FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2021
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation has identified active COVID-19 cases in most of the region’s communities. On Monday, Oct. 18, individuals in five communities received positive COVID-19 test results: 13 in Nome, three in Unalakleet, three in Brevig Mission, two in Shaktoolik, and one in Stebbins.
In Nome, five of the new cases were close contacts to previously identified cases, one case was travel-related, and seven were community spread. In Brevig Mission, two of the cases were close contacts, and one was community spread. In Shaktoolik, of the cases was travel-related, and one was a close contact. In Unalakleet and in Stebbins, the cases were travel-related.
NSHC would like to encourage those who are not yet fully vaccinated to make arrangements for their COVID-19 vaccination. According to the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, vaccinations make a big difference. In 2021, DHSS reports that 73% of all cases, 86% of all hospitalizations, and 83% of deaths among Alaska residents over 12 years old were in people who were not fully vaccinated.
DHSS also reports vaccinations play a big part in the age of people who are hospitalized due to COVID-19. In 2021, the age of patients who were unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated has been 15 years younger than fully vaccinated patients.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all NSHC locations. In a village, individuals can contact their local clinic for vaccination arrangements.
In Nome, COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the following places and times:
- Nome NSHC Pharmacy: walk in Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Appointments are available Monday-Saturday at picktime.com/NSHC.
- Nome Airport: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are offered to all incoming passengers 12 years and older.
Currently, there are active COVID-19 cases in eight regional communities: 64 in Nome, 34 in Brevig Mission, four in Unalakleet, four in Shaktoolik, four in Elim, one in Koyuk, one in Stebbins, and one in Shishmaref.
