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BBAHC says all initial appointments will be by phone to minimize spread of COVID-19

Izzy Ross/KDLG

BBAHC says after patients’ initial appointment by phone, the provider will determine if an in-person visit is necessary. 

 

The Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation says all of its initial appointments will now be over the phone, as it tries to reduce contact between its staff and patients and minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

 

The health corporation detailed its new policies in a news release on Wednesday, as the coronavirus continues to surge in the region. 

BBAHC says after patients’ initial appointment by phone, the provider will determine if an in-person visit is necessary. 

People who do have in-person appointments must have a negative COVID-19 test to enter the health corporation’s facility. 

 

BBAHC asks that patients arrive 30 minutes before their in-person appointment to take the COVID-19 tests. People must call when they arrive. The number is 907-842-9440. BBAHC says people should either wait in the car or the white annex building between the main outpatient clinic and the dental clinic. If the wait for the test result is longer than 30 minutes, call 907-842-9440 and ask for your result.

Visitors must also have a negative COVID-19 test to enter the facility. 

As for medications, BBAHC says that, when possible, prescription refills need to be ordered at least seven days in advance and will be mailed to the patient. But those who have to refill critical medications can call the hospital pharmacy to arrange a pick-up.

 

Also, to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday and Thursdays, people can call 907-842-9440. They do not need a COVID-19 test prior to getting the vaccine unless they are symptomatic.

In the last seven days, the state has reported 48 cases of COVID-19 in the Dillingham area, 12 of which are in the City of Dillingham.

Dillingham Public Health said Friday there are 35 active cases in the City of Dillingham.

 

This story has been updated with numbers from Sept. 2, and with active case counts from Dillingham Public Health.

 

Contact the author at izzy@kdlg.org or 907-842-2200.

Izzy Ross is the news director at KDLG, the NPR member station in Dillingham. She reports, edits, and hosts stories from around the Bristol Bay region, and collaborates with other radio stations across the state.
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