FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation is saddened to report the second COVID-19 fatality of a regional resident on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The individual was in their 60s, and next of kin has been notified. NSHC sends its deepest condolences to the individual’s family and friends.
On Wednesday, NSHC identified 23 positive COVID-19 cases between three regional communities. In Nome, there were 12 new cases. Ten were close contacts of previous cases, and two were considered to be community spread. In Savoonga, there were 10 new cases, all close contacts, and in Gambell, there was one travel-related case. All individuals have been notified and are safely isolating.
Regionwide, 66% of the region’s total population is fully vaccinated, and the statistics show that the majority of positive COVID-19 cases are in unvaccinated individuals. Approximately 6,500 in the region are fully vaccinated, and almost 2,000 have received a booster shot. There have been 1,360 positive COVID-19 cases identified in the region since the pandemic began. Sadly, there have also been 17 hospitalizations and two deaths in the region.
Testing for COVID-19 is open daily for asymptomatic people from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Nome Operations Building Testing Center, located at the corner of Greg Kruschek Avenue and K Street. The Testing Center is open during the lunch hour, but staffing is limited. Please visit www.picktime.com/NSHC to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.
The Cough and Cold Clinic is available for testing every day for symptomatic patients. It is located on the first floor of the hospital and is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends, including during the lunch hour. You can call the direct line to the clinic at (907) 443-3231.
There are currently 179 active cases in the region: 108 cases in Nome, 31 cases in Brevig, 16 cases in Savoonga, 14 cases in Elim, five cases in Unalakleet, two cases in Wales, and one each in Shaktoolik, Shishmaref, and Gambell. Village leadership in all communities have been notified.
