On February 12, YKHC reports two new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
New COVID-19 Cases
The 2 are residents in:
Akiachak (1)
St. Mary’s (1)
Today the CDC released new guidance for school re-openings. YKHC is reviewing this guidance and will share any changes to our recommendations as soon as they are available.
YKHC offers free COVID-19 testing without an appointment at the Bethel drive-thru testing site. The testing site will be closed for President’s Day on Monday, Feb. 15. Starting Tuesday, Feb. 16, the testing hours will be every Monday-Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Testing is also available by appointment in Bethel by calling 543-6949, or in villages by calling the local clinic.
YKHC has strongly recommended all communities in the YK Delta region immediately extend shelter-in-place, or lockdown, mandates through February 28, 2021.
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. Due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases across the region, 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 all protective measures including: avoiding hosting or attending gatherings of any kind, wear a mask when in public, avoid all non-essential travel, receive free COVID-19 testing upon arrival at the Bethel, St. Mary’s, and Aniak airports, practice regular handwashing, remain physically distant (more than six feet) from anyone who does not reside in your household, and frequently disinfect 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.