(JUNEAU, Alaska) — Last week, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) learned of five recent M/V Matanuska passengers who tested positive for COVID-19. The five were traveling together and were close contacts only with each other. Out of an abundance of caution, AMHS issued a press release to inform the public and to share guidance from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for recent passengers.

While in transit from Kake to Juneau on August 10, Matanuska's crew was informed that some passengers were in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person in Kake. Per AMHS protocol, those passengers were quarantined in their cabins and provided room service until they disembarked in Juneau that same evening.

Matanuska's crew of 47 received COVID-19 tests on August 15, and yesterday evening the results came back negative for the entire crew.

"This event is a testament to our crew diligently following protocol to prevent COVID-19 transmission," said Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Commissioner John MacKinnon. "What could have easily resulted in a shipboard outbreak was averted by a quick and reasoned response from a well-trained crew."

AMHS canceled Matanuska's August 14 northbound voyage from Bellingham and arranged independent testing for the ship's crew. All affected passengers were notified and rebooked or refunded as necessary. Matanuska will resume scheduled service on August 21, departing from Bellingham at 6:00 p.m.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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