LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts unveiled a new website dedicated to providing updates about the State’s response to coronavirus. &nbsp;The website features information about the State’s plans for coronavirus relief funding as well as links to key public health and virus testing information.

The public can find the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.nebraska.gov/Home" target="_blank">coronavirus.nebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;Updates will be made to the website on a regular basis as the State continues to disburse virus response funds.

Previously, President Donald J. Trump and Congress provided $1.08 billion to aid the State of Nebraska’s coronavirus response.&nbsp; The website was designed as a part of the State’s work with Deloitte to provide oversight of federal funds received by the State.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts unveiled a new website dedicated to providing updates about the State’s response to coronavirus. &nbsp;The website features information about the State’s plans for coronavirus relief funding as well as links to key public health and virus testing information.The public can find the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.nebraska.gov/Home" target="_blank">coronavirus.nebraska.gov</a>. &nbsp;Updates will be made to the website on a regular basis as the State continues to disburse virus response funds.Previously, President Donald J. Trump and Congress provided $1.08 billion to aid the State of Nebraska’s coronavirus response.&nbsp; The website was designed as a part of the State’s work with Deloitte to provide oversight of federal funds received by the State.

Gov. Ricketts unveils Coronavirus information website

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming will again extend public health orders to contain the coronavirus amid a resurgence of the illness. 

Gov. Mark Gordon announced Monday the latest orders set to expire Wednesday will now be in effect through the end of July. 

Gordon says he's disappointed to see case numbers rise in Wyoming. 

The statewide orders prohibit more than 50 people at a time from gathering in confined spaces without restrictions. 

A range of exceptions include grocery stories and people traveling in groups to work. 

Up to 500 participants and audience members may attend events with adequate social-distancing and sanitizing measures.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming will again extend public health orders to contain the coronavirus amid a resurgence of the illness. Gov. Mark Gordon announced Monday the latest orders set to expire Wednesday will now be in effect through the end of July. Gordon says he's disappointed to see case numbers rise in Wyoming. The statewide orders prohibit more than 50 people at a time from gathering in confined spaces without restrictions. A range of exceptions include grocery stories and people traveling in groups to work. Up to 500 participants and audience members may attend events with adequate social-distancing and sanitizing measures.

Wyoming extends COVID-19 public health orders through July

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials report 48 cases of COVID-19 as the average number of daily cases has increased slightly over the last two weeks.

 Even as Midwestern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin dealt with surges in cases, the number of cases in South Dakota remained mostly steady. 

The state has yet to report a death from COVID-19 this week, though last week brought a high-mark for the number of deaths recorded in a single day with six. 

State officials have counted 109 deaths from the coronavirus, but 87% of confirmed cases have recovered.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials report 48 cases of COVID-19 as the average number of daily cases has increased slightly over the last two weeks. Even as Midwestern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin dealt with surges in cases, the number of cases in South Dakota remained mostly steady. The state has yet to report a death from COVID-19 this week, though last week brought a high-mark for the number of deaths recorded in a single day with six. State officials have counted 109 deaths from the coronavirus, but 87% of confirmed cases have recovered.

South Dakota reports 48 COVID-19 cases, no deaths

By Patricia Jones, Task Force on Poverty&nbsp;

Eviction - being removed from your home due to nonpayment of rent. The CARES Act, passed in March, provided a temporary ban on evictions of tenants who live in rental properties with federal assistance or federally backed financing. The idea was to avoid the consequences of removing people from their homes during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Not all renters are covered by the CARES Act. But those who live in public housing like the Alliance Housing Authority, or who receive Housing Choice Vouchers, Section 8 Rental Assistance, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, or are covered by the rural housing programs received this protection. Renters who don’t receive this assistance from the government may also be protected if their landlord has a federally backed mortgage.

If you live in a covered unit, your landlord cannot file a new eviction action against you for failure to pay rent from March 27 to July 24, and then you have 30 days notice to move. You also will not be charged late fees. However, if you are being evicted for breaching your rental agreement for another reason, you may still be removed from your home.

An unintended consequence of the CARES Act has been receiving a lot of press this month. The Act did not eliminate the obligation to pay rent. All back rent money is due at the end of the moratorium. This worked well for those who were laid off and whose state unemployment was delayed for over a month due to the backlog. When they received their back money, they should have paid back rent. Those who did not pay rent may well be evicted in August.&nbsp;

We also have to realize that property owners have obligations that have to be paid so when rental income isn’t coming in, landlords have difficulty making property taxes and mortgage payments, building maintenance, employee salaries.

Tricia Klemke, Director of the Alliance Housing Authority, is not expecting evictions at a rate higher than usual. The rates for their rental units are based on monthly income, so those who lost jobs or other income had their rental payments reduced, sometimes to nothing.&nbsp;

Along with eviction protection for renters, the CARES Act offered mortgage forbearance for those who have federally backed mortgages. This means that financial institutions like banks could not foreclose on a mortgage for "federally-backed loans," which means loans purchased, secured, owned, insured, or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or owned, insured, or guaranteed by&nbsp;&nbsp;FHA, VA, or USDA. Most home loans in our area fit under one of these programs. This moratorium ended June 30.

Mortgages are frequently assigned (bought and sold or traded among financial institutions) or contracts were signed several years ago, so homeowners may not know whether their loan is federally backed. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have easy loan look-up websites to determine if they own a mortgage. See&nbsp;<a href="https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup/" target="_blank">https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup#" target="_blank">https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup#</a>. FHA, VA, or USDA loans should have language in the mortgage that identifies them as loans protected by those agencies.

Again, it is important to recognize that the mortgage must be paid in full. Homeowners who have asked for forbearance, where the bank would not foreclose and remove them from the home, still owe the mortgage payment. They need to work out an agreement with the financial institution, possibly to add those payments on the end of the mortgage.&nbsp;

Why would the CARES Act have a provision regarding evictions and foreclosures? Nonpayment of rent presents a financial hardship for landlords who cannot cover their expenses. Evictions are devastating to a person’s financial standing, throwing many into deep poverty. Next week’s article will follow up on the consequences of an eviction.

