Dear Team,

Good afternoon. I hope you have had a wonderful summer! I want to share with you the latest information on COVID-19.

THE SITUATION
Until recently, the region has enjoyed lower rates of COVID-19 cases over the last several months. Last week however, the region saw an increase in active cases from 5-10 per week to 70. Yesterday, we had 88 active cases in our region. Most of those cases are in unvaccinated individuals. This may be the beginning of a new wave.

On July 22, 2021, we announced evidence of the Delta variant here in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. We will continue to actively monitor our case rates and whether the Delta variant becomes the dominant variant in our region. It is likely more widespread now than the recent evidence suggests. Remember, the number of people in-region receiving COVID-19 tests is now quite low. With a lower number of tests being conducted, it is difficult to gauge how much virus and what type is circulating. Regardless, we expect the Delta variant to become the dominant strain in our region as it has elsewhere.

The Delta variant is concerning because it is more contagious and may be more virulent than the other COVID-19 strains. Although still effective, the vaccines are less effective against the Delta variant and more breakthrough cases nationwide have occurred. The good news is that nearly 100% of vaccinated individuals are protected from hospitalization or death from COVID-19, including from the Delta variant.

MANDATING THE VACCINE AT YKHC
A few months ago I communicated to you through our employee forums that mandating the COVID-19 vaccine at YKHC would happen after one of the vaccines was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Recent news reports have stated this would likely happen within the next 50 days.

Exceptions to waiting on licensure by the FDA and requiring the vaccine for all YKHC staff are numerous and varied. For example, whether we encounter a new wave of cases here at home or any of the regions where we travel and medevac to (like southcentral Alaska), the type of strains in region, our current staff vaccination rate, FDA licensure taking longer than expected, an early flu season and numerous other factors. Just this morning I finished a concerning call with other hospital CEO’s from across the state and learned the Anchorage referral hospitals were nearing capacity for cases of COVID-19. More than one CEO described their COVID-19 units having a younger population in the 30 to 55 age range, with up to 10 patients on ventilators.

As of July 26, 2021, according to Bloomberg, “More than 3.89 billion doses [of vaccine] have been administered across 180 countries. The latest rate was roughly 33.9 million doses a day. In the U.S., 342 million doses have been given so far. In the last week, an average of 590,639 doses per day were administered.”

Our current staff vaccination rate is approximately 85%. Although our vaccination rate is higher than most of our peers at other health systems, it could still be improved. Why would we want to improve this rate? As a healthcare provider, it is imperative that we care for our customers. We can only do that if we remain healthy and able to work. We also must care for our co-workers and the communities we live in. The easiest solution to accomplish all of this is becoming fully vaccinated with a safe and effective vaccine.

WHAT CAN WE DO?
We will continue to monitor cases to see whether we are beginning a new wave of COVID-19 in the region and the strains involved. We are also analyzing the new Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidance on masking that was released a few hours ago. As changes happen, you can expect more information, guidance, and policy changes from YKHC.

I encourage members of our workforce still considering vaccination to talk with a trusted healthcare provider about your concerns, to ask questions, or to participate in the COVID-19 update call for staff. I also encourage vaccinated staff to become “vaccine ambassadors” and to share your story of vaccination with others who are not yet vaccinated. All of us can learn from each other.

Opting for safe and effective vaccination protects you, your family, your coworkers and our communities.

Quyana for your continued service and your commitment to our region.

Yours Sincerely,
Dan Winkleman