Health Mandates for Communities in SE Alaska (as of 28-Mar-2021)

Because we live and cruise full-time on Denali Rose in SE Alaska, we are often asked questions about cruising to, and in Alaska waters. 

This is made more complicated everywhere in the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As long as the pandemic continues, the rules, regulations, and health mandates will continue to change. 

Therefore, this information may be different by the time you decide to come this way, but I'll link to the sources so that you can confirm what is what when your time to visit comes. 

I'm only going to address SE Alaska, and look forward to the day when all this information is obsolete because the pandemic has ended.

I'll start with what the State of Alaska requires when traveling to, from, and within. I'm not going to reprint it all here as it can change at any time. Instead you can go to the website and study up on what applies to you. 

Notice the first part deals with current Federal Mandate:

All travelers into, within, or out of the United States, e.g., on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares will be required to wear a mask. The mask requirement also applies to travelers in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and seaports; train, bus, and subway stations; and any other areas that provide transportation. Transportation operators must require individuals onboard to wear masks when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel. Operators of transportation hubs must require individuals to wear a mask when entering or on the premises of a transportation hub.

From more information on President Biden’s Executive Order or to view frequently asked question, visit: Federal Register Notice: Wearing of face masks while on conveyances and at transportation hubs.

This interactive map with communities "Safe Travel" rules is a bit sparse. Here is the State of Alaska Safe Travel main web site that includes the submit your "travel declaration" through the web portal. This looks to me— even if you're coming to Alaska in your own vessel— you should still submit your declaration to the portal.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough Covid-19 response page.

The City and Borough of Wrangell just passed two ordinances, they cover interstate, and intrastate travel— no matter how you arrive. 

Petersburg local health mandates. Those folks are taking this seriously, they recently had an outbreak of 69 cases.

Juneau health information, and covid travel information.

Sitka has a front page, but they ultimately refer you back to the Alaska Dept of Health and Social Services page.

City of Hoonah Emergency Resolution

Haines Borough EOC Directives

City of Craig refers you to the State, and has some facility closures. 

Good resources for information are the public radio stations, and their websites: 

• Ketchikan 
• Wrangell
• Petersburg
• Juneau
• Sitka

There are quite a few smaller communities that either don't have information online, or what they have is woefully out of date. My best advice is to always check with the local Harbormaster office to learn what to expect in each community.  

And I'll go out on a limb here: get vaccinated. 

Protocols here are just now beginning to favor those fully vaccinated. I'd even go so far as to say if you're going to spend a bit of time in one community, ask if you can get your vaccination there. One cruising couple in Wrangell who spent a couple of months of the winter here had no problem getting their vaccinations.

Safe travels all.