FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2020
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 907-443-4591
Nome, Alaska – On Monday, October 5, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified three new cases of COVID-19 in the region.
Two of the patients are residents of Gambell and are linked to the recent community outbreak. Since September 19, NSHC has been working closely with the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology, Public Health Nursing, and Gambell leadership to carry out a community response plan. Residents are encouraged to remain in their homes and avoid contact with those outside their own household. A community-wide curfew is still in effect. Public buildings have restrictions in place, and some are closed entirely. NSHC continues to send supplies and additional health care staff to ensure that patients’ needs are met.
The third patient was tested as a result of the City of Nome’s travel testing and quarantine mandate. The patient, who is a non-resident of the region, is now safely isolating, and Public Health has been notified. Norton Sound Health Corporation encourages all incoming travelers to the region to continue to be tested upon arrival at the Nome airport.
If people 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 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.
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.
