COVID-19

The Liitfik Wellness and Treatment Center will eventually live in a new, two-story building across the street from the Norton Sound Regional Hospital (pictured), according to NSHC President Angie Gorn. Photo: Laura Kraegel, KNOM.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (coauthored by a Department of Health and Social Services employee) found that Alaska Native people face disproportionate risks from COVID-19, compared to white residents in Alaska.

COVID-19 has entered its endemic phase in the Norton Sound and Bering Strait region, NSHC Medical Director Dr. Mark Peterson said. That’s where the virus exists at a fairly consistent level within a population as a part of everyday life.

A long table with a gavel resting on it. American flag in background.

The Nome Common Council at Monday’s meeting voted down a proposed ordinance that would have changed the legal hours to sell alcohol in the city.

As of Feb. 16, Norton Sound Health Corporation reported exactly 200 active cases of COVID-19 in the Norton Sound and Bering Strait region.

COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the Norton Sound and Bering Strait region. Norton Sound Health Corporation identified 170 new cases of COVID-19 in the region Jan. 28-30, and another 106 cases on Jan. 31.

Active COVID-19 case numbers in the Norton Sound region surpassed 200 this week. Jan. 19 marked the second day in a row the region hit a record number of positive cases.

As of this past Saturday, the City of Nome is again under a mask mandate. Nome’s City Manager Glenn Steckman issued an emergency order requiring people to wear face masks in all public places outside of their homes.

Close-up of Nome and Bering Strait region on a color map of Alaska

As of yesterday there are 125 active cases of COVID-19 in the Norton Sound region. More than half of those individuals are located in Nome.

According to NSHC, there are 25 active COVID-19 cases in Nome, ten in St. Michael, five in Stebbins and one in Brevig Mission. In Nome, the majority of new cases are travel related.

Roads in village Stebbins in the winter.

COVID-19 case numbers continue to fluctuate but the Bering Strait has seen a general decline throughout December. Due to this decline, the city of Nome lifted its mask mandate on Dec. 8.