(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The Rotary Beach and South Point Higgins Beaches in Ketchikan were closed to the public on March 30th in order to address the public gatherings that were occurring, and in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Since that time Ketchikan residents have practiced safe social distancing and followed the health mandates issued by Governor Dunleavy. 

In recognition of Ketchikan’s efforts to practice safe social distancing, Rotary Beach and South Point Higgins Beach are now opened to the public according to the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. The announcement was made on April 16th.

“As we strive to find the right balance between public safety and maintaining essential liberties, I am extremely proud of the citizens of Ketchikan who have responded with a great resolve to follow recommendations to safeguard the community from the COVID-19 virus,” states Rodney Dial, Borough Mayor.

Dial said, “Because of your efforts, we can begin the process of relaxing some of the restrictions impacting our quality of life.  As we move forward, please remember that the greatest thing you can do to protect the health of your neighbors and get our community back to normal, is to keep following health care guidelines.  Rest assured, we will continue to actively assess the situation and work together to maintain public health and rebuild our economy as quickly as possible. Thank you and stay strong, Ketchikan!”

Families are encouraged to recreate together outdoors by continuing to follow safe social distancing measures.  This means staying 6 feet away from others, wearing masks in public settings, and gathering with immediate family only. Public fields remain open to users following the State of Alaska social distancing guidance. Team sports and pickup games are prohibited. 

The playground at Rotary Beach, as well as all other playgrounds in Ketchikan, must remain closed at this time. This is due to the many touchpoints at playgrounds and the inability to keep them clean and virus-free.

On the Web:

State of Alaska health mandates
https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates/.

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
www.kgbak.us

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