September 30, 2020
Contact: Sarah Richards, Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 907-443-4591
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation identified three additional positive COVID-19 cases in Gambell, bringing the count to 22.
The new cases are connected to the recent outbreak in the village, and a result of community spread. The patients are now safely isolating, and NSHC has been working closely with the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing and Gambell leadership since September 19 to implement protective measures to reduce any further spread of the virus. NSHC continues to send support to Gambell in the way of supplies and additional health care staff. Close contacts who initially tested negative will be retested 7 to 14 days after the first test.
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.
