FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2022
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
On Wednesday, January 19, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified a record high number of COVID-19 cases for the second day in a row, with 94 cases found between nine regional communities. Of the new cases, 38 were in Nome, 27 were in Unalakleet, 16 in Shishmaref, seven in Elim, two in Brevig Mission, and Koyuk, St. Michael, Savoonga, and Stebbins each had one. Leadership has been notified in each community.
Patients who test positive for COVID-19 may be requested to provide proof of recovery in order to return to work or for other reasons. If a patient needs a copy of their recovery letter, they should ask their provider to send them one or request one through the NSHC Quarantine Team by calling (907) 434-0654.
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidelines so that COVID-19-positive patients are instructed to isolate for five days (starting from the beginning of their infectious period), followed by five days of wearing a face mask around other people.
Close contacts who are not fully vaccinated (including a booster shot if they are eligible) are instructed to quarantine for five days since their last contact with a positive individual. After quarantining, they should continue to wear a mask around others for five days. If someone who is fully vaccinated (including a booster shot if they are eligible) is identified as a close contact, they do not need to quarantine, but they should wear a mask and get tested five days after their last contact with the infectious individual.
As a reminder, a close contact is defined as someone who spends 15 or more minutes within six feet of an infectious individual. If both individuals are masked, they are not considered close contacts.
If your vaccination information is required, the CDC reminder cards that are provided at the time of your vaccination are widely accepted as proof. To get a replacement CDC card, please contact your local clinic or stop by the pharmacy. To request your full vaccination record, complete the NSHC email authorization form (https://bit.ly/vaccineauthorizationform) and email the completed form to .
There are currently 257 active cases in the region in 12 communities: 122 in Nome, 43 in Unalakleet, 42 in Shishmaref, 22 in Elim, 10 in St. Michael, eight in Savoonga, four in Golovin, two in Brevig, and one each in Koyuk, Shaktoolik, Stebbins, and Wales.
