FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Nome, Alaska – On November 30, there were five positive COVID-19 cases identified in Nome.
The first patient tested positive in accordance with the City of Nome’s testing and quarantine mandate related to travel. NSHC considers the other three patients to be close contacts to previously identified cases. The origin of the last patient’s case is considered to be community spread. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified. The addition of these five positive COVID-19 cases brings the total number of active cases in the region to 62.
In addition to these recent cases, Norton Sound Health Corporation is notifying any person who rode in a taxicab in the past three days that you may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. NSHC recommends monitoring your health and paying close attention to any symptoms that may arise. If you are concerned and feel that you have been exposed to COVID-19, please plan on getting tested this week. You can make an appointment to test at the NSHC Operations Building by visiting www.picktime.com/NSHC.
NSHC now has drive-up appointments available for people who are identified to be close contacts of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or for any residents who want to make a drive-up appointment. If you believe you were exposed while riding in a cab, but do not have a vehicle and would like to get tested, please call or text 907-434-0461 and a safe testing plan will be designed for you.
Due to the recent uptick of cases in Nome, the City of Nome has declared that all taxicab companies must limit the number of passengers in each cab. There is currently a limit of one person at a time, unless they are from the same household. All persons must wear facemasks in the cab with the exception of children under the age of three. Furthermore, any person licensed as a chauffeur and any licensed bus or vehicle for hire is not permitted to have more than one person inside a bus or vehicle for hire at one time, unless they are from the same household. The most recent emergency order via City of Nome can be found here.
If you develop a cough, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, fatigue, headache, or loss of taste or smell, please immediately quarantine and make an appointment at the Cough and Cold Clinic by calling the main appointment desk at (907) 443-3333. You can also call the direct line to the Cough and Cold Clinic at (907) 443-9666 or (907) 443-4200.
Stay up to date with the latest by visiting www.nortonsoundhealth.org/category/covid-19.www.nortonsoundhealth.org/category/covid-19.
