FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2021
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – A Golovin resident tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, February 23. Norton Sound Health Corporation has notified the patient, who is now safely isolating.
NSHC met with Golovin leadership to develop a community response plan, and reached out to all close contacts of the patient. The case is believed to be community spread. NSHC has informed the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing.
The region now has two active cases of COVID-19, including one in Nome and this case.
NSHC continues its effort to vaccinate at least 80% of the region, so that things may safely reopen and return to normal. Any regional resident who has received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine may enter NSHC’s vaccination drawing. Each week, 10% of participants per community will receive a $100 prize. Additionally, every participant is eligible to win grand prizes, which will be announced April 1, 2021. The grand prizes include:
- Four round-trip tickets to any destination in the U.S. on Alaska Airlines and $3,000
- $8,000 (+ shipping cost) toward four wheeler of choice purchased in region
- $500 in groceries at local store – 16 prizes (one per community)
- $500 fuel voucher – 16 prizes (one per community)
There are three ways to enter the drawing, but only one entry per person is allowed: text VACCINE to 833-413-0568, pick up a paper copy of the survey at your local clinic, or complete the survey online at https://bit.ly/3tpzQKa.
Once people have been vaccinated with both doses for at least two weeks, they are considered immune to the virus. Some communities, including Nome, Brevig Mission, Diomede, Savoonga, Shishmaref, Teller, Unalakleet, and Wales, are beginning to loosen their travel restrictions to allow vaccinated people to travel with no quarantine required upon return to the region, as long as the traveler agrees to be tested on day one and day seven.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says that those who are fully vaccinated and are close contacts of a positive patient no longer need to quarantine. They should, however, still follow local community guidelines, testing recommendations, and precautionary measures.
As of Sunday, February 21, 44% of the region’s entire population had been vaccinated with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
