On October 21, YKHC identified ninety-two new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
October 21: 16 cases in Bethel
On October 21, YKHC confirmed sixteen Bethel residents tested positive for COVID-19. Early contact tracing indicates these cases are likely related to community-based transmission. Case investigations are on-going.
October 21: 51 cases in Chevak
On October 21, YKHC confirmed 51 Chevak residents tested positive for COVID-19. Early contact tracing indicates these cases are likely related to community-based transmission. Case investigations are on-going.
October 21: 2 cases in Kwethluk
On October 21, YKHC confirmed two Kwethluk residents tested positive for COVID-19. Case investigations are on-going.
October 21: 1 case in a YKHC service area village
On October 21, YKHC confirmed that a resident of a YKHC service area village tested positive for COVID-19. The case investigation is on-going.
October 21: 22 cases in Quinhagak
On October 21, YKHC confirmed 22 Quinhagak residents tested positive for COVID-19. Early contact tracing indicates these cases are likely related to community-based transmission. Case investigations are on-going.
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 YK Delta region is experiencing a dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases and within the last seven days YKHC has sent multiple individuals by medevac to Anchorage due to serious infections of COVID-19. Because COVID-19 is a novel virus, hospitals do not have access to vaccines that can prevent transmission or medical treatments that can treat serious infections.
YKHC strongly urges the public to practice 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 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.