FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – On Thursday, Nov. 18, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified six COVID-19 cases in the region. There were four in Nome, one in Unalakleet, and one in Shishmaref. All patients have been notified and are safely isolating. Of the cases in Nome, two were close contacts to previously identified cases, and two were community spread. In Unalakleet and Shishmaref, both cases were close contacts.
While positive COVID-19 cases in the U.S. have risen 33% in the past 14 days, Alaska’s COVID-19 numbers continue to decline. In the last 14 days, there has been a 22% decrease in new cases in the state.
NSHC is now vaccinating children ages 5-11 with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which was formally approved by the CDC earlier this month. If you have questions regarding the vaccine, please email or call 1-800-315-6338; access code: 03286# at 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you live in a village and would like for your child to be vaccinated, please contact your local clinic. In Nome, patients can make a vaccination appointment by visiting www.picktime.com/NSHC.
It is more important now than ever to get vaccinated against the flu. The flu vaccine can be co-administered with any COVID-19 vaccine. Receiving the annual flu shot will protect you and others in your community from getting sick, and it will help prevent additional strain on Alaska’s health care system. Flu vaccines are available at the Pharmacy in Nome and in the region’s clinics.
There are currently 164 active cases in the region: 107 are in Nome, 29 are in Savoonga, 10 are in Shishmaref, seven are in Unalakleet, six are in Brevig, four are in Gambell, and one is in Wales. Village leadership in all communities has been notified.
