Health

The news about the coronavirus is originating in the cities. As of March 19, all of Alaska’s nine identified cases of COVID-19 are in population centers. But media accounts, emergency orders, and protective measures reach all over the state. Hundreds of miles away from any positive test results, even the smallest villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta are now trying to make their homes and communities safer. KYUK surveyed 10 area villages to see what they were doing. 

Three new cases of COVID-19 have brought the total number of people infected by the coronavirus in Alaska to nine. Dr. Anne Zink, the state chief medical officer, says all three of the cases were travel related: one person traveled to Europe, the other two returned from the lower 48. All nine cases so far in the state involved recent out-of-state travel.

On March 17, Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration tightened restrictions on people returning to Alaska from outside the state. Travelers have now been divided into high and medium risk groups, and the administration has issued state mandates for how these travelers must socially distance themselves.

The closure lasts through April 1. It also applies to all entertainment facilities, including theaters, gyms, bowling alleys, and bingo halls.

The Y-K Delta has its first confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in Bethel. On March 27, Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered Alaskans to stay home, and banned most travel across the state as the number of coronavirus cases continues to grow. Several residents have died in the state after testing positive for COVID-19. There are no confirmed positive cases of the novel coronavirus in the Y-K Delta. KYUK will update this page as new information develops about the novel coronavirus in Alaska and the Y-K Delta.

Bethel Family Clinic is adjusting its operations due to the coronavirus risk in Alaska. The dental clinic is not accepting elective, nonessential procedures, and the medical side is referring patients that call in with COVID-19 symptoms to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation for a thorough examination. 

The list of events postponed or canceled due to the novel coronavirus grows longer by the day. Here are some of the ones that especially affect the Y-K Delta. Please email news@kyuk.org to let us know about changes in your organization. This list will be updated as information is gathered.

Organizations and businesses in the Y-K Delta have closed their doors by choice or governmnet mandate to aid social distancing and limit the chance of spreading COVID-19. Other groups are remaining open and taking steps to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. KYUK will keep this list updated with organizations that are open or closed. Please email news@kyuk.org to let us know about changes at your organization.