Five people at the Bethel Youth Facility have tested positive for COVID-19. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services announced in a press release on Oct. 21 that four Bethel Youth Facility staff and one youth were infected with the virus.
The youth who tested positive for COVID-19 experienced mild symptoms, but has recovered and completed medical isolation. The department reported that all other youth in the facility received negative test results last week, and that close contacts of the four positive staff cases have been tested.
DHSS said that both youth and close contact staff members at the facility are tested weekly. All new residents admitted are tested upon admission, placed on quarantine for 14 days, and given another test before the end of their quarantine period. Visitation at the Bethel Youth Facility has been suspended.
