FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2020
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – A resident of a regional village is now safely isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday, September 7. The patient is not experiencing any symptoms at this time.
Norton Sound Health Corporation notified the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing, which will conduct further investigation, including contact tracing and determining the virus’ origin.
NSHC reached out to local leadership in the village to determine a community response plan. There will be community-wide testing available in the coming days, with additional help coming from NSHC to make testing accessible. The whole community will be encouraged to get tested. Local leaders encourage community members to show compassion to those being impacted by the virus, including patients who test positive and any close contacts.
This fall could be an opportunity for the virus to spread more widely as the state’s businesses and activities have reopened more than at the start of the pandemic and schools cautiously start up. People are expected to keep those factors in mind while approaching daily life with safety precautions. Wearing masks in public spaces should be commonplace, as well as keeping social circles small. NSHC encourages households to minimize their social bubbles and avoid large gatherings.
