On October 26, YKHC identified twelve new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta. 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.
October 26: Case 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
On October 26, YKHC confirmed five Bethel residents tested positive for COVID-19.
October 26: Case 6
On October 26, YKHC confirmed one YKHC service area resident tested positive for COVID-19 in Bethel.
October 26: Case 7
On October 26, YKHC confirmed one YKHC service area resident tested positive for COVID-19 in their village and subsequently traveled to Quinhagak. The individual was not notified about the positive result until after travel occurred.
October 26: Case 8 and 9
On October 26, YKHC confirmed two Toksook Bay residents tested positive for COVID-19.
October 26: Case 10
On October 26, YKHC confirmed one YKHC service area resident tested positive for COVID-19 in Bethel.
October 26: Case 11
On October 26, YKHC confirmed one YKHC service area resident tested positive for COVID-19.
October 26: Case 12
On October 26, YKHC confirmed one YKHC service area resident tested positive for COVID-19 in Bethel.
Case Correction: +1 case in Quinhagak on Oct. 13
On October 13, YKHC confirmed one Quinhagak resident tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was previously notified of their test result. YKHC will revise the dashboard to reflect this case.
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 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. Testing also continues by appointment at the Bethel drive-thru testing site on Monday and Friday, by calling 543-6949.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.