A handful of the dozens of experimental COVID-19 vaccines in human testing have reached the last and biggest hurdle — looking for the needed proof that they really work as a U.S. advisory panel suggested Tuesday a way to ration the first limited doses once a vaccine wins approval.

AstraZeneca announced Monday its vaccine candidate has entered the final testing stage in the U.S. The Cambridge, England-based company said the study will involve up to 30,000 adults from various racial, ethnic and geographic groups.

Two other vaccine candidates began final testing this summer in tens of thousands of people in the U.S. One was created by the National Institutes of Health and manufactured by Moderna Inc., and the other developed by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech.

“To have just one vaccine enter the final stage of trials eight months after discovering a virus would be a remarkable achievement; to have three at that point with more on the way is extraordinary,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement.

NIH Director Francis Collins tweeted that his agency "is supporting several vaccine trials since more than one may be needed. We have all hands on deck."

AstraZeneca said development of the vaccine, known as AZD1222, is moving ahead globally with late-stage trials in the U.K., Brazil and South Africa. Further trials are planned in Japan and Russia. The potential vaccine was invented by the University of Oxford and an associated company, Vaccitech.

Meanwhile, a U.S. advisory panel released a draft plan Tuesday for how to ration the first doses of vaccine. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine proposed giving the first vaccine doses — initial supplies are expected to be limited to up to 15 million people — to high-risk health care workers and first responders.

Next, older residents of nursing homes and other crowded facilities and people of all ages with health conditions that put them at significant danger would be given priority. In following waves of vaccination, teachers, other school staff, workers in essential industries, and people living in homeless shelters, group homes, prisons and other facilities would get the shots.

Healthy children, young adults and everyone else would not get the first vaccinations, but would be able to get them once supplies increase.

The panel of experts described “a moral imperative” to lessen the heavy disease burden of COVID-19 on Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and Alaska Natives, and suggested state and local authorities could target vulnerable neighborhoods using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The National Academies will solicit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nap.edu/vaccine/">public comments</a>&nbsp;on the plan through Friday.

There’s a good reason so many COVID-19 vaccines are in development.

“The first vaccines that come out are probably not going to be the best vaccines,” Dr. Nicole Lurie, who helped lead pandemic planning under the Obama administration, said at a University of Minnesota vaccine symposium.

There’s no guarantee that any of the leading candidates will pan out — and the bar is higher than for COVID-19 treatments, because these vaccines will be given to healthy people. Final testing, experts stress, must be in large numbers of people to know if they’re safe enough for mass vaccinations.

They’re made in a wide variety of ways, each with pros and cons. One problem: Most of the leading candidates are being tested with two doses, which lengthens the time required to get an answer — and, if one works, to fully vaccinate people.

Another: They’re all shots. Vaccine experts are closely watching development of some nasal-spray alternatives that just might begin the first step of human testing later this year — late to the race, but possibly advantageous against a virus that sneaks into the airways.

For now, here’s a scorecard of vaccines that already have begun or are getting close to final-stage tests:

The Moderna and Pfizer candidates began Phase 3 testing in late July.

Neither uses the actual coronavirus. Instead, they’re made with the genetic code for the aptly named “spike” protein that coats the surface of the coronavirus. Inject the vaccine containing that code, called mRNA, and the body’s cells will make some harmless spike protein — just enough for the immune system to respond, priming it to react if it later encounters the real virus.

These mRNA vaccines are easier and faster to make than traditional vaccines, but it’s a new and unproven technology.

Britain’s Oxford University and AstraZeneca are making what scientists call a “viral vector” vaccine but a good analogy is the Trojan horse. The shots are made with a harmless virus — a cold virus that normally infects chimpanzees — that carries the spike protein’s genetic material into the body. Once again, the body produces some spike protein and primes the immune system, but it, too, is a fairly new technology.

Two possible competitors are made with different human cold viruses.

Shots made by Johnson &amp; Johnson began initial human studies in late July. The company plans to begin Phase 3 testing in September in as many as 60,000 people in the U.S. and elsewhere.

China’s government authorized emergency use of CanSino Biologics’ adenovirus shots in the military ahead of any final testing.

Making vaccines by growing a disease-causing virus and then killing it is a tried-and-true approach — it’s the way Jonas Salk’s famed polio shots were made. China has three so-called “inactivated” vaccine candidates against COVID-19 made this way.

Sinovac has final studies of its candidate underway in Brazil and Indonesia. Competitor SinoPharm has announced plans for final testing in some other countries.

Safely brewing and then killing the virus takes longer than newer technologies. But inactivated vaccines give the body a sneak peek at the germ itself rather than just that single spike protein.

Novavax makes “protein subunit” vaccines, growing harmless copies of the coronavirus spike protein in the laboratory and packaging them into virus-sized nanoparticles.

