Legislators and staff at the Alaska Capitol no longer have to test before going into the Capitol campus buildings, according a new memo from Jessica Geary, executive director of Legislative Affairs Agency.
Those who have not taken the Covid vaccine series, will continue to test across the street at the Beacon office before entering the Capitol. Anyone who is tested by a provider other than Beacon will have to show proof of testing.
The Legislative Council working group was to take up the Covid protocols at its meeting today. Sen. Rob Myers of Fairbanks today on the Senate floor asked why the building was still in lockdown mode when it had evidently achieved herd immunity, with more than 70 percent of building workers and legislators immunized. “We’re there,” Myers said.
The no-test rule applies to those who are fully vaccinated, which is two weeks after a second dose of Pfizer, Moderna or the one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For those who travel outside of Juneau, a test may be required before entering the Capitol complex.
The policy, which was made in consultation with Dr. Thomas Hennessy, doesn’t appear to take into account the several people working in the building who have actually had the virus. The Legislative Council’s working group has the authority to adjust the Covid protocols without a vote of the entire council.
As of this week, people are able to get vaccinated at the Juneau International Airport upon arrival for most daytime flights.
