In an effort to protect the health and safety of passengers and crew, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) has announced a revised procedure for coronavirus mitigation, effective immediately.
These protocols will be visible in all AMHS facilities and aboard all vessels, and will include:
• Reminders to passengers and AMHS employees to practice good hygiene and follow social and physical distancing guidelines. The wearing of face coverings is strongly recommended, as per the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
• Passenger capacity on each vessel has been reduced to one-third to promulgate social distancing. Due to limited seating that may result, vessels may fill up and non-ticketed passengers could be turned away. Customers are encouraged to book all travel in advance at http://ferryalaska.com, or by calling the reservations center at (800) 642-0066.
• Passengers will complete a health screening form before boarding. People who are sick, or who have recently had contact with an infected person will not be permitted to travel.
• Modifications to food service spaces will be made to ensure distancing.
• Intensified cleaning of all ferry and facility spaces will occur regularly, including high-touch surfaces.
• The CDC’s COVID-19 prevention guidance protocols will be posted on the AMHS website, in terminals, and aboard all vessels. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
All AMHS passengers are encouraged to review COVID-19 policies, procedures and mitigation practices prior to arranging travel.
Additionally, on June 2, the M/V Tustemena resumed service from Homer to Kodiak, and along the Aleutian Chain. The M/V Kennicott and M/V LeConte will resume service later this month.
