On November 20, YKHC reports one death, two hospitalizations and seventy-four new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
One death
It is with profound sadness YKHC reports that on November 20 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 eleventh COVID-19 death associated with the YK Delta region.
Two in-region hospitalizations
Two COVID-19 positive individuals were admitted into the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital. These are the twenty-first and twenty-second individuals hospitalized in-region due to COVID-19.
22 cases in Bethel
On November 20, YKHC confirmed 22 Bethel residents tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in Chefornak
On November 20, YKHC confirmed one Chefornak resident tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in Eek
On November 20, YKHC confirmed one Eek resident tested positive for COVID-19.
5 cases in Emmonak
On November 20, YKHC confirmed 5 Emmonak residents tested positive for COVID-19.
5 cases in Kongiganak
On November 20, YKHC confirmed 5 Kongiganak residents tested positive for COVID-19.
14 cases in Kwethluk
On November 20, YKHC confirmed 14 Kwethluk residents tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in Napaskiak
On November 20, YKHC confirmed one Napaskiak resident tested positive for COVID-19.
1 non-resident case in Bethel
On November 20, YKHC confirmed an individual tested positive for COVID-19 in Bethel. The individual is not a resident of the YK Delta and, per State reporting protocols, will not be counted in the YK Delta positive case count.
1 case in Pilot Station
On November 20, YKHC confirmed one Pilot Station resident tested positive for COVID-19.
2 cases in Quinhagak
On November 20, YKHC confirmed 2 Quinhagak residents tested positive for COVID-19.
20 cases in Tuluksak
On November 20, YKHC confirmed 20 Tuluksak residents tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in YKHC service area village
On November 20, YKHC confirmed one resident of a YKHC service area village tested positive for COVID-19.
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.
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 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.