FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2020
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation was notified of two regional residents who tested positive for COVID-19 while outside the region. They were reported on Thursday, August 27, and are not related to one another.
The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing are aware of the cases and have begun conducting investigations. The patients are reportedly safely isolating. Neither patient was in the region during their infectious periods.
The addition of these two cases brings NSHC’s count of COVID-19 cases from the region to 44. Of those confirmed cases, these two latest cases are considered active outside of the region, and five are considered active in the region. The remaining 37 have recovered.
When a patient is recovered from the virus, they do not need to be tested again for an active infection for a period of 90 days. Patients should still adhere to social distancing and hygiene guidelines and any federal, state or local mandates regarding COVID-19.
Recovered patients will receive a letter from the State of Alaska that details instructions after recovery and provides them clearance from isolation. NSHC will also provide a letter to its recovered patients that excuses them from COVID-19 testing for the 90-day period, since patients may continue to test positive for three months after their recovery.
