On October 20, YKHC identified seventy-eight new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta and reports one new death.
October 20: One new death (fourth in-region)
It is with profound sadness YKHC reports that on October 19 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.
October 20: 5 cases in Bethel
On October 20, YKHC confirmed five 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 20: 51 cases in Chevak
On October 20, 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 20: 2 cases in two YKHC service area villages
On October 20, YKHC confirmed two residents in two YKHC service area villages tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing indicates these cases are likely travel related.
October 20: 1 case in Hooper Bay
On October 20, YKHC confirmed a Hooper Bay resident tested positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing indicates this case is likely travel related.
October 20: 8 cases in Quinhagak
On October 20, YKHC confirmed 8 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.
October 20: 11 cases in Toksook Bay
On October 20, YKHC confirmed 11 Toksook Bay 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.