Your safety and enjoyment have always been our top priorities at Fairbanks Snow Sleighers. In response to the Covid-19 global pandemic, we have made several changes to our operational strategy to try to ensure that our customers and our employees remain safe and healthy. We are following CDC guidelines for disinfecting and sanitizing our workplace, gear, and snowmobiles. We have implemented an ultraviolet (UVC) light sanitization system, and will be sanitizing all gear before and after each tour.
We are abiding by all state and local mandates. All tours will be private tours this season, as we will not be mixing different groups as we have in the past. These changes reduce the likelihood of transmission and exposure to the novel coronavirus, which will help to keep us all safe, and of good health. We strive to be socially responsible and view these changes as necessary changes that allow us all to continue to enjoy life to the fullest. We are excited to remain open and enjoy the opportunity to continue to serve you.
Lastly, in response to unpredictable travel restrictions, we are offering zero-risk bookings. If you have to change or cancel a reservation due to travel restrictions we will work with you to reschedule your tour and or provide a full refund.
The following step-by-step guidelines are to ensure that visitors coming to Fairbanks from outside of Alaska have the information they need to travel to Fairbanks in accordance with the current State of Alaska travel mandate, as well as to protect their health and safety during their time in Fairbanks.
The Fairbanks International Airport is currently serviced by two different carriers – Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines — that offer direct flights from Seattle to Fairbanks. Links to their COVID-19 passenger travel information, including the detailed health and safety protocols each airline has implemented, is below:
• Alaska Airlines: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/advisories/coronavirus?int=_AS_HomePage_AdvisoryBR_L1||2020_CV_A W||-prodID:Awareness#weve-got-you-covered
• Delta Air Lines: https://www.delta.com/us/en/travel-update-center/ways-we-are-keeping-you-safe/onboard-services#socialdist
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1. Read the State of Alaska COVID-19 information for travelers: https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/
2. Take a molecular based test 72 hours before departure.
3. If a potential traveler is unable to get a test from their local health care provider, the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has listed seven FDA-authorized home-collection COVID tests for people who want to take a test at home and mail it to a company to get results. Those companies and their testing requirements are as follows (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
COMPANY COST NOTES
Pixel System from LabCorp
$119 or direct bill to insurance or company will use federal funds if uninsured from time sample is received. Results accessed online 24-48 hours at the lab. Person does not have to display any symptoms to receive the test.
Evelywell
$109 Person must either display symptoms or have exposure. Results accessed online 72 hours of lab receiving sample.
Vault Health
$150 Person does not have to display any symptoms to receive the test. Saliva collection test administered over Zoom meeting.
Results available 48-72 hours after sample arrives at the lab. Picture Genetics $119 Person does not have to display any symptoms to receive the test. Results available
24-48 hours after sample arrives at the lab.
The COVID Consultants
$219 Person does not have to display any symptoms to receive the test. Results available 48 hours after sample arrives at the lab.
Azova
$129 Person does not have to display any symptoms to receive the test and can indicate they need it due to travel. Results available 48-72 hours after sample arrives at the lab.
ImmunitiRX
$225 Person does not have to display any symptoms to receive the test and can indicate they need it due to travel. Results available 24-36 hours after sample arrives at the lab.
Additional Testing Information
• COVID-19 national testing site locator (must narrow search to PCR tests) • COVID-19 national testing dashboard
• Alaska DHSS COVID-19 website4. Prior to arriving and after the traveler has taken the test, submit a Travel Declaration and Self-Isolation Plan through the Alaska Travel Portal https://www.alaska.covidsecureapp.com/
a. Every adult in the traveling party must have their own portal account AND a designated email address specific to that account. While children 10 and under are not required to test, they need to be included on their parent’s/guardian’s Travel Declaration Form as well as any other minor child in their custody and care and any other individual they have legal authority for.
5. The traveler will need to upload negative results as soon as they are received into the Alaska Travel Portal PRIOR to arriving in Alaska; or have proof of a negative test available to show screeners at the airport upon arrival.
6. If still awaiting results of the test, the traveler will need to upload proof of the test into the Alaska Travel Portal prior to arrival or have proof available of having taken a test to show screeners at the airport, and self quarantine at their own expense until the results come in. The traveler will need to upload that test result into the Alaska Travel Portal once it is received, whether it is positive or negative; this can be done after departure from the Fairbanks International Airport.
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7. Travelers will need to present their identification to the screeners. They do not have to show the above information on the Alaska Travel Portal on their own electronic device as screeners will be able to access that information for them, barring any technical difficulties.
8. For non-resident travelers who arrive without having taken any test, testing at the airport is available for $250 per test. Visitors must self-quarantine at their own expense while waiting for the results. According to the State of Alaska, results are generally available in three to five days, but, depending on volume, the turnaround time may be longer.
9. Vouchers for second tests for travelers who are going to be in Alaska for longer than five days are available via the Travel Portal. Note: The second tests are recommended but not required:
a. The second tests are free for non-residents if the non-resident arrived with a test taken within 72 hours of departure or if they purchased a test at the airport.
b. In Fairbanks, the voucher for the second test can only be administered by the screeners at the Beacon Health testing location at the Fairbanks International Airport, 9am-1pm, seven days a week. No appointment is necessary.
c. The second test should be taken five to 14 days after arrival.
10. The 14-day quarantine option in lieu of any testing is no longer available for nonresident travelers.
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1. All travelers with negative results from tests taken within 72 hours of departure must follow strict social distancing for five days after arrival into Alaska, or until they leave Alaska, whichever occurs first. Strict social distancing is described as follows:
a. You may be in an outdoor public place, but you must remain six feet away from anyone not in your immediate household, and you must wear a face covering. You may arrange curbside shopping or have food delivery.
b. You cannot enter restaurants, bars, gyms, community centers, sporting facilities (i.e., ice rinks, gymnasiums, and sports domes), office buildings, and school or daycare facilities. Do not participate in any group activities, including sporting events and practices, weddings, funerals, or other gatherings.
2. Explore Fairbanks maintains an updated list of local tourism partners that are open for business and what their health and safety guidelines are. The list can be found on at www.explorefairbanks.com
3. The Fairbanks North Star Borough, which includes the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole, does not have any mandates in place regarding mask wearing. Visitors and residents are highly encouraged to follow the guidelines from the State of Alaska as outlined in their travel safely website at https://covid19.alaska.gov/travelers/ ; these guidelines go into effect AFTER the traveler has undergone the five days of strict social distancing as outlined above.
a. You MUST get tested and self-isolate if you get sick or develop COVID-19 symptoms
b. You SHOULD do the following:
i. Get a second COVID-19 test 5-14 days after you arrive in Fairbanks.
ii. Wash your hands frequently and wipe down high touch surfaces.
iii. Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others.
iv. Wear a face covering while indoors and whenever social distancing is challenging.
v. Practice strict social distancing by avoiding large crowds and indoor spaces.
4. If a traveler is planning to go to other locations in Alaska either before or after their time in Fairbanks, please note that those communities might have their own mandates in place. More information on those communities can be found here: https://covid19.alaska.gov/local-borough-resources/