Unalaska City officials have relaxed some of the island’s health mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19, based on updated CDC and state guidance.
City councils unanimously voted Tuesday evening to remove the three-month window that would allow fully vaccinated people to be exempted from local rice quarantine. This means that fully vaccinated people no longer need to quarantine themselves after traveling to Unalaska.
The new mandate also removes a three-person passenger limit for local taxis, van services and shuttles.
City administrator Erin Reinders said the move was justified as officials lifted size restrictions on indoor public gatherings earlier this month. However, masks must still be worn in vehicles, as well as indoors and in other public spaces where social distancing is not practical, she added.
Tuesday’s resolution continues all previously approved public health measures – such as wearing face covers, putting protection plans on company doors, and a seven- to ten-day quarantine and testing strategy for travelers for those who are incomplete have been vaccinated or have not yet been vaccinated had COVID-19 within the last three months.
Councilor Thom Bell said he supported the resolution, which expires April 14, and the city should consider revising local mandates in the future.
“I think it would be fine if we got to a point where we all vaccinated, or gave anyone who wants a vaccine in this city, a chance to re-examine some of these limitations and the future carefully to eliminate or not, “said Bell.
In the meantime, due to time constraints, city councils voted to move two items to Tuesday’s agenda. At a special meeting next week, the council is expected to decide whether or not to impose an excise tax on tobacco products in Unalaska, and whether to grant an extension to Ounalashka / Chena Power to obtain funding for the Makushin geothermal project.