By Patricia Jones, Task Force on Poverty&nbsp;Eviction - being removed from your home due to nonpayment of rent. The CARES Act, passed in March, provided a temporary ban on evictions of tenants who live in rental properties with federal assistance or federally backed financing. The idea was to avoid the consequences of removing people from their homes during the COVID-19 outbreak.Not all renters are covered by the CARES Act. But those who live in public housing like the Alliance Housing Authority, or who receive Housing Choice Vouchers, Section 8 Rental Assistance, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, or are covered by the rural housing programs received this protection. Renters who don’t receive this assistance from the government may also be protected if their landlord has a federally backed mortgage.If you live in a covered unit, your landlord cannot file a new eviction action against you for failure to pay rent from March 27 to July 24, and then you have 30 days notice to move. You also will not be charged late fees. However, if you are being evicted for breaching your rental agreement for another reason, you may still be removed from your home.An unintended consequence of the CARES Act has been receiving a lot of press this month. The Act did not eliminate the obligation to pay rent. All back rent money is due at the end of the moratorium. This worked well for those who were laid off and whose state unemployment was delayed for over a month due to the backlog. When they received their back money, they should have paid back rent. Those who did not pay rent may well be evicted in August.&nbsp;We also have to realize that property owners have obligations that have to be paid so when rental income isn’t coming in, landlords have difficulty making property taxes and mortgage payments, building maintenance, employee salaries.Tricia Klemke, Director of the Alliance Housing Authority, is not expecting evictions at a rate higher than usual. The rates for their rental units are based on monthly income, so those who lost jobs or other income had their rental payments reduced, sometimes to nothing.&nbsp;Along with eviction protection for renters, the CARES Act offered mortgage forbearance for those who have federally backed mortgages. This means that financial institutions like banks could not foreclose on a mortgage for "federally-backed loans," which means loans purchased, secured, owned, insured, or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or owned, insured, or guaranteed by&nbsp;&nbsp;FHA, VA, or USDA. Most home loans in our area fit under one of these programs. This moratorium ended June 30.Mortgages are frequently assigned (bought and sold or traded among financial institutions) or contracts were signed several years ago, so homeowners may not know whether their loan is federally backed. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have easy loan look-up websites to determine if they own a mortgage. See&nbsp;<a href="https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup/" target="_blank">https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup#" target="_blank">https://www.knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup#</a>. FHA, VA, or USDA loans should have language in the mortgage that identifies them as loans protected by those agencies.Again, it is important to recognize that the mortgage must be paid in full. Homeowners who have asked for forbearance, where the bank would not foreclose and remove them from the home, still owe the mortgage payment. They need to work out an agreement with the financial institution, possibly to add those payments on the end of the mortgage.&nbsp;Why would the CARES Act have a provision regarding evictions and foreclosures? Nonpayment of rent presents a financial hardship for landlords who cannot cover their expenses. Evictions are devastating to a person’s financial standing, throwing many into deep poverty. Next week’s article will follow up on the consequences of an eviction.

Poverty In Our Area: Evictions and the Cares Act

Unified Command confirms four more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:

The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.

One community exposure site has been announced at Cedar Lanes, 2605 11th Ave, Sidney. If you were at this business on July 8, 7:30-10:30 pm, monitor for symptoms and get tested if you begin experiencing any symptoms. The community exposure site is being announced because the positive case is not able to identify all close contacts while at that location.

Eleven new recoveries, two in Morrill County, eight in Scotts Bluff County, and one in Sheridan County, brings the total recoveries to 292.

• Box Butte County: 4 cases (1 active, 3 recovered)

• Cheyenne County: 22 cases (2 active, 20 recovered)

• Kimball County: 15 cases (3 active, 12 recovered)

• Morrill County: 53 cases (2 active, 51 recovered)

• Scotts Bluff County: 244 cases (56 active, 183 recovered, 5 deaths)

• Sheridan County: 8 cases (1 active, 7 recovered)

Testing opportunities for the week of July 13:

· Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am o Testnebraska.com

o Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)

· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Fridays, 7-8am o https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq

· Gordon Clinic parking lot: Thursday (7/16) 3-4pm

o Call for an appointment: 308-282-6334 or 308-282-1442

· Morrill County Community Hospital: Daily

o Call for testing, insurance will be billed

· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.

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.

For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

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. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

Unified Command confirms four more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594777906596.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.One community exposure site has been announced at Cedar Lanes, 2605 11th Ave, Sidney. If you were at this business on July 8, 7:30-10:30 pm, monitor for symptoms and get tested if you begin experiencing any symptoms. The community exposure site is being announced because the positive case is not able to identify all close contacts while at that location.Eleven new recoveries, two in Morrill County, eight in Scotts Bluff County, and one in Sheridan County, brings the total recoveries to 292.March 2-July 14, 2020Total Tests Conducted: 6,183Positive: 363Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.9%Recovered: 292Active Cases: 66Active Hospitalizations: 5Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 38Deaths: 5• Banner County: 2 cases (recovered)• Box Butte County: 4 cases (1 active, 3 recovered)• Cheyenne County: 22 cases (2 active, 20 recovered)• Dawes County: 4 cases (recovered)• Deuel County: 1 case (active)• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)• Kimball County: 15 cases (3 active, 12 recovered)• Morrill County: 53 cases (2 active, 51 recovered)• Scotts Bluff County: 244 cases (56 active, 183 recovered, 5 deaths)• Sheridan County: 8 cases (1 active, 7 recovered)• Sioux County: 6 cases (recovered)Testing opportunities for the week of July 13:· Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am o Testnebraska.como Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Fridays, 7-8am o https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq· Gordon Clinic parking lot: Thursday (7/16) 3-4pmo Call for an appointment: 308-282-6334 or 308-282-1442o There is no charge for this testing.· Morrill County Community Hospital: Dailyo Call for testing, insurance will be billed· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.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.For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.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. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

PPHD: 4 more virus cases announced, active 66

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska health statistics show more than 400 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus so far this week. 

The state's online virus tracker shows 174 cases were reported Sunday and another 227 cases were reported on Monday, bringing the state total to  nearly 20,400. Of the total, 16,025 have recovered from the virus. 

The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, had reached 288 by the end of Monday. 

State officials say 41% of Nebraska’s hospital beds, 45% of the intensive care beds and 80% of the ventilators in the state remained available Tuesday.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska health statistics show more than 400 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus so far this week. The state's online virus tracker shows 174 cases were reported Sunday and another 227 cases were reported on Monday, bringing the state total to nearly 20,400. Of the total, 16,025 have recovered from the virus. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, had reached 288 by the end of Monday. State officials say 41% of Nebraska’s hospital beds, 45% of the intensive care beds and 80% of the ventilators in the state remained available Tuesday.&nbsp;

Nebraska sees 200-plus coronavirus cases confirmed in 1 day

LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;– The State of Nebraska has released June data for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/en" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;testing.

"This&nbsp;past month, we've seen continued success with the Test Nebraska program and expanded the testing through the State by partnering with&nbsp;a number of hospitals across Nebraska to provide free COVID-19 tests. We continue to applaud Governor Ricketts for his&nbsp;success in running TestNebraska and helping the State get back on its feet,"&nbsp;said Nomi Health Chief Operating Officer Joshua Walker.

