Alaska village complains of stigma following COVID tests

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Friday, July 3rd, 2020 6:23am

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BETHEL, Alaska (AP) — An official at one Alaska village said residents have been humiliated and discriminated against after the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. announced two people who were in the village tested positive for COVID-19.

KYUK reports Napaskiak Tribal Administrator Sharon Williams said village residents have been turned away from businesses in the nearby hub community of Bethel, even though they are adhering to proper COVID-19 protocols.

Williams said she's not sure there has been community spread in the village just southwest of Bethel.

But the health corporation said it stands by its assessment and believes it was important to make an announcement. 

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