FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2020
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – A patient is safely isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday, August 31. The patient agreed to allow Norton Sound Health Corporation to disclose their home community of Stebbins.
NSHC has notified the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing, which will conduct further investigation including contact tracing and the origin of the infection. It appears this case is travel-related.
NSHC contacted Stebbins community leaders to inform them of the case. There are currently two active cases in the community with a combined total of about 30 close contacts. If you have been told you are a close contact, you need to quarantine away from others. Everyone in the community is encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 and limit their social circles to just their own households.
Stebbins leaders encourage people to show compassion for patients who test positive and their close contacts. No one is picking up the virus or spreading it to others on purpose.
Rather than focusing on blame or negativity in regional communities, remember to follow basic safety precautions with your family. Wear a mask in public and around others outside your household, keep your distance from others, stay home if you feel sick and don’t travel unless it is necessary.
It will take a team effort and consideration for others to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
