CBJ urges airport testing if you’re unvaccinated & traveling back from Sitka, Anchorage or Kenai

Statewide COVID-19 cases have been increasing in recent weeks, particularly in Sitka, Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula. The City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Operations Center strongly recommends unvaccinated individuals who’ve traveled to these communities to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the Juneau airport. Unvaccinated travelers who’ve returned from these communities in the past week and did not test at the airport are strongly recommended to arrange testing now by contacting a local health provider or the COVID-19 Hotline at 586-6000.

“Although things are starting to feel back to normal, we are still in a pandemic and we need to take precautions when it makes sense. With communities in Alaska experiencing an uptick in cases, let’s make sure we’re doing everything we can to stop it from spreading to Juneau. If you’re not fully vaccinated, and have recently traveled to or due to return from Anchorage, Sitka, or the Kenai, please get tested,” EOC Incident Commander and Deputy City Manager Mila Cosgrove said. “Juneau’s community risk level is currently at Level 1B Minimal; let’s keep it that low.”

As of 5 p.m. July 14, Sitka had 86 active cases of COVID-19, many of which are attributed to community spread. The City of Sitka’s Risk Level is High with restrictions on gathering size, social distancing, and restaurant and bar capacity. Sitka’s EOC strongly encourages residents, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask in public. Within the past week, two Juneau residents who tested positive for COVID-19 had spent time in Sitka.

Vaccination continues to be the single most effective COVID-19 prevention measure. If you’re not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, there are many opportunities to get a vaccine. Find availability at juneau.org/vaccine or call 586-6000.

For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at 586-5240 or email [email protected].