Mandate issued requires masks in public in Anchorage starting Monday

Masks will be mandatory in public settings in the municipality of Anchorage as of Monday, Anchorage city officials said.

“COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the Lower 48 and case counts have risen in Anchorage,” Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz said in a press release issued Friday. “Unfortunately, not enough people are practicing the distancing needed to keep the curve flat, so we have a choice between doing nothing, hunkering down, or masking up. Masking up makes a difference. When enough of us do it, we can flatten the curve, keep our businesses open, and our community safe.”

The mandate will go into effect Monday at 8 a.m. and will remain through July 31. The order is in response to rising numbers in the Anchorage area, city officials said.

“To support the increase in economic activity following the lifting of the Hunker Down order, and to protect public health, everyone in Anchorage must wear a face covering when in a public space such as a grocery store, pharmacy, restaurant or bar, retail store, and other common indoor areas,” city officials said.

There are exceptions in the order, which include children under 2 years old; individuals with health conditions who are unable to tolerate wearing a face covering or mask due to a physical or mental disability; and individuals performing an activity that cannot be accomplished, or accomplished safely while wearing a mask.

City officials said the mandate is in addition to previously recommended practices such as social distancing, frequent hand washing and regular cleaning of surfaces.

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