NSHC Situation Report Update
July 28, 2020
to the Norton Sound Health Corporation community
There are 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 from the Norton Sound/Bering Strait Region (three of which were regional residents who tested positive outside of the region); 19 recovered and one active. There are 2,729 confirmed cases of Alaska residents with COVID-19.

Total number of tests done: 14,548
Total number of unique patients tested in the region: 5,250
Results: 12,530 returned negative, 17 returned positive, and 2,001 are pending

The latest news from Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, including the latest health mandates and alerts, can be found here.
Situation Report
Results via Text: NSHC now has mobile phone text results available! It's a quick and easy way to get your COVID-19 test results and show proof that you have been tested.

If you have been tested recently, you may automatically receive a text from NSHC. You will be asked for permission to send results and can reply "STOP" to receive no further messages from NSHC.

If you would prefer to look up your own results using the MyHealth Patient Portal, you may do so here or by signing up for the portal through NSHC Registration at 443-4542.
Tribal Communication

The daily call continues Monday-Thursday at 11 a.m. Tribal leaders are invited to call into 1-800-315-6338; access code: 03286#. If you have trouble dialing in, an alternative number to call is: 1-913-904-9376, also with access code: 03286#.
Please mute your phone until the end, when NSHC will answer any questions.
Do you have questions in advance? Email Reba Lean, NSHC Public Relations Manager at rlean@nshcorp.org or text 907-434-1927 before 11 a.m., and your questions will be answered during the briefing.

Find minutes from previous calls here.
Nome Airport Testing: Passengers arriving at the Nome airport can now receive COVID-19 testing upon arrival. Travelers to Nome may choose to shorten their quarantine time from 14 days to seven days, if they receive COVID-19 testing upon arrival and again seven days after arrival.
Drive-up Tent Testing: NSHC offers expedited COVID-19 testing for people in Nome who have no symptoms of sickness. If you are symptom-free and would like to be screened, you can stop by the testing tent in front of the hospital without an appointment from 8-11 a.m. and 12:30-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. NSHC asks people follow the current recommendations to stay 6 feet apart and wear facemasks to prevent any potential unwanted sharing. Watch a video about the tent opening here.

In the villages, symptom-free patients may also receive testing by calling their local clinics.

COVID-19 testing comes at no cost for patients. There will be no balance bill for the testing. Effective March 18, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover COVID-19 testing without imposing any cost sharing (such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance) or prior authorization or other medical management requirements. NSHC will bill the patient's medical insurance for the test, but there will be no out-of-pocket charge to any patient.

Patients without health insurance will not be charged.
Outpatient Services Reopen: Norton Sound Health Corporation would like to welcome back patients who have put off their health care visits because of COVID-19 concerns. Please call Primary Care at 443-3333 or your local clinic to make an appointment for your health care needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released guidelines addressing regions with low rates of COVID-19 and says patients may been seen for visits and screening exams, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. If you would like to be seen by telemedicine, NSHC has that option available as well for many types of care.
 
NSHC feels confident in opening its doors to patients with the safest precautions in place. NSHC practices exemplary infection prevention through routine cleaning and sanitizing. Employees and visitors to all NSHC facilities are screened for temperatures upon entry and are required to wear masks. Employees are tested for COVID-19 on a two-week basis. Anyone in the region who would to may be tested for COVID-19.

In addition to primary care, the following services are now open to patient appointments:
 
Audiology: 443-3297
Dental: 443-3309 (patients must be tested for COVID-19 48 hours in advance of appointment)
Eye Care: 443-3235
Radiology: 443-3227
Rehabilitation and Therapy Services: 443-4513
 
Pharmacy will continue to be closed to walk-in purchases/pick-ups and will offer its delivery service. Please call 443-3377 for medication refills.
Pediatric Clinic: NSHC wants to make sure parents know that vaccinating children remains important during this pandemic. In an effort to help families feel safe in continuing their regular vaccine schedules, NSHC has set up a Pediatric Vaccine and Well Child Clinic at the Health Aide Training Building, located near the old hospital in Nome, off of Division Street.
Cloth Face Coverings at NSHC: T he State of Alaska recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, and NSHC requires face coverings in all of its facilities. Patients are encouraged to bring their own masks, but masks will be made available if patients do not have them, and they must be worn at all times during their visit.

