ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A decrease in the rate of COVID-19 infections buoyed by other factors like having 12% of the population vaccinated has led Alaska’s largest city to relax restrictions placed on businesses to combat the pandemic, officials said Thursday.
The municipality of Anchorage will double the occupancy rate to 50 percent for bars, restaurants, storefront businesses, gyms, bingo halls and theaters as of Monday, said acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson. Last call will also be moved back an hour, with alcohol service ending at midnight.
Anchorage is averaging about 60 new COVID-19 cases a day, said Dr. Janet Johnston, the epidemiologist for the Anchorage Health Department. While that’s still considered high, it’s a level not seen since last October.
“We’re heading in the right direction and we need to keep it that way,” Quinn-Davidson said.
Other changes that go into effect Monday include allowing sports teams to again compete, but only against other teams from within the municipality. People are encouraged to limit contact with those outside their household.
[zombify_post]