FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2022
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
143 COVID-19 Cases Identified on Monday
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 143 COVID-19 cases on Monday, Jan. 24. There were 38 in Nome, 31 in Unalakleet, 18 in Gambell, 15 in Elim, 11 in Savoonga, 10 in St. Michael, nine in Shishmaref, five in Golovin, three in Koyuk, two in Shaktoolik, and one in Brevig. Leadership has been notified in each community.
There are currently 297 active cases in the region: 119 are in Nome, 49 in Unalakleet, 38 in Gambell, 22 in Shishmaref, 15 in Elim, 14 in St. Michael, 12 in Savoonga, nine in Brevig, six in both Golovin and Koyuk, three in both Stebbins and Shaktoolik, and one in Diomede.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidelines so that COVID-19-positive individuals are instructed to isolate for five days (starting from the onset of symptoms, or five days from the first day of their positive test without symptoms), followed by five days of wearing a face mask around other people.
If you were exposed to COVID-19 as a close contact and are NOT up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations,
• Quarantine for at least five days
• Wear a well-fitted mask around others until day 10
• Get tested four to five days after exposure
If you were exposed to COVID-19 as a close contact and are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations,
• You do not have to quarantine, unless you develop symptoms
• Wear a well-fitted mask around others until day 10
• Get tested four to five days after exposure
A close contact is defined as someone who spends 15 or more minutes within six feet of an infectious individual. If both individuals are masked, they are not considered close contacts.
As the number of cases in the region grow, it is important to take all the necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus. This includes getting vaccinated and, if eligible, getting a booster shot.
In Nome, COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the following places and times:
• NSHC Pharmacy: Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
• Airport: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are offered to all incoming passengers 12 years and older.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can also be made through www.picktime.com/NSHC.