This article has been updated to reflect Gov. Mike Dunleavy plans to be vaccinated. He has not yet received a vaccination.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy will receive COVID-19 vaccination and urged other Alaskans to consider doing the same, he announced in a video posted Wednesday to social media.
“I’m getting the vaccine because I want to help Alaska businesses get back to work and do the things we all love to do as Alaskans,” Dunleavy said in the post.
In a video featuring footage filmed at the top of the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway, Dunleavy said he hoped Alaskans would get the vaccine, which he said will help Alaska businesses open again.
[Free vaccines for tourists: Governor talks future of tourism industry]
The governor has repeatedly said vaccines will not be mandated statewide but has defended private companies’ right to require vaccines of their employees. On his social media Dunleavy has pushed back against the idea of “vaccine passports” but says vaccines will help Alaska’s businesses, tourism in particular.
Alaska will offer free vaccines at airports starting in June as part of the state’s larger effort to boost tourism in the state. The state is promoting vaccines through its Sleeves up, Alaska campaign and has a vaccine hotline to help schedule vaccine appointments.
According to the state’s vaccine dashboard, 32.3% of Alaskans are fully vaccinated and in Juneau, 68% of the population has received at least one dose.
Call 646-3322 or visit covidvax.alaska.gov for more information.
• Contact reporter Peter Segall at psegall@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SegallJnuEmpire.
