FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
20 COVID-19 Cases Identified in Region
Nome, Alaska – On Thursday, Oct. 14, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 20 positive COVID-19 cases in the region.
Of the new cases, seven are in Nome, 11 are in Brevig Mission, and two are in Shaktoolik. In Nome, all except one patient were close contacts to previously identified cases, with one being travel-related. In Brevig, all 11 positive patients were closed contacts to other positive patients. Both Shaktoolik cases were travel-related. All individuals have been notified and are safely isolating.
Of the 114 active cases, 51 are in Nome, 50 are in Brevig, two are in Koyuk, six are in Elim, two are in Shaktoolik, one is in Unalakleet, and two are in Shishmaref. Village leadership in all communities has been notified. Active case numbers fluctuate daily depending on how many new cases are identified that day and the number of patients who are released from their 10-day isolation.
With the reopening of schools, decreased pandemic precautions, and surging delta variant infections, it is important to protect yourself from the flu during the pandemic. Catching the flu could lower a person’s immune system defenses and make them more vulnerable to other illnesses, such as COVID-19.
Protect yourself and those around you by getting the flu vaccine. The flu vaccines are now available at the Pharmacy in Nome and in the region’s clinics, and it is safe and effective. Per CDC guidelines, the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
In Nome, COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the following places and times:
- Nome NSHC Pharmacy: walk in Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Appointments are available Monday-Saturday at www.picktime.com/NSHC.
• Nome Airport: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are offered to all incoming passengers 12 years and older.
In the village, please call your local clinic to be added to a waitlist or to schedule an appointment.
