Another Elder in the region has died from COVID-19. In a press release, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation says that a resident in their 70s died from complications with the virus on Nov. 1. This is the fifth death known to be coronavirus-related in the region.
Also in recent days, the number of people hospitalized for the virus in Bethel has risen to six individuals. The more severe cases have been sent to Anchorage for advanced care.
The deaths and hospitalizations follow a surge of COVID-19 cases across the state. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region has the highest case rate per 100,000 people in Alaska. YKHC leadership warns that if the case rate continues to rise, more deaths and hospitalizations will follow. To slow the spread, YKHC urges everyone to take precautions like wearing masks in public and not gathering with people who are not part of your household.
YKHC has announced 844 COVID-19 cases this year.
