By Gretchen Wehmhoff –

People planning to return to Skagway for the summer are being asked to delay travel and stay where they are according to a Municipality of Skagway (MOS) press release on Monday. The request does not apply to permanent residents.

The area Emergency Operations Center shared their COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies for residents and travelers headed to Skagway.

Guidelines recommend a 14-day self-isolation for those who have traveled overseas, in the Lower 48 or through Seattle or Vancouver. Those who do not have a place to self-isolate should notify the Dahl Memorial Clinic staff so a room can be prepared.

Boards and independent groups are asked to cancel all non-essential meetings or utilize conferencing technology. MOS also recommends that non-essential at-risk staff work from home until further notice. MOS cancelled all non-essential committee meetings until March 30.

The MOS Finance Committee and Assembly will meet, however, assembly members are encouraged to attend meetings via teleconference. Community members are asked to stay at home and listen to the meeting via live stream at www.khns.org. Those wishing to make public comments are encouraged to submit them via email to the clerk at e.deach@skagway.org. People who choose to attend are reminded to maintain at least 6-feet between themselves and other attendees.

The MOS noted appreciation for local businesses’ proactive actions such as offering curbside pick-up, home delivery and modified hours.