FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2021
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – A Nome resident tested positive for COVID-19 on the afternoon of Friday, June 4. The individual acquired the virus through community spread. The patient is safely isolating, and close contacts are being notified.
This case brings the total active cases in the region to 13, all of which are located in Nome.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has so far notified NSHC of seven cases of the P.1 variant of COVID-19 in positive cases found in the region last month. The presence of this strain of the virus in the region is concerning because the P.1 variant is known to be 60% more easily spread than the original virus, and it has a mutation that allows it to potentially evade immunity.
According to Alaska data, almost one in every 200 COVID-19 infections results in death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 5% of infections result in hospitalization.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not over. The region is closing in on its goal to vaccinate at least 70% of the entire region to achieve herd immunity. Currently, 60% of the region has been vaccinated with at least one dose. Pockets of infections continue to pop up in the region, and those who are unvaccinated are most at risk for illness.
Everyone 12 years and older in the region is eligible to get vaccinated. In a village, residents may contact their local clinic to arrange a vaccination. In Nome, vaccinations are available at the following places and times:
- Nome NSHC Pharmacy: walk in Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Appointments are available Monday-Saturday at www.picktime.com/NSHC.
- Nome airport: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are offered to all incoming passengers 12 years and older.
- Nome post office: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available Monday-Friday 12-5 p.m.
