Amid ongoing COVID-19 planning, CBJ and partners prepare for Westerdam & upcoming cruise season
The Holland America Line cruise ship Westerdam is planning to arrive in Juneau toward the end of March and will tie up at the AJ Dock to lay up for two to three weeks prior to its regular tourist season. Holland America Line informed the City and Borough of Juneau of its plans at the end of February. The AJ Dock is a private facility; it is not owned by CBJ. Short of declaring a civil emergency, CBJ doesn’t have the authority to prohibit the Westerdam from coming to the Port of Juneau, which is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port. At this time, CBJ has no basis to declare a civil emergency in regards to the Westerdam’s arrival or the upcoming cruise season.
“If circumstances or public health guidance on the Westerdam changes, we will re-evaluate the situation,” City Manager Rorie Watt said.
According to Holland America Line, the Westerdam has had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and will conduct a thorough cleaning protocol approved by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention prior to arriving in Juneau. When it arrives – the exact date is still being finalized – the ship will have 500-700 crew on board and no guests.
CBJ is coordinating with multiple state, federal, and local agencies, like the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Public Health Center in Juneau, to prepare for the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak and address concerns surrounding it, including the arrival of the Westerdam and the upcoming cruise season.
“Representatives from multiple agencies have been meeting regularly to review current response plans,” Public Health Nurse Supervisor in Juneau Sarah Hargrave said. “Public health nurses in Juneau will soon have the ability to test individuals who meet CDC criteria. We will continue diligent monitoring of the situation, not only for the Westerdam, but throughout the Alaska cruise season and in all our ports.”
In accordance with guidance from public health officials, CBJ is participating in the development of protocols for the upcoming arrival of ships with passengers, which is scheduled to start April 24. More than 500 large cruise ships are planning to be in Juneau this summer.
City Manager Watt urges everyone to take common sense precautions right now: “Wash your hands, try not to touch your face, and stay home when you’re feeling sick. This disease is very serious and we must work together with informed and strategic concern to limit community exposure. Many small actions could add up to a low rate of transmission”
The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly has scheduled a Special Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. to update the community on COVID-19. The meeting will take place in City Hall Assembly Chambers. KTOO will broadcast the meeting on 104.3 FM.
For more information, call the City Manager Office at 586-5240, or go to CBJ’s COVID-19 Information webpage.