Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is expected to change the rules for Anchorage once again, starting Sept. 1, according to released documents by the Downtown Partnership.
There will be no live music or dancing allowed in public places in Anchorage, and those restaurants that are still in business will be allowed to open at 50 percent capacity, but diners must wear masks until they are eating. No one will be allowed to stand at a bar where food or alcohol is being served; instead, they will need to take a seat. Groups at restaurants and bars may not mix with other groups. Six foot distancing is required at all times, with tables no closer than 10 feet.
All these measures and others are part of the Berkowitz plan to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Anchorage, as revealed in a notice from the Downtown Partnership.
Anchorage restaurants and bars have been closed by the mayor for the better part of five months. For about 70 days during that period, they were allowed to operate at a diminished capacity.
From May 11 until July 22, the mayor allowed them to open at 50 percent capacity with stringent rules for numbers of patrons and sanitation. From July 22 until Aug. 3, the capacity was cut to 25 percent for bars, and was 50 percent for restaurants. Since Aug. 3, no indoor dining or serving has been allowed in Anchorage. Several restaurants have closed permanently due to the uncertainty of the Berkowitz regime.
25 case of COVID-19 were diagnosed during the most recent 24-hour reporting period in Anchorage.