There are a few things everyone should know about cloth face masks that will help ensure you are wearing them appropriately and effectively.
  • Make sure the face covering covers both the nose and the mouth
  • When removing the face mask, avoid touching the front of the mask (because it may be contaminated). Remove it by grasping the ear loops, ties, or bands and immediately discard of place in a designated container for laundering
  • Wash your hands as soon as you can after removing the mask
  • Face coverings should be washed with hot, soapy water between uses
  • Do not wear N-95 or surgical masks unless you a health care worker using them for your job
  • Do not rely on face coverings as the primary way to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Social distancing and frequent handwashing remain the most effective ways to prevent infection.
You can read more about frequently asked questions about cloth face coverings on the CDC website .
Scheduling Appointments: If you live in a village, please call your local clinic for all health concerns. If the clinic is closed, your calls will ring to the Nurse Call Line. You can also call the Nurse Call Line directly at 907-443-6411 or 844-586-8773 with any urgent needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you live in Nome, please call the Primary Care Clinic during business hours if you feel sick or have other health care needs at 443-3333. If you have urgent healthcare concerns outside clinic hours, feel free to contact the Nurse Call Line at 443-6411.

In Nome, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and are directed to come in for testing, please use the hospital's rear entrance.
After a Test, per DHSS : If you have symptoms and are being tested for COVID-19, you should self-isolate while waiting for your test results. If you test positive, a public health nurse will monitor you. You’ll be allowed to leave isolation once 10 days have passed since your symptoms started and 3 days have passed since recovery. Recovery is defined as being fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and improvement in respiratory symptoms. Even if you test negative, you should still continue to self-isolate for 7 days from when your symptoms started and until you’ve gone three days since recovery. If you have been identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you must stay in quarantine for 14 days from your last exposure (certain exceptions may apply to people working in a critical infrastructure sector). A negative test result does not shorten your quarantine.
COVID-19 Guidance for Close Quarters: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some tips for families and groups that share small or crowded homes. The guidance covers what to do if you share a room with someone who is sick and how you can remain safe while sharing a small space.
  1. Limit errands
  2. Vulnerable members should avoid caring for children
  3. Separate (isolate) a household member who is sick

Read more details about how to follow that guidance here.
Quarantine Preparations: NSHC has designated its quarantine leader as Amy Hollis. If you have medical travel quarantine questions, she can be reached at 907-434-0654 or by email at adhollis@nshcorp.org .

For other quarantine resources, look here:
Service and Program Updates:

VILLAGE HEALTH SERVICES: In order to protect communities and health care providers in the villages, NSHC will be locking doors to local clinics. The clinics will remain operational during normal hours. When a patient calls to schedule an appointment, they will be asked a series of screening questions by a Community Health Aide to determine any exposure to COVID-19. Their chief complaint will be brought to a provider to determine if an appointment can be completed over the phone or scheduled in clinic. 

PRIMARY CARE CLINIC TELEHEALTH: The Primary Care Clinic (PCC) in Nome is operating with reduced hours from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. PCC is currently seeing patients that require face-to-face visits, determined by their doctor. However, you can talk to your doctor under PCC’s new telemedicine program. Norton Sound Health Corporation now offers telehealth direct-to-home video and telephone appointments for Nome and Village customer-owners and patients. This new service delivers health care to you in the comfort of your own home, or wherever you may be.

This new service allows customer-owners to have the choice of a video consult with NSHC physicians using their smartphone, tablet (iPad), or computer. You can see a physician for most medical problems that you would typically come to the primary care clinic for. Some of the common issues addressed with telemedicine include:
  • Upper Respiratory Infection
  • Medication refills
  • Otitis Media (ear infection)
  • Allergy symptoms
  • Sinusitis
  • Sore throat
  • Bronchitis
  • Rashes
  • Acne
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI)
  • Smoking cessation
  • Behavioral health consults (Depression, Anxiety)

Nome and Village patients with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or hypertension may be contacted by the telehealth team to schedule a follow-up visit by telemedicine soon. Your provider will send you a unique link that you can use on your device, which we may have to test before your virtual visit. We may ask you to go to the hospital to have lab tests done before your visit.

Nome customer-owners may request a telehealth visit with their primary care provider by calling the clinic to schedule a video or telephone consult. PCC will make an effort to schedule your appointment on the same day, if one is available. PCC will give you a specific appointment time, just like you would receive for a regular, in-person visit.
Coping During COVID-19: Every person reacts uniquely to stressful situations. With COVID-19 concerns across the world, you may experience:
  • feelings of fear and anxiety
  • changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • worsening of chronic health problems
  • increased use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
There are different things you can do to cope during this time to make you and your family stronger:
  • Take breaks from watching, reading, and listening to the news, including social media.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Take online classes, including cooking, art, and other interests you might have.
  • Talk with your children about COVID-19 and share facts in a way they understand.
  • Reassure your children to stay safe and share with them how you handle your own stress.
  • Create learning, relaxing and fun activities for your children.
  • For first responders, allow time for you and your family to recover from responding to the pandemic, and ask for help if feeling overwhelmed or concerned.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • Go outside and exercise. Enjoying outdoor activities in safe environments supporting prevention guidelines is good for your health and family. 
Norton Sound Health Corporation’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is ready to serve as a resource. Providers will consult with you by video and phone to discuss any concerns you might have.
Please call BHS at 443-3344 from 8-5 daily and 443-6411 after hours and all weekends.

