:quality(70)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-adn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/E3KBSVLWLJGVPDDSSLT5RGAHJQ.jpg)
We’re making coronavirus coverage available without a subscription as a public service. We depend on the support of readers to produce journalism for the community every day. Help us do this work - subscribe now. You can find the rest of our coverage of the novel coronavirus here.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services on Sunday issued new guidelines for Alaska travelers returning to the state.
People who have traveled to places where the novel coronavirus has been spreading or there has been sustained transmission — including South Korea, China, Iran and much of Europe — within the last two weeks are considered higher risk and should not go to work, school or public places for 14 days, according to an alert from the agency. These people should isolate themselves from everyone, including household members, for that duration of time.
People returning from everywhere else, including the rest of the United States, should talk to their employers before returning to work. These travelers are considered “medium risk” and should watch for symptoms and practice social distancing.
“This may mean not going to work or school if you cannot safely be distanced from others – especially if you traveled in a location where community transmission is occurring,” state officials wrote.
Additional guidelines the state provided for travelers include:
• Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day for the 14 days after returning and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing. Call a health care provider if you notice those symptoms, including a fever of more than 100.3 Fahrenheit.
• Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet). Avoid mass transportation and crowded places, such as shopping centers and movie theaters. Limit your activities in public.
• If you seek medical care for other reasons, such as dialysis, call ahead and tell your doctor about your recent travel.
• All Alaskans are advised to regularly wash their hands, clean surfaces and avoid large gatherings.