles, lotteries, dog mushers’ contests, derby, or a type of classic defined at state law to in-state purchasers of legal purchasing age. Purchasers must be physically present in Alaska, and not within an option area where charitable gambling is prohibited. Permittees may draw winning tickets online.

Outbreak Heath Order 8 states that in-state travel is allowed for all purposes. Local communities may, however, enact their own requirements and rules for travelers (e.g., pre-travel test and social distancing after arrival). Local communities may not enact protective measures that prevent, delay, or limit travel by law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, or personnel from the Office of Children’s Services, but they may enact such measures for all other residents. The Order also details several requirements pertaining to travel on the Road System or Alaska Marine Highway System.

November 9, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy issued a new COVID-19 Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration on November 6, 2020. The declaration will go into effect on November 16, 2020 and will expire on December 15, 2020. The declaration keeps in place the state’s unified command structure between the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Public safety, and allows other state departments to utilize all capabilities to continue to take steps to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. It also suspends regulations and requirements impeding health care delivery during an emergency, allows the state to access federal funding and assistance, and empowers state health officials to prioritize resources to protect the most vulnerable Alaskans.

October 29, 2020:

Alaska’s Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency, first declared by Governor Dunleavy on March 11, 2020 and extended by Senate Bill 241, expires on November 15, 2020. Governor Dunleavy has not yet stated whether he intends to extend the declaration past November 15.

October 22, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services amended Health Mandate 010, which details Alaska’s interstate and international travel policies. Effective October 16, 2020 until otherwise amended or rescinded, the travel requirements for the state as amended are as follows:

• For all travelers (resident and nonresident):
  • All travelers must complete a Travel Declaration Form and Self-Isolation Plan in the Alaska Travel Portal.
  • All traveler must follow strict social distancing for five days after arriving into the state, even if the traveler arrives with a negative test result.
  • The five-day pretest option is no longer available for any travelers.
• For nonresident travelers:
  • Test 72 hours prior to departure and upload negative result into the Alaska Travel Portal or have results available to show screeners at the airport.
  • If still waiting for negative result by arrival time, travelers will need to upload proof of a test taken into the Alaska Travel Portal or show proof of a test taken to an airport screener and self-quarantine at their own expense while awaiting results. Results must be uploaded into the Portal when received.
  • If a non-resident arrives without a test, testing at the airport is available for $250 per test. The traveler must quarantine at their own expense while awaiting test results.
  • The 14-day quarantine option (with no test) is no longer an option for nonresident travelers.
• For Alaska resident travelers:
  • Test 72 hours prior to departure and upload negative test result into the Alaska Travel Portal or have results available to show screeners at the airport.
  • The 14-day quarantine option (with no test) is still available to Alaska residents.
  • Alaska residents traveling within the state may receive a free test at airport sites with proof of Alaska residency.
• For critical infrastructure employees:
  • Travel that is deemed essential or for critical infrastructure will continue.
  • Critical infrastructure workers traveling to Alaska may no longer use state-funded testing at airports.
  • Critical infrastructure companies will be asked to provide employees with a letter on company letterhead that states they are a critical infrastructure worker traveling for work purposes. The letter must include travel plans and confirm that the traveler is following the employer’s Community Workforce Protect Plan on file with the state that includes testing and/or quarantine provisions.

October 8, 2020:

Pursuant to an Emergency Order enacted by Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz in late August, Anchorage is in “Phase 2” of its Recovery Plan. The following restrictions are in effect, but may change due to the recent uptick in positive cases in the city:

• Indoor events and gatherings are limited to 30 people maximum;
• Outdoor gatherings involving food or drink are limited to 50 people maximum;
• Restaurants, bars, breweries, and nightclubs and similar entities are limited to 50% of maximum building occupancy;
• Other indoor entertainment and recreation facilities are limited to 50% of building occupancy;
• Employers are required to inform employees of known COVID-19 exposure in the business; and
• Remote work is strongly encouraged.

