They do mention the incubation period for Rabies in the article can be up to two years, and they also mention it being found in seals starting in 2021.
You are correct that anyone bit recently may not be able to 100% confirm no transmission, but if no one bitten since 2021 has had Rabies from seal bites its still an accurate assessment.
Especially if people are bitten in (salt) water. Rabies spreads via saliva which is likely going to have a significantly smaller viral load if the bites happen in ocean water (also mentioned as a possible reason for low/no infection)