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YKHC Announces 30th Coronavirus Case

Greg Kim

On July 27, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation announced its 30th coronavirus case related to the region. A resident of a village that YKHC services tested positive while in Anchorage, and returned to their community before the test result came back.

That person is currently self-isolating. The case follows news of the first coronavirus-related death in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, also released July 27. An Alaskan resident who tested positive while in Bethel, and continued self-isolating there, quickly grew sicker until they had to be medevaced to Anchorage over the weekend for advanced care, where they died. The person is the 21st Alaskan to die of the disease.

YKHC urges everyone to remain vigilant and practice all known protective measures against COVID-19. There is no vaccine for this novel virus. Protective measures include avoiding all non-essential travel, regularly washing hands, staying 6 feet away from non-household members, wearing a mask when in public, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.

YKHC also urges everyone traveling into the region to get tested for the virus for free at the Bethel, Aniak, and St. Mary’s airports. Free testing is also offered at the Bethel hospital every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. No appointment is needed.