SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials warned that despite coronavirus cases declining to the lowest rates since the early days of the pandemic, the state could see a resurgence of the virus in the fall if not enough people are vaccinated against COVID-19. 

State epidemiologist Josh Clayton says that the coronavirus is a respiratory virus, meaning there is a risk of a resurgence when people gather indoors as the weather cools. 

South Dakota reported just 10 new cases Wednesday, but Clayton says there is still a risk of a fall resurgence if not enough people are vaccinated.

 But vaccination rates have slowed in recent weeks.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials warned that despite coronavirus cases declining to the lowest rates since the early days of the pandemic, the state could see a resurgence of the virus in the fall if not enough people are vaccinated against COVID-19. State epidemiologist Josh Clayton says that the coronavirus is a respiratory virus, meaning there is a risk of a resurgence when people gather indoors as the weather cools. South Dakota reported just 10 new cases Wednesday, but Clayton says there is still a risk of a fall resurgence if not enough people are vaccinated. But vaccination rates have slowed in recent weeks.

Virus cases drop, health officials warn of fall resurgence

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — A federal judge in South Dakota criminally charges three members of the U.S. Marshals Service with contempt of court and obstructing justice, after a dispute with a marshal who refused to disclose her COVID-19 vaccination status and removed prisoners from a courthouse. 

The Aberdeen American News reports that U.S. District Judge Charles Kornmann charged three supervisory law enforcement officers, including the agency’s Chief of Staff John Kilgallon. 

The officers allegedly allowed a deputy marshal to leave the courthouse in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with prisoners in tow on May 10 after the marshal refused to tell the judge whether she had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — A federal judge in South Dakota criminally charges three members of the U.S. Marshals Service with contempt of court and obstructing justice, after a dispute with a marshal who refused to disclose her COVID-19 vaccination status and removed prisoners from a courthouse. The Aberdeen American News reports that U.S. District Judge Charles Kornmann charged three supervisory law enforcement officers, including the agency’s Chief of Staff John Kilgallon. The officers allegedly allowed a deputy marshal to leave the courthouse in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with prisoners in tow on May 10 after the marshal refused to tell the judge whether she had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Federal judge charges US marshals in vaccination dispute

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is approaching having 70% of its adult population vaccinated for the coronavirus but the pace of distribution of the shots continues to slow down.

 The state may be close to President Joe Biden’s goal of having 70% or more of all adults with at least one dose of the vaccine by July 4. 

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said about 63% of Nebraskans 18 and older had received at least one shot as of Friday. That rate ranks 24th among all the states. 

The CDC said roughly 31,000 shots were distributed in Nebraska last week, which was down from 37,000 the week before.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is approaching having 70% of its adult population vaccinated for the coronavirus but the pace of distribution of the shots continues to slow down. The state may be close to President Joe Biden’s goal of having 70% or more of all adults with at least one dose of the vaccine by July 4. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said about 63% of Nebraskans 18 and older had received at least one shot as of Friday. That rate ranks 24th among all the states. The CDC said roughly 31,000 shots were distributed in Nebraska last week, which was down from 37,000 the week before.

Over 63% of Nebraska adults have had one shot of vaccine

COVID Vaccine is available across the Panhandle; anyone 12 and older can get vaccinated. There is no charge for the vaccine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We are reporting the death of one Dawes County Female in her 80s. “We share peace and comfort with her friends and loved ones,” said Engel.&nbsp;

Unified Command confirms 37 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, June 14.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.&nbsp;

Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Panhandle COVID dashboard is now being updated on Mondays only prior to the 3:30pm MT briefing and available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.&nbsp; Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.&nbsp;&nbsp; Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;

By PPHDCOVID Vaccine is available across the Panhandle; anyone 12 and older can get vaccinated. There is no charge for the vaccine.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;Dave's Pharmacy: Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Western Community Health Resources,&nbsp;Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Garden:&nbsp;To schedule an appointment visit&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;and a provider will call you&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Scotts Bluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a>&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are reporting the death of one Dawes County Female in her 80s. “We share peace and comfort with her friends and loved ones,” said Engel.&nbsp;Unified Command confirms 37 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, June 14.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623768320472.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-June 14, 2021&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Total Tests Conducted: 39,529&nbsp;</li><li>Positive: 9,154&nbsp;</li><li>Last 14 days (active) cases: 35&nbsp;</li><li>Last week’s cases: 15&nbsp;</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 9.4%&nbsp;</li><li>Deaths: 197&nbsp;</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 5&nbsp;</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 555&nbsp;</li>
 </ul> Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Panhandle COVID dashboard is now being updated on Mondays only prior to the 3:30pm MT briefing and available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.&nbsp; Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.&nbsp;&nbsp; Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;

PPHD encourages residents to get vaccinated, more virus cases reported

WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials are investigating what appear to be higher than expected reports of heart inflammation in male teens and young adults after they get a second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

It’s not clear if the heart inflammation is caused by the shots and the reports still are rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It urges everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated.

As of May 31, the agency had 275 preliminary reports of such inflammation in 16- to 24-year-olds, CDC’s Dr. Tom Shimabukuro told a government vaccine meeting on Thursday. That’s out of more than 12 million second-dose injections of the vaccines.

The cases seem to occur more often in men and in younger people, and most already have fully recovered, he said.

This kind of heart inflammation can be caused by a variety of infections, including a bout of COVID-19, as well as certain medications — and there have been rare reports following other types of vaccinations.

The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee will meet on June 18 to further evaluate the possible risk.

WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials are investigating what appear to be higher than expected reports of heart inflammation in male teens and young adults after they get a second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.It’s not clear if the heart inflammation is caused by the shots and the reports still are rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It urges everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated.As of May 31, the agency had 275 preliminary reports of such inflammation in 16- to 24-year-olds, CDC’s Dr. Tom Shimabukuro told a government vaccine meeting on Thursday. That’s out of more than 12 million second-dose injections of the vaccines.The cases seem to occur more often in men and in younger people, and most already have fully recovered, he said.This kind of heart inflammation can be caused by a variety of infections, including a bout of COVID-19, as well as certain medications — and there have been rare reports following other types of vaccinations.The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee will meet on June 18 to further evaluate the possible risk.

