FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2020
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – As COVID-19 positive cases are on the rise throughout the state, the Norton Sound/Bering Strait region continues to have some of the lowest percentage of coronavirus infections, mainly attributed to strict travel mandates and abundant testing. The total number has reached 163 since the pandemic began, with 22 active cases in the region.
One additional Stebbins case was identified on Monday morning. The case is tied to the recent outbreak, which began September 19, bringing that total village case count to 55. A medical response team remains in Stebbins, and over 80% of the village has been tested since the outbreak began.
This weekend, NSHC also identified a non-resident of the region who tested positive in accordance with the City of Nome travel mandate.
Last week, a resident of Nome tested positive while traveling outside of the region. They were not in Nome during any of the infectious period.
The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified and all patients are safely isolating.
Savoonga has not had a new positive case since October 31. Seventy additional tests were performed over the weekend and all returned negative. A total of 50 close contacts are tied to the Savoonga case and will remain in quarantine for the next two weeks. More medical personnel are traveling to Savoonga today to assist with village-wide testing.
In addition to Stebbins and Savoonga, NSHC has been monitoring two other villages, Gambell and St. Michael, closely. Gambell has not had any new positive cases since October 5. NSHC identified a total of 34 cases and assisted these patients in isolation. In addition, 251 close contacts quarantined during the outbreak. St. Michael has not had any new positive cases after a non-resident traveled to the village and tested positive on October 23. Several close contacts remain in quarantine.
