FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
On November 21, 2020, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified five new cases of COVID-19 in Nome. All patients are close contacts of previously identified cases. The addition of these five positive COVID-19 results brings the total number of active cases in Nome to 39, while the total number of active cases in the region is now at 43.
Due to the rapid uptick of COVID-19 cases, NSHC has been diligently working to trace all close contacts that are tied to a cluster of cases identified around November 18, 2020. A total of 795 residents in Nome were tested for COVID-19 from November 18- November 21, 2020 by NSHC’s rapid testing program. All results have been returned.
In Nome, the school district has moved to on-line learning until the semester ends, Friday, December 18, 2020. It is critical for households to stay home and keep their social bubble small to reduce the spread of COVID-19. NSHC advises school-aged children to stay at home and not gather in large groups with other households. If someone from a household has not tested within the past two weeks, make an appointment for a rapid test at www.picktime.com/NSHC
The total number of active cases in our regional villages has dropped to four. There are two in Shaktoolik, one in Golovin, and one in St. Michael. NSHC is proud to report there has been no new positive cases of COVID-19 in Gambell since October 5, 2020 and no new positive cases in Stebbins since November 10, 2020.
With the Thanksgiving Holiday just a few days away, NSHC advises all residents of the region to enjoy this holiday time with your immediate household and avoid celebrating with large groups and your extended family. If you are not prepared to make your own Thanksgiving dinner this holiday season, NSHC has ordered holiday meats for each household in the region. Households have the option of choosing a turkey for Thanksgiving or Prime Rib in time for Christmas delivery. NSHC is available to deliver your turkey this week by texting or calling 907-434-0950.
More community-wide testing will be available this week. Thank you for your patience as NSHC works to adjust staffing and resources to meet the high volumes of testing required to keep our communities safe.
