KINY
Governor Dunleavy signs a proclamation ending the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration in the Alaska State Capitol on April 30, 2021. Photo via the Office of the Governor
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - After months-long debate on House Bill 76, the bill that extends the COVID-19 disaster declaration after it was left to expire earlier this year, was signed by Governor Mike Dunleavy on Friday. Shortly after, the governor issued a proclamation that officially ends the disaster declaration.
A provision in the law extended the declaration until the end of this year or at the governor's discretion.
Instead, the state is now under a "public health emergency." Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) commissioner, Adam Crum, said HB 76 gives the commissioner the power to issue a public health emergency, which he did in the window of time before the disaster declaration ended.