COVID-19 continues to spread in Koyuk as the latest outbreak has reached at least 13 cases locally within the last eight days. Norton Sound Health Corporation announced last night two more residents have tested positive in the community.

NSHC says the source of the virus in these two latest cases is community spread. 

Separately, a regional resident also tested positive for COVID-19 and is believed to have contracted the virus through community spread. NSHC did not release the individual’s home community.

Koyuk is still in the midst of hunkering down for two weeks as recommended by the regional health corporation. NSHC says all three new cases, including the Koyuk residents are safely isolating at this time and their close contacts have been notified.

Currently, anyone in the Norton Sound region who is 12 years or older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Residents in regional villages can call their local health clinic to receive a vaccine.

To receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Nome, residents can visit:
• NSHC Pharmacy: walk in Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Appointments are available Monday-Saturday at picktime.com/NSHC.
• Nome airport: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are offered to all incoming passengers 12 years and older.
• Nome post office: Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available Monday-Friday 12-5 p.m.

Image at top: The COVID-19 Virus. Photo credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.