Click here for more on COVID-19 coping skills.
How the Public can Help
NSHC has received many inquiries from the public about how they can help during this COVID-19 national emergency. In this stressful time, it is important to remain generous and thoughtful. A little extra kindness goes a long way.

There are many ways you can help serve your community, thereby helping your health care system stay under its capacity:
  • Keep your distance from others and avoid gatherings of 10 or more people
  • Purchase food responsibly: make sure you have what you need, and if you have extra, consider donating to folks who need it, especially the elderly or immunocompromised
  • Keep walkways shoveled in case of emergencies
  • Support local businesses that may be struggling at this time
  • Write notes or make cards for elders you know (or QCC residents)
  • Volunteer at NEST or the Nome Food Bank (call 443-5259 for more information)

Additionally, there are ways you can help your local health care community specifically. Here are a few ideas:
  • Donate N95 masks if you have a supply that you don't need
  • Sign up to make a meal or snacks for health care workers. Contact Reba Lean at 443-9674 or at rlean@nshcorp.org for more information
  • Are you a former health care worker? NSHC may be able to use your help. Contact Cameron Piscoya at 443-3360 or at compliance@nshcorp.org to learn more about our emergency credentialing procedures
Handmade Cloth Face Masks: NSHC is seeking donations of handmade cloth face masks from the public.

NSHC recommends that if people wish to make these handmade cloth face masks, they do so for the following:
  • Yourself and your loved ones
  • NSHC staff
  • Local businesses whose staff comes into contact with many members of the public
  • NEST and Day Shelter personnel and guests

Norton Sound Health Corporation will accept donations at the hospital’s main entrance lobby during its open hours. Local businesses in Nome can request numbers of masks from rlean@nshcorp.org. If you are in a village and would like to make masks, please advertise what you’re doing and reach out to those who might be in need.
There are many handmade face masks tutorials available on the internet, but NSHC would like to recommend the following specifics:
  • Use a 100% cotton fabric
  • Use a tightly woven fabric
  • Add an extra layer or two to any pattern you find for added protection
  • Wash at high heat after each day’s use

Watch a video tutorial here.
Quarantine Preparations: NSHC knows that patients traveling to Nome or through Nome for appointments in Anchorage will be impacted by statewide travel restrictions. NSHC is preparing to house quarantined regional residents who either came to Nome for medical care or are returning from receiving care in Anchorage and are on their way to their home villages. NSHC would like to make their stays as comfortable as possible in appropriate, isolated housing around the community. In its preparations, NSHC will be supporting local businesses as much as it can but will be requesting help from community members as well.
If you are willing to help support these quarantined individuals, please consider donating the following:
  • New or gently used towels, sheets, blankets, microwaves, and coffee makers
  • New, gently used, or disposable plates, cups, silverware, coffee mugs.

After this national emergency subsides, all items will be sanitized and donated to local/ regional needs.

Please contact Reba Lean at 443-9674 or at rlean@nshcorp.org if you would like to donate. There will be a donations bin set up in the main entrance lobby of the hospital.
NSHC Physician Report
Mark Peterson, MD - Medical Director: "At NSHC we continue the ongoing process of planning and preparation for dealing with COVID-19 in our region. We are fortunate to now have point-of-care testing here in our lab in Nome. We have the ability to test patients from Nome or any of our villages and get same-day results from the time the sample reaches our lab. This will allow us to more rapidly isolate those who get infected, and those who come into contact with infected persons. We are fortunate to have this capability and we feel it well help us greatly in our effort to mitigate spread of the virus."
Additional Resources
Nationwide: Read up on all COVID-19 information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Statewide: Do you have non-clinical questions about COVID-19? You can utilize the Alaska 211 hotline and speak with a medical volunteer. Find all Alaska DHSS recommendations and mandates here.

Regional: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and you believe you may have come into contact with the virus, you should call NSHC's Nurse Call Line before going to your provider to be seen: 907-443-6411. All the latest public safety announcements from NSHC can be found on our website.

ANMC: For information on how COVID-19 is impacting services at the Alaska Native Medical Center, including visitor restrictions, visit their website.