Updates to Juneau’s COVID-19 restrictions: travel testing & mitigation strategies

The Juneau Assembly reestablished the City and Borough of Juneau’s COVID-19 Risk Metrics & Mitigation Strategies in an Emergency Ordinance Monday night. The updated mitigation strategies reflect the community’s progress in getting COVID-19 vaccinations. Currently, the overall community risk is Level 1a – Minimal. Read the COVID-19 Risk Metrics & Mitigation Strategies here.

Level 1 is now broken up into three sub-levels depending on what percentage of Juneau’s total population has completed its vaccine series; the more people vaccinated, the more relaxed the restrictions:

• Level 1a reflects less than 50 percent is fully vaccinated
• Level 1b reflects 50 – 69.9 percent is fully vaccinated
• Level 1c reflect more than 70 percent is fully vaccinated

The emergency ordinance also includes rules and guidance around masking and travel testing. Following Assembly action Monday night, the following mitigation strategies and guidelines are currently in place:

• Masks/Social Distance: Masks must be worn indoors in public areas. Vaccinated individuals must wear masks outdoors during crowded events (e.g. live performance, parade, sports event) and unvaccinated individuals must wear masks outdoors when 6 feet of distance can’t be maintained.
• Large Gatherings: Indoor gatherings are limited to 100 people with safety measures (masks and appropriate social distancing required), unless a COVID-19 mitigation plan is submitted and approved by the CBJ Emergency Operations Center. Outdoor gatherings are recommended.
• Restaurants and Bars: Maintain 6 feet distance between parties/tables and wear a mask unless actively eating or drinking.
• Personal Services and Gyms: Masks must be worn indoors in public areas.
• Travel: Follow State Health Advisories. Anyone entering Alaska from another state or country is advised (but not required) to submit an Alaska Safe Travels form and either arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test or receive a free COVID-19 test at the airport when you arrive and follow strict social distancing until you get results.

If daily case count levels stay at the minimal level, the overall community risk level is anticipated to move to Level 1b on May 12. At that point, there would be no size limits or required safety measures for large gatherings, personal services, or gyms if all individuals present are fully vaccinated.

The Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor recommendations from the CDC and revise mitigation measures as appropriate. The emergency ordinance setting these rules is set to expire July 31 unless the Juneau Assembly extends it.

For more information, email [email protected].