Additionally, amid the sharp increase in Anchorage and around the state, the Anchorage Office of Emergency Management delivered a mass alert to Anchorage residents, encouraging them to:

• Avoid social gatherings;
• Stay home except for essential trips;
• Get tested even if only feeling mild symptoms; and
• Wear a mask and maintain six feet of distance from others.

August 10, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy amended Health Mandate 010 which clarifies travel requirements for both Alaskan residents and non-residents. This mandate goes into effect August 11, 2020, and is effective until rescinded.

• All travelers must:
  • complete a travel declaration form and self-isolation plan in the Alaska Travel portal
  • follow strict social distancing for 14 days after arrival or until they receive a second negative test result from a test taken 7-14 days after arrival

• Non-resident travelers must:
  • take a COVID test 72 hours before departure into Alaska
  • upload a negative COVID test result to the Alaska Travel Portal or have results available to show at the airport, or pay $250 for a test upon arrival and quarantine until results the come in

• Alaskan-resident travelers:
  • must take a COVID test 72 hours before departure into Alaska
  • must upload a negative COVID test result to the Alaska Travel Portal or have results available to show at the airport, or take a free test upon arrival and quarantine until the results come in
  • may choose to quarantine for 14 days after arrival into Alaska if they do not take a test
  • Residency can be proven by:
    • an Alaskan driver's license or state issued ID card
    • federally recognized Alaska Tribal identification card
    • active duty military ID card or active duty dependent ID card
    • employment verification letter on employer letterhead stating traveler is moving to Alaska for employment
    • school verification letter for in-person schooling stating traveler is moving to Alaska for school

• Travelers with prior COVID infections:
  • These travelers do not need proof of a COVID test upon arrival if they can show a positive COVID test within 90 days of departure, proof of recovery from a medical provider, and are currently asymptomatic

• Critical infrastructure employees:
  • The traveler should arrive with a letter from their employer that identifies the employee, contains travel instructions, and confirms the traveler is following the employer's Community Workforce Protective Plan

August 5, 2020:

The Department of Health and Social Services has issued a new travel update which goes into effect on August 11, 2020. All non-residents traveling to Alaska are required to arrive with a negative or pending COVID PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure. Travelers must quarantine after taking the test. The test result or proof of testing should be uploaded to the Alaska Travel Portal. If a non-resident arrives without being tested, they must pay $250 for a test and quarantine at their own expense until the results are given. This does not apply to children under 10 years of age. All Alaskan residents will be given tests free of charge and have the opportunity to test at airports.

August 3, 2020:

(Anchorage): Mayor Ethan Berkowitz issued Emergency Order EO-15 triggering a "Four Week Reset" to combat the rising number of cases in Anchorage. The order goes into effect Monday, August 3, 2020 and expires Sunday, August 30, 2020. It mandates:

• Citizens of Anchorage should social distance and wear masks in public.
• At-risk individuals should limit public interactions.
• Those that are COVID-positive or likely to be contagious with COVID must stay home except to seek medical care until cleared by a medical professional. They should also social distance within the home.
• Those traveling outside the state must self-quarantine for 14 days upon return unless they obtain two negative COVID tests.
• Those contacted by health authorities as a known contact for a positive case must quarantine as directed by a health professional.
• All indoor gatherings must not exceed 15 people, including business, cultural, political, and religious gatherings.
• All outdoor gatherings must not exceed 50 people, and those involving food or drink must not exceed 25 people. This does not limit farmer's markets, food-truck events, or drive-in events that practice social distancing and prohibit on-site dining. This does not apply to day-cares or schools.
• Employers shall require employees to work remotely if it does not significantly impede business operations.
• Employers must not permit symptomatic or likely to be COVID-positive employees to enter the workplace or work remotely.
• All bars and nightclubs are closed except for takeout or delivery services.
• All restaurants and breweries are closed to indoor dining. Outdoor dining is permitted if the tables are at-least 10 feet apart. Takeout, curbside, and delivery services are encouraged.
• Bingo halls and theaters must be closed.
• Retail stores are encouraged to prioritize online shopping and should offer curbside pick-up or delivery. They should also implement reserved hours of operation limited to high-risk populations.

