A Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) patient has tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, marking the first case for TCC. The patient was tested in Fairbanks at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center on Friday, March 20th and the positive came back today, Wednesday, March 25th. The patient is currently in quarantine at their home in Fairbanks.
The Alaska Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) have been notified and will be following up with extensive contact tracing. All people who have had direct, face-to-face contact with this person are being instructed to stay home and self-isolate. TCC will assist with the contact tracing to ensure that our patients and staff are protected.
TCC Executive Director of Health Services, Jacoline Bergstrom stated that “we have been expecting that a TCC patient would test positive based upon the fast growing numbers of positive cases across the state, as well as seeing an increase of patients who are seeking care for fever and respiratory symptoms and are being tested The patient is receiving highly competent medical care and TCC wishes the patient a full recovery”.
TCC’s Chief/Chairman Victor Joseph says that TCC has been preparing for the outbreak for the past several weeks and that TCC will continue to work closely with its community partners, state and local agencies for preparedness and care. TCC has also been in contact with our member tribes to assist in preparations.
TCC is continuing drive-up testing for patients who have been screened. TCC patients may seek additional information at www.tananachiefs.org or call the TCC COVID-19 hot line at (907) 451-6682 option 9 to speak with a provider.