FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2021
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Two Nome Residents Test Positive for COVID-19
On January 12, two Nome residents tested positive for COVID-19. The first patient is a close contact of a previously identified case, while the second patient’s case is considered to be community spread. The patients are now safely isolating.
Norton Sound Health Corporation notified the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing of the two cases. There are currently nine active cases in Nome and zero active cases in the region’s villages.
In Nome, NSHC has opened appointment slots for COVID-19 vaccinations. Please note that vaccinations are not yet open to those aged 16-49 who do not have two or more of the listed high-risk medical conditions or who are not part of Group 1 or 2 essential workers. Please wait patiently for further updates to allow these high priority patients to receive their vaccinations first. More information about who is eligible to receive their vaccination can be found here: https://www.nortonsoundhealth.org/covid-19-vaccination-updates/. To schedule an appointment, visit www.picktime.com/NSHC.
In the region’s villages, vaccination teams will be starting with any elders, healthcare workers, first responders, or essential workers who have not yet been vaccinated. Vaccinations will then open up to everyone in the community 18 and older. Please call your local clinic for more information.
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. 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#. Today, BSSD superintendent, Bobby Bolen, and NPS superintendent, Jamie Burgess, will give an update on the school districts’ plans for the spring semester in regards to academics, sports, and activities. They will also answer any questions callers may have.