FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2022
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Between Thursday, Dec. 30 and Sunday, Jan. 2, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 19 COVID-19 cases, all in Nome.
Of the new cases, four were community spread, eight were close contacts, and seven were travel-related. One individual is an NSHC employee, but there was no patient interaction during the infectious period. All individuals have been notified and are safely isolating. There are currently 19 active cases in Nome and zero active cases in regional villages.
While the region’s COVID-19 numbers have dramatically decreased in recent weeks, Alaska’s cases are currently on the rise. In the last 14 days, there has been a 54% increase in the daily average of new cases in the state. The U.S. has seen a 204% increase in the last 14 days.
COVID-19 testing is recommended for individuals returning from travel outside the region once again, due to the surge of cases in the Lower 48 and Anchorage area. NSHC staff are available for testing at the Nome airport at each incoming Alaska Airlines flight.
Anyone in the region can get tested for COVID-19. In villages, contact your local clinic to schedule a test. To schedule an appointment in Nome for COVID-19 testing, please visit https://www.picktime.com/NSHC. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Testing for COVID-19 is open daily for asymptomatic people from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Nome Operations Building Testing Center, located at the corner of Greg Kruschek Avenue and K Street. The Testing Center is open during the lunch hour, but staffing is limited.
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.
If you have questions about COVID-19 that you would like to ask a medical provider, anyone can call into NSHC’s Tribal Leader Call on Monday or Wednesday at 1-800-315-6338; access code 03286#, or email .
