FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Nome, Alaska – On Saturday, November 28, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified three positive COVID-19 results.
NSHC considers the first patient’s virus acquisition as a close contact case. The origin of the second case is still under investigation. The third patient, a non-resident of the region, tested positive in accordance with the City of Nome’s testing and quarantine mandate related to travel. An active case count for Nome will be shared on Monday, November 30, 2020.
NSHC is proud to announce that there is only one active case in one of the region’s villages at this time. Gambell has not had a positive case since October 5, 2020 and Stebbins has not had a positive case since November 10, 2020. Both communities have role modeled that outbreaks can be extinguished when everyone does their part to take isolation (infected with COVID-19) and quarantine (exposed or possibly exposed to COVID-19) seriously.
At this time, NSHC is advising that it is important for all members of the household to quarantine if any member of the household has traveled or if house guests are visiting with recent travel history, until their quarantine period is complete. Although this is a hardship, it is a critical prevention measure to further prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Although NSHC’s quarantine team prioritizes patients in isolation, patients in close contact quarantine, and NSHC coordinated medical travel quarantine, please do not hesitate to call NSHC if you are placed in a situation where a household member has traveled or will be traveling home (Mount Edgecumbe High School students or college students) and quarantine is not possible. NSHC quarantine team may be reached at 907-434-0654.
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 the cough and cold clinic. The number for the Cough and Cold Clinic is 443-9666 or 443-4200 between the hours of 8:00 am-8:00 pm, Monday through Friday and 10:00 am-10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday. In the villages, residents should call 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.
