On November 2, YKHC reports one new death, two new in-region hospitalizations, and identified nineteen new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta. 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.
One new death
It is with profound sadness YKHC reports that late in the day on November 1 a YK Delta resident in their 70s 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 fifth COVID-19 death associated with the YK Delta region.
Two new in-region hospitalizations
Late in the day on November 1, two COVID-19 positive individuals were admitted into the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital. These are the fifth and sixth individuals hospitalized in-region due to COVID-19 infections.
3 cases in Chevak
On November 2, YKHC confirmed three Chevak residents tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in Napakiak
On November 2, YKHC confirmed one Napakiak resident tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in St. Mary’s
On November 2, YKHC confirmed one St. Mary’s resident tested positive for COVID-19.
6 cases in Bethel
On November 2, YKHC confirmed six Bethel residents tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in Kwethluk
On November 2, YKHC confirmed one Kwethluk resident tested positive for COVID-19.
2 cases in Quinhagak
On November 2, YKHC confirmed two Quinhagak residents tested positive for COVID-19.
5 cases in Toksook Bay
On November 2, YKHC confirmed five Toksook Bay residents tested positive for COVID-19.
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.
Please note: On October 1, YKHC began receiving written authorization from Tribal leadership to disclose the name of communities in public notifications when positive COVID-19 test results affect villages in our service area. The purpose of this is to continue to protect patient privacy, while bringing as much awareness as possible of current community public health risks, encourage community response and prevention, and promote use of protective measures.
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 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. Testing also continues by appointment at the Bethel drive-thru testing site on Monday and Friday, by calling 543-6949.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.