CDC looking into reports of heart inflammation from vaccine

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska continues to report a small number of new COVID-19 cases, but that number crept up slightly over the past week. 

State health officials said Nebraska recorded 280 new coronavirus cases over the past week, which was up from 237 cases the week before. But as recently as April the state was reporting more cases than that in a single day. 

The state said 54 people were hospitalized with the virus across Nebraska Wednesday. That number has been below 100 since mid-May, and it is a fraction of the November peak of 987.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska continues to report a small number of new COVID-19 cases, but that number crept up slightly over the past week. State health officials said Nebraska recorded 280 new coronavirus cases over the past week, which was up from 237 cases the week before. But as recently as April the state was reporting more cases than that in a single day. The state said 54 people were hospitalized with the virus across Nebraska Wednesday. That number has been below 100 since mid-May, and it is a fraction of the November peak of 987.

Nebraska continues to report small number of new virus cases

Dr. Matthew Bruner, Regional West Health Services Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Obstetrics, joined the Tuesday, June 1 briefing to discuss adolescents and COVID vaccines.

The primary question Dr. Bruner wanted to address is a commonly heard statement about why younger people would want to get their COVID vaccine if their symptoms are mild. He relayed to listeners that adolescents can get COVID and get very sick with it.

“We vaccinate teenagers with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), whooping cough, and before going to college their meningococcal vaccine, it’s not unheard of to vaccinate teenagers. I have two teenagers in the midst of their three weeks between getting their COVID shots because I very strongly believe,” Dr. Bruner shared.

He added, “Some teens are asking for their COVID vaccine. They have lived through school and wearing masks and they want to go back to normal. This is an interesting trend, and they are being proactive about it. My 11-year-old is looking forward to being vaccinated because she doesn’t want to have to wear a mask anymore.”

Some people have expressed concerns about the vaccines being under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) rather than full approval. Dr. Bruner assured listeners being under this authorization means it is safe.

“We’ve seen this with monoclonal antibody treatment, in-patient treatment with remdesivir, and each phase of the COVID vaccine trials. In the regular world before COVID, this vaccination would already have been approved. It’s already met its merit and there have been millions of doses given, with thousands given in this age group. It’s been deemed safe,” affirmed Dr. Bruner.

The FDA just hasn’t given its final stamp of approval. The function of that is it keeps the cost free for the user. Once it’s approved, the cost goes to the patient, but the government has said it’s such high priority, they will continue paying for it for now and leave it under the EUA rather than give it full approval.

If an adolescent is afraid of needles and vaccinations, reasoning with them about the risk and benefits is important. Letting them make the choice by weighing the pros and cons with what it means by protecting grandparents and themselves.

The fertility concerns have been fueled by significant misinformation, Dr. Bruner explained in detail this to be untrue. If the reasoning were true, then everybody that had COVID would now be sterile and that is not the case. There have been many babies born to women who’ve had COVID and women who have become pregnant after having their COVID vaccine or who’ve had COVID. He has seen no literature about concerns of male sterility from the COVID vaccine.

Pfizer is available in the Panhandle and anyone 12 and older can get vaccinated! There is no charge for the vaccine.

People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

Unified Command confirms 16 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, May 24. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

By PPHDDr. Matthew Bruner, Regional West Health Services Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Obstetrics, joined the Tuesday, June 1 briefing to discuss adolescents and COVID vaccines.The primary question Dr. Bruner wanted to address is a commonly heard statement about why younger people would want to get their COVID vaccine if their symptoms are mild. He relayed to listeners that adolescents can get COVID and get very sick with it.“We vaccinate teenagers with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), whooping cough, and before going to college their meningococcal vaccine, it’s not unheard of to vaccinate teenagers. I have two teenagers in the midst of their three weeks between getting their COVID shots because I very strongly believe,” Dr. Bruner shared.He added, “Some teens are asking for their COVID vaccine. They have lived through school and wearing masks and they want to go back to normal. This is an interesting trend, and they are being proactive about it. My 11-year-old is looking forward to being vaccinated because she doesn’t want to have to wear a mask anymore.”Some people have expressed concerns about the vaccines being under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) rather than full approval. Dr. Bruner assured listeners being under this authorization means it is safe.“We’ve seen this with monoclonal antibody treatment, in-patient treatment with remdesivir, and each phase of the COVID vaccine trials. In the regular world before COVID, this vaccination would already have been approved. It’s already met its merit and there have been millions of doses given, with thousands given in this age group. It’s been deemed safe,” affirmed Dr. Bruner.The FDA just hasn’t given its final stamp of approval. The function of that is it keeps the cost free for the user. Once it’s approved, the cost goes to the patient, but the government has said it’s such high priority, they will continue paying for it for now and leave it under the EUA rather than give it full approval.If an adolescent is afraid of needles and vaccinations, reasoning with them about the risk and benefits is important. Letting them make the choice by weighing the pros and cons with what it means by protecting grandparents and themselves.The fertility concerns have been fueled by significant misinformation, Dr. Bruner explained in detail this to be untrue. If the reasoning were true, then everybody that had COVID would now be sterile and that is not the case. There have been many babies born to women who’ve had COVID and women who have become pregnant after having their COVID vaccine or who’ve had COVID. He has seen no literature about concerns of male sterility from the COVID vaccine.Pfizer is available in the Panhandle and anyone 12 and older can get vaccinated! There is no charge for the vaccine.<ul>
 <li><a>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Dave's Pharmacy: Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Pfizer 2 PM- 5:30 PM)</li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 6 PM</li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Sidney Regional Medical Center, June 9, Pfizer 8 AM - 12 PM</li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Western Community Health Resources,&nbsp;Monday-Friday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM</li><li>Garden:&nbsp;sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;- provider will call you</li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Kimball Health Services, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM</li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8 AM - 4 PM</li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gordon Rural Health Clinic, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM</li><li>Scotts Bluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome</li><li>Gering CAPWN Health Center, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM &amp; 1 PM-4 PM (Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson)</li><li>Scottsbluff County Immunization Clinic, Monday-Friday, 9:40 AM-12:30 PM &amp; 1:30 PM-5:30 PM</li><li>Gering Civic Center, June 2, 4 PM-6 PM</li>
 </ul>People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.Unified Command confirms 16 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, May 24. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622597448911.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-June 1, 2021<ul>
 <li>Total Tests Conducted: 39,158</li><li>Positive: 9,117</li><li>Last 14 days (active) cases: 48</li><li>Last week’s cases: 16</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 13.7%</li><li>Deaths: 196</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 1</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 551</li>
 </ul>

PPHD: Dr. Bruner talks about vaccines, more virus cases reported

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials say four more people have died from COVID-19 in the state, bringing the overall death toll to 2,014. 

