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Two new COVID-19 Cases Identified in Bethel on July 29

On July 29, YKHC identified two new COVID-19 cases in Bethel.

July 29: Case 1

On July 29, YKHC confirmed a Bethel resident tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was tested in Bethel in accordance with Health Mandate 18.

The individual is 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 the individual may have been in close contact with. All close contacts have been identified, provided instructions for follow-up testing, and advised on precautions to take.

July 29: Case 2

On July 29, YKHC was notified that an individual who resides in a YKHC service area village tested positive for COVID-19 outside of Alaska and subsequently returned to the region. The individual was not notified about the positive test result until after travel occurred. To protect patient privacy, YKHC is not releasing the name of the service area village the individual is from.

The individual is currently self-isolating in Bethel 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 the individual may have been in close contact with. All close contacts have been identified and provided instructions for follow-up testing and precautions to take.

Although the State of Alaska has eased restrictions on travel and moved to reopen Alaska’s economy, the pandemic and the public health risks it poses is not over. YKHC emphasizes the importance of continuing all known protective measures, such as: avoid all non-essential travel, opt for free COVID-19 testing upon arrival at the Bethel, Aniak, and St. Mary’s airports when arriving from out-of-region, practice regular hand hygiene, 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.

YKHC continues to offer 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.

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.

Get the latest information on COVID-19 from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.

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