The statistics below reflect the number of Nebraskans tested for COVID-19 throughout the month of June, by location:

Number of positive and negative test results to date

A total of 1,597 Nebraska residents tested positive for COVID-19 during the month of June. A total of 2,522 Nebraska residents have received positive test results since testing began May 4. Negative test results during the month of June totaled 35,966. A total of 59,759 people tested have received negative test results since testing began. Inconclusive results were shared with 125 people during the month of June; 179 inconclusive results have come back since the start of testing.

Nebraska residents completed a total of 250,278 assessments throughout the month of June. The cumulative total of assessments completed is 648,682. These statistics represent the number of people who fully completed assessments to determine their eligibility to receive a test for COVID-19 to date. The average turnaround time for tests to return results was 34.6 hours during the Month of June; it has taken an average of 41.5 hours to receive test results since the start of testing.

Continued testing is encouraged, especially for students who will be returning to schools.

Nebraskans can complete an assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/en" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com&nbsp;</a>. Once the assessment is completed, applicants will receive an email from Test Nebraska informing them of eligibility. For those who are eligible, the email will direct them to select the location, date and time that is convenient for them.&nbsp; A confirmation email will include a bar code, which residents need to print off and bring with them to the testing site. The assessment can be completed via computer or by phone. If an individual does not have Internet access, a relative or friend can help them complete the assessment. Testing sites can now accommodate up to 3,000 tests per day.

DHHS opened a&nbsp;statewide COVID-19 information line&nbsp;to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is&nbsp;(402) 552-6645&nbsp;or toll-free at&nbsp;(833) 998-2275; hours of operation are&nbsp;8 a.m.&nbsp;to&nbsp;8 p.m.&nbsp;CDT,&nbsp;7 days a week.&nbsp;

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

Find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594751573847.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release TestNebraskaLINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;– The State of Nebraska has released June data for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/en" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;testing."This&nbsp;past month, we've seen continued success with the Test Nebraska program and expanded the testing through the State by partnering with&nbsp;a number of hospitals across Nebraska to provide free COVID-19 tests. We continue to applaud Governor Ricketts for his&nbsp;success in running TestNebraska and helping the State get back on its feet,"&nbsp;said Nomi Health Chief Operating Officer Joshua Walker.The statistics below reflect the number of Nebraskans tested for COVID-19 throughout the month of June, by location:Omaha CHI:8,583&nbsp;&nbsp;Lincoln LEC:2,869Lincoln North Star:2,065South Omaha:1,520Long Term Care Facilities:1,138Fremont:965Norfolk:826Bellevue:778Kearney:759Correction Facilities:735Springfield:690Grand Island:557Scottsbluff:543Nebraska City:498North Platte:460Columbus:458Seward:441Hastings:419McCook:418&nbsp;Dakota City:350York:342O'Neill:340West Point:297Valentine:295Blair:283Burwell:283Camp Ashland:236St. Paul:233Winnebago:217Lincoln Regional:211Imperial:200Macy:198Chadron:167Falls City:151Alliance:150Lexington:114Crete:105Ogallala:96Sidney:78Oshkosh:67Arapahoe:56Jefferson Community:55Broken Bow:23&nbsp;Superior:23Number of positive and negative test results to dateA total of 1,597 Nebraska residents tested positive for COVID-19 during the month of June. A total of 2,522 Nebraska residents have received positive test results since testing began May 4. Negative test results during the month of June totaled 35,966. A total of 59,759 people tested have received negative test results since testing began. Inconclusive results were shared with 125 people during the month of June; 179 inconclusive results have come back since the start of testing.Nebraska residents completed a total of 250,278 assessments throughout the month of June. The cumulative total of assessments completed is 648,682. These statistics represent the number of people who fully completed assessments to determine their eligibility to receive a test for COVID-19 to date. The average turnaround time for tests to return results was 34.6 hours during the Month of June; it has taken an average of 41.5 hours to receive test results since the start of testing.Continued testing is encouraged, especially for students who will be returning to schools.Nebraskans can complete an assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/en" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com&nbsp;</a>. Once the assessment is completed, applicants will receive an email from Test Nebraska informing them of eligibility. For those who are eligible, the email will direct them to select the location, date and time that is convenient for them.&nbsp; A confirmation email will include a bar code, which residents need to print off and bring with them to the testing site. The assessment can be completed via computer or by phone. If an individual does not have Internet access, a relative or friend can help them complete the assessment. Testing sites can now accommodate up to 3,000 tests per day.DHHS opened a&nbsp;statewide COVID-19 information line&nbsp;to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is&nbsp;(402) 552-6645&nbsp;or toll-free at&nbsp;(833) 998-2275; hours of operation are&nbsp;8 a.m.&nbsp;to&nbsp;8 p.m.&nbsp;CDT,&nbsp;7 days a week.&nbsp;DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.Find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

TestNebraska releases June testing report

CINCINNATI (AP) — Sometimes at odds, America’s two largest generations have something to agree on: the coronavirus pandemic has smacked many at a pivotal time in their lives.

 For baby boomers that means those who retired or are nearing retirement age are watching their retirement accounts and worrying about their health. 

Millennials, who became young adults in this century, are getting socked again when many were still recovering from the Great Recession. 

One boomer says he's confident the economy will come back. He only hopes, he says, that he'll be around to see it.&nbsp;

CINCINNATI (AP) — Sometimes at odds, America’s two largest generations have something to agree on: the coronavirus pandemic has smacked many at a pivotal time in their lives. For baby boomers that means those who retired or are nearing retirement age are watching their retirement accounts and worrying about their health. Millennials, who became young adults in this century, are getting socked again when many were still recovering from the Great Recession. One boomer says he's confident the economy will come back. He only hopes, he says, that he'll be around to see it.&nbsp;

Millennials and boomers: Pandemic pain, by the generation

Alliance- Ten clues. One day. Your car. What do they have in common?

United Way’s Heritage Hunt. The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center and United Way of Western Nebraska serving Box Butte County present a Heritage Hunt Car Scavenger Hunt fundraiser to benefit United Way on Thursday, July 16 during Heritage Days. Heritage Days may look different this year, but the Heritage Hunt will take you on an adventure around the Alliance areas with several clues featuring Alliance’s heritage. Don’t worry if you are not an Alliance native or local history buff, you can phone a friend to help you with the clues. The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center may just be the friend you need.

