October 21, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Seven Additional COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Stebbins
Late in the evening of October 20, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified seven positive COVID-19 cases in Stebbins, bringing the total number of recent cases in the village to 34.
There are currently 16 active cases in the community. The patients are considered to be close contacts and related to the cluster of previous cases in the village of Stebbins. If you have been told you are a close contact, you need to quarantine away from others for 14 days. Everyone in the community is encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 and limit their social circles to just their own households.
The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified, and village leadership has been informed. Public buildings have limited to no access, and residents are encouraged to stay hunkered down. NSHC continues to work closely with the community by sending additional help and supplies for community-wide testing.
All unnecessary travel should be put on hold during this time. Traveling outside of the region poses a higher risk for contracting the virus, even with safety precautions in play. If travel can be delayed for the next six months, it should be. If travel is necessary, people should only go where they need to and try to avoid large social settings or public spaces when possible. Keep your distance from others, wash your hands frequently and wear a mask in public.
If residents have questions regarding symptoms, which can include coughing, shortness of breath, fevering, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, or other cold-like symptoms, they should contact their local clinic or the Nurse Call Line at (907) 443-6411 or 844-586-8773 if outside of regular clinic hours. Other general questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the State of Alaska’s 211 resource number.
All residents in the region are strongly encouraged to get their flu vaccine this year to protect them against getting influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting the flu during the pandemic could lower your immune system defenses, and make you more vulnerable to other illnesses, including COVID-19.
It will take a team effort and consideration for others to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
