FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2021
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Three COVID-19 Cases Found on Monday
Nome, Alaska – On Monday, October 4, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified three COVID-19 cases in Nome.
All three cases were close contacts to previously identified cases. One individual is an NSHC employee, but there was no exposure to any patients. All individuals have been notified and are safely isolating.
On Monday, Alaska reported the second highest COVID-19 hospitalization tally. This occurred only two days after the State of Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services announced the activation of crisis standards of care for 20 Alaska healthcare facilities including NSHC, though the situation varies widely between each facility and doesn’t always mean rationing care.
In the U.S., nearly all the cases of severe illness, hospitalization, and death continue to occur among those not yet vaccinated against COVID-19. NSHC strongly encourages everyone in the region to contact their local clinic to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
In Nome, vaccinations are available at the following times and places:
• 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.
In a village, residents may contact their local clinic to arrange a COVID-19 vaccination.
There are currently 74 active cases in the region: 42 are in Nome, 18 are in Brevig, 11 are in Koyuk, two are in Gambell, and one is in Shaktoolik. Village leadership in all communities have been notified.