The state also reported 31 new cases of the virus on Monday. 

There are currently 382 active cases in the state, and 44 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. 

The state has administered more then 650,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

More than 49% of the state's eligible population has completed the full vaccine series.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials say four more people have died from COVID-19 in the state, bringing the overall death toll to 2,014. The state also reported 31 new cases of the virus on Monday. There are currently 382 active cases in the state, and 44 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. The state has administered more then 650,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 49% of the state's eligible population has completed the full vaccine series.

South Dakota sees 4 more COVID-19 deaths, 31 new cases

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is reporting its lowest level of new virus cases since last April — shortly after the coronavirus pandemic began.

 State health officials said 521 virus cases were reported over the past week.

 That is the smallest number of new positive cases in the state since April 2020. 

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska also decreased over the past two weeks from 195.43 new cases per day on May 11 to 74.43 new cases per day on Tuesday. 

Over the past week, five new deaths were reported to give the state a total of 2,249 deaths.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is reporting its lowest level of new virus cases since last April — shortly after the coronavirus pandemic began. State health officials said 521 virus cases were reported over the past week. That is the smallest number of new positive cases in the state since April 2020. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska also decreased over the past two weeks from 195.43 new cases per day on May 11 to 74.43 new cases per day on Tuesday. Over the past week, five new deaths were reported to give the state a total of 2,249 deaths.

Virus cases at lowest level in Nebraska since last April

Kate Tyner, BSN, RN, CIC with Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program (ICAP) joined the Monday, May 24 Panhandle briefing to provide additional understanding and recommendations for fully vaccinated people.

“People that have received their COVID vaccine are similar to wearing a fireproof suit,” Tyner explained. “For those that have their fireproof suit, it’s become a lot safer to go to restaurants, bars, and public places. For anyone that hasn’t gotten vaccinated, they still have the risk of getting COVID.”

While people are trying to embrace moving forward, the vaccine is a huge part of safely returning to normalcy.

Things are starting to look a lot safer for people that are vaccinated but there are still certain restrictions in healthcare settings and through Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for nursing homes for the safety of patients, residents, and elders living in congregant living settings. This is due to people in these settings being in closer proximity to one another and at higher rates of living with chronic health conditions. COVID remains a risk through an unvaccinated person bringing it in.

“We hope that as community cases continue to go down and vaccination rates continue to go up, the federal requirements from CMS will continue to loosen,” Tyner concluded.

Governor Ricketts announced today the ending of the Governor’s Directed Health Measure effective at 11:59pm. Throughout the Panhandle, the same processes for contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation will continue as it remains needed to stop the spread of COVID.

<a>People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

Unified Command confirms 38 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, May 17.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

Doubling time (November 15, 2020 – May 24, 2021): 190 days

Current COVID testing access can be found at www.pphd.org.

By PPHDKate Tyner, BSN, RN, CIC with Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program (ICAP) joined the Monday, May 24 Panhandle briefing to provide additional understanding and recommendations for fully vaccinated people.“People that have received their COVID vaccine are similar to wearing a fireproof suit,” Tyner explained. “For those that have their fireproof suit, it’s become a lot safer to go to restaurants, bars, and public places. For anyone that hasn’t gotten vaccinated, they still have the risk of getting COVID.”While people are trying to embrace moving forward, the vaccine is a huge part of safely returning to normalcy.Things are starting to look a lot safer for people that are vaccinated but there are still certain restrictions in healthcare settings and through Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for nursing homes for the safety of patients, residents, and elders living in congregant living settings. This is due to people in these settings being in closer proximity to one another and at higher rates of living with chronic health conditions. COVID remains a risk through an unvaccinated person bringing it in.“We hope that as community cases continue to go down and vaccination rates continue to go up, the federal requirements from CMS will continue to loosen,” Tyner concluded.Governor Ricketts announced today the ending of the Governor’s Directed Health Measure effective at 11:59pm. Throughout the Panhandle, the same processes for contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation will continue as it remains needed to stop the spread of COVID. Pfizer is available in the Panhandle and anyone 12 and older can get vaccinated! There is no charge for the vaccine.<ul>
 <li>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;Dave's Pharmacy Hemingford &amp; Alliance, Monday-Friday</li><li>Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson 8a-5:30p | Pfizer 2p-5:30p</li><li>Alliance Community Pharmacy, Monday-Friday</li><li>Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson &amp; Johnson 7:30a-6p</li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;Western Community Health Resources, Monday-Friday, 12:30p-1:30p</li><li>Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson</li><li>Garden:&nbsp;sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;- provider will call you</li><li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;Regional West Garden County Clinic Front Desk, Monday-Friday, 8a-5p</li><li>Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;Kimball Health Sevices, Monday-Friday, 8a-4:30p</li><li>Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson</li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;Morrill County Hospital Clinic, Wednesdays, 8a-4p</li><li>Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson</li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Scotts Bluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a></li><li>Walk-ins welcome&nbsp;Click on&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</a>&nbsp;to see availability.</li>
 </ul><a>People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>. Unified Command confirms 38 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, May 17.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621902142899.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-May 24, 2021Total Tests Conducted: 38,926Positive: 9,101Last 14 days (active) cases: 57Last week’s cases: 39Last week’s positivity rate: 9.5%Deaths: 196Active Hospitalizations: 2Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 550Doubling time (November 15, 2020 – May 24, 2021): 190 daysCurrent COVID testing access can be found at www.pphd.org.

PPHD: 38 more virus cases confirmed in Panhandle 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mask mandates are expiring in several of the state’s largest cities as more people continue to get vaccinated for the coronavirus. 

