FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Late in the evening of October 28th, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified three additional positive cases of COVID-19 in the region. They were also notified of one regional resident who tested positive while traveling outside of the region.
Three patients are residents of Stebbins. Two of these three patients were considered to be close contacts from previous cases in the community who tested positive on day 7 of their quarantine. The community is on total lockdown and should quarantine away from other households for the next three weeks. NSHC encourages community members to follow this lockdown and to get tested for COVID-19.
There are currently 23 active cases in the community of Stebbins. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified, and village leadership has been informed. NSHC continues to work closely with the community by sending additional help and supplies for community-wide testing.
The fourth patient, who is a resident of the region, was not in the region during their infectious period.
The addition of these four cases brings NHSC’s count of COVID-19 cases from the region to 152. NSHC’s patient count includes regional residents who tested positive while outside of the region as well as non-residents of the region who have tested positive while in the region.
If residents have questions regarding symptoms, which can include coughing, shortness of breath, fevering, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, or other cold-like symptoms, they should contact their local clinic or the Nurse Call Line at (907) 443-6411 or 844-586-8773 if outside of regular clinic hours. Other general questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the State of Alaska’s 211 resource number.
All residents in the region are strongly encouraged to get their flu vaccine this year to protect them against getting influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting the flu during the pandemic could lower your immune system defenses, and make you more vulnerable to other illnesses, including COVID-19.
It will take a team effort and consideration for others to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
