Visitors and workers headed to Dillingham for the summer fishing season are subject to strict quarantine mandates unless they have proof of vaccination.
As of April 2, travelers to Dillingham who can prove they are fully vaccination prior to arrival, or who can document recovery from COVID-19 within the past 90 days, are not required to quarantine upon arrival, nor are they subject to testing prior to arrival.
“All other travelers entering Dillingham must quarantine at their own expense and are required to be able to present a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival,” the city’s website states. “This includes limited work-related travel quarantines for essential infrastructure workers.”
While the new rules are less restrictive than previous mandates, the summer fishing season means many more travelers will be impacted. Violation of the quarantine can result in a fine of up to $300.
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It is unclear how the city’s mandates will impact the summer fishing and tourism season. Dillingham is the regional hub of the renowned Bristol Bay salmon fishing district, which supports the largest runs of wild sockeye salmon in the world. It is also a key gateway to many sport fishing lodges in the region.
Area residents have reached out to the Watchman, noting that they are in constant need of travel to Anchorage for medical visits, grocery runs and other reasons. Every time a non-vaccinated person travels, however, they must quarantine for 10 days. This means missing work or school each time.
Local residents recently submitted a petition of more than 250 names asking the city to rescind its quarantine mandates for those who decline the COVID-19 shot.
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