FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 20 positive COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, October 5. Of the new cases, 16 are in Brevig Mission, three are in Nome, and one is in Koyuk. Patients have been notified and are safely isolating.
There are currently 91 active cases in the region: 42 in Nome, 34 in Brevig Mission, 12 in Koyuk, two in Gambell, and one in Shaktoolik. Village leadership in all communities has been notified. NSHC is working closely with the leadership from all involved villages, and is sending additional help and supplies as needed.
The State of Alaska remains in high alert level, with nearly 200 people currently hospitalized throughout the state. The Norton Sound / Bering Strait region has seen 15 hospitalizations since the beginning of the pandemic, with three of those happening recently after the region saw an untick in cases. Nationwide, almost all hospitalized patients are unvaccinated.
In Alaska, 58% of residents are reported as being fully vaccinated, while 66% of residents in the Norton Sound / Bering Strait region are fully vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself and your neighbors is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Booster vaccines are also available to anyone who would like one if it has been at least six months since their last dose.
NSHC continues to offer official COVID-19 Vaccine Record Cards, which can be used to prove full vaccination. These cards will be particularly useful to have on hand while traveling. Upon request, cards will be printed and mailed after patients are fully vaccinated based on the requirements for each vaccine. At this time, the cards do not include booster shot information since that is not a requirement for travel. Please plan 2-4 weeks for your card to arrive by U.S. Mail. To request a card for yourself or a family member, please fill out a Request Form for each individual: http://bit.ly/NSHCVacCard