Register for the hunt at www.uwwn.org/hunt and load up your household, family or whoever fits in your car to hunt all over Alliance and the surrounding area on the Heritage Hunt for $25 per car. Each team will receive ice cream certificates courtesy of Dairy Queen and United and Strong stickers for all those in their car. On the morning of the hunt, at 12:01 a.m. on July 16, each registered team will receive an email with all ten clues and a United Way Heritage Hunt printout for the scavenger hunt. Follow the clues and take a selfie at each location with the Heritage Hunt printout. Upload your selfies to the United Way Heritage Hunt Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/699979607235261/). For those not on Facebook, pictures can be emailed to bbc@uwwn.org. Complete the Heritage Hunt any time day or night on July 16 and be entered to win local gift cards and swag from Red Beard Garage. Event selfies will be published following the Heritage Hunt to ensure other teams do not see the locations prior to the end of the Heritage Hunt. Heritage Sponsors for the event are Alliance Community Pharmacy, Bytes Computer and Network Solutions, Consumers Cooperative Federal Credit Union and Red Beard Garage.

For more information, visit uwwn.org/hunt or call United Way at 763-8031.

Alliance- Ten clues. One day. Your car. What do they have in common?United Way’s Heritage Hunt. The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center and United Way of Western Nebraska serving Box Butte County present a Heritage Hunt Car Scavenger Hunt fundraiser to benefit United Way on Thursday, July 16 during Heritage Days. Heritage Days may look different this year, but the Heritage Hunt will take you on an adventure around the Alliance areas with several clues featuring Alliance’s heritage. Don’t worry if you are not an Alliance native or local history buff, you can phone a friend to help you with the clues. The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center may just be the friend you need.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594132308935.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Register for the hunt at www.uwwn.org/hunt and load up your household, family or whoever fits in your car to hunt all over Alliance and the surrounding area on the Heritage Hunt for $25 per car. Each team will receive ice cream certificates courtesy of Dairy Queen and United and Strong stickers for all those in their car. On the morning of the hunt, at 12:01 a.m. on July 16, each registered team will receive an email with all ten clues and a United Way Heritage Hunt printout for the scavenger hunt. Follow the clues and take a selfie at each location with the Heritage Hunt printout. Upload your selfies to the United Way Heritage Hunt Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/699979607235261/). For those not on Facebook, pictures can be emailed to bbc@uwwn.org. Complete the Heritage Hunt any time day or night on July 16 and be entered to win local gift cards and swag from Red Beard Garage. Event selfies will be published following the Heritage Hunt to ensure other teams do not see the locations prior to the end of the Heritage Hunt. Heritage Sponsors for the event are Alliance Community Pharmacy, Bytes Computer and Network Solutions, Consumers Cooperative Federal Credit Union and Red Beard Garage.For more information, visit uwwn.org/hunt or call United Way at 763-8031.

Knight Museum, United Way of hold 'Heritage Hunt' during Heritage Days

When planning or attending larger community events, COVID-19 prevention remains critical 

Panhandle total: 359, Active: 71, Recovered: 283, Deaths: 5

As larger events are being offered around the area and many fairs are coming up, Panhandle Unified Command reminds event planners and attendees of the critical COVID-19 prevention strategies.

Planning for spacing of attendees to effectively practice six-foot social distancing, discouraging areas of large crowds congregating, encouraging organizers, volunteers, and attendees to wear a mask, and highly accessible opportunities to frequently wash or sanitize their hands is important. Screenings like temperature and symptoms checks for event staff and volunteers and encouraging all attendees not to attend if they are experiencing any symptoms or are at high-risk for complications from COVID-19 helps keep everyone safe during this time.

Event compliance with the Governor’s Directed Health Measure is essential; moreover, we all have a responsibility to keep our communities safe. Our common goal of getting our kiddos back-to-school is the Panhandle’s united front. Everything we can do to keep case counts and hospitalizations low is the key to communities moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unified Command confirms twelve more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle since our Friday report:

The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.

One community exposure site has been announced at the Camp Clarke Rodeo on July 4 in Bridgeport. If you attended this event, monitor for symptoms, and get tested if you begin experiencing any symptoms. The community exposure site is being announced because the positive case is not able to identify all close contacts from the event, social distancing was not practiced.

Public health urges everyone to practice social distancing when attending events. It will take everyone doing their part to prevent community exposure sites.

Sixteen new recoveries, four in Morrill County, eleven in Scotts Bluff County, and one in Sheridan County, brings the total recoveries to 283.

• Morrill County: 52 cases (3 active, 49 recovered)

• Scotts Bluff County: 242 cases (60 active, 177 recovered, 5 deaths)

• Sheridan County: 8 cases (2 active, 6 recovered)

By PPHDWhen planning or attending larger community events, COVID-19 prevention remains critical Panhandle total: 359, Active: 71, Recovered: 283, Deaths: 5As larger events are being offered around the area and many fairs are coming up, Panhandle Unified Command reminds event planners and attendees of the critical COVID-19 prevention strategies.Planning for spacing of attendees to effectively practice six-foot social distancing, discouraging areas of large crowds congregating, encouraging organizers, volunteers, and attendees to wear a mask, and highly accessible opportunities to frequently wash or sanitize their hands is important. Screenings like temperature and symptoms checks for event staff and volunteers and encouraging all attendees not to attend if they are experiencing any symptoms or are at high-risk for complications from COVID-19 helps keep everyone safe during this time.Event compliance with the Governor’s Directed Health Measure is essential; moreover, we all have a responsibility to keep our communities safe. Our common goal of getting our kiddos back-to-school is the Panhandle’s united front. Everything we can do to keep case counts and hospitalizations low is the key to communities moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.Unified Command confirms twelve more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle since our Friday report:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594693163288.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594693221698.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.One community exposure site has been announced at the Camp Clarke Rodeo on July 4 in Bridgeport. If you attended this event, monitor for symptoms, and get tested if you begin experiencing any symptoms. The community exposure site is being announced because the positive case is not able to identify all close contacts from the event, social distancing was not practiced.Public health urges everyone to practice social distancing when attending events. It will take everyone doing their part to prevent community exposure sites.Sixteen new recoveries, four in Morrill County, eleven in Scotts Bluff County, and one in Sheridan County, brings the total recoveries to 283.March 2-July 13, 2020Total Tests Conducted: 6,132Positive: 359Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.8%Recovered: 283Active Cases: 71Active Hospitalizations: 4Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 38Deaths: 5• Banner County: 2 cases (recovered)• Box Butte County: 4 cases (1 active, 3 recovered)• Cheyenne County: 22 cases (2 active, 20 recovered)• Dawes County: 4 cases (recovered)• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)• Kimball County: 15 cases (3 active, 12 recovered)• Morrill County: 52 cases (3 active, 49 recovered)• Scotts Bluff County: 242 cases (60 active, 177 recovered, 5 deaths)• Sheridan County: 8 cases (2 active, 6 recovered)• Sioux County: 6 cases (recovered)Testing opportunities for the week of July 13:· Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am o Testnebraska.como Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Fridays, 7-8am o https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq· Gordon Clinic parking lot: Thursday (7/16) 3-4pmo Call for an appointment: 308-282-6334 or 308-282-1442o There is no charge for this testing.· Morrill County Community Hospital: Dailyo Call for testing, insurance will be billed· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.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.For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.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. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

1 community exposure site has been announced at the Camp Clarke Rodeo on July 4 in Bridgeport

Alliance Heritage Days schedule

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming corrections officials plan to test all inmates and employees for the coronavirus. 

