FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2020
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – A Teller resident tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, July 22. This latest case is the community’s fourth confirmed case of the virus. Norton Sound Health Corporation has contacted that patient, and they are now safely isolating.
The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been informed of the case and will conduct an investigation, including tracing close contacts and determining the mode of spread.
NSHC contacted community leaders in Teller to inform them of the case. Teller has documented cases of community spread, but it has not been determined whether this latest case is among those. Teller and NSHC have met to discuss a village response, which will again include a push to test 100% of the community.
Teller leaders are requesting essential travel only and are discouraging travel by road to and from Nome and by water to and from neighboring communities. Teller’s travel permit requirements include testing in the traveler’s home community before coming to Teller. Call the City of Teller at 642-3401 or fax 642-2051 for more details of travel permit requirements.
NSHC would like to remind all residents in the region that non-essential travel can be risky at this time. If you must travel, you should remember your community’s quarantine requirements, which were implemented in an effort to protect others. Quarantining is the most effective method of preventing the spread of the virus. If you are not under a quarantine requirement, it is important to continue to keep your social distance from others. Avoid public spaces and large gatherings, and wear a mask and wash your hands frequently when avoiding the public is impossible.
