Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issues two new mandates Friday to try and stop the spread of the coronavirus, putting additional restrictions on interactions and in-state travel.
Dunleavy mandated that all people not engaged in essential health care services, public government services and essential business activities remain in their homes. Outdoor recreation is allowed, but people out walking, hiking, skiing, etc. must be at least six feet away from anyone but close family members.
Public or private gatherings involving non-household members are prohibited, no matter how many people are gathered. Church, weddings, funerals, graduations and the like are not allowed.
The mandate closes non-essential businesses, unless all employees can work from home. A list of essential vs. non-essential businesses are included in the mandate.
The social distancing mandate went into effect at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Essential activities, including going to the pharmacy, grocery store, bank, veterinarian and getting gas, are allowed as long as a six-foot distance is maintained while out of the home.
Central and South Peninsula Hospitals announced Saturday that the governor’s new mandate on social distancing means hospital facilities are now closed to visitation. The hospitals had been limiting visitors to one at a time per patient, and only after health screenings. Now, the only time a visitor will be allowed is if accompanying someone younger than 18 or who is developmentally disabled and needs assistance, or in certain end-of-life situations.
Another mandate bans travel within the state expect to support critical infrastructure or critical personal needs. That went into effect at 8 a.m. Saturday. Both will be in effect at least until April 11, when they will be re-evaluated.
A violation of a state health mandate may subject a business or organization to a civil fine of up to $1,000 per violation. There also could be a criminal charge of reckless endangerment, which carries fines up to $25,000 for an individual or $500,000, or more, if an exposure to the virus results in a death.
As of Monday, 119 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Alaska. More than 3,600 tests have been done on Alaskans so far.
On the peninsula, there’s one travel-related case confirmed in Seward, one in Homer (and that person is quarantined in Anchorage) and one in Soldotna. There are two close-contact cases confirmed in Sterling. There’s another case in Homer and one in Soldotna that are under investigation. Three Alaskans have died of the virus.
