FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2021
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – On Thursday, Dec. 2, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 12 new cases of COVID-19 in six different communities. Of the new cases, five were in Stebbins, two were in Brevig Mission, two were in Shaktoolik, and there was one each in Nome, Gambell and St. Michael.
All cases were determined to be close contacts to previously identified cases, except in Shaktoolik, where one of the cases was community spread. Leadership in each community has been notified of the new cases.
The region is 67% fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some communities, the vaccination rate is significantly higher among residents, while in other communities, the vaccination rate is significantly lower. It is still important for those who have not been vaccinated to make arrangements to do so.
When weighing the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, one should consider the chances of getting sick from COVID-19 and how being vaccinated could impact their experience.
When fully vaccinated, there is still a risk of being infected with COVID-19, but the odds are notably smaller. In this region, NSHC’s trends show that the majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals, who make up a smaller portion of the population. More importantly, the vaccinated individuals are at a much lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death due to the virus.
Effectiveness against COVID-19-associated hospitalization ranges from 71% from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to 88% from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. When fully vaccinated, the chance of hospitalization leading to death decreases ten-fold.
Arrange a COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot by contacting your local clinic. In Nome, schedule a vaccination at www.picktime.com/NSHC, or receive a walk-in vaccination at the pharmacy.
There are 72 active cases of COVID-19 in the region: 33 in Nome, 13 in Brevig Mission, 12 in Stebbins, six in Shaktoolik, three in Gambell, three in Shishmaref, one in Unalakleet, and one in St. Michael.