July 29, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy announced in his press briefing on July 28, 2020 that, beginning on August 11, 2020, all non-residents of Alaska will be required to arrive at Alaska airports with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. Under the current travel requirements, non-residents may take a test at the airport and quarantine until the results come back, or they may self-quarantine for 14 days. Alaska residents may still be tested for COVID-19 at the airport upon their arrival.

July 23, 2020:

(Anchorage): Mayor Ethan Berkowitz signed Emergency Order EO-14 on July 22, 2020 which limits public interaction in high-risk situations like bars, restaurants, gyms, and other indoor facilities. The order takes effect Friday, July 24, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. and remains in effect until revoked. The order mandates:

• Indoor gatherings should be limited to no more than 25 people.
• Outdoor gatherings involving the consumption of food or drink should be limited to no more than 50 people. This does not limit farmer’s markets, food-truck events, drive-in events, or events where groups remain in separate vehicles and practice social distancing.
• Bars and nightclubs are limited to 25% maximum occupancy indoors and outdoors, including both staff and customers.
• Restaurants and breweries are limited to 50% maximum occupancy indoors, including both staff and customers. Restaurants are limited to table service outdoors with tables no less than 10 feet apart.
• Indoor entertainment and recreation facilities, including gyms and bingo halls, are limited to 50% of building occupancy.

The order also requires businesses to retain and communicate certain information for contact tracing purposes:

• All establishments serving the public in a sit-down setting or service lasting at least 15 minutes must keep a log of all adult customers or clients for no less than 30 days for contact tracing purposes. The information recorded must include first and last name, phone number, and email address.
• If a business or entity knows of a COVID-19 exposure it must communicate with employees as well as state and local health departments. Additionally, the business or entity must assist health departments with informing customers of a known COVID-19 exposure in the workplace.
• Hotels and other places of lodging must inform employees if customers are isolating due to travel, COVID-19 exposure, or COVID-19 diagnosis. The names of these customers must be kept confidential. Management must supply adequate personal protective and cleaning equipment to employees.

July 14, 2020:

On July 13, Governor Dunleavy announced during his COVID-19 press conference that there will be no new mandates for now, despite the increase in COVID-19 cases in the state.

July 13, 2020:

Judge Phillip Pallenberg declined to issue a preliminary injunction pausing the distribution of Alaska’s distribution of $290 million in federal pandemic aid. Judge Pallenberg cited the dire circumstances created by COVID-19 in declining to issue an injunction. The lawsuit challenges the legality of the state’s implementation of the state’s CARES program.

July 8, 2020:

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta halted more than $162 million in federal coronavirus funding for Alaska Native corporations. Several tribes filed lawsuits against the Treasury Department to keep corporations from getting a share of the $8 billion set aside for tribes in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

Valdez, Alaska has mandated that all citizens over five must wear face coverings when they are indoors in public spaces or communal settings.

July 7, 2020:

(Anchorage): Mayor Berkowitz issued Executive Order EO-13 mandating the use of cloth face coverings or masks in the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska until July 31, 2020. Face coverings are required in most communal and public spaces, except for children under the age of 12 (unless supervised), individuals with disabilities or health conditions that make coverings unsafe, people who are exercising, and musicians, presenters, ministers, or others communicating.

June 29, 2020:

In a joint release, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development announced the release of the COVID-Conscious Business Toolkit. The Toolkit includes printable Alaska-themed artwork for businesses to post to encourage social distancing and other preventative measures.

June 25, 2020:

The U.S. Department of Commerce granted $300,000 of CARES Act funds to the University of Alaska Anchorage to boost the university’s capacity to support regional economic development in response to the coronavirus.

June 23, 2020:

The State Emergency Operations Center clarified that travelers entering Alaska by air travel will either be tested at the airport or will be required to quarantine. Travelers entering Alaska by land or maritime ports will likely not encounter testing stations upon their arrival, but still must provide a negative test result and complete a travel declaration form.

June 11, 2020:

Physicians and healthcare workers across the state signed a letter to Governor Dunleavy, urging him to mandate the wearing of masks in businesses where social distancing is difficult to maintain. The state is experiencing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, and currently masks are not mandated but are only recommended.