Wyoming and Hawaii are the only states that haven’t reported cases of COVID-19 among their inmate populations.

 Corrections Department Director Bob Lampert said Wednesday he wants to confirm that’s indeed the case in Wyoming. 

The testing will begin Monday at the Wyoming Honor Farm in Riverton, followed by the Women’s Center in Lusk, the Honor Camp in Newcastle and the state maximum- and medium-security prisons in Rawlins and Torrington.

 Regular surveillance testing will continue after every inmate is tested by the end of August.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming corrections officials plan to test all inmates and employees for the coronavirus. Wyoming and Hawaii are the only states that haven’t reported cases of COVID-19 among their inmate populations. Corrections Department Director Bob Lampert said Wednesday he wants to confirm that’s indeed the case in Wyoming. The testing will begin Monday at the Wyoming Honor Farm in Riverton, followed by the Women’s Center in Lusk, the Honor Camp in Newcastle and the state maximum- and medium-security prisons in Rawlins and Torrington. Regular surveillance testing will continue after every inmate is tested by the end of August.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wyoming to test all inmates for coronavirus

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials report 45 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

 That raises the total number of cases in the state to 7,499. But that does not include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. 

The South Dakota Department of Health on Sunday reported no new deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, so the state's death toll remains at 109. 

South Dakota has 868 active cases. A total of 53 patients are currently hospitalized, down 12 since Saturday. 

The Argus Leader reports the number of confirmed cases in Minnehaha County increased by five to 3,756. 

Lincoln County added six new cases while Pennington County added five.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials report 45 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus. That raises the total number of cases in the state to 7,499. But that does not include people who show symptoms or are asymptomatic but are not tested. The South Dakota Department of Health on Sunday reported no new deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, so the state's death toll remains at 109. South Dakota has 868 active cases. A total of 53 patients are currently hospitalized, down 12 since Saturday. The Argus Leader reports the number of confirmed cases in Minnehaha County increased by five to 3,756. Lincoln County added six new cases while Pennington County added five.

South Dakota reports 45 new COVID-19 cases, no new deaths

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The number of people hospitalized for the coronavirus in Nebraska has fallen to its lowest level since mid-April, but state officials say residents still need to exercise caution to keep the virus from spreading. 

Nebraska’s hospitals were treating 97 patients as of Thursday, down from a high of 257 on May 27.

 The state has a total of hospital 3,907 beds, and 1,583 of those were available for patients as of Thursday evening. Nebraska officials confirmed 198 new cases of the virus on Thursday and two new deaths, bringing the state totals to 20,623 cases and 284 deaths since the pandemic began.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The number of people hospitalized for the coronavirus in Nebraska has fallen to its lowest level since mid-April, but state officials say residents still need to exercise caution to keep the virus from spreading. Nebraska’s hospitals were treating 97 patients as of Thursday, down from a high of 257 on May 27. The state has a total of hospital 3,907 beds, and 1,583 of those were available for patients as of Thursday evening. Nebraska officials confirmed 198 new cases of the virus on Thursday and two new deaths, bringing the state totals to 20,623 cases and 284 deaths since the pandemic began.

Nebraska virus hospitalizations at lowest levels since April

As the Trump administration pushes full steam ahead to force schools to resume in-person education, public health experts warn that a one-size-fits-all reopening could drive infection and death rates even higher.

They’re urging a more cautious approach, which many local governments and school districts are already pursuing.

But U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos doubled down on President Donald Trump’s insistence that kids can safely return to the classroom.

“There’s nothing in the data that suggests that kids being in school is in any way dangerous,” she told Chris Wallace on “Fox News Sunday.”

Still, health experts say there are too many uncertainties and variables for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f3d8baf703ae4ff1af917b6202d26888">back-to-school to be back-to-normal.</a>

Where is the virus spreading rapidly? Do students live with aged grandparents? Do teachers have high-risk health conditions that would make online teaching safest? Do infected children easily spread COVID-19 to each other and to adults?

Regarding the latter, some evidence suggests they don’t, but a big government study aims to find better proof. Results won’t be available before the fall, and some schools are slated to reopen in just a few weeks.

“These are complicated issues. You can’t just charge straight ahead,” Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Wednesday during an online briefing.

Children infected with coronavirus are more likely than adults to have mild illnesses, but their risk for severe disease and death isn’t zero. While a virus-linked inflammatory condition is uncommon, most children who develop it require intensive care, and a few have died. Doctors don’t know which children are at risk.

“The single most important thing we can do to keep our schools safe has nothing to do with what happens in school. It’s how well we control COVID-19 in the community,” Frieden said. “Right now there are places around the country where the virus is spreading explosively and it would be difficult if not impossible to operate schools safely until the virus is under better control.”

Zahrah Wattier teaches high school in Galveston, Texas, where cases and deaths have been spiking. Until the state recently said schools must reopen to in-person classes, her district had been weighing options many others are considering, including full-time online teaching or a hybrid mix.

Wattier’s school has mostly Hispanic and Black students, many from low-income families; almost 70% qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches and many have parents who work in “essential” jobs that increase potential exposure to the virus. Online education was hard for many with limited internet access, and Wattier knows in-person classes can help even the playing field.

“My school has over 2,000 students. That’s over 2,000 exposures in a day,” said Wattier, whose parents live with the family and are both high-risk. “It’s a lot to think about. It’s my job. It’s something I choose to do, it’s something I love. Now it comes at a really high risk.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics, whose guidance the Trump administration has cited to support its demands, says the goal is for all students to be physically present in school. But, it adds, districts must be flexible, consult with health authorities and be ready to pivot as virus activity waxes and wanes.

“It is not that the American Academy of Pediatrics thinks this is a done deal because we have put out guidance,” said Dr. Nicholas Beers, a member of the academy’s school health council. “But what we do know is that we need to have a more realistic dialogue about the implications of virtual learning on the future of children. We have left whole swaths of society behind, whether it’s because they have limited access to a computer, or broadband internet,” or because of other challenges that online education can’t address.

DeVos said local school officials are smart enough to know when conditions are not right.

