FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2021
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified three COVID-19 cases in regional villages on Tuesday, August 31. Two of the three cases were found in Stebbins, and one was in Savoonga. Each of these cases was a close contact to another positive case in their community.
There are currently 89 active cases throughout the region: 43 in Stebbins, 16 in St. Michael, seven in Savoonga, seven in Diomede, six in Nome, four in Elim, two in Unalakleet, two in Koyuk, one in Brevig Mission, and one in Golovin. NSHC has contacted leadership in each community with active cases.
When certain individuals contract COVID-19, one option for treatment is the monoclonal antibody treatment, which is available at every NSHC location. The people who qualify for the treatment are those who have other medical conditions and/or are 65 years and older. Monoclonal antibody treatments are effective and reduce the risk of hospitalization. They work best when given early, so the best time to ask a provider about the treatment is after a positive test or when identified as a close contact.
During this period of heightened spread of COVID-19 with the delta variant, NSHC is still recommending quarantine periods of 14 days for close contacts to positive cases. During quarantine, individuals should stay at home (if they share a household, try to stay in a room away from others) or outdoors away from other people, watch for symptoms, and contact their provider before visiting the hospital or the clinic.
With moose hunting season and the school year in full effect, it is important to monitor one’s health and stay alert for COVID-19 symptoms, especially in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet. These symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, sore throat, congestion, and runny nose.
If people feel ill, NSHC urges them to stay home and contact their local clinic to get tested. In Nome, the Cough and Cold Clinic is available for testing every day. It is located on the first floor of the hospital and is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends. You can call the direct line to the clinic at (907) 443-3231.
