On December 1, YKHC reports one death, one medevac, and 58 new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
One death
It is with profound sadness YKHC reports that late in the evening on November 30 a YK Delta resident in their 50s died due to complications of COVID-19. 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 thirteenth COVID-19 death associated with the YK Delta region.
One out-of-region hospitalization
One COVID-19 positive individual was medevac’d out-of-region for hospitalization. This is the fourteenth individual medevac’d due to COVID-19.
On December 1, YKHC confirmed 58 new cases of COVID-19
- 6 Akiak residents tested positive
- 12 Bethel residents tested positive
- 1 Emmonak resident tested positive
- 5 Kongiganak residents tested positive
- 1 Kotlik resident tested positive
- 17 Kwethluk residents tested positive
- 2 Mtn. Village residents tested positive
- 1 Napaskiak resident tested positive
- 3 Pilot Station residents tested positive
- 2 Scammon Bay residents tested positive
- 6 Tuluksak residents tested positive
- 1 resident of a YKHC service area village
- 1 non-resident tested positive in Bethel
**Correction:The original Nov. 30 case statement identified a Kalskag resident tested positive for COVID-19. This was reported in error, as the individual was a Kwethluk resident. YKHC apologizes for this error. The online statement has been revised to reflect this correction.
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.
Due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases across the region, case investigations are on-going to identify whether cases are travel-related, a result of close contact, or a result of community-based transmission. Unfortunately, due to the volume of cases in-region, this information may be unavailable on request.
YKHC continues to urge the public not to just rely on travel restrictions to prevent spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 can spread when someone does not have any symptoms or only has mild symptoms. Even if your community has not had a positive COVID-19 case, please continue to practice all known protective measures, including: avoid hosting or attending gatherings of any kind, avoid all non-essential travel, 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 offers free COVID-19 testing, without an appointment, at the Bethel drive-thru testing site every Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. Testing also continues by appointment in Bethel, by calling 543-6949, or in villages by calling the local clinic for assistance.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.