Lincoln’s mask mandate will expire at the end of Thursday, Omaha’s will disappear at the end of next Tuesday and in the Omaha suburbs, Ralston ended its mandate earlier this week. 

The state has seen infection rates come down as vaccinations have become more widely available. 

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 198.71 new cases per day on May 3 to 100.14 new cases per day on Monday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mask mandates are expiring in several of the state’s largest cities as more people continue to get vaccinated for the coronavirus. Lincoln’s mask mandate will expire at the end of Thursday, Omaha’s will disappear at the end of next Tuesday and in the Omaha suburbs, Ralston ended its mandate earlier this week. The state has seen infection rates come down as vaccinations have become more widely available. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 198.71 new cases per day on May 3 to 100.14 new cases per day on Monday.

Mask mandates to end soon in Nebraska's largest cities

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska health officials said an extremely contagious variant of the coronavirus that was first identified in India has been confirmed in the state. 

The first case of the virus variant, officially known as the B.1.617 variant, was found in a Lancaster County resident who has ties to international travelers. 

The discovery of the new variant comes as the state was reporting a relatively small number of new cases of the virus. 

Nebraska health officials said Wednesday that 1,368 new virus cases had been reported over the past week, down slightly from 1,397 cases the week before.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612437418456.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska health officials said an extremely contagious variant of the coronavirus that was first identified in India has been confirmed in the state. The first case of the virus variant, officially known as the B.1.617 variant, was found in a Lancaster County resident who has ties to international travelers. The discovery of the new variant comes as the state was reporting a relatively small number of new cases of the virus. Nebraska health officials said Wednesday that 1,368 new virus cases had been reported over the past week, down slightly from 1,397 cases the week before.

Virus variant first identified in India found in Nebraska

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday, just as expected new guidelines say it’s OK for people of any age to get the shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations.

The sprint to vaccinate millions of middle and high school students has already started in parts of the country, as a long line of kids rolled up their sleeves in suburban Atlanta for a first dose Wednesday. But much of the nation was awaiting recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Pfizer’s vaccine, already used for months in those 16 and older, was a good choice for 12- to 15-year-olds, too. The CDC was expected to accept its advisers’ recommendation.

“It just felt like a flu shot, honestly,” said Meredith Rogers, a 14-year-old middle school student from Decatur, Georgia, after getting her vaccination.

Michelle Rogers, Meredith’s mother, said she hoped the youth vaccinations would help bring some normalcy back.

“A little apprehensive, but you know what? This is a step towards getting life back to normal so, we’re all in,” Michelle Rogers said with a slight fist pump.

Earlier in the week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the two-shot vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech. A study of more than 2,000 12- to 15-year-olds found the same dose adults use is safe and strongly protective in the kids, too.

Among the outstanding questions: Is it OK to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same doctor’s visit as people receive some routine vaccinations? That’s an urgent back-to-school concern especially for the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have missed out on regularly scheduled vaccines during the pandemic — but also an issue for adults, too.

The CDC until now has recommended not getting other vaccinations within two weeks of a COVID-19 shot, mostly as a precaution so that safety monitors could spot if any unexpected side effects crop up. But the CDC said Wednesday it is changing that advice because the COVID-19 vaccines have proved so safe — and that health workers can decide to give another needed vaccine at the same time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd — and agreed that it’s fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time, especially for kids who are behind on their regular vaccinations.

In the Pfizer study, there were no cases of COVID-19 among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up.

Vaccinating Americans of all ages will be critical to getting back to normal, and there’s plenty of supply for the nation’s nearly 17 million 12- to 15-year-olds.

In addition to the mass vaccination sites and health department rollouts that were key for adults, many states will be offering kids more familiar options -- shipping doses to pediatricians and even to schools.

Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, data the FDA will need to scrutinize.

As for even younger children, both companies have begun tests in youngsters ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore if different doses are needed at the youngest ages, and FDA plans to hold a public meeting next month to debate exactly what evidence is needed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608677701818.png" alt="A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 photo courtesyTruman Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 photo courtesyTruman Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health advisers endorsed use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in kids as young as 12 on Wednesday, just as expected new guidelines say it’s OK for people of any age to get the shot at the same time as other needed vaccinations.The sprint to vaccinate millions of middle and high school students has already started in parts of the country, as a long line of kids rolled up their sleeves in suburban Atlanta for a first dose Wednesday. But much of the nation was awaiting recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Pfizer’s vaccine, already used for months in those 16 and older, was a good choice for 12- to 15-year-olds, too. The CDC was expected to accept its advisers’ recommendation.“It just felt like a flu shot, honestly,” said Meredith Rogers, a 14-year-old middle school student from Decatur, Georgia, after getting her vaccination.Michelle Rogers, Meredith’s mother, said she hoped the youth vaccinations would help bring some normalcy back.“A little apprehensive, but you know what? This is a step towards getting life back to normal so, we’re all in,” Michelle Rogers said with a slight fist pump.Earlier in the week, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the two-shot vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech. A study of more than 2,000 12- to 15-year-olds found the same dose adults use is safe and strongly protective in the kids, too.Among the outstanding questions: Is it OK to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same doctor’s visit as people receive some routine vaccinations? That’s an urgent back-to-school concern especially for the 12- to 15-year-olds, who have missed out on regularly scheduled vaccines during the pandemic — but also an issue for adults, too.The CDC until now has recommended not getting other vaccinations within two weeks of a COVID-19 shot, mostly as a precaution so that safety monitors could spot if any unexpected side effects crop up. But the CDC said Wednesday it is changing that advice because the COVID-19 vaccines have proved so safe — and that health workers can decide to give another needed vaccine at the same time.The American Academy of Pediatrics on Wednesday also endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for the 12-and-up crowd — and agreed that it’s fine to give more than one vaccine at the same time, especially for kids who are behind on their regular vaccinations.In the Pfizer study, there were no cases of COVID-19 among volunteers given the two-shot vaccination compared with 16 in the group given dummy shots. Kids also developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than vaccinated adults. Side effects are the same as adults experience, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal the immune system is revving up.Vaccinating Americans of all ages will be critical to getting back to normal, and there’s plenty of supply for the nation’s nearly 17 million 12- to 15-year-olds.In addition to the mass vaccination sites and health department rollouts that were key for adults, many states will be offering kids more familiar options -- shipping doses to pediatricians and even to schools.Pfizer is not the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects, data the FDA will need to scrutinize.As for even younger children, both companies have begun tests in youngsters ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore if different doses are needed at the youngest ages, and FDA plans to hold a public meeting next month to debate exactly what evidence is needed.