There are protein-based vaccines against other diseases, so it’s not as novel a technology as some of its competitors. But it only recently finished its first-step study; the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed aims for advanced testing later in the fall.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and CARLA K. JOHNSONAP Medical WritersA handful of the dozens of experimental COVID-19 vaccines in human testing have reached the last and biggest hurdle — looking for the needed proof that they really work as a U.S. advisory panel suggested Tuesday a way to ration the first limited doses once a vaccine wins approval.AstraZeneca announced Monday its vaccine candidate has entered the final testing stage in the U.S. The Cambridge, England-based company said the study will involve up to 30,000 adults from various racial, ethnic and geographic groups.Two other vaccine candidates began final testing this summer in tens of thousands of people in the U.S. One was created by the National Institutes of Health and manufactured by Moderna Inc., and the other developed by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech.“To have just one vaccine enter the final stage of trials eight months after discovering a virus would be a remarkable achievement; to have three at that point with more on the way is extraordinary,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement.NIH Director Francis Collins tweeted that his agency "is supporting several vaccine trials since more than one may be needed. We have all hands on deck."AstraZeneca said development of the vaccine, known as AZD1222, is moving ahead globally with late-stage trials in the U.K., Brazil and South Africa. Further trials are planned in Japan and Russia. The potential vaccine was invented by the University of Oxford and an associated company, Vaccitech.Meanwhile, a U.S. advisory panel released a draft plan Tuesday for how to ration the first doses of vaccine. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine proposed giving the first vaccine doses — initial supplies are expected to be limited to up to 15 million people — to high-risk health care workers and first responders.Next, older residents of nursing homes and other crowded facilities and people of all ages with health conditions that put them at significant danger would be given priority. In following waves of vaccination, teachers, other school staff, workers in essential industries, and people living in homeless shelters, group homes, prisons and other facilities would get the shots.Healthy children, young adults and everyone else would not get the first vaccinations, but would be able to get them once supplies increase.The panel of experts described “a moral imperative” to lessen the heavy disease burden of COVID-19 on Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and Alaska Natives, and suggested state and local authorities could target vulnerable neighborhoods using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The National Academies will solicit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nap.edu/vaccine/">public comments</a>&nbsp;on the plan through Friday.There’s a good reason so many COVID-19 vaccines are in development.“The first vaccines that come out are probably not going to be the best vaccines,” Dr. Nicole Lurie, who helped lead pandemic planning under the Obama administration, said at a University of Minnesota vaccine symposium.There’s no guarantee that any of the leading candidates will pan out — and the bar is higher than for COVID-19 treatments, because these vaccines will be given to healthy people. Final testing, experts stress, must be in large numbers of people to know if they’re safe enough for mass vaccinations.They’re made in a wide variety of ways, each with pros and cons. One problem: Most of the leading candidates are being tested with two doses, which lengthens the time required to get an answer — and, if one works, to fully vaccinate people.Another: They’re all shots. Vaccine experts are closely watching development of some nasal-spray alternatives that just might begin the first step of human testing later this year — late to the race, but possibly advantageous against a virus that sneaks into the airways.For now, here’s a scorecard of vaccines that already have begun or are getting close to final-stage tests:GENETIC CODE VACCINESThe Moderna and Pfizer candidates began Phase 3 testing in late July.Neither uses the actual coronavirus. Instead, they’re made with the genetic code for the aptly named “spike” protein that coats the surface of the coronavirus. Inject the vaccine containing that code, called mRNA, and the body’s cells will make some harmless spike protein — just enough for the immune system to respond, priming it to react if it later encounters the real virus.These mRNA vaccines are easier and faster to make than traditional vaccines, but it’s a new and unproven technology.TROJAN HORSE VACCINESBritain’s Oxford University and AstraZeneca are making what scientists call a “viral vector” vaccine but a good analogy is the Trojan horse. The shots are made with a harmless virus — a cold virus that normally infects chimpanzees — that carries the spike protein’s genetic material into the body. Once again, the body produces some spike protein and primes the immune system, but it, too, is a fairly new technology.Two possible competitors are made with different human cold viruses.Shots made by Johnson &amp; Johnson began initial human studies in late July. The company plans to begin Phase 3 testing in September in as many as 60,000 people in the U.S. and elsewhere.China’s government authorized emergency use of CanSino Biologics’ adenovirus shots in the military ahead of any final testing.‘KILLED’ VACCINESMaking vaccines by growing a disease-causing virus and then killing it is a tried-and-true approach — it’s the way Jonas Salk’s famed polio shots were made. China has three so-called “inactivated” vaccine candidates against COVID-19 made this way.Sinovac has final studies of its candidate underway in Brazil and Indonesia. Competitor SinoPharm has announced plans for final testing in some other countries.Safely brewing and then killing the virus takes longer than newer technologies. But inactivated vaccines give the body a sneak peek at the germ itself rather than just that single spike protein.PROTEIN VACCINESNovavax makes “protein subunit” vaccines, growing harmless copies of the coronavirus spike protein in the laboratory and packaging them into virus-sized nanoparticles.There are protein-based vaccines against other diseases, so it’s not as novel a technology as some of its competitors. But it only recently finished its first-step study; the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed aims for advanced testing later in the fall.___

Third virus vaccine reaches major hurdle: final US testing

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Coronavