The Bering Strait region now has its fifth case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Norton Sound Health Corporation announced the newest case on Saturday.
According to the release from NSHC, the individual who tested positive for the virus is a resident of one of the Bering Strait regional villages and is not a resident of Nome. Prior to this latest case, all other COVID-19 cases in the region were based in Nome.
Neither the health corporation nor the state of Alaska have identified which community the new positive case is from. However, according to NSHC’s statement, it has informed community leaders and the community has activated its local response plan.
NSHC says it will, “send out a response team to conduct testing for close contacts and other community members who wish to be tested.”
There are now two active cases of COVID-19 in the Bering Strait region, following this weekend’s announcement from NSHC. The other active case has been identified as a Nome resident who contracted the virus related to travel outside of the city.
Norton Sound Health Corporation offers coronavirus testing for anyone, with or without symptoms, at their walk-in tent in Nome as well as at their local village clinics throughout the region.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 like a fever, coughing, or a loss of taste and smell, please call Primary Care in Nome at 443-3333.
The Bering Strait region’s fifth case was part of 29 new cases announced from across the state on Saturday. By Monday morning, the total count of COVID-19 cases in Alaska is 664 with 417 of those deemed recovered.
Image at top: Particles from the coronavirus. Photo in the public domain via Creative Commons
