FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2020
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – On November 7, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified a positive COVID-19 case in a resident of the village of Elim.
The case is considered to be travel-related, and any close contacts will need to quarantine for 14 days. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified and are investigating. NSHC is working closely with village leadership and is sending additional help and supplies for community-wide testing. Elim leadership has put several precautions in place to prevent an outbreak in the community. Masks are required in all public places. The store will be limited to only those who are over 16 years old, and a maximum of two people will be allowed to shop at one time.
As Alaska’s case count continues to grow to record numbers (over 1,000 new cases were reported this weekend), it is important for residents to stay vigilant in preventing the spread of the virus. As winter storms roll into western Alaska and people begin to spend more time inside, remember to wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay home if you are feeling ill. If you have not gotten a COVID-19 test in the past month, consider contacting your local clinic to get tested.
If residents have questions regarding symptoms, which can include coughing, shortness of breath, fevering, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, or other cold-like symptoms, they should contact their local clinic or the Nurse Call Line at (907) 443-6411 or 844-586-8773 if outside of regular clinic hours. Other general questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the State of Alaska’s 211 resource number.
All residents in the region are strongly encouraged to get their flu vaccine this year to protect them against getting influenza during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting the flu during the pandemic could lower your immune system defenses, and make you more vulnerable to other illnesses, including COVID-19.
