Health notices posted at the Haines Pool. (photo by Henry Leasia)

The Municipality of Skagway has declared an emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus in the state last Thursday. Now the Haines and Skagway Boroughs are limiting public access to some municipal facilities in an effort to prevent the spread of the illness.

As COVID-19 spreads, local governments have been trying to find ways to prepare for an outbreak in Southeast Alaska. Most precautions aim to reduce the number of people congregated in an area in hopes of slowing the spread of the illness. 

The Municipality of Skagway announced this week that it has closed several public facilities until the end of the month. The city’s museum, library, recreation center, senior center, and visitor information center will all remain closed until further notice. 

Municipal staff at City Hall will be available by phone or email, but the reception window will be closed. 

Skagway Mayor Andrew Cremata said the precautionary measures are based on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the White House.  

 “Across the country, municipalities and cities from Florida all the way to Alaska are following these protocols,” Cremata said. “The goal here is to keep people separated for a period of time so that health facilities aren’t overrun with patients.”

Cremata says at this point the closures are limited to public facilities. However, he has recommended that local businesses consider taking measures to reduce the chance of spreading the coronavirus. 

“I did reach out over the last couple days to all of the bars and restaurants in town telling them about the situation and recommending that they independently take action to either create very strict cleaning protocols and have social distancing within their environment or shut down entirely,” Cremata said. 

The mayor is also recommending that seasonal employees postpone their trips back to Skagway or at least discuss protocols for limiting exposure with their employers. 

“If you’re a seasonal employee or you don’t really have a business here at the moment. We would prefer that you stay behind and wait to get the all clear because our ability to treat a potential situation where multiple people are affected with COVID-19 could be compromised with more people, especially people coming from high risk areas,” Cremata said.  

The Haines Borough has closed the Sheldon Museum, the library, the swimming pool, and the visitor center. KHNS will continue to operate at the Chilkat Center, but all other uses of the facility are suspended. 

The borough has convened an emergency response group with representatives from local government, borough staff, emergency services, and the SEARHC clinic. The group will meet daily to find the best ways to respond to the illness and address new developments. Mayor Jan Hill said it will be important to change daily behaviors and habits to limit exposure to the virus. 

“We need to be responsible citizens, and some of these things we’re going to have to figure out as the day goes on. I think common sense is going to play a huge role in our safety and the decisions that we make,” Hill said.  

The Haines Borough will provide updates on their emergency response plans every afternoon.