June 4, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy revised Health Mandate 10, which required everyone arriving in Alaska to self-quarantine for 14 days to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 until to June 5. Now, starting June 5, all persons entering Alaska (resident, worker, or visitor) must self-quarantine for 14 days unless the traveler falls under one of the four following categories:

1. The traveler arrives with a negative COVID-19 test taken within the past 72 hours and presents results upon arrival;
2. The traveler participates in a COVID-19 test upon arrival and self-quarantines at his or her own expense until results arrive;
3. The traveler self-quarantines for 14 days at his or her own personal expense, or for the duration of the trip (whichever is shorter); or
4. The traveler is a critical infrastructure employee, and follows the plan that the employer has filed with the State.

All travelers must also fill out a declaration form upon arrival, regardless of which category they fall into.

June 2, 2020:

After the state experienced the highest number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began, Governor Dunleavy announced that while the state will continue to work on reopening, reinstating the “Hunker Down Order” is not off the table if cases spike.

June 1, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy announced that Health Mandate 10 will be extended, which requires everyone arriving in Alaska to self-quarantine for 14 days to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, to June 5.

May 26, 2020:

A more detailed guidance regarding Phase 3/4 of the Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan has been released. It specifies that businesses should assist individuals with personal mitigation strategies, including:

• Opportunities for frequent handwashing
• Maintaining opportunities for 6-foot distancing between non-family members (such as distanced tables, one-way entries, limited capacity services, and increased outdoor services)
• Encouraging face coverings
• Screening for people who may be ill and limiting entrance to those who are healthy
• Regular cleaning and extra attention to high touch surfaces
• Special accommodating for those at higher risk

It is businesses’ responsibility to continually check CDC and industry guidance in order to update their protocols and minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19.

May 20, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy announced that the state will transition into Phase 3 of its Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan. Effective May 22, 2020, all businesses, houses of worship, libraries and museums, recreational activities, and sports activities can open. Phase 3 does not mandate any limitations or restrictions on opening, but encourages businesses and individuals to continue following guidelines on ways to conduct business and activities safely. A 14-day quarantine for interstate and international travel to Alaska remains in place.

Senior centers, prisons, and institutions will continue to restrict access, and any large public gatherings must first consult with public health departments before scheduling the gathering. Communities may elect to keep in place travel restrictions.

May 19, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy said that he expected to make an announcement that the state is ready to move to the next phase of its reopening this week. More details are expected to be announced during his May 19, 2020 briefing.

May 12, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy issued Health Mandate 018 on May 11, 2020, which went into effect on May 12, 2020 indefinitely. This Health Mandate prohibits all travel to or from a community off the road system or the Marine Highway System except as necessary for critical personal needs or the conduct of essential services and critical infrastructure. Businesses that have staff traveling between communities must file a protective plan detailing how the business will avoid the spread of COVID-19 and not endanger lives in the communities in which they operate. If traveling meets the above requirements, the following precautions should be taken:

• Minimize stops
• Only one traveler, if in a group, should engage with a third-party vendor (if stopping for gas, food, or supplies)
• Six-feet social distancing
• Cloth face coverings should be worn whenever a traveler engages with a third-party vendor
• Travelers who stop should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before exiting and immediately after returning to their vehicle

Health Mandates 2-9, 11, and 12 have either expired or been superseded by a more recent Health Mandate.

May 8, 2020:

Phase 2 of the Reopen Alaska Responsibly went into effect on May 8, 2020. It loosens some restrictions previously implemented by Phase 1 of the plan:

