On November 10, YKHC reports one death, one hospitalization, one medevac, and identified twenty-one new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.
One death
It is with profound sadness YKHC reports that on November 10 a YK Delta resident in their 90s 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 sixth COVID-19 death associated with the YK Delta region.
One in-region hospitalization
One COVID-19 positive individual was admitted into the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital. This is the fourteenth individual hospitalized in-region due to COVID-19.
One out-of-region hospitalization
One COVID-19 positive individual was medevac’d out-of-region for hospitalization. This is the twelfth individual medevac’d due to COVID-19.
2 cases in YKHC service area village
On November 10, YKHC confirmed two residents of a YKHC service area village tested positive for COVID-19.
Numerous cases in Napaskiak
On November 10, 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.
8 cases in Bethel
On November 10, YKHC confirmed eight Bethel residents tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in Kwethluk
On November 10, YKHC confirmed one Kwethluk resident tested positive for COVID-19.
1 case in Mekoryuk
On November 10, YKHC confirmed one Mekoryuk resident tested positive for COVID-19.
2 cases in Quinhagak
On November 10, YKHC confirmed two Quinhagak 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 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.