Dillingham city officials say the unnamed person in their 80s died of complications from the virus at home on Saturday. This is the first known COVID-related death in the community.
An elderly Dillingham resident has died of COVID-19, officials said Wednesday. Dillingham city officials say the unnamed person in their 80s died of complications from the virus at home on Saturday. This is the first known COVID-related death in the community.
Last week, seven people tested positive for COVID-19 in Dillingham; all were reportedly travel-related. An additional case was announced on Sunday that public health officials suspect to be from community spread.
Kanakanak Hospital in Dillingham is a critical-access facility. It does not have any intensive care units or ventilators. The hospital has only 16 in-house units that provide oxygen. If a patient requires a ventilator, they will likely be medevaced to Anchorage or Seattle. But hospitals in Anchorage are already struggling to accommodate rural patients.
The health corporation leased Grandma’s House, the former retirement home in Dillingham. But it can’t be used at this time because BBAHC has been unable to staff the building.
In Dillingham, testing is available from 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily at the Capstone clinic by the Dillingham airport. Anyone experiencing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms can get tested at the hospital. To schedule a screening, call 907-842-9440.
