New COVID-19 safeguards in place for Alaska ferry passengers and crew

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is setting up new protocols during the pandemic.

When traveling on the mainline ferries Kennicott, Matanuska and Tustamena, all passengers (older than two years old) must provide a negative COVID-19 test within three days of sailing. On those vessels, masks must be worn except when smoking or eating. The release noted that accommodations would be made for passengers unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition.

Disembarking at port calls will not be allowed, the release said. Passengers may only go ashore at their destination.
Social distancing practices will be in effect.

In addition: All passengers on the day vessels LeConte and Lituya must complete a Passenger Screening Form before boarding and respond "no" to all questions. Travel Declaration Form

All passengers boarding in Bellingham, Washington must complete the mandatory State of Alaska Travel Declaration Form and provide these to AMHS crew at boarding.

Last week the state shut down the Tustumena following a crew member's positive test at Dutch Harbor.

We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.