FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Active COVID-19 Case Count at 68
Nome, Alaska – Between Friday, Dec. 3 and Monday, Dec. 6, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 20 COVID-19 cases between four regional communities. Of those cases, there were 12 in Nome, six in Unalakleet, and Shishmaref and Shaktoolik each had one.
In Nome, nine patients were close contacts to previously identified cases, two were community spread cases, and one was travel-related. One of Nome’s cases was a NSHC employee, who had no contact with patients during their infectious periods. In Unalakleet, one was travel-related, one was community spread, and four were close contacts to previously identified cases. In Shishmaref and Shaktoolik, both cases were close contacts.
The region is 69% fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some communities, the vaccination rate is significantly higher among residents, while in other communities, the vaccination rate is significantly lower. It is still important for those who have not been vaccinated to make arrangements to do so.
When weighing the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, one should consider the chances of getting sick from COVID-19 and how being vaccinated could impact their experience.
When fully vaccinated, there is still a risk of being infected with COVID-19, but the odds are notably smaller. In this region, NSHC’s trends show that the majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals, who make up a smaller portion of the population. More importantly, the vaccinated individuals are at a much lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death due to the virus.
Effectiveness against COVID-19-associated hospitalization ranges from 71% from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to 88% from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. When fully vaccinated, the chance of hospitalization leading to death decreases ten-fold.
Arrange a COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot by contacting your local clinic. In Nome, schedule a vaccination at www.picktime.com/NSHC, or receive a walk-in vaccination at the pharmacy.
There are currently 68 active cases in the region: 28 are in Nome, 12 are in Brevig Mission, 12 are in Stebbins, seven are in Unalakleet, four are in Shaktoolik, two are in Shishmaref, two are in Gambell, and one is in St. Michael. Village leadership in all communities have been notified.
