FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2020
Contact: Alexis Erikson, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-8918
Sixteen Positive COVID-19 Results in One Day
On November 25, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified sixteen positive COVID-19 results. The addition of these sixteen positive COVID-19 results brings the total number of active cases in Nome to 54.
The first patient who received a positive COVID-19 result is a non-resident of the region. Their case is travel-related. Fourteen cases are considered to be close contacts of previously identified cases and are community spread. The origin of the sixteenth case is still under investigation. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing have been notified of all the cases.
NSHC has been monitoring an outbreak which began around November 16, 2020 that has resulted in 70 positive cases in Nome. Additionally, 250 residents in Nome have been instructed to quarantine. Of the 70 total positive cases identified since November 12 in Nome, 16 of the individuals are NSHC employees.
Today’s count includes ten NSHC employees; two employees work at QCC. NSHC has confirmed there has been no patient exposure as a result of any of the positive employee cases. QCC employees test every seven days as part of their mandatory, routine employee screening program. In response to the positive results received for two QCC employees, the residents and guardians were notified, and all residents and staff were tested today, resulting in no further positive results. NSHC will continue to test residents and staff at scheduled intervals to identify any positive cases promptly.
With the Thanksgiving Holiday here, NSHC advises all residents of the region to enjoy this holiday time with your immediate household and avoid celebrating with large groups and your extended family. NSHC also recommends that all members of the household quarantine if any member of the household or if house guests have traveled.
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. The Cough and Cold Clinic is open on Thursday (Thanksgiving), Friday (November 27, 2020) from 8:00 am- 8:00 pm and all weekend during the hours of 10:00 am- 10:00 pm. You may walk into the Cough and Cold Clinic without an appointment for asymptomatic testing. The clinic is located on the first floor of the hospital, past the pharmacy drop-off window. If you have questions, please ask security located on the first floor. The number for the Cough and Cold Clinic is 443-9666 or 443-4200. Other general questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the State of Alaska’s 211 resource number.
