On July 30, YKHC reports one hospitalization and fourteen new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
One in-region hospitalization
One COVID-19 positive individual was admitted into the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital. This is the 72nd individual hospitalized in-region due to COVID-19.
New COVID-19 Cases
The 14 are residents in:
Akiachak (1)
Bethel (10)
Bethel, out of region (1)
Napakiak (1)
YKHC service area village (1)
YKHC publishes case statements the morning following the day cases are identified. For example, positive cases from Monday will be announced Tuesday morning. Positive cases from Friday and the weekend will be published Monday. Whenever possible, YKHC will notify patients and call communities the day the cases are identified.
YKHC strongly encourages all people 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. To schedule an appointment or learn more about the vaccine, visit https://www.ykhc.org/covid-19/vaccine/.
COVID-19 testing is available in Bethel on the first floor of the hospital between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Patients should enter through the main hospital doors (not the emergency room entrance) and indicate they are interested in a COVID test. “Close contacts” and people showing symptoms of COVID-19 can schedule testing by calling 543-6949. In villages, please call your local clinic.
YKHC provides guidance to help communities and individuals make decisions about safely resuming normal activities as COVID-19 cases decline in the YK Delta. To read more about this, visit https://www.ykhc.org/ykhc-updates-covid-19-guidance-for-communities-and-individuals/.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are advised to self-isolate while YKHC and the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology conduct contact tracing, follow-up testing, and outreach. Individual case investigations are ongoing and information about specific transmission methods may not be available upon request.
YKHC continues to urge the public to follow all guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 spreads easily among unvaccinated people, even when someone does not have any symptoms. Even if your community has no positive COVID-19 cases, unvaccinated people should continue to practice protective measures including: wearing a mask when in public, avoiding all non-essential travel, practicing regular handwashing, avoiding hosting or attending large gatherings, remaining physically distant (more than six feet) from anyone who does not reside in your household, and frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, or diminished sense of taste or smell. If you have any of these symptoms, call your village clinic or in Bethel call 543-6949 so a health care provider can assist you. Do not go to your village clinic or to the emergency room in Bethel.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.