FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – On January 20, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified three positive COVID-19 cases in the region.
The first patient is a resident who tested positive in accordance with the City of Nome’s testing and quarantine mandate related to travel. The second individual is an NSHC employee and resident of Nome. The employee did not have any exposure to patients. The third patient is a resident of Savoonga. This individual has not recently traveled, and the source of the virus is unclear at this time. NSHC is working closely with village leadership to formulate a response plan and make sure testing is readily available for the community.
The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified and will conduct further investigation on all three cases. There are currently 13 active cases in Nome, and two active cases in the region’s villages.
As of Monday, January 18, the Norton Sound/Bering Strait region, including everyone who are 16 and older, is now over a third vaccinated, with at least a first dose, for COVID-19. Providers are still traveling to village communities to help administer first and second doses of vaccine this week. In Nome, appointments are still available for those who are eligible at www.picktime.com/NSHC. If you need help scheduling a vaccine appointment, call 907-443-4567- the NSHC Patient Advocate.
If you have questions about COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, or have any concerns, you can call into NSHC’s Daily Tribal Leader Call every Monday-Thursday at 11 a.m. The call-in line is 1-800-315-6338; access code: 03286#.
If you develop a cough, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, fatigue, headache, or loss of taste or smell, please immediately quarantine and make an appointment at the Cough and Cold Clinic by calling the main appointment desk at (907) 443-3333. You can also call the direct line to the Cough and Cold Clinic at (907) 443-9666 or (907) 443-4200.
