October 13, 2020
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 907-443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation has identified three additional positive cases in Stebbins, bringing the total number of recent cases in the village to 18.
The patients are considered close contacts and related to the recent outbreak in the community. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified, and village leadership have 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.
With positive cases surging throughout the state, NSHC encourages patients to delay travel at this time, including medical visits to Anchorage unless immediate attention is necessary. If telemedicine can be utilized, or a procedure can take place in Nome or at a local clinic, that is currently the safest option. Health care providers might consider delaying medical travel for patients for the next three months, though this will be decided on an individual basis. With the upcoming holiday season, NSHC encourages residents to stay within the region and avoid contact with those outside your household.
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.
