FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2022
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Active COVID-19 Cases Reach 300
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 80 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, Jan. 20. There were 30 cases identified in Nome, 15 in Unalakleet, 11 in Gambell, 11 in Shishmaref, four in Koyuk, three in St. Michael, two in Elim, and one in each Diomede, Golovin, Savoonga, and Shaktoolik. In addition, Gambell had four cases identified on Jan. 19 that were not previously reported. Leadership has been notified in each community.
There are currently 301 active cases in the region: 125 in Nome, 56 in Unalakleet, 48 in Shishmaref, 19 in Elim, 15 in Gambell, 13 in St. Michael, nine in Savoonga, five in Koyuk, four in Golovin, two in each Brevig and Shaktoolik, and one in each Diomede, Stebbins, and Wales.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidelines so that COVID-19-positive patients are instructed to isolate for five days (starting from the onset of symptoms, or 5 days from the first day of your positive test without symptoms), followed by five days of wearing a face mask around other people.
If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are NOT up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations
• Quarantine for at least 5 days
• Wear a well-fitted mask around others until day 10
• Get tested 4-5 days after exposure
If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations
• No quarantine, unless you develop symptoms
• Wear a well-fitted mask around others until day 10
• Get tested 4-5 days after exposure
As a reminder, a close contact is defined as someone who spends 15 or more minutes within six feet of an infectious individual. If both individuals are masked, they are not considered close contacts.
Testing for COVID-19 is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Nome Operations Building Testing Center, located at the corner of Greg Kruschek Avenue and K Street. The Testing Center is open during the lunch hour, but staffing is limited.
If you need to be seen by a nurse or physician, the Cough and Cold Clinic is available for testing every day in Nome. 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 clinic at (907) 443-3231.
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.
Stay up to date by visiting the latest https://www.nortonsoundhealth.org/category/covid-19/
