Four new COVID-19 cases in YK Delta on September 14

By Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

On September 14, YKHC identified four new COVID-19 cases in the YK Delta.

September 14: Case 1

Late in the day on September 12, YKHC was notified that an individual who resides in Bethel tested positive for COVID-19 in Anchorage. While the individual has been out of region for over two weeks, per State reporting protocols, the positive case will be counted as a YK Delta case.

The individual is currently self-isolating in Anchorage. Contact tracing reveals the individual was not in the YK Delta during the period of time they would have been exposed to or considered infectious for COVID-19. Therefore, follow-up testing is being managed in Anchorage and the Alaska Section of Epidemiology will work collaboratively with YKHC for contact tracing.

September 14: Case 2

On September 14, YKHC confirmed an individual who resides in a YKHC service area village tested positive for COVID-19. 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 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 will be provided instructions for follow-up testing, and advised on precautions to take.

September 14: Case 3 and 4

On September 14, YKHC confirmed two individuals who reside in a YKHC service area village tested positive for COVID-19. To protect patient privacy, YKHC is not releasing the name of the service area village the individuals are from. Contact tracing indicates this is a travel-related 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 the individuals may have been in close contact with. All close contacts will be provided instructions for follow-up testing, and advised on precautions to take.

The pandemic and the public health risks it poses is not over. Additional cases emphasize the importance of continuing to practice all known protective measures. Protective measures include: avoid all non-essential travel, avoid dining in at restaurants (instead order out), 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 continues to offer free 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.

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