FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Between Friday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 24, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 39 COVID-19 cases in the region. Of the new cases, 27 were in Nome, 10 were in Brevig Mission, and two were in Elim.
Of the cases in Nome, 17 were close contacts, six were community spread, and four were travel-related. In Brevig, all cases were close contacts and in Elim, both cases were community spread. All individuals have been notified and are safely isolating.
Regionwide, 66% of the region’s total population is fully vaccinated and the statistics show that the majority of positive COVID-19 cases are in unvaccinated individuals. Of the region’s positive cases, 61% have been unvaccinated and 39% have been vaccinated. The Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services reports that statewide, 73% of all cases, 86% of all hospitalizations, and 83% of deaths among Alaska residents over 12 years old were in people who were not fully vaccinated.
NSHC will continue to provide a briefing about the COVID-19 pandemic preparation for communities at 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The call-in line is 1-800-315-6338; access code: 03286#. If you have trouble dialing in, an alternative number to call is: 1-913-904-9376, also with access code: 03286#. Do you have questions in advance? Email Public Relations at or text 907-434-1927 before 11 a.m., and your questions will be answered during the briefing.
There are currently 140 active cases in the region: 95 cases in Nome, 26 cases in Brevig, 13 in Elim, three in Unalakleet, one in Shishmaref, one in Shaktoolik, and one in Wales. Village leadership in all communities have been notified.