FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2020
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – A resident in a regional village received their COVID-19 positive test results on Monday, August 3. Norton Sound Health Corporation has notified the patient, and they are now isolating in their home community.
The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been contacted and will begin an investigation, including determining the cause of spread. NSHC has begun reaching out to the patient’s close contacts and instructing them on quarantine requirements and testing availability.
NSHC met with community leaders in the patient’s home village to determine a local response. There will be additional testing availability for residents in the community, through the local clinic. NSHC strongly encourages one member of each household to get tested for COVID-19 in the community. The local clinic and community leaders will help promote the additional testing availability to residents.
NSHC encourages residents around the region to take steps to promote community safety, including limiting your social circle. By keeping your social “bubble” limited to your household members and another family or group or two, you have a better idea of people’s exposure to COVID-19. When outside your social bubble, it is important to continue wearing masks to protect others from any virus you may be carrying. Frequent hand washing or hand sanitizing will make a difference in preventing the spread of the virus as well.
If you feel sick at all, you should stay home. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, fevering, shortness of breath, fatigue, new-onset diarrhea, loss of smell or taste, and other cold symptoms), please contact Primary Care in Nome at 443-3333 or your local clinic before going in to be seen.
