The second phase of a state plan to reopen Alaska’s economy will take effect Friday, May 8.
The plan will allow bars, libraries, museums, and fitness centers to operate at 25 percent capacity, and swimming pools at 50 percent capacity. Phase Two will also bump up recommended occupancy rates at restaurants, stores and other non-essential businesses to 50 percent, and permit walk-in clients. Other Phase Two provisions include allowing up to 20 people at personal care services, and up to 50 people to assemble for social and religious gatherings.
Speaking during a press conference on May 6, Gov. Mike Dunleavy emphasized that public health remains the number one consideration.
“We went through this whole process to help protect Alaskans,” Dunleavy said. “We’re going to continue to do that, but at the same time, I think we all realize that we have to make sure that we don’t lose our economy. Every day that goes by, we have workers that are laid off, historic numbers of workers that are out of a job right now, as well as businesses that are on the brink of failing or have already failed.”
Dunleavy said that individual communities can customize reopening schedules and recommendations, while stressing that it’s up to citizens to make any plan work by maintaining social distance and hygiene protocols.
The governor also pointed to additional reopening recommendations affecting in-state travel, childcare facilities, organized sports, and summer camps, that will be fleshed out in the coming days.