Juneau Assembly aligns with state’s direction to reopen

The City and Borough of Juneau Assembly is in concurrence with Governor Mike Dunleavy’s plan to “Reopen Alaska.” While the Assembly chose to not place stricter guidance at this time, CBJ remains committed to closely monitoring the spread of the disease and, in concert with the State of Alaska, is poised to rapidly process new information and adjust course as appropriate.

Health Mandate 16 allows certain businesses – like restaurants, retail shops, personal services, fishing charters, childcare and days camps, and gyms – to reopen under certain conditions and guidance. For gatherings of no larger than 20, Health Mandate 16 requires six-foot distancing between non-household members and face coverings be worn. Read the full mandate and associated guidance documents here. 

As Juneau’s economy begins to slowly open, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and the local Emergency Operations Center will be tracking four components – the epidemiological curve of Juneau’s positive cases, which has been on the decline; testing capacity; health care and personal protective equipment capacity; and the continued ability to conduct contact investigations on all positive cases.

Any type of reopening is contingent upon the community remaining vigilant on slowing the spread of COVID-19. All Juneau residents have an obligation to promote public health and should continue to follow guidance regarding handwashing, staying 6 feet apart from others, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily, and using a cloth face covering. The state encourages those who are at high risk of infection to continue to self-quarantine.

Early and broad testing is another crucial component of reopening. If you’re feeling even mildly ill with new symptoms like fatigue, cough, fever, or a decreased sense of taste or smell, contact your health care provider or call Juneau’s COVID-19 Screening Hotline at 586-6000 daily, noon to 6 p.m. Testing may be arranged at the local Drive-Thru Testing Center if appropriate. Increased testing will help keep the lid on COVID-19 by making sure any new cases are detected quickly. See a more thorough list of COVID-19 symptoms here.

Cumulatively, 27 people in Juneau have gotten sick from COVID-19 since March 10; 22 have recovered. Learn more about these numbers and other aspects of COVID-19 in Juneau by watching last night’s Special Assembly Meeting with Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink (meeting webinar | slide presentation).