To prevent the spread of the coronavirus and protect vulnerable populations, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation is limiting visitors to its Bethel facilities, beginning March 19.
At the Elder's Home, visitors are banned, and the staff will instead coordinate family phone and video calls with residents. Elders and people with underlying health conditions are the most vulnerable population to COVID-19.
At the Bethel hospital, no visitors are allowed with patients who are in isolation rooms, critical care rooms, or the Emergency Department. Hospitalized patients who require escorts are allowed one visitor during their hospitalization. This visitor is not allowed in areas of the hospital other than the patient’s room. Women in labor are also allowed one visitor.
Children in the pediatric unit are allowed two visitors, but only one visitor may be with the child at a time. There will be no visitors under age 14 allowed in the hospital; no visitors with fever, cough, or cold symptoms; and no visitors who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Everyone entering the Bethel hospital will be required to answer health screening questions. Patients with fever, cough, or cold symptoms will be given a mask to wear. All people entering the hospital are required to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.