• Restaurants: 50% capacity, universal face coverings, sanitation and cleaning
• Retail: 50% capacity, universal face coverings, sanitation and cleaning
• Personal services (such as salons): 1:1 staff to customer ratio, universal face coverings, sanitation and cleaning, no waiting rooms
• Non-public facing business: social distancing, universal face coverings, sanitation and cleaning
• Public facing business: social distancing, universal face coverings, sanitation and cleaning
• Fishing charters: social distancing, capacity restrictions, cleaning & disinfecting
• Social, religious, and other gatherings: social distancing, 50-person maximum, universal face coverings suggested
• Gyms: social distancing, 25% capacity, sanitation and cleaning
• Lodges and camping: social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting, universal face coverings
• Childcare and day camps: social distancing, outdoors only, universal face coverings
• Intrastate travel: household members together, minimize stops, social distancing
• Swimming pools: 50% occupancy, social distancing, sanitation and cleaning
• Graduation ceremonies: 20-people maximum, alternative options, social distancing
• Bars: 25% capacity, universal face coverings, social distancing
• Theaters, bowling alleys: 25% capacity, reservations required, sanitation and cleaning, universal face coverings
• Bingo halls: 25% capacity, universal face coverings, social distancing
• Libraries, museums, archives: 25% capacity, universal face coverings, social distancing

May 7, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy released Phase 2 of the Reopen Alaska Responsibly plan later today. Phase 2 begins on May 8 and permits, among other things:

• Restaurants may begin operating at 50% capacity; face coverings must be worn
• Retail stores may begin operating at 50% capacity; face coverings must be worn
• Personal services may operate with a 1:1 staff to customer ratio; face coverings must be worn
• Non-public and public facing operations may begin operating; face coverings must be worn
• Gyms may operate at 50% capacity
• Social, religious, and other gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted; face coverings are suggested

April 29, 2020:

Under Phase 1 of Alaska’s Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan, almost every industry is reopened to the public, with certain limitations. Below is a brief summary of what is permitted and required:

• Restaurants: must limit patrons to 25% capacity, universal face coverings (except while eating), reservations only, sanitation and cleaning
• Retail: must limit patrons to 25% capacity, universal face coverings, sanitation and cleaning
• Personal services: 1:1 staff to customer ratio, universal face coverings, no waiting rooms, sanitation and cleaning
• Non-public facing buildings: social distancing, universal face coverings, sanitation and cleaning
• Public facing business: social distancing, universal face coverings, sanitation and cleaning
• Fishing charters: social distancing, capacity restrictions, cleaning and disinfecting
• Social, religious, and other gatherings: social distancing, 20 person maximum, universal face coverings suggested
• Gyms: outdoors only, social distancing, 20 person maximum, sanitation and cleaning
• Lodges and camping: social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting, universal face coverings
• Childcare and day camps: social distancing, outdoors only, cleaning and disinfecting, universal face coverings
• Intrastate travel and activities: household members together, minimize stops, social distancing
• Graduation ceremonies: limited to 20 people, alternative options encouraged, social distancing

April 23, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy issued Health Mandate 016, which specifies Phase 1-A of the “Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan.” This plan goes into effect at 8:00 a.m. on April 24, 2020. All Health Mandates previously in effect remain in effect unless they are amended or rescinded by further order of the Governor. The following activities and businesses may now resume under certain conditions and guidance: non-essential public facing businesses, retail businesses, restaurants’ dine-in services, and personal care services. Bars and entertainment venues, such as theaters, gyms and fitness centers, bowling alleys, and bingo halls remain closed.

Health Mandate 016 modifies Health Mandates 011, 03, and 09 as they pertain to the closure of non-essential businesses, restaurants, retail businesses, and personal care services operations. Though each type of business is subject to different conditions in resuming operations, some general limitations include: employees and patrons must wear facial coverings, occupancy is limited to 25% for indoor businesses, social distancing, and hygiene and sanitation measures must be strictly followed and enforced.

April 21, 2020:

Alaska’s Shelter-At-Home Order expired on April 21, 2020. Governor Dunleavy announced that his office will present a plan later this week detailing “Phase One” of re-opening business operations.

April 15, 2020:

Governor Dunleavy issued Health Mandate 014, which is a “non-congregate” sheltering order. The Mandate presents a temporary quarantine and isolation program utilizing non-congregate shelter solutions, including the use of hotels, college dormitories, and modified non-traditional structures to house: 1) first responders and healthcare workers who need to quarantine without exposing their families; 2) homeless families with at least one member who tested positive for COVID-19, who live in congregate shelters and will require isolation; and 3) homeless individuals who require quarantine or isolation. The Mandate remains in effect until rescinded.

