FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Four COVID-19 Cases Identified
Nome, Alaska – On December 11, there were four positive COVID-19 cases identified in Nome.
The first case is considered to be community spread while the other three patients are close contacts to previously identified cases. All patients are residents of Nome. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified of the four cases and will conduct further investigation.
There have been 99 positive COVID-19 cases since the mid-November outbreak in Nome. In Nome, there are currently 17 active cases, with zero active cases in our region’s villages.
The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to be diligent about frequently washing your wands, staying home if you feel sick, wearing a mask in public spaces, and keeping 6 feet away from others. Many patients who contract COVID-19 will be asymptomatic or have moderate symptoms and can be treated safely from home. The best way to weather COVID-19 is much like with the flu: get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take fever-reducing medications if needed.
If you are considered to be a close contact to a person with COVID-19, it is important to quarantine for the full period of time recommended, even if you have recently tested negative. A person cannot test out of quarantine early. The newest CDC guidelines for close contacts includes an option to quarantine for a full 10 days without testing, or for a full 7 days with a test at day 7. If that test is negative at day 7, a person may come out of quarantine on day 8. These are new, shorter options to the standard 14 days of quarantine, which is still recommended when possible. If you have been identified as a close contact or have been directed to quarantine for any other reason and have a question, please call 907-434-0654.
Norton Sound Health Corporation is expected to receive the region’s first shipment of COVID-19 vaccinations within the week. This first shipment of vaccinations will be available to QCC elders and health care workers. More information will be coming soon.
