FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 71 positive COVID-19 cases between Friday and Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases to 142.
Of the new cases, one is in Nome, one is in Unalakleet, 55 are in Stebbins, 13 are in St. Michael, and one is in Gambell. Patients have been notified and instructed to safely isolate. The communities of Stebbins and St. Michael will remain in a lockdown until there are no new cases identified in the villages for 14 days.
Of regionwide active cases, four are in Nome, two are in Gambell, two are in Unalakleet, one is in Savoonga, 85 are in Stebbins, 47 are in St. Michael, and one is in Shishmaref. Village leadership in all communities with active cases has been contacted.
Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself and others. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available in every community.
Last week, 47% of cases were in youth between the ages of 0-19. NSHC medical providers encourage everyone 12 and up to be vaccinated as soon as possible, especially with school starting this week. Kids between the ages of 5-12 are expected to be eligible for a vaccine later this fall.
NSHC urges people to continue to stay home if they feel ill and to contact their local clinic to get tested. Statewide, the COVID-19 alert status is high. NSHC recommends masking up in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, per federal guidelines.
The Cough and Cold Clinic in Nome is available for testing seven days a week. 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 Cough and Cold Clinic at (907) 443-3231. If you are in a regional village, please contact your local clinic to get tested.
