US: Health officials in Alaska to maintain COVID-19-related restrictions until Feb. 14 /update 13

Event

Authorities in Alaska have extended current domestic and international travel restrictions, in place to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), until at least Feb. 14. All travelers from other US states or territories, or from international destinations, entering Alaska by air, sea, or land must complete a Travel Declaration Form and Self-Isolation Plan, in addition to fulfilling one of the following requirements:

Use of the Alaska Travel Portal to submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, or present proof of such a negative test result at the airport upon arrival. Travelers must follow strict social-distancing measures for five days after arriving in Alaska and are encouraged, but not required, to take a second PCR test between 5-14 days after arriving in the state.
Persons who have taken the pre-travel test but who have not received their result must show proof of having taken the test and subsequently follow strict social-distancing measures until the results arrive. Upon becoming available, the results must be submitted via the Alaska Travel Portal. If negative, the individual must continue to adhere to social-distancing guidelines for five days; if the test result is positive, the traveler must remain in self-isolation at his or her own expense and cannot travel until cleared by health authorities.
Persons arriving in Alaska without proof of having taken a PCR COVID-19 test are required to be tested upon arrival at the airport. Nonresidents will be charged USD 250 for the test, while Alaska residents will be tested free of charge. Such travelers must adhere to social-distancing guidelines until the test results arrive.
Alaska residents have the option of self-quarantining for 14 days in lieu of taking a COVID-19 test. They may also avoid the test and the self-quarantine if they traveled outside Alaska for fewer than 72 hours; however, they must monitor their health for 14 days after arrival.

Travelers who show proof of having tested positive for COVID-19 within 90 days prior to their departure for Alaska, have no symptoms, and can provide documentation of their recovery issued by a medical provider or public health official, are not required to take a PCR COVID-19 test to enter into Alaska. Moreover, critical workers are exempt from testing or quarantine requirements.

Additionally, a number of restrictions on travel within Alaska - primarily aimed at protecting remote or isolated communities - remain in effect, with the following directives applying to all travelers who spend more than 72 hours in a community accessible via the state's road system or the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS):

Travelers must take a PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to traveling to any community that is not accessible via Alaska's road system or the AMHS. Individuals should wait to receive a negative result prior to such travel; otherwise, they must follow strict social-distancing measures until they obtain a result.
Travelers are encouraged to take another PCR COVID-19 test five days after arriving at their final destination and follow strict social distancing measures until they receive the result. Persons who do not take a second PCR COVID-19 test must follow strict social-distancing measures for 14 days.
Travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the 90 days prior to travel, are asymptomatic, and have documentation of their recovery may travel without the need for testing or quarantine.

Local communities are allowed to impose travel restrictions, but cannot prevent those traveling for critical purposes or essential businesses from entering. No person currently infected with COVID-19 may travel within Alaska or enter from another US state or international destination.

Otherwise, state authorities encourage all individuals to wear facemasks; local communities and businesses are allowed to impose facemask orders. All businesses, recreational activities, places of worship, museums, and libraries can operate and sports activities can continue without limits on the number of customers or participants. Large events, such as concerts or festivals, require permission from health authorities. Businesses are urged to continue using enhanced sanitation procedures and all residents must comply with social distancing guidelines. Employers are also encouraged to allow their employees to work from home whenever possible.

Some transport and business disruptions are likely. Officials could amend the orders at short notice, depending on disease activity in the coming weeks.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.