FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2022
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
85 COVID-19 Cases Identified over Weekend
Nome, Alaska – Between Friday, Jan. 14 and Sunday, Jan. 16, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 85 COVID-19 cases between eight regional communities. There were 61 cases in Nome, six in St. Michael, five in Unalakleet, seven in Elim, three in Golovin, and one in each Shaktoolik, Shishmaref, and Stebbins. Leadership has been notified in each community.
As the number of cases in the region grow, it is important to take all the necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus. This includes getting vaccinated and, if eligible, getting a booster shot.
In Nome, COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the following places and times:
• NSHC Pharmacy: Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
• Airport: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are offered to all incoming passengers 12 years and older.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can also be made through www.picktime.com/NSHC.
There are currently 115 active cases in the region: 83 in Nome, eight in Unalakleet, seven in Elim, six in St. Michael, four in Savoonga, three in Shishmaref, two in Golovin, and one in each Stebbins and Shaktoolik.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the guidance for positive cases has changed to five days of isolation (based on the start of the infectious period), followed by five days of vigilant masking around others. As a result of this reduced infectious period, cases drop off the active case count quicker. The region is currently seeing a high level of transmission, although the case count may not appear as high as other times.