On March 17, Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration tightened restrictions on people returning to Alaska from outside the state. Travelers have now been divided into high and medium risk groups, and the administration has issued state mandatesfor how these travelers must socially distance themselves.
Travelers returning from countries with widespread, ongoing community spread of the coronavirus are considered high risk. Travelers entering Alaska from these countries within the past 14 days must:
- Stay home and avoid contact with other household members.
- Contact their employer, and not go to work or school for the 14-day period after they return.
- Countries with widespread, ongoing community spread of the coronavirus include the UK, Europe, China, South Korea, and Iran.
Travelers returning to the state from anywhere outside Alaska, including the rest of the United States, are considered medium risk. For the 14 days after returning to Alaska, these travelers must:
- Keep their distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
- Contact their employer. This may mean not going to work or school if they cannot safely be distanced from others, especially if they traveled in a location where community transmission is occurring.
- Avoid crowded places, such as shopping centers, and limit their activities in public.
Health guidance for returning travelers in the higher and medium risk groups:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- If you get sick with fever (>100.3°F), cough, or shortness of breath, please call your health care provider.
- Do not take mass transportation during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places, such as shopping centers, and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
If you seek medical care for other reasons, such as dialysis, call ahead to your doctor and tell them about your recent travel. All Alaskans should follow previous guidance including regular hand washing, cleaning surfaces, and avoiding large gatherings.
For the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services' latest information on COVID-19, visit coronavirus.alaska.gov.