A sign in the window of a shop in downtown Juneau informs customers of rules for entering the business on Dec. 15, 2020. On Monday the City and Borough of Juneau announced it was relaxing some of the restrictions on businesses as the spread of COVID-19 in the community had decreased. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

City relaxes health restrictions as COVID risk declines

Masks are still required, but larger gatherings are allowed

For the first time since October, the community risk level for COVID-19 was lowered Monday to Level 2 Moderate, the City and Borough of Juneau announced.

“Community spread cases are still occurring, but the overall number of COVID-19 cases has dropped compared to previous weeks,” the city said in a news release. “The (city) continues to urge community members — including individuals who’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine — to maintain social distance and wear a mask in any indoor setting where individuals outside of your immediate family/social bubble are present.”

Effective immediately, indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, up from the 20 allowed under the high alert level. While bars are still capped at 50% capacity, restaurants can fully open but are strongly urged to ensure distancing among customers. Reservations are still recommended, according to the news release, and delivery or curbside pickup is still strongly encouraged.

Gyms are allowed 50% capacity, up from 25%, and personal services such as hairdressers remain by appointment only, with no waiting areas.

Masks are required in all indoor spaces under the guidelines, with exceptions for eating and drinking.

More information can be found at the city’s website, and every Tuesday at 4 p.m. city officials host an update on COVID-19 in the community via Zoom. Questions for the Zoom meeting can be submitted to covidquestions@juneau.org.

• Contact reporter Peter Segall at psegall@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SegallJnuEmpire.

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