On May 24, YKHC reports two new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
New COVID-19 Cases
The 2 are residents in:
Bethel (1)
Hooper Bay (1)
Effective Monday, May 24, YKHC will publish case statements the morning following the day cases are identified. For example, positive cases from Monday will be announced Tuesday morning. Positive cases from Friday and the weekend will be published Monday. Whenever possible, YKHC will notify patients and call communities the day the cases are identified.
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) released guidance to help communities and individuals make decisions about safely resuming normal activities as COVID-19 cases decline in the YK Delta. To read more about this, visit https://www.ykhc.org/ykhc-updates-covid-19-guidance-for-communities-and-individuals/.
YKHC strongly encourages all people 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. To schedule an appointment or learn more about the vaccine, visit https://www.ykhc.org/covid-19/vaccine/
YKHC offers free COVID-19 testing without an appointment at the Bethel drive-thru testing site at the Community Health Services Building on Fridays only from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and at all Alaska Airlines arriving flights (noon and 7 p.m.) at the Alaska Airlines terminal. “Close contacts” and persons showing symptoms of COVID-19 may be tested by appointment by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 543-6949, or visit one of the testing facilities at CHSB or the airport. Binax testing is available daily at the hospital for patients with appointments. In the village, please call your local clinic.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are advised to self-isolate while YKHC and the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology conduct contact tracing, follow-up testing, and outreach. Individual case investigations are ongoing and information about specific transmission methods may not be available upon request.
YKHC continues to urge the public to follow all guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 spreads easily, even when someone does not have any symptoms. Even if your community has no positive COVID-19 cases, please continue to practice protective measures including: wearing a mask when in public, avoiding all non-essential travel, practicing regular handwashing, avoiding hosting or attending large gatherings, remaining physically distant (more than six feet) from anyone who does not reside in your household, and frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, or diminished sense of taste or smell. If you have any of these symptoms, call your village clinic or in Bethel call 543-6949 so a health care provider can assist you. Do not go to your village clinic or to the emergency room in Bethel.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.