Haines officials are requiring masks to be worn inside public buildings, but face coverings in businesses will remain voluntary. This comes as Haines’ active COVID-19 case count climbs to at least 41 as of Tuesday evening. During Tuesday night’s borough assembly meeting via Zoom, COVID-19 concerns were front and center, but the assembly took no action meaning the community’s health mandates will remain voluntary in privately-owned spaces. KHNS’ Mike Swasey spoke with Interim Borough Manager Alekka Fullerton for the EOC’s recommendations as the EOC Incident Commander was unavailable for comment.

Swasey – What are the recommendations that the EOC has put out for the community?

Fullerton – The EOC is asking people to take extra precautions to help reduce community transmission. We are asking businesses to limit the indoor capacity of their establishment, to go back to where we were previously by putting masks and handwashing stations out for customers to use. And to ask customers to maintain social distancing when they visit and ask people to mask for eating establishments. 

We’re asking that they consider spacing tables further apart to allow for social distancing, and to consider offering takeout services as an alternative. For individuals, we’re asking them to consider downsizing and limiting their social gatherings to very small groups to avoid crowded indoor settings and to wear a mask when they’re out and about,

Swasey – Are there any regulations that you’re passing on? Is there any enforcement behind these recommendations?

Fullerton – There is not. We, and honestly, we don’t have the staffing to be able to support enforcement? I am very concerned about our first responders’ health. We have very few EMTs that are healthy, not quarantined, and can respond. So I’m very worried about them, as well as our police department, we only have four officers right now, one’s on vacation, and so we need to keep them healthy. 

Swasey – Absolutely. So what’s happening with borough facilities? 

Fullerton – For the borough, we have moved all borough meetings to the online zoom platform. And I have required masks in all borough facilities when facing the public. Further, there are several Haines borough facilities that are closed to the public for a short period of time, including the admin building. People can still drop off payments using the dropbox, and we have put envelopes out there for people to use. Contact us by phone or email with questions or concerns. And we’ll respond that way. 

The visitor center is closed temporarily. The library is closed to regular traffic, but they’re still providing the “No Contact” services through the online portal. Or they can call the library at seven 766-6420 to request lending materials and they will put them in the foyer of the library and let you know when they’re available to be picked up. 

The pool is also closed. Well, more technically, the pool has not reopened yet.

Swasey – Do you have an idea of an opening date for the pool?

Fullerton – We don’t. It depends on when we get control of these spiking COVID numbers in town. Since Haines had never experienced an outbreak before, I think people got relatively cavalier and, you know, kind of stopped wearing masks, especially those who are vaccinated.

Swasey – Yeah, well, unfortunately, that’s what the CDC told us. “Hey, if you’re vaccinated, you don’t have to wear a mask anymore.” But the goalposts have changed, and you know, science has caught up, 

Fullerton – And they have been constantly, right? Because we don’t know, everybody, even the CDC is developing information as we go. We have to keep being flexible and understand that we all have the same goal. 

And that we’re just doing everything we can to be safe and healthy, and our economy open and school starting on time and all of these community values that we have here and we’re fighting to keep those in place.

Swasey – Well, thanks for everything you do Alekka. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me about it. 

Fullerton – Sure. Take care.

That was a conversation between KHNS’ Mike Swasey and interim Haines Borough Manager Alekka Fullerton. COVID testing is available in Haines at the SEARHC clinic by appointment for symptomatic people at 766-6300. Borough officials say future testing dates for people showing no symptoms will be added if necessary.

Testing in Skagway can be done at the Dahl Memorial Clinic by appointment at no charge. They are currently prioritizing symptomatic and close contacts. 

Expect a call-back if positive, but no call-back if negative. To make an appointment call 983-2255.

Skagway Traditional Council is also offering testing from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, or by appointment at 983-4068.

Vaccines are still available for residents aged 12 or older in both communities at no cost.