As of March 23, YKHC has tested nearly 20 individuals for COVID-19 in Bethel, Emmonak and Saint Mary’s. All of the COVID-19 test results received by YKHC have been negative. YKHC is continuing to test individuals and will issue a press release immediately after a postive result.
Our sub-regional clinics in Aniak, Emmonak, Hooper Bay, Saint Mary’s and Toksook Bay are all equipped to collect samples for COVID-19 testing. Currently, sample collection is available in the following villages: Akiachak, Chefornak, Kasigluk, Kotlik and Pilot Station. Testing in the remainder of YKHC’s villages will be available soon; our health aides are currently being trained on sample collection.
Currently, we will test individuals for COVID-19 who traveled outside of the YK Delta region in the past 14 days and are experiencing a cough, fever and shortness of breath. Any updates to our testing criteria will be announced on our website at www.ykhc.org/covid-19-testing.
Like many other health systems across the country, YKHC’s COVID-19 testing supplies are extremely limited. Anyone requesting a test, in Bethel or our villages, will only be tested if they meet our current testing criteria.
Later this week, YKHC will open the first drive-through COVID-19 testing location in rural Alaska at the hospital in Bethel. This will be an appointment-only testing site for individuals who meet our testing criteria. Outdoor testing is much safer for our healthcare personnel and our customers, is more convenient and allows us to send out tests for results more quickly. An official announcement will be made once the outdoor testing site is open.
YKHC is providing regular updates on COVID-19 on our website, www.ykhc.org/covid-19.