April 14, 2020:

Health Mandate 011 and 012 have been extended and are now in effect until April 21, 2020.

April 1, 2020:

Effective 5:00 on March 28, 2020, Governor Dunleavy issued Health Mandate 011 which ordered the closure of non-essential businesses. Though no termination date has been provided, Gov. Dunleavy will reevaluate the order by April 11, 2020. The order requires non-essential businesses to cease all activities except Minimum Basic Operations, which includes: 1) the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions; and 2) the minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.

Alongside Health Mandate 011, Gov. Dunleavy issued the Alaska Essential Services and Critical Workforce Infrastructure Order. Businesses are exempted from the closures required under Health Mandate 011 if they are deemed to provide essential services and critical infrastructure, which includes: health care operations, essential infrastructure, financial services sector, first responders, essential government functions, and essential business. The Order incorporates by reference the CISA Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.

Essential businesses include: grocery stores and supermarkets; food and agriculture; businesses that provide services for the economically disadvantaged; media services; gas stations and auto supply and repair services; hardware stores; plumbers, electricians, and other service providers who provide services necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and critical infrastructure; mailing and shipping services; educational institutions facilitating distance learning; laundry services; restaurants and other facilities for carry out only; businesses that supply products needed for work from home; businesses that supply other essential businesses with support or supplies necessary to operate; businesses that transport goods to critical industries or consumers; transportation services; home-based care for seniors, adults, and children; residential facilities for seniors, adults, and children; professional services; childcare facilities; and all other businesses that can maintain Social Distancing Requirements.

Health Mandate 012 also went into effect on March 28, and limits intrastate travel between communities to critical infrastructure or critical personal needs. If a business is included in “Alaska’s Essential Services and Critical Infrastructure” it must submit a travel plan or protocol which outlines how the business will avoid the spread of COVID-19 and not endanger the lives of the communities in which it operates, of others who serve as a part of that infrastructure, or the ability of that critical infrastructure to function.

March 25, 2020: 

Alaska is requiring all out-of-state travelers per a health mandate to self-isolate for 14 days. Critical Infrastructure businesses with employees traveling to Alaska must submit a plan to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic development outlining how they will maintain critical infrastructure. Quarantined travelers must remain in their hotels for 14 days or until they leave Alaska. Attachment A to the Order defines critical infrastructure as twenty four categories including healthcare, construction and public works, mining, financial services, grocery stores, agriculture and fishing, gas stations, suppliers of essential supplies to other essential businesses, professional services necessary to assist compliance with legally-mandated activities, among others.

March 22, 2020:

(Anchorage): Mayor Berkowitz issued a Proclamation of Emergency “Hunker Down” Order on March 20, 2020. The Order is effective from 10:00 p.m. on March 22, 2020 and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2020. Exempted from the Order are “critical businesses” and those who work in “critical jobs.” Any businesses that are defined as critical must comply with social distancing guidelines, including maintaining a six-foot social distancing for employees and the public. Any business not defined as critical must close their premises, but may utilize telecommuting or work from home procedures. If a business is not defined as critical, it may request an opinion from the Mayor that the business should be designated as a critical business.

Critical businesses include healthcare operations, businesses providing any services or performing any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of “Critical Infrastructure, defense and national security-related operations supporting the U.S. government or a contractor to the U.S. Government, grocery stores, food banks, marijuana dispensaries, convenience stores, pet food and supply stores, agriculture and fishing, media, banks and insurance companies, hardware stores, service providers that maintain safety and sanitation for residences and critical businesses, mail, educational institutions, laundry, restaurants or bars for off-premises dining, business that supply critical businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate, transportation, hotels, and professional services where necessary, among others.

March 18, 2020:

Alaska closed all bars and restaurants for on-premises dining. Alaska’s other health mandates include closing libraries, museums, and schools, closing businesses with operations where individuals are within six feet of each other, including salons, tattoo shops, massage therapy and prohibiting gatherings of more than ten people.