US advisers endorse Pfizer COVID shot for kids 12 and up

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The pace of coronavirus vaccinations in Nebraska has slowed significantly over the past month. 

The state said 49,016 vaccine doses were administered in Nebraska last week. That continues the steady decline seen in recent weeks when roughly 70,000 and 93,000 doses were administered. 

The latest weekly total of vaccine doses is less than one-quarter of the mid-April peak of 211,057 doses in a single week. 

Health officials said 49.9% of the state’s population over the age of 16 has now been vaccinated.

 The state reported 411 new virus cases and one death Tuesday to give Nebraska a total of 221,911 cases and 2,247 deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1619996336144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The pace of coronavirus vaccinations in Nebraska has slowed significantly over the past month. The state said 49,016 vaccine doses were administered in Nebraska last week. That continues the steady decline seen in recent weeks when roughly 70,000 and 93,000 doses were administered. The latest weekly total of vaccine doses is less than one-quarter of the mid-April peak of 211,057 doses in a single week. Health officials said 49.9% of the state’s population over the age of 16 has now been vaccinated. The state reported 411 new virus cases and one death Tuesday to give Nebraska a total of 221,911 cases and 2,247 deaths.

Pace of virus vaccinations slows significantly in Nebraska

WASHINGTON (AP) —COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.

Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected Wednesday.

Vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to a return to normalcy. Most COVID-19 vaccines rolling out worldwide have been authorized for adults. Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere are anxiously awaiting the shot to become available to more kids.

“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president who’s also a pediatrician, told The Associated Press.

The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The study found no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among kids given dummy shots. More intriguing, researchers found the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.

The younger teens received the same vaccine dosage as adults and had the same side effects, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal a revved-up immune system, especially after the second dose.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently requested similar authorization in the European Union, with other countries to follow.

The latest news is welcome for U.S. families struggling to decide what activities are safe to resume when only the youngest family members remain unvaccinated.

“I can’t feel totally comfortable because my boys aren’t vaccinated,” said Carrie Vittitoe, a substitute teacher and freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky, who is fully vaccinated as are her husband and 17-year-old daughter.

The FDA decision means her 13-year-old son soon could be eligible, leaving only her 11-year-old son who would be unvaccinated. The family hasn’t yet resumed going to church, and summer vacation will be a road trip so they don’t have to get on a plane.

“We can’t really go back to normal because two-fifths of our family don’t have protection,” Vittitoe said.

Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects. Another U.S. company, Novavax, has a COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well.

Next up is testing whether the vaccine works for even younger children. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore whether babies, preschoolers and elementary-age kids will need different doses than teens and adults. Gruber said Pfizer expects its first results sometime in the fall.

Outside of the U.S., AstraZeneca is studying its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.

Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 yet they still have been hard-hit by the pandemic. They represent nearly 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 296 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 15,000 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

That’s not counting the toll of family members becoming ill or dying -- or the disruption to school, sports and other activities so crucial to children’s overall well-being.

“Children right now are struggling,” Gruber said. Plus, “we need as many people in the country who have the potential to transmit the virus to be protected.”

Experts say children must get the shots if the country is to vaccinate the 70% to 85% of the population necessary to reach what’s called herd immunity.

In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unvaccinated people -- including children -- should continue taking precautions such as wearing masks indoors and keeping their distance from other unvaccinated people outside of their households.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608677701818.png" alt="A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -Photo courtesy Truman Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -Photo courtesy Truman Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —COVID-19 vaccines finally are headed for more kids as U.S. regulators on Monday expanded use of Pfizer’s shot to those as young as 12, sparking a race to protect middle and high school students before they head back to class in the fall.Shots could begin as soon as a federal vaccine advisory committee issues recommendations for using the two-dose vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds, expected Wednesday.Vaccinating children of all ages will be critical to a return to normalcy. Most COVID-19 vaccines rolling out worldwide have been authorized for adults. Pfizer’s vaccine is being used in multiple countries for teens as young as 16, and Canada recently became the first to expand use to 12 and up. Parents, school administrators and public health officials elsewhere are anxiously awaiting the shot to become available to more kids.“This is a watershed moment in our ability to fight back the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president who’s also a pediatrician, told The Associated Press.The Food and Drug Administration declared the Pfizer vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on testing of more than 2,000 U.S. volunteers ages 12 to 15. The study found no cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated adolescents compared to 18 among kids given dummy shots. More intriguing, researchers found the kids developed higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than earlier studies measured in young adults.The younger teens received the same vaccine dosage as adults and had the same side effects, mostly sore arms and flu-like fever, chills or aches that signal a revved-up immune system, especially after the second dose.Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech recently requested similar authorization in the European Union, with other countries to follow.The latest news is welcome for U.S. families struggling to decide what activities are safe to resume when only the youngest family members remain unvaccinated.“I can’t feel totally comfortable because my boys aren’t vaccinated,” said Carrie Vittitoe, a substitute teacher and freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky, who is fully vaccinated as are her husband and 17-year-old daughter.The FDA decision means her 13-year-old son soon could be eligible, leaving only her 11-year-old son who would be unvaccinated. The family hasn’t yet resumed going to church, and summer vacation will be a road trip so they don’t have to get on a plane.“We can’t really go back to normal because two-fifths of our family don’t have protection,” Vittitoe said.Pfizer isn’t the only company seeking to lower the age limit for its vaccine. Moderna recently said preliminary results from its study in 12- to 17-year-olds show strong protection and no serious side effects. Another U.S. company, Novavax, has a COVID-19 vaccine in late-stage development and just began a study in 12- to 17-year-olds as well.Next up is testing whether the vaccine works for even younger children. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun U.S. studies in children ages 6 months to 11 years. Those studies explore whether babies, preschoolers and elementary-age kids will need different doses than teens and adults. Gruber said Pfizer expects its first results sometime in the fall.Outside of the U.S., AstraZeneca is studying its vaccine among 6- to 17-year-olds in Britain. And in China, Sinovac recently announced it has submitted preliminary data to Chinese regulators showing its vaccine is safe in children as young as 3.Children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19 yet they still have been hard-hit by the pandemic. They represent nearly 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 296 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 15,000 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.That’s not counting the toll of family members becoming ill or dying -- or the disruption to school, sports and other activities so crucial to children’s overall well-being.“Children right now are struggling,” Gruber said. Plus, “we need as many people in the country who have the potential to transmit the virus to be protected.”Experts say children must get the shots if the country is to vaccinate the 70% to 85% of the population necessary to reach what’s called herd immunity.In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says unvaccinated people -- including children -- should continue taking precautions such as wearing masks indoors and keeping their distance from other unvaccinated people outside of their households.___

