FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2021
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Between Friday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 7, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 90 COVID-19 cases in the region. Of the new cases, 55 were in Savoonga, 18 were in Nome, 11 were in Unalakleet, four were in Elim, and two were in Brevig Mission.
Of the cases in Savoonga, all were considered community spread, and the vast majority were between close contacts. In Nome, 13 were close contacts, and five were community spread. One individual was an NSHC employee, but there was no contact with any patients. In Unalakleet, the cases were a mix of travel-related and close contacts, and in Elim and Brevig, every positive patient was a close contact to a previously identified case. All individuals have been notified and are safely isolating.
While Alaska’s COVID-19 numbers remain high, cases are now on a downward trend, with a 24% decrease in the past 14 days. The state remains at the top of the chart for new cases per 100,000 people. 53% of Alaskans are currently fully vaccinated, which is 5% less than the national average, but medical professionals expect that number to increase with the new pediatric vaccine.
NSHC has begun vaccinating children ages 5-11 with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which was formally approved by the CDC last week. If you have questions regarding the vaccine, please email or call 1-800-315-6338; access code: 03286# at 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you live in a village and would like for your child to be vaccinated, please contact your local clinic to be added to the waitlist. In Nome, patients can make a vaccination appointment by visiting www.picktime.com/NSHC.
It is more important now than ever to get vaccinated against the flu. The flu vaccine can be co-administered with any COVID-19 vaccine. Receiving the annual flu shot will protect you and others in your community from getting sick, and it will help prevent additional strain on Alaska’s health care system. Flu vaccines are available at the Pharmacy in Nome and in the region’s clinics.
There are currently 218 active cases in the region, with 115 in Savoonga, 60 in Nome, 16 in Unalakleet, 14 in Gambell, nine in Elim, and four in Brevig Mission. Village leadership in all communities have been notified.
