FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 12 positive COVID-19 cases on Thursday, August 26, bringing the total number of active cases to 131.
Of the new cases, three are in Stebbins, two are in Unalakleet, two are in St. Michael, two are in Elim, two are in Little Diomede, and one is in an undisclosed location. Patients have been notified and instructed to safely isolate. The communities of Stebbins, St. Michael, and Little Diomede are each under a lockdown until there are no new cases identified in the community for 14 days.
Of regionwide active cases, 80 are in Stebbins, 35 are in St. Michael, three are in Nome, three are in Unalakleet, two are in Savoonga, two are in Shishmaref, two are in Elim, two are in Little Diomede, one is in Gambell, and one is in an undisclosed village. Village leadership in all communities with active cases has been contacted.
On Thursday, the State of Alaska identified the highest count of COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, reporting 701 new positives in a single day. Hospitalizations are close to the highest Alaska has experienced so far, with 127 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19.
NSHC urges people to continue to stay home if they feel ill and to contact their local clinic to get tested. Statewide, the COVID-19 alert status is high. NSHC recommends masking up in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, per federal guidelines. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself and your community.
The Cough and Cold Clinic in Nome is available for testing seven days a week. 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 Cough and Cold Clinic at (907) 443-3231. If you are in a regional village, please contact your local clinic to get tested.
