CBJ Issues Clarifications on Federal, State and Local Recommendations and/or Requirements on Masking

In response to questions and requests for clarifications, CBJ is issuing information on the recommendations or requirements for face masking in public places.

As of 12:01 a.m. on July 30, CBJ elevated its risk level to a modified Level 3 High. Under CBJ guidelines, this change means that persons in Juneau must wear cloth face masks when indoors in public spaces (including private businesses) and when outdoors when social distancing separations of six feet are not possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has several recommendations and requirements on masking. First, CDC requires masking in Airports, on Airplanes and in public transportation systems (Capital Transit in Juneau). Second, CDC has recently stated that in areas experiencing substantial to high rates of community transmission, like CBJ, that people should wear masks, even if vaccinated.

That State of Alaska has mirrored CDC recommendations, stating that “Alaskans should consider following CDC guidance which encourages mask wearing in indoor public spaces if you live in an area experiencing substantial to high rates of community transmission.”

CBJ has made the decision to go beyond CDC and State recommendations and mandate masks indoors in public areas.

The goal is to impose a short mask requirement to mitigate the recent spike in cases ahead of schools opening and the Alaska Legislature convening on August 16.