October 3, 2020
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 907-443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation has identified a new case of COVID-19 in Gambell, bringing the total number in the village to 29.
The new patient is a close contact and related to the recent community outbreak in Gambell. The State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology, Public Health Nursing, and Gambell leadership have been notified. A community response plan is in place, and NSHC continues to send supplies and additional health care staff, who are confident that the outbreak is under control. The village remains in lockdown as patients recover and close contacts are retested.
Local leaders encourage all residents to stay home, and wear face masks if it is essential to move about the community. Taking safety precautions seriously will help limit the spread of the virus, which has the potential to make people very ill. Many people who test positive for COVID-19 never notice any symptoms, but others experience mild, moderate or even severe symptoms, which can lead to hospitalization.
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.