US children age 12-15 can now get Pfizer COVID shot 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State health officials say a small number of Nebraskans who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus later developed COVID-19. 

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said that 343 people have tested positive for COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. 

But that represents just 0.05% of the 689,561 people who have been fully vaccinated in the state. 

So far, 46.5% of Nebraska’s population over 16 has been vaccinated. 

The state also said school-aged children who come in contact with someone who is infected with the coronavirus no longer have to quarantine themselves at home.

 Instead, those children can just monitor themselves for symptoms while continuing to attend school.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State health officials say a small number of Nebraskans who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus later developed COVID-19. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said that 343 people have tested positive for COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. But that represents just 0.05% of the 689,561 people who have been fully vaccinated in the state. So far, 46.5% of Nebraska’s population over 16 has been vaccinated. The state also said school-aged children who come in contact with someone who is infected with the coronavirus no longer have to quarantine themselves at home. Instead, those children can just monitor themselves for symptoms while continuing to attend school.

Nebraska says small number of vaccinated people got COVID-19

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are reporting 99 new cases of COVID-19 and three new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus. 

It's the third day in a row that officials have confirmed three deaths, raising the total number of fatalities to 1,976 since the start of the pandemic. 

The COVID Tracking Project reports that the death count is the eighth highest per capita in the country at 224 deaths per 100,000 people. 

There have been 123,073 positive COVID-19 tests reported in South Dakota. 

A total of 331,863 South Dakotans have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, which is more than 55% of the people who are eligible for shots.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are reporting 99 new cases of COVID-19 and three new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus. It's the third day in a row that officials have confirmed three deaths, raising the total number of fatalities to 1,976 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project reports that the death count is the eighth highest per capita in the country at 224 deaths per 100,000 people. There have been 123,073 positive COVID-19 tests reported in South Dakota. A total of 331,863 South Dakotans have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, which is more than 55% of the people who are eligible for shots.

South Dakota reports 99 COVID-19 cases, 3 additional deaths

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Many parents and educators are excited over the news that the Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine by next week for youngsters ages 12 to 15.

 Officials are hoping that extending vaccinations to children will drive down the nation’s caseload even further and allow schools to reopen with minimal disruption this fall. 

It could also reassure parents and teachers alike. 

While children are less likely to get seriously ill from the coronavirus, they can still get sick and spread it to others, too.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Many parents and educators are excited over the news that the Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine by next week for youngsters ages 12 to 15. Officials are hoping that extending vaccinations to children will drive down the nation’s caseload even further and allow schools to reopen with minimal disruption this fall. It could also reassure parents and teachers alike. While children are less likely to get seriously ill from the coronavirus, they can still get sick and spread it to others, too.

US parents excited over prospect of virus shots for children

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of new virus cases in the state has declined to levels not seen since last July but the pace of vaccinations is also slowing down across Nebraska.

 The state reported 1,166 new cases during the seven days that ended on Saturday.

 The Omaha World-Herald reports that’s down 29% from the 1,653 cases the state reported the week before. 

Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said the case numbers are headed in the right direction. 

The state said more than 70,000 vaccine doses were administered across Nebraska last week. But that is significantly below the mid-April peak of 211,057 doses in a week.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of new virus cases in the state has declined to levels not seen since last July but the pace of vaccinations is also slowing down across Nebraska. The state reported 1,166 new cases during the seven days that ended on Saturday. The Omaha World-Herald reports that’s down 29% from the 1,653 cases the state reported the week before. Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said the case numbers are headed in the right direction. The state said more than 70,000 vaccine doses were administered across Nebraska last week. But that is significantly below the mid-April peak of 211,057 doses in a week.

New virus cases at lowest level since July in Nebraska

Dr. Matthew Bruner, OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer at Regional West Health Services based in Scottsbluff joined the regular Monday briefing to discuss COVID vaccines and answer questions from attendees. Bruner has been involved regionally and statewide in COVID response and addressed an array of misconceptions and information circulating.

One misconception has been commonly shared around the vaccine causing infertility.

“We’ve seen people into their second trimester who have received the vaccine prior to pregnancy. The concern has been debunked and this has been affirmed by reproductive endocrinologists,” said Dr. Bruner.

As a freedom-loving American, he believes people are able to make their own decisions, but those decisions involve the safety of the person and the safety of the population which is improved with vaccinations.

When asked about encouraging older people to get the vaccine, Dr. Bruner relayed the importance of weighing the risk and benefits. Some people find that 24-36 hours of potentially not feeling good is not worth it but what they don’t realize is this could keep them from having a very serious bout of COVID. Potential side effects are true with getting your shingles, whooping cough, and measles shots as well.

While he acknowledged the reluctance, he shared the importance of more people needing to get the COVID shot, or we must continue with social distancing and masking as it just prolongs the pandemic.

“The vaccines are safe and the ability of the vaccine to cover the disease is excellent. I encourage everybody to take the leap and get the vaccination. Finish the course, don’t skip it just with one [specific to a two-dose series]. Don’t be afraid of it, patients that we have seen recently in medical care have been unvaccinated individuals,” Dr. Bruner concluded.

