FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified an additional 17 positive cases on Thursday, August 12, bringing the total number of active cases in the region to 131.
Thirteen of the new cases are Stebbins residents who tested positive during the ongoing outbreak. Patients have been notified and instructed to safely isolate. The community of Stebbins will remain in a lockdown until there are no new cases identified in the village for 14 days. NSHC continues to work with village leadership to provide support for the community.
Three of the remaining patients are region residents who have chosen not to disclose their home community. An additional case was identified in a resident of Nome and is considered to be travel-related. All patients are safely isolating.
Of regionwide active cases, four are in Nome, one is in Unalakleet, one is in White Mountain, 110 are in Stebbins, and 15 are in communities that will remain unidentified. Village leadership in all communities with active cases has been contacted.
Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that certain solid organ transplant recipients and immunocompromised individuals may be eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. At this time, individuals outside of this small population do not need to receive an additional dose. The FDA will be meeting again today to discuss further recommendations for the booster. Please contact if you have any questions regarding the new guidance.