Under YKHC’s revised guidance, employees who are up-to-date with their COVID vaccinations, meaning they have received their primary vaccine series and the new bivalent booster at least 14 days ago, they may choose not to wear a mask in YKHC facilities, except in certain circumstances when masks are required.
Read the updated guidance in full HERE and read below for more details on how to get your bivalent booster.
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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, YKHC has made decisions based on guidance from the CDC, the State of Alaska, and medical experts. YKHC continues to update policies to support the health and safety of our customers, employees, and communities.
In early September, the CDC approved use of updated COVID-19 bivalent boosters. This booster is a new formulation, intended to better protect individuals from newer variants and is recommended in addition to previous boosters. With availability of the new bivalent booster and the recent decline in COVID-19 cases in the region, YKHC medical experts have updated masking and meeting guidance. These changes are effective immediately.
Under the revised guidance, employees who are up-to-date with their COVID vaccinations, meaning they have received their primary vaccine series and the new bivalent booster at least 14 days ago, they may choose not to wear a mask in YKHC facilities, except in certain circumstances when masks are required.
In the updated standard work, masks will continue to be required when directly interacting with a patient or when the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH. All employees are strongly encouraged to wear masks when the COVID-19 Community Level is MEDIUM. Employees may also choose to wear a mask at any time.
Additionally, employees who are up-to-date with their vaccinations and booster may attend meetings, with no limit on meeting size, and may eat and drink in designated areas, even if other employees are around. Employees who have not been vaccinated or who have not received the new bivalent booster must wear a mask at all times and may not eat or drink unless in an area where there are no other employees, including break rooms.
Please note, visitors and patients at YKHC facilities must wear a mask if the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH or if they have respiratory symptoms. At COVID-19 Community Level MEDIUM, masks are strongly recommended for all visitors and patients.
Please ensure you have read and understand the COVID-19 Employee Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required in the Workplace Standard Work on MCN.
YKHC will continue to monitor COVID-19 conditions in our region and adjust policies and procedures as needed. We appreciate the work that you do to serve the healthcare needs of our community.
How to get your COVID-19 bivalent booster
Bethel-based employees can receive their COVID-19 bivalent booster in our Wellness Center on Monday – Friday, 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Appointments are recommended (call 543-6949 to schedule), but walk-ins are accepted. Pfizer bivalent booster will be offered Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays; Moderna bivalent booster will be offered Tuesday and Thursdays.
Village and Sub-Regional Clinic employees, please work with clinic staff to get on the list for a bivalent booster, so appropriate amounts of vaccine can be ordered by your clinic.
Friendly reminder: President & CEO Dan Winkelman has authorized employees to get vaccinated and undergo the required post-vaccination observation period during work hours.
Questions? Contact the COVID-19 response team.