Alaska halts testing requirement for travelers

Alaska is ending the requirement to present a negative Covid test result on arrival in Alaska.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he believes ‘the worse is most likely behind us’ and says there is still a policy of recommending face masks and social distancing for residents.

Although the state didn’t make mask wearing in public mandatory, it is a requirement in Anchorage.

"My administration will begin moving Alaska forward through this transition and recovery process. Make no mistake about it, the virus may be with us for some time but the data shows that the worst is most likely behind us," Dunleavy said.

" Alaska is doing pretty good, probably better than most states so this gives us the confidence that as we move forward, we’re going to continue to manage this virus as well or better than most other locales."

Although tests will not be required for arriving travelers, testing facilities at airports will still be available.

So far the state has recorded more than 54,000 virus cases and 280 deaths.

Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor