Today, Friday, May 22, YKHC received confirmation that COVID-19 tests taken during our village rapid response on May 15 and 16 were processed by the State Lab and all returned as negative. This includes follow-up testing of the individual who originally tested positive. Community testing continues to be offered through the village clinic and YKHC encouraged a community-wide shelter in place, which lasted through today.
On May 15, YKHC confirmed the second positive COVID-19 case of an individual who opted for free testing at the Bethel airport, upon arriving from Anchorage and before continuing on to an outlying village. This test was taken on a date before May 15 and was processed by the lab at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage.
YKHC strongly encourages all travelers arriving from out-of-region to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival at the Bethel airport. Tests are free and are taken by self-swab. Due to the remoteness of our region, COVID-19 has come to the YK Delta due to passengers who travel by air from out-of-region. Widespread testing allows us to detect, isolate, and trace new cases.
YKHC is here for you and your family. While we are working hard to protect the region from further spread of the virus, we need your help. This second case highlights the importance of YK Delta residents to continue practicing protective measures, including: physical distancing from anyone not residing in your same household, regular handwashing, wearing a face covering in public, and regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home.
Get the latest information on COVID-19 and local response from YKHC at www.ykhc.org/covid-19.