On November 12, YKHC reports one death and identified sixty-four new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
One death
It is with profound sadness YKHC reports that on November 12 a YK Delta resident in their 60s 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 seventh COVID-19 death associated with the YK Delta region.
1 case in Scammon Bay
On November 12, YKHC confirmed one Scammon Bay resident tested positive for COVID-19.
Numerous cases in Napaskiak
On November 12, YKHC confirmed numerous Napaskiak residents tested positive for COVID-19.
*Consent provided by the Native Village of Napaskiak states the total number of cases should not be publicly provided.
12 cases in Bethel
On November 12, YKHC confirmed 12 Bethel residents tested positive for COVID-19.
47 cases in Kwethluk
On November 12, YKHC confirmed 47 Kwethluk residents 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. 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.