Ample COVID vaccine supply and appointments are available. Panhandle residents 18 and older can self-schedule with two easy steps:

The two steps are encouraged to ease the vaccine process. There is no charge for the vaccine. Pfizer will be coming soon to the Panhandle. Teens ages 16 &amp; 17 can register now at vaccinate.ne.gov. For the Moderna shot, the second dose is needed to produce the best immunity results.

Unified Command confirms 20 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, April 26.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

Doubling time (November 15, 2020 – May 3, 2021): 169 days

Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others

Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with

Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation

The Panhandle COVID dashboard is now being updated on Mondays only prior to the 3:30pm MT briefing and available at www.pphd.org. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

By PPHDDr. Matthew Bruner, OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer at Regional West Health Services based in Scottsbluff joined the regular Monday briefing to discuss COVID vaccines and answer questions from attendees. Bruner has been involved regionally and statewide in COVID response and addressed an array of misconceptions and information circulating.One misconception has been commonly shared around the vaccine causing infertility.“We’ve seen people into their second trimester who have received the vaccine prior to pregnancy. The concern has been debunked and this has been affirmed by reproductive endocrinologists,” said Dr. Bruner.As a freedom-loving American, he believes people are able to make their own decisions, but those decisions involve the safety of the person and the safety of the population which is improved with vaccinations.When asked about encouraging older people to get the vaccine, Dr. Bruner relayed the importance of weighing the risk and benefits. Some people find that 24-36 hours of potentially not feeling good is not worth it but what they don’t realize is this could keep them from having a very serious bout of COVID. Potential side effects are true with getting your shingles, whooping cough, and measles shots as well.While he acknowledged the reluctance, he shared the importance of more people needing to get the COVID shot, or we must continue with social distancing and masking as it just prolongs the pandemic.“The vaccines are safe and the ability of the vaccine to cover the disease is excellent. I encourage everybody to take the leap and get the vaccination. Finish the course, don’t skip it just with one [specific to a two-dose series]. Don’t be afraid of it, patients that we have seen recently in medical care have been unvaccinated individuals,” Dr. Bruner concluded.Ample COVID vaccine supply and appointments are available. Panhandle residents 18 and older can self-schedule with two easy steps:<ul>
 <li>Register on the vaccinate.ne.gov website.</li><li>For the corresponding counties, pick a location, day, and time that works for you.&nbsp;Dates and times will be added to the links as they are made available.</li><li>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Garden:&nbsp;sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;– a provider will call you</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Scottsbluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li>
 </ul>The two steps are encouraged to ease the vaccine process. There is no charge for the vaccine. Pfizer will be coming soon to the Panhandle. Teens ages 16 &amp; 17 can register now at vaccinate.ne.gov. For the Moderna shot, the second dose is needed to produce the best immunity results.<a>People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>. Unified Command confirms 20 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, April 26.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620139196496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-May 3, 2021Total Tests Conducted: 38,191Positive: 9,020Last 14 days (active) cases: 31Last week’s cases: 20Last week’s positivity rate: 5.3%Deaths: 191Active Hospitalizations: 2Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 546Doubling time (November 15, 2020 – May 3, 2021): 169 daysAvoid the Three Cs:Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from othersAvoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live withAvoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilationCurrent COVID testing access can be found at www.pphd.org.The Panhandle COVID dashboard is now being updated on Mondays only prior to the 3:30pm MT briefing and available at www.pphd.org. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Dr. Bruner: 'Don’t be afraid of it, the vaccines are safe,' more cases reported

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The pace of coronavirus vaccinations is slowing down across Nebraska as the state reported less than 100,000 shots were given in a week for the first time this month. 

State health officials said 93,284 doses of the vaccines were administered last week in Nebraska.

 That is less than half the 211,057 doses the state reported a week earlier. In each of the two previous weeks, roughly 120,000 doses of the shots were given statewide. 

Terra Uhing, who leads Three Rivers Public Health that serves Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties said there doesn't seem to be the same urgency to get the vaccine across the state.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The pace of coronavirus vaccinations is slowing down across Nebraska as the state reported less than 100,000 shots were given in a week for the first time this month. State health officials said 93,284 doses of the vaccines were administered last week in Nebraska. That is less than half the 211,057 doses the state reported a week earlier. In each of the two previous weeks, roughly 120,000 doses of the shots were given statewide. Terra Uhing, who leads Three Rivers Public Health that serves Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties said there doesn't seem to be the same urgency to get the vaccine across the state.

Pace of virus vaccinations slows across Nebraska

The Panhandle COVID risk dial is informed on the latest science available and updated accordingly. Guidance, counties, and communities will be updated at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>&nbsp;in the next few days. Updates include the following:

After a temporary pause, CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend use of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s Janssen (J&amp;J/Janssen) COVID Vaccine resume in the United States. A review of all available data at this time shows that the J&amp;J/Janssen COVID vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.

Women under 50 years old should be aware of the rare but increased risk of the adverse event called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), and that there are other COVID vaccine options available for which this risk has not been seen. CDC and FDA will continue to monitor the safety of all COVID vaccines.&nbsp;

The South African COVID variant B1.351 has been confirmed in the Panhandle. Variants are more contagious and can cause more severe illness and hospitalization.

“Getting vaccinated is critical to slowing the spread of COVID, especially with the presence of variants in the Panhandle,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.

<a>People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

Unified Command confirms 31 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, April 19. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

