A quiet moment in Cordova, Alaska. Image by Kinsey Justa. United States, 2020.
On a sunny afternoon this past summer, several fishing boats milled about in Cordova’s harbor. Rain clouds lingered over the Chugach Mountains, which surround the small Alaskan fishing community. Seagulls called overhead, and the salty smell of fresh salmon was sharp in the air.
The harbor was quieter than usual. Shiny metal hand-washing stations stood at the ready. As a boat approached, crew members wearing face masks prepared to dock. The boat flew a solid yellow flag no one on the vessel was sick with COVID-19. A black-and-yellow-checkered flag would mean the boat is in quarantine.