Citing spike in COVID-19 cases, Anchorage mayor announces new restrictions for bars, restaurants and gatherings

Starting Friday, new capacity restrictions will be imposed on Anchorage bars, restaurants, gyms and other establishments, limiting the size of gatherings and capacity at indoor businesses.

The new emergency order, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s 14th during the COVID-19 pandemic, was announced Wednesday afternoon. The new restrictions come as cases in Anchorage and Alaska have surged, and follow capacity restrictions being imposed in several other U.S. cities and states.

“Right now, being indoors with people from other households is the riskiest place residents can be for catching and spreading COVID-19,” said a written statement from the city.

Indoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people, and outdoor gatherings where people are consuming food or beverages will be limited to 50 people.

Bars will be limited to 25% of their maximum building capacity, including staff.

Restaurants and breweries can reach 50% of their maximum capacity indoors, including staff. Outdoor space will be limited to table service only, and tables must be spaced at least 10 feet apart.

Other indoor entertainment facilities, like gyms, bingo halls and theaters, are limited to 50% of their building occupancy.

The new regulations will not apply to farmers markets, outdoor food truck events or drive-in events where people are in their cars.

Also, all businesses that have a sit-down service lasting at least 15 minutes must keep a log of all adult customers, recording their first and last names, phone numbers and email addresses to be used by contact tracers in the event of people being exposed to COVID-19 at their establishment. This record must be kept for 30 days.

If a business does have COVID-19 exposure, employees as well as the state and local health departments must be notified. They also must assist public health authorities in alerting customers to the exposure.

Finally, hotels and other lodging are required to inform employees of any guests who are in quarantine or isolation due to travel or COVID-19 exposure. The hotels and lodges must also provide adequate personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to employees.

Alaska has seen a significant and consistent increase in cases since reopening its economy, regularly hitting record single-day case counts. Recently, there have been several days with more than 100 cases.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.