Erosion is threatening coastal communities around the state, but until now it hasn’t been clear to what extent. A study published in November 2021 by the state’s Coastal Hazards Program forecasts how much land erosion could wipe away in 48 of Alaska’s coastal communities.
“I had no idea that by 2039 to 2059 it would go that far,” said Leo Mahaney, who leads Nunam Iqua's environmental department. “Moving houses and all that water line infrastructure. I know it's not going to be cheap.”
Hospitalizations in the region are on the rise, but "that's something that happens after the peak of any outbreak," according to YKHC's Dr. Ellen Hodges. "Our hospitalizations do continue for a while because hospitalizations and deaths are lagging indicators, meaning they come after the peak of cases when our vulnerable patients can be hospitalized and die."
“If we choose not to wear masks, you could be taking away someone else's choice to be able to go do things like go to school, or go to the post office, or go to the store,” YKHC's Brian Lefferts said. “So choosing to wear masks as a community is a way that we can all come together in solidarity."
Last week, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services announced 8,950 new COVID-19 cases across Alaska, a significant drop from the week prior. During that time, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta made up 9% of the state’s new cases.