On October 10, YKHC identified eight new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
October 10: Case 1
Late in the day on October 9, YKHC confirmed a Bethel resident tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is a close contact of a previously known COVID-19 case.
October 10: Case 2, 3, and 4
On October 10, YKHC confirmed three Bethel residents tested positive for COVID-19. The individuals are all close contacts of previously known COVID-19 cases.
October 10: Case 5 and 6
On October 10, YKHC confirmed that two individuals in Bethel tested positive for COVID-19 at the Bethel airport. The individuals are not residents of Bethel or the YK Delta, and therefore per State reporting protocols, will not be counted in the YK Delta positive case count.
October 10: Case 7
On October 10, YKHC was notified that an individual who resides in a YKHC service area village tested positive for COVID-19 in Anchorage. The individual is a close contact of a previously known COVID-19 case. Contact tracing indicates that the individual was infectious while in region. The case investigation is on-going.
October 10: Case 8
On October 10, YKHC confirmed that an individual who resides in a YKHC service area village tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is a close contact of a previously known COVID-19 case.
The individuals are currently self-isolating and YKHC is working with the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology to conduct contact tracing, follow-up testing, and ensure precautions are taken to protect people they may have been in close contact with. All close contacts will be provided instructions for follow-up testing and precautions to take.
The pandemic and the public health risks it poses is not over. Additional cases emphasize the importance of continuing to practice all known protective measures. Protective measures include: avoid all non-essential travel, avoid dining in at restaurants (instead order out), opt for free COVID-19 testing upon arrival at the Bethel, St. Mary’s, and Aniak airports when arriving from out-of-region, practice regular handwashing, remain physically distant (more than six feet) from anyone who does not reside in your same household, wear a mask when in public, and frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and diminished sense of taste or smell. If you have these symptoms, do not go to your village clinic or to the emergency room in Bethel. Instead, call your village clinic or in Bethel call 543-6949 so a health care provider can assist you.
YKHC continues to offer free COVID-19 testing, without an appointment, at the Bethel drive-thru testing site every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. Testing also continues by appointment at the Bethel drive-thru testing site on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, by calling 543-6949.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.