FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2021
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Community Spread COVID-19 Cases in Nome and Koyuk
Nome, Alaska – On June 24, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified one positive COVID-19 case in a resident of Nome and another case in a resident of Koyuk. On June 25, an additional positive Koyuk case was identified. The source of the virus in each community is considered to be community spread. The patients are safely isolating, and close contacts have been notified.
There are currently 13 active COVID-19 cases in the region, with 11 of them being in Koyuk.
Due to potential community exposure, NSHC is recommending a hunker-down period in the community of Koyuk. Outdoor, socially distanced activity is encouraged, but unvaccinated community members should avoid socializing with those not in their household and limit public outings.
Those who are experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, body aches, or diarrhea should call the clinic at (907) 963-3311 to get tested. All unvaccinated individuals who are three years of age or older, are encouraged to get tested this week, even those people without symptoms.
NSHC strongly encourage everyone 12 years of age and older to visit the clinic for a COVID-19 vaccination. This vaccine is 95% effective against getting COVID and 100% effective against getting severe illness or death from COVID-19. The vaccine is the most effective way for the community of Koyuk to beat the pandemic and this new outbreak.
