On December 11, YKHC reports one death and 35 new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
One Death
It is with profound sadness YKHC reports the recent death of a YK Delta resident due to complications of COVID-19. The death occurred out of region and the individual was in their 20s. The next of kin have been notified. YKHC sends our deepest condolences to the loved ones mourning the loss of this individual. This is the sixteenth COVID-19 death associated with the YK Delta region.
New COVID-19 Cases
The 35 are residents in:
Aniak (1)
Bethel (4)
Chevak (4)
Kotlik (13)
Nunapitchuk (1)
Pilot Station (4)
Scammon Bay (5)
St. Mary’s (1)
Tuluksak (2)
Case count correction
Upon routine audit and review of known COVID-positive cases, YKHC identified 45 cases that were inadvertently duplicated. This occurred due to YKHC’s COVID-19 response team receiving multiple notifications in various forms of the same test result. Today’s dashboard update will reflect the removal of the 45 duplicated cases previously counted and reported.
Individuals that 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.
**Please note: Due to limited staff capacity and supplies, the volume of testing occurring statewide, and offline equipment, YKHC is receiving delayed lab results. Today’s case count does not reflect an epidemiological decrease in COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta. YKHC anticipates continued increases in COVID-19 cases across the region as delayed lab results are reported.
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.
YKHC offers free COVID-19 testing without an appointment at the Bethel drive-thru testing site every Monday-Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. Testing is also available by appointment in Bethel by calling 543-6949, or in villages by calling the local clinic.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.