Reaching Alaska has become easier than before, as COVID-19 negative results will no longer be required to enter the American state. These travel changes were recently updated, when Alaska’s emergency declaration expired. Governor Mike Dunleavy now wishes to convert the state into a recovery phase and has rolled out several plans to do so, with doing away the COVID-19 result requirement the first thing.
According to local reports, the governor has asked his associates and state employees to continue following the policies implemented under the emergency declaration. Later, they will determine which policy is still required.
The governor said, “My administration will begin moving Alaska, its economy, and our lives forward through this transition and recovery process. Make no mistake about it, the virus may be with us for some time. But the data shows that the worst is most likely behind us.”
Though the government is removing the negative test result policy, the state has introduced various health advisories. This advisory encourages people in Alaska to continue to cover their face with masks along with following adequate social distancing measures. Alaska never made it mandatory for its citizens to wear masks, but Anchorage, which is the largest Alaskan city, does have this policy.
“No matter what metrics you look at, Alaska is doing pretty good, probably better than most states. And so this gives us the confidence that as we move forward, we’re going to continue to manage this virus as well or better than most other locales,” said the governor at a press conference.
However, if a traveller wishes to get tested upon arrival at the Alaska airport, they will have to pay a hefty amount. So it’s recommended that travellers come tested from their own home state. Till now, Alaska has reported a total of 54282 virus cases and 280 deaths.