For the most detailed information about COVID-19, please refer to the CDC's Frequently Asked Questions, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website, Bartlett Regional Hospital's COVID-19 page and the CBJ COVID-19 page.
A: Individual actions affect the health of our entire community. Whether you are young or old, sick or well, we all need to work together to slow the spread of the coronavirus so we can reduce the number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and overall strain on our healthcare system. Even healthy people are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It's critical you do your part to slow the spread. Taking care of yourself takes care of our community.
A: If you ARE experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your healthcare provider. If you think it is an emergency, call ahead and let healthcare workers know that you are coming so appropriate precautions can be taken. Please remember, limiting exposure of healthcare workers assists in keeping local medical providers healthy. If you do not have a primary health care provider, are unable to contact them, or your provider is unable to perform the testing, call the Juneau COVID-19 testing hotline at 907-586-6000. Testing will be arranged if appropriate. Please also refer to CDC recommendations: What to do if you are sick
A: Your COVID-19 PCR test is being performed by Bartlett Regional Hospital, an Enterprise Fund of CBJ. Bartlett Regional Hospital is collecting and billing insurance for this test. You should not be held responsible by your insurance for copays or payment per federal guidance (CMS FAQ Part 44, February 26, 2021). Bartlett Regional Hospital will not bill you for this test.
- Stay home: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
- Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.
- Get rest and stay hydrated.
- Cover your cough and sneezes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a facemask.
- Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, and bedding
- Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.
For more information see Caring for Yourself at Home
If you are caring for someone at home, monitor for emergency signs, prevent the spread of germs, treat symptoms, and carefully consider when to end home isolation.
*Note: Older adults and people of any age with certain serious underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.
Monitor the person for worsening symptoms. Know the emergency warning signs.
- Have their healthcare provider's contact information on hand.
- If they are getting sicker, call their healthcare provider. For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that they have or are suspected to have COVID-19.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
See complete CDC information for caring for someone at home here.
A: Due to the virus contagion, you will not be allowed visitors. To help keep you connected with family and friends, please bring an iphone, ipad, or laptop.
A:Bartlett Regional Hospital currently has 25 ventilators available. Eighteen ventilators are immediately available with 7 more units that could be made available with some lead time. Other equipment with oxygenation capabilities includes more than 20 oxygen concentrators, units that concentrate oxygen in the air and can be used as an oxygen source. A negative air pressure wing has been set up in the Medical Surgical Department and in the Emergency Department. Ante rooms have been created in the Emergency Department to prevent any possible spread of the virus in the hospital. Bartlett has a tiered plan for dealing with a possible surge in COVID-19 cases. Our emergency operations plan is underway to expand our facility and increase the number of isolation beds.
A: BRH will do everything in its power to facilitate medevacs of patients requiring treatment that we are not equipped to provide.
A: Our Emergency Operations plan includes a temporary alternate hospital in the former Rainforest Recovery Center. Depending on the severity of a possible outbreak, more portions of the hospital could be pressed into service while still balancing the remaining healthcare needs of the community.
A: If BRH's ability to respond effectively is exceeded, it will invoke other emergency protocols – standing up an emergency hospital and/or attempting to move patients out of the community for treatment. BRH already increases staffing for peak seasons needs through the use of temporary employees and traveling medical staff. We are bringing additional resources into the community to assure we are as prepared as possible. We can also reach out to the State's Volunteer Pool to bring in extra clinical help.