By PPHDThe Panhandle COVID risk dial is informed on the latest science available and updated accordingly. Guidance, counties, and communities will be updated at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>&nbsp;in the next few days. Updates include the following:<ul>
 <li>Testing&nbsp;– access and turnaround time (if the result is back within 48 hours)</li><li>Case rate&nbsp;– will change to a 7-day rolling average per day per 100,000</li><li>ICU bed availability&nbsp;– will shift to hospital beds with a COVID patient, not ICU beds individually</li><li>Deaths -&nbsp;new deaths per week, this is a new indicator being added</li><li>Overall Panhandle vaccination rate -&nbsp;this is a new indicator being added</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619534458458.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a temporary pause, CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend use of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s Janssen (J&amp;J/Janssen) COVID Vaccine resume in the United States. A review of all available data at this time shows that the J&amp;J/Janssen COVID vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.Women under 50 years old should be aware of the rare but increased risk of the adverse event called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), and that there are other COVID vaccine options available for which this risk has not been seen. CDC and FDA will continue to monitor the safety of all COVID vaccines.&nbsp;The South African COVID variant B1.351 has been confirmed in the Panhandle. Variants are more contagious and can cause more severe illness and hospitalization.“Getting vaccinated is critical to slowing the spread of COVID, especially with the presence of variants in the Panhandle,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.Ample COVID vaccine supply and appointments are available. Panhandle residents 18 and older can self-schedule with two easy steps:<ul>
 <li>Register on the vaccinate.ne.gov website.</li><li>For the corresponding counties, pick a location, day, and time that works for you.&nbsp;Dates and times will be added to the links as they are made available.</li><li>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Garden:&nbsp;sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;– a provider will call you</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Scottsbluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li>
 </ul>The two steps are encouraged to ease the vaccine process. There is no charge for the vaccine. Pfizer will be coming soon to the Panhandle. Teens ages 16 &amp; 17 can register now at vaccinate.ne.gov. For the Moderna shot, the second dose is needed to produce the best immunity results.<a>People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to&nbsp;</a><a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.Unified Command confirms 31 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, April 19. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619534312762.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-April 26, 2021<ul>
 <li>Total Tests Conducted: 37,899</li><li>Positive: 9,000</li><li>Last 14 days (active) cases: 42</li><li>Last week’s cases: 27</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 7.9%</li><li>Deaths: 191</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 1</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 543</li><li>Doubling time (November 15, 2020 – April 26, 2021): 155 days</li>
 </ul>

PPHD: COVID risk dial updated, 31 more virus cases reported

Our goal has always been to keep Panhandle residents safe and healthy, and that is especially true during the COVID pandemic. The COVID vaccines offer us the opportunity to protect ourselves and those around us.

We know you want to stay safe and keep your family safe, and part of that involves ensuring you have the information you need about the vaccines to make an informed decision. Our focus is on listening to your questions, providing clear, accurate, science-based information, and keeping the Panhandle’s health front and center.

Panhandle residents 18 and older can self-schedule for their COVID vaccine with two easy steps:

The two steps are encouraged to ease the vaccine process. Residents can easily get vaccinated this week. There is no charge for the vaccine.

For the Moderna shot, the second dose is needed to produce the best immunity results. Pfizer will be coming soon to the Panhandle. Teens ages 16 &amp; 17 can register now at vaccinate.ne.gov.

Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn. People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to <a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.

COVID funeral assistance recently opened on April 12, 2021, there is no deadline to apply. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 7am to 7pm MT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. If you receive a busy signal, please be patient as they are receiving thousands of calls and are working hard to answer each call.

By PPHDOur goal has always been to keep Panhandle residents safe and healthy, and that is especially true during the COVID pandemic. The COVID vaccines offer us the opportunity to protect ourselves and those around us.We know you want to stay safe and keep your family safe, and part of that involves ensuring you have the information you need about the vaccines to make an informed decision. Our focus is on listening to your questions, providing clear, accurate, science-based information, and keeping the Panhandle’s health front and center.Panhandle residents 18 and older can self-schedule for their COVID vaccine with two easy steps:<ul>
 <li>Register on the vaccinate.ne.gov website.</li><li>For the corresponding counties, pick a location, day, and time that works for you.&nbsp;Dates and times will be added to the links as they are made available.</li><li>Box Butte/Grant:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/25mwaapu</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Cheyenne/Deuel:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/5b5uac8p</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Dawes/Sioux:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/x5d5nnbn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li><li>Garden:&nbsp;sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://vaccinate.ne.gov/" target="_blank">vaccinate.ne.gov</a>&nbsp;– a provider will call you</li><li>Kimball:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/d2u8txrs</a></li><li>Morrill:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/sb8mvumm</a></li><li>Sheridan:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/cvrmkv38</a></li><li>Scottsbluff/Banner:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/w6b84fkf</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302" target="_blank">walmart.com</a>,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html" target="_blank">safeway.com</a></li>
 </ul>The two steps are encouraged to ease the vaccine process. Residents can easily get vaccinated this week. There is no charge for the vaccine.For the Moderna shot, the second dose is needed to produce the best immunity results. Pfizer will be coming soon to the Panhandle. Teens ages 16 &amp; 17 can register now at vaccinate.ne.gov.Vaccines are one of the single greatest achievements in public health, be sure to get your COVID shot when it’s your turn. People who are fully COVID vaccinated will not be required to quarantine due to close contact. If you have lost your COVID vaccine card, go to <a href="https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu">https://tinyurl.com/2zh7uhhu</a>.COVID funeral assistance recently opened on April 12, 2021, there is no deadline to apply. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.Applicants may apply by calling 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585) from 7am to 7pm MT, Monday through Friday. Multilingual services are available. If you receive a busy signal, please be patient as they are receiving thousands of calls and are working hard to answer each call.To be eligible for funeral assistance, applicants must meet these conditions:<ul>
 <li>The death must have occurred in the United States. The applicant must be a US citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.</li><li>The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID.</li><li>There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a US citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>You can also visit fema.gov/funeral-assistance/faq with questions. The COVID pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families.&nbsp;Free and confidential help is available if you need it:<ul>
 <li>Nebraska Rural&nbsp;Response Hotline:&nbsp;<a href="tel:1-800-464-0258" target="_blank">1-800-464-0258</a>, MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM</li><li>Nebraska Family Helpline:&nbsp;<a href="tel:+1-888-866-8660" target="_blank">1-888-866-8660</a>, 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK</li>
 </ul>Unified Command confirms 26 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, April 12. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618881372906.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>March 2, 2020-April 19, 2021<ul>
 <li>Total Tests Conducted: 37,503</li><li>Positive: 8,970</li><li>Last 14 days (active) cases: 52</li><li>Last week’s cases: 27</li><li>Last week’s positivity rate: 8.1%</li><li>Deaths: 191</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 4</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 543</li><li>Doubling time (November 15, 2020 – April 19, 2021): 155 days</li>
 </ul>Avoid the Three Cs:<ul>
 <li>Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others</li><li>Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with</li><li>Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation</li>
 </ul>Current COVID testing access can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.

Coronavirus Update