The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation is urging everyone to stop gathering with people outside their households to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the region. It’s also urging people to stay home if they feel sick.
YKHC Chief of Staff Dr. Ellen Hodges is promoting symptom-free schools and workplaces. That includes symptoms of the common cold.
“This is not the year to show up at work and work through a cold," Hodges said. "We really need people to stay home and self-isolate if they have any symptoms at all.”
Employers also have to provide the flexibility for workers to stay home.
Usually this time of year brings an increase in flu cases to the region, but that isn’t happening. Instead, cases of COVID-19 are climbing. Hodges says that if you’re experiencing upper respiratory symptoms, it’s more likely to be COVID-19 than the flu.
“We really need those people to get tested. Especially if you’ve been to a gathering, or if your social circle isn’t small, or if you’ve recently traveled. Come in and get tested,” Hodges said.
To schedule a COVID-19 test, call your local village clinic or the Bethel COVID-19 hotline at 907-543-6949.
YKHC also urges everyone to get a flu shot. If clinics get fewer cases of flu to deal with, they will have better capacity to deal with the pandemic. YKHC is providing free flu shots across the region on Oct. 24.
