When Will Your State Open?

            All fifty states in the United States of America have been closed for about a month. President Donald Trump is anxious to get America open and working again. More than 20 states are looking to open, while other states are hanging back. The State of Alaska announced on April 15 that health care facilities and health care providers could began limited non-essential medical care on April 20.


            Today Governor Mike Dunleavy announced that other parts of society can open for business on Friday, April 24 – with Anchorage not opening until next Monday. Barbers, nail salons, hairdressers, and other such businesses can began opening their businesses with limited contact. Stations in salons must be separated by at least six feet and limited people in the salon. Of course, face masks are urged for all people as well as proper social distancing.

Restaurants can open for limited businesses. They have been open for takeout and delivery, but they can now open for limited inside service. Tables must be spaced at least ten feet apart with only people from a single household at each table. Retail stores can reopen with limited customers and proper social distancing between customers. Charter boats can began taking people on fishing trips but are limited to 25 percent capacity if the people are not from the same household. Bars, movie theaters, etc. will remain closed for now. Groups of no more than 20 can meet for church, weddings, funerals, etc. Face masks and proper social distancing are encouraged at all events.

State officials will watch carefully to see if cases of coronavirus continue to decrease or began building. They expect more cases as society reopens, but they will continue to open or shut back down depending on the number of cases going forward.

Alaska seems to be making a wise move. The coronavirus is not going anywhere, and the state and nation cannot survive being shutdown much longer. COVID-19 will be here whether we open now or three months from now. If the numbers remain manageable, the governor will continue to reopen the state in phases. President Trump suggested opening in three phases, but Alaska will use five phases to reopen. We will be taking things slowly, watching the numbers, and making necessary adjustments as we go.

Even though Alaska is beginning to open, Governor Dunleavy recommended that the vulnerable in our population continue to shelter in place and take things slower than younger and healthier residents. Since my husband and I are both in the vulnerable category, we will be staying home for a while yet. Even though my hair is much longer than I usually wear it, I will postpone a visit to the hair salon for a few more weeks. I am getting accustomed to my COVID-19 hair do and can put up with it for a longer time period. The can-do spirit of Alaskans will beat this coronavirus and rebuild our economy!