FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2020
Contact: Sarah Richards Public Relations Specialist
Phone: (907) 443-4591
On November 16, Norton Sound Health Corporation identified three positive COVID-19 cases in the region.
Two of the patients – one resident of Nome and one non-resident of the region – tested positive in accordance with the City of Nome’s testing and quarantine mandate related to travel. The third case is a Nome resident who tested positive after being identified as a close contact to a previous case. All three patients are safely isolating, and Norton Sound Health Corporation has notified the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing, which will conduct further investigation. There are currently 14 active cases in Nome.
As Alaska’s case count continues to grow to record numbers, 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 masks, wash 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. Please consider staying home and keeping your circle small this holiday season to prevent the spread of the virus.
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.
