(AP Photo/Michael Dinneen)
The Republican governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy, has a plan to bring back Alaskan tourism. He announced a plan to offer COVID-19 vaccinations at several of the state’s airports. Starting on June 1, travelers flying into Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Ketchikan can receive a vaccination in a clinic outside the security area.
Alaska is dependent on tourism and the state’s economy has taken a hit during the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Dunleavy made the announcement at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. He outlined plans for a national marketing campaign aimed at tourists using federal aid money in the American Rescue Plan Act. He said that offering the vaccine is “probably another good reason to come to the state of Alaska in the summer.” The state has a larger supply than demand. It was the first state to drop restrictions on who could get a COVID-19 vaccine. Last month it opened eligibility to anyone 16 or older who lives or works in the state.