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Eleven more people test positive for COVID-19 in the Dillingham Census Area

Izzy Ross/KDLG

These cases bring the total to 14 new cases of COVID-19 in the area since Monday. Of the new cases, there is one non-resident in Dillingham proper and the other 10 cases are in the census area between two other villages. 

Eleven new positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in the Dillingham Census Area Wednesday. These now add up to 14 new coronavirus cases in the area since Monday. Of the 11 new cases, one is a non-resident who had recently travelled.  This is the only case in Dillingham proper. The other 10 cases are in the census area. All individuals are in isolation. 

According to a press release from the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, nine of the individuals were tested due to being close contacts of previous cases. Another person  was experiencing symptoms. It is not yet known where this individual contracted the virus however BBAHC does not suspect community spread. The state is working with the health care provider to conduct contact tracing.

As of today (Thurs, Nov. 19), there have been no hospitalizations of COVID-19 cases in BBAHC’s service area. This does not include Bristol Bay residents currently living in other areas.

The Kanakanak Hospital in Dillingham is a critical-access hospital and does not have any intensive care units or ventilators. If a patient requires a ventilator, they will likely be medevaced to Anchorage or Seattle.

The facility has only 16 beds for the whole of Bristol Bay that can provide oxygen. Grandma’s House, the former retirement home in Dillingham, has been leased. BBAHC is unable to staff the building.

In Dillingham, testing is available at the Capstone clinic by the Dillingham airport seven days a week, from 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. People experiencing symptoms can get tested at the hospital. To schedule a screening, call 907-842-9440.

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