“There’s going to be the exception to the rule, but the rule should be that kids go back to school this fall,” she told CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“And where there are little flare-ups or hot spots, that can be dealt with on a school by school or a case by case basis.”

Following CDC and academy guidelines would mean big changes for most schools. Mask-wearing would be strongly encouraged for adult staff and students except the youngest. Desks would be distanced at least 3 feet apart; the CDC recommends 6 feet. Both suggest limiting adults allowed in schools, including parents, and canceling group activities like choir and assemblies. Staggered arrival and dismissal times, outdoor classes, and keeping kids in the same classroom all day are other options.

President Trump has threatened federal funding cuts for districts that don’t fully reopen.

DeVos defended that stance, saying, “American investment in education is a promise to students and their families.”

“If schools aren’t going to reopen and not fulfill that promise, they shouldn’t get the funds, and give it to the families to decide to go to a school that is going to meet that promise,” she said on “Fox News Sunday.”

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called DeVos’ comments “malfeasance and dereliction of duty.”

“They’re messing, the president and his administration are messing with the health of our children,” the California Democrat told CNN’s “State of the Union.”

While most funding typically comes from state and local sources, experts say schools will need more federal funding, not less, to reopen safely. Masks, extra cleaning supplies or janitors, additional classroom space, and mental health support for students and staff traumatized by the pandemic are among potential costs. And with more parents out of work, more children will qualify for federally funded school lunches.

Lynn Morales, 49, teaches 8th grade English at a high-poverty public school in Bloomington, Minnesota, that is considering several options including in-person classes; a final decision is expected Aug. 1.

Some colleagues are considering not returning to the classroom because their children’s day care centers aren’t reopening. Some say they won’t come back until there’s a vaccine.

“I am concerned and it’s because of the age group,” Morales said. ’’Middle school students ... are lovely and I love them, but they touch, they get close, they roughhouse. It is their nature. They’re 13 years old. They are defiant.”

“If masks are required and a kid isn’t wearing a mask, is my job description going to be to chase down this kid and insist they wear a mask? And what if they don’t?”

Dr. Emily Landon, a University of Chicago infectious disease specialist, is helping the university and a campus preK-12 school decide how to reopen safely.

“Things are evolving from, ‘We can’t do it unless it’s perfectly safe’ to more of a harm reduction model, with the caveat that you can always step back” if virus activity flares, Landon said.

Single-occupancy dorms, outdoor classes, socially distanced classrooms and mask-wearing by students and faculty are on tap for the university. Face coverings will be required at the school too. Policies may change depending on virus activity.

She dismisses complaints from some parents who say masks are a loss of personal freedom.

“It’s not harmful for your child,” she said. “If you see wearing masks as a loss of personal freedom, then you have to think the same of pants.”

Dr. Tina Hartert of Vanderbilt University is leading a National Institutes of Health-funded study to determine what role children play in transmitting COVID-19. Almost 2,000 families are enrolled and self-test every two weeks. The idea is to find infected children without symptoms and see how easily disease spreads within families. Results may come by year’s end.

“If we don’t see significant transmission within households, that would be very reassuring,” Hartert said.

She noted that in other countries where schools have reopened, evidence suggests no widespread transmission from children.

In France, public schools reopened briefly before a summer break, with no sign of widespread virus transmission. Masks were only required for upper grades, but students stayed in the same classroom all day. A better test will be when the new school year starts Sept. 1.

In Norway, schools closed in March for several weeks. Nursery schools reopened first, then other grades. Children were put in smaller groups that stay together all day. Masks aren’t required. There have been only a few virus cases, said Dr. Margrethe Greve-Isdahl of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, but she noted virus activity is much lower than in the U.S.

Kati Spaniak, a realtor in Northbrook, Illinois, says her five teenage daughters have struggled to cope with pandemic fears, school closures and deficits of online learning. She strongly supports getting kids back in the classroom, and all her girls will return to some form of that in the fall.

It’s been hard for her high school senior, Kylie Ciesla. Prom, graduation and other senior rituals were canceled, and there were no good-byes. “Just to get ripped away from everything I’ve worked for 12 years, it’s really hard,” Kylie said.

At college, classes will be in person, masks mandated and a COVID-19 test required before she can move into her dorm. Kylie isn’t sure all that is needed.

“I hate that this thing has become so political. I just want the science. I want to know what we need to do to fix it,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593205499970.png" alt="U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos -courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos -courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By LINDSEY TANNERAs the Trump administration pushes full steam ahead to force schools to resume in-person education, public health experts warn that a one-size-fits-all reopening could drive infection and death rates even higher.They’re urging a more cautious approach, which many local governments and school districts are already pursuing.But U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos doubled down on President Donald Trump’s insistence that kids can safely return to the classroom.“There’s nothing in the data that suggests that kids being in school is in any way dangerous,” she told Chris Wallace on “Fox News Sunday.”Still, health experts say there are too many uncertainties and variables for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f3d8baf703ae4ff1af917b6202d26888">back-to-school to be back-to-normal.</a>Where is the virus spreading rapidly? Do students live with aged grandparents? Do teachers have high-risk health conditions that would make online teaching safest? Do infected children easily spread COVID-19 to each other and to adults?ADVERTISEMENTRegarding the latter, some evidence suggests they don’t, but a big government study aims to find better proof. Results won’t be available before the fall, and some schools are slated to reopen in just a few weeks.“These are complicated issues. You can’t just charge straight ahead,” Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Wednesday during an online briefing.Children infected with coronavirus are more likely than adults to have mild illnesses, but their risk for severe disease and death isn’t zero. While a virus-linked inflammatory condition is uncommon, most children who develop it require intensive care, and a few have died. Doctors don’t know which children are at risk.“The single most important thing we can do to keep our schools safe has nothing to do with what happens in school. It’s how well we control COVID-19 in the community,” Frieden said. “Right now there are places around the country where the virus is spreading explosively and it would be difficult if not impossible to operate schools safely until the virus is under better control.”Zahrah Wattier teaches high school in Galveston, Texas, where cases and deaths have been spiking. Until the state recently said schools must reopen to in-person classes, her district had been weighing options many others are considering, including full-time online teaching or a hybrid mix.Wattier’s school has mostly Hispanic and Black students, many from low-income families; almost 70% qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches and many have parents who work in “essential” jobs that increase potential exposure to the virus. Online education was hard for many with limited internet access, and Wattier knows in-person classes can help even the playing field.But she’s worried.“My school has over 2,000 students. That’s over 2,000 exposures in a day,” said Wattier, whose parents live with the family and are both high-risk. “It’s a lot to think about. It’s my job. It’s something I choose to do, it’s something I love. Now it comes at a really high risk.”The American Academy of Pediatrics, whose guidance the Trump administration has cited to support its demands, says the goal is for all students to be physically present in school. But, it adds, districts must be flexible, consult with health authorities and be ready to pivot as virus activity waxes and wanes.“It is not that the American Academy of Pediatrics thinks this is a done deal because we have put out guidance,” said Dr. Nicholas Beers, a member of the academy’s school health council. “But what we do know is that we need to have a more realistic dialogue about the implications of virtual learning on the future of children. We have left whole swaths of society behind, whether it’s because they have limited access to a computer, or broadband internet,” or because of other challenges that online education can’t address.DeVos said local school officials are smart enough to know when conditions are not right.“There’s going to be the exception to the rule, but the rule should be that kids go back to school this fall,” she told CNN’s “State of the Union.”“And where there are little flare-ups or hot spots, that can be dealt with on a school by school or a case by case basis.”Following CDC and academy guidelines would mean big changes for most schools. Mask-wearing would be strongly encouraged for adult staff and students except the youngest. Desks would be distanced at least 3 feet apart; the CDC recommends 6 feet. Both suggest limiting adults allowed in schools, including parents, and canceling group activities like choir and assemblies. Staggered arrival and dismissal times, outdoor classes, and keeping kids in the same classroom all day are other options.President Trump has threatened federal funding cuts for districts that don’t fully reopen.DeVos defended that stance, saying, “American investment in education is a promise to students and their families.”“If schools aren’t going to reopen and not fulfill that promise, they shouldn’t get the funds, and give it to the families to decide to go to a school that is going to meet that promise,” she said on “Fox News Sunday.”U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called DeVos’ comments “malfeasance and dereliction of duty.”“They’re messing, the president and his administration are messing with the health of our children,” the California Democrat told CNN’s “State of the Union.”While most funding typically comes from state and local sources, experts say schools will need more federal funding, not less, to reopen safely. Masks, extra cleaning supplies or janitors, additional classroom space, and mental health support for students and staff traumatized by the pandemic are among potential costs. And with more parents out of work, more children will qualify for federally funded school lunches.Lynn Morales, 49, teaches 8th grade English at a high-poverty public school in Bloomington, Minnesota, that is considering several options including in-person classes; a final decision is expected Aug. 1.Some colleagues are considering not returning to the classroom because their children’s day care centers aren’t reopening. Some say they won’t come back until there’s a vaccine.“I am concerned and it’s because of the age group,” Morales said. ’’Middle school students ... are lovely and I love them, but they touch, they get close, they roughhouse. It is their nature. They’re 13 years old. They are defiant.”“If masks are required and a kid isn’t wearing a mask, is my job description going to be to chase down this kid and insist they wear a mask? And what if they don’t?”Dr. Emily Landon, a University of Chicago infectious disease specialist, is helping the university and a campus preK-12 school decide how to reopen safely.“Things are evolving from, ‘We can’t do it unless it’s perfectly safe’ to more of a harm reduction model, with the caveat that you can always step back” if virus activity flares, Landon said.Single-occupancy dorms, outdoor classes, socially distanced classrooms and mask-wearing by students and faculty are on tap for the university. Face coverings will be required at the school too. Policies may change depending on virus activity.She dismisses complaints from some parents who say masks are a loss of personal freedom.“It’s not harmful for your child,” she said. “If you see wearing masks as a loss of personal freedom, then you have to think the same of pants.”Dr. Tina Hartert of Vanderbilt University is leading a National Institutes of Health-funded study to determine what role children play in transmitting COVID-19. Almost 2,000 families are enrolled and self-test every two weeks. The idea is to find infected children without symptoms and see how easily disease spreads within families. Results may come by year’s end.“If we don’t see significant transmission within households, that would be very reassuring,” Hartert said.She noted that in other countries where schools have reopened, evidence suggests no widespread transmission from children.In France, public schools reopened briefly before a summer break, with no sign of widespread virus transmission. Masks were only required for upper grades, but students stayed in the same classroom all day. A better test will be when the new school year starts Sept. 1.In Norway, schools closed in March for several weeks. Nursery schools reopened first, then other grades. Children were put in smaller groups that stay together all day. Masks aren’t required. There have been only a few virus cases, said Dr. Margrethe Greve-Isdahl of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, but she noted virus activity is much lower than in the U.S.Kati Spaniak, a realtor in Northbrook, Illinois, says her five teenage daughters have struggled to cope with pandemic fears, school closures and deficits of online learning. She strongly supports getting kids back in the classroom, and all her girls will return to some form of that in the fall.It’s been hard for her high school senior, Kylie Ciesla. Prom, graduation and other senior rituals were canceled, and there were no good-byes. “Just to get ripped away from everything I’ve worked for 12 years, it’s really hard,” Kylie said.At college, classes will be in person, masks mandated and a COVID-19 test required before she can move into her dorm. Kylie isn’t sure all that is needed.“I hate that this thing has become so political. I just want the science. I want to know what we need to do to fix it,” she said.___

Doctors: Virus spread, not politics should guide schools

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State officials said a staff member at the Nebraska State Penitentiary tested positive for the coronavirus and is self-isolating at home. 

The latest case brings to 24 the number of staff members working at the Nebraska Department of Corrections who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Twenty of those have recovered. 

Officials are notifying people who work and live at the facility of the case, and anyone who had close contact with the staff member will be directed to self-quarantine until they are cleared by a medical provider.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State officials said a staff member at the Nebraska State Penitentiary tested positive for the coronavirus and is self-isolating at home. The latest case brings to 24 the number of staff members working at the Nebraska Department of Corrections who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Twenty of those have recovered. Officials are notifying people who work and live at the facility of the case, and anyone who had close contact with the staff member will be directed to self-quarantine until they are cleared by a medical provider.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Nebraska prison employee tests positive for Covid-19

As you are attending gatherings this weekend, we want to remind the everyone we are all in this together.

· Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.

· Do you have a fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or congestion, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea? If so, please go home.

Unified Command confirms two more case of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:

There are no community exposure sites identified. The investigation is complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.

Ten new recoveries, six in Morrill County, two in Scotts Bluff County, two in Sheridan County, brings the total recoveries to 267.

Close contact = a person that is less than six feet for 15 minutes or more with a person that is positive for COVID-19. People considered a close contact in the disease investigation will be told by health officials to self-quarantine for 14 days and go get tested if they begin experiencing symptoms. This helps stop the spread.

Contact of a contact = a person that is a contact of a close contact (outlined above). People considered a contact of a contact are not required to self-quarantine but should continue all the important precautions of staying six feet away from others, wearing a mask, monitoring for symptoms, and frequent handwashing or sanitizing.

Self-quarantine – confirmed as a close contact and must stay home and monitor for symptoms for 14 days since the last exposure to prevent the spread. If symptoms appear, get tested.

Self-isolate – confirmed with COVID-19 and must stay home and away from others for at least 10 days from when symptoms first appeared, at least three full days with no fever, and all other symptoms have improved.

Not abiding by self-quarantine or self-isolation requirements by health officials is enforceable as a misdemeanor offense per the Governor’s Directed Health Measure.

• Cheyenne County: 21 cases (1 active, 20 recovered)

• Kimball County: 13 cases (1 active, 12 recovered)

• Morrill County: 52 cases (7 active, 45 recovered)

• Scotts Bluff County: 233 cases (62 active, 166 recovered, 5 deaths)

• Sheridan County: 8 cases (5 active, 3 recovered)

Testing opportunities for the week of July 6:

· Gordon Clinic parking lot: Monday (7/13) 3-4pm, and Thursday (7/16) 3-4pm

As you are attending gatherings this weekend, we want to remind the everyone we are all in this together.· Stay 6 feet away from others.· Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.· Do you have a fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose or congestion, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea? If so, please go home.· At risk? Please use extra caution.Thank you for doing your part!Unified Command confirms two more case of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594430960482.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There are no community exposure sites identified. The investigation is complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.Ten new recoveries, six in Morrill County, two in Scotts Bluff County, two in Sheridan County, brings the total recoveries to 267.Close contact = a person that is less than six feet for 15 minutes or more with a person that is positive for COVID-19. People considered a close contact in the disease investigation will be told by health officials to self-quarantine for 14 days and go get tested if they begin experiencing symptoms. This helps stop the spread.Contact of a contact = a person that is a contact of a close contact (outlined above). People considered a contact of a contact are not required to self-quarantine but should continue all the important precautions of staying six feet away from others, wearing a mask, monitoring for symptoms, and frequent handwashing or sanitizing.Self-quarantine – confirmed as a close contact and must stay home and monitor for symptoms for 14 days since the last exposure to prevent the spread. If symptoms appear, get tested.Self-isolate – confirmed with COVID-19 and must stay home and away from others for at least 10 days from when symptoms first appeared, at least three full days with no fever, and all other symptoms have improved.Not abiding by self-quarantine or self-isolation requirements by health officials is enforceable as a misdemeanor offense per the Governor’s Directed Health Measure.March 2-July 10, 2020Total Tests Conducted: 5,874Positive: 347Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.9%Recovered: 267Active Cases: 75Active Hospitalizations: 3Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 36Deaths: 5• Banner County: 2 cases (recovered)• Box Butte County: 4 cases (1 active, 3 recovered)• Cheyenne County: 21 cases (1 active, 20 recovered)• Dawes County: 4 cases (recovered)• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)• Kimball County: 13 cases (1 active, 12 recovered)• Morrill County: 52 cases (7 active, 45 recovered)• Scotts Bluff County: 233 cases (62 active, 166 recovered, 5 deaths)• Sheridan County: 8 cases (5 active, 3 recovered)• Sioux County: 6 cases (recovered)Testing opportunities for the week of July 6:· Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am o Testnebraska.como Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Fridays, 7-8am o https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq· Gordon Clinic parking lot: Monday (7/13) 3-4pm, and Thursday (7/16) 3-4pmo Call for an appointment: 308-282-6334 or 308-282-1442o There is no charge for this testing.· Morrill County Community Hospital: Dailyo Call for testing, insurance will be billed· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.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.For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.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. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

PPHD: 'We are all in this together', reports 2 more cases in Scottsbluff Co.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) are notifying the public of a potential risk of community spread of COVID-19 at a popular area golf course.

According to WCDHD, there has been a confirmed positive COVID-19 case of an individual
who had visited the Sand Hills Golf Club in Mullen, NE. In continuing
our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our area and
protect the health of our community, the West Central District Health
Department (WCDHD) is asking for your assistance. 


If you have visited the Sand Hills Golf
Club in Mullen, NE anytime from June 30th through July
4th, 2020, please visit
<a href="https://consultinglhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a67PjRi6skYXMrP">https://consultinglhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a67PjRi6skYXMrP</a>
and complete the screening questionnaire as soon as possible. Once
you have completed the screening questionnaire, you will be contacted
by WCDHD for active monitoring and testing availability. If you
do not have the capacity to complete the online screening
questionnaire, please call 308-696-1201. Contact tracing is a vital
tool used by public health departments to contain the spread of
disease, and your cooperation will assist the WCDHD trained staff in
its case investigation.

“We all desire to get back to normal,
the quickest way to accomplish this is to consistently practice
social distancing, washing our hands, wearing face coverings when in
public, and staying home if you are sick. These measures are vital to
our community to keep us healthy and safe”, said Shannon
Vanderheiden, Executive Director of WCDHD. 


We would like to remind the community
of the following resources and tools available: 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594426357898.png" alt="Photo: <a href="https://www.pikist.com/free-photo-ipjlu">pikist.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo: <a href="https://www.pikist.com/free-photo-ipjlu">pikist.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) are notifying the public of a potential risk of community spread of COVID-19 at a popular area golf course.According to WCDHD, there has been a confirmed positive COVID-19 case of an individual
who had visited the Sand Hills Golf Club in Mullen, NE. In continuing
our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our area and
protect the health of our community, the West Central District Health
Department (WCDHD) is asking for your assistance. 
If you have visited the Sand Hills Golf
Club in Mullen, NE anytime from June 30th through July
4th, 2020, please visit
<a href="https://consultinglhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a67PjRi6skYXMrP">https://consultinglhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a67PjRi6skYXMrP</a>
and complete the screening questionnaire as soon as possible. Once
you have completed the screening questionnaire, you will be contacted
by WCDHD for active monitoring and testing availability. If you
do not have the capacity to complete the online screening
questionnaire, please call 308-696-1201. Contact tracing is a vital
tool used by public health departments to contain the spread of
disease, and your cooperation will assist the WCDHD trained staff in
its case investigation.“We all desire to get back to normal,
the quickest way to accomplish this is to consistently practice
social distancing, washing our hands, wearing face coverings when in
public, and staying home if you are sick. These measures are vital to
our community to keep us healthy and safe”, said Shannon
Vanderheiden, Executive Director of WCDHD. 
We would like to remind the community
of the following resources and tools available: 
<ul>
 <li>Current Directed Health Measure
	for the WCDHD jurisdiction:
	<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/WCHD-DHM-June22.pdf">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/WCHD-DHM-June22.pdf</a>
	</li><li>COVID-19 Risk Dial &amp; Community
	Guidance:
	<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html</a>
</li>
 </ul>

Coronavirus Update