Two people tested positive Nov. 16 at the Leader Creek testing site, and five cases were reported on Nov. 13. They were close contacts of a previous case. A clinic employee also tested positive.
There are eight active cases of COVID-19 in the Bristol Bay Borough, according to the Camai Community Health Center in Naknek.
Camai has reported those cases over the past two weeks. A Camai employee tested positive on Nov. 9, although the clinic said no patients were close contacts of that case. Five people tested positive on Nov. 13, and two people tested positive Nov. 16 at the Leader Creek testing site. Those people were close contacts of a previous case. They are currently in isolation, and their contacts are in quarantine.
The recent surge in cases has made tracking cases difficult for the state health department. The state has stopped reporting recovered cases on its website. It said in a Nov. 16 announcement that due to the increase in cases around the state, some data entry has been delayed. That means it can’t accurately update cases with the date they are released from isolation and mark them as recovered.
It can also take several days for the state public health team to investigate new coronavirus cases because the state is recording more than 500 cases a day, the clinic said.
People in the Bristol Bay Borough can get a rapid test every 10 - 14 days. Those who test positive at one of Camai’s testing sites will receive a call from a Camai clinic employee. That staff member will tell them what they should do until a public health employee calls to follow up.
Heading into Thanksgiving weekend, Camai said that people should follow CDC recommendations. That means they should avoid large gatherings and celebrate with those in their households. In other instances, they should practice social distancing and wear masks.
The clinic's Leader Creek testing site is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 - 3 p.m. If you are sick or suspect you may have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, stay at home and call the clinic at 907-246-6155.
Contact the author at isabelle@kdlg.org or 907-842-2200.