FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Two COVID-19 Cases Identified
Nome, Alaska – On December 15, there were two positive COVID-19 cases identified in Nome.
The first case is considered to be community spread. The patient is a resident of Nome and an NSHC employee. NSHC determined there was minimal exposure to patients and all patients have been notified. The second patient, a non-resident of the region, tested positive in accordance with the City of Nome travel mandate. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified of the two cases and will conduct further investigation.
There have been 108 positive COVID-19 cases since the mid-November outbreak in Nome. Ninety-one individuals have recovered. In Nome, there are currently 17 active cases, with zero active cases in our region’s villages.
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 14-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.
Norton Sound Health Corporation has received the region’s first shipment of COVID-19 vaccinations today. This first shipment of vaccinations will be available to QCC elders and health care workers. If you have any questions, you can call into NSHC’s Daily Tribal Leader Call. Every Monday – Thursday, NSHC will provide a daily briefing about the COVID-19 pandemic preparation for communities at 11 a.m. The call-in line is 1-800-315-6338; access code: 03286#. If you have trouble dialing in, an alternative number to call is: 1-913-904-9376, also with access code: 03286#. NSHC will be sharing any new information they have about the COVID-19 vaccine and distribution plan for the region.
