FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 29, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Two Additional Cases Identified in Region
Nome, Alaska – On December 28, there were two positive COVID-19 cases identified in the region. The first case is considered to be community spread. The patient is a resident of Brevig Mission and an NSHC employee. NSHC determined there was minimal exposure to patients and all patients have been notified. The second case is considered to be travel-related. The patient is a resident of Nome and is safely isolating. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified of the two cases and will conduct further investigation.
The addition of these two cases brings the number of total active cases in the region to eight. There are currently seven active cases in Nome and one active case in the region’s villages.
Today, December 29, as staff begin focusing on testing efforts in the community, the Brevig Clinic will be closed except for urgent/emergency care. Brevig leadership and NSHC encourage all residents to hunker down for the next two weeks and to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as they are able. In addition to testing, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, and keeping your distance from others are important safety precautions to keep in mind. NSHC continues to work closely with the community and will send additional help and supplies for community-wide testing.
NSHC understands that the guidelines about isolation and quarantine can be confusing, especially when someone in the household tests positive, but other family members test negative. If families choose to quarantine together, it is recommended that all members in the household start their 7-day quarantine clock once the infected family member completes their ten-day isolation period, even if this family member has recently tested negative. NSHC has housing available for patients who need to isolate or quarantine if it is needed. If you have been identified as a close contact or if you are quarantine with a positive family member and have a question, please call 907-434-0654.
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#.
