FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2021
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
100 Active COVID-19 Cases in Region
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 20 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, September 30, bringing the region’s active case count to 100.
Eight of the new cases are in Brevig Mission, five are in Koyuk, and seven are in Nome. Three of Nome’s new cases were NSHC employees, but there was no exposure to any patients. All newly identified patients have been contacted and are safely isolating.
Of the 100 active COVID-19 cases regionwide, 40 are in Nome, 35 are in Koyuk, 14 are in Brevig Mission, five are in Shaktoolik, three are in St. Michael, two are in Gambell, and one is in Unalakleet.
Alaska is one of just a few states that continues to report high daily case counts, near-record hospitalizations, and rising deaths while nationwide cases are beginning to decline. As the state continues to lead the nation in COVID-19 case rates, Alaska reported 1,270 new cases and 10 deaths on Thursday. In the last two weeks, Alaska has seen a record 84% increase in cases, while the rest of the U.S. saw a 26% decrease.
Residents of the Norton Sound/Bering Strait Region should be conscious of this when they travel outside of western Alaska onto the road system. You can do your part to stop the spread by getting vaccinated if you are not already, wearing a mask in public buildings, washing your hands, keeping your bubble small, getting tested often, and staying home if you are sick.
Testing for COVID-19 is open daily for asymptomatic people from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Nome Operations Building, located at the corner of Greg Kruschek Avenue and K Street. The Testing Center is open during the lunch hour, but staffing is limited. Please visit www.picktime.com/NSHC to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.
The Cough and Cold Clinic is available for testing every day for symptomatic patients. It is located on the first floor of the hospital and is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends. You can call the direct line to the clinic at (907) 443-3231.
In the region’s villages, please call your local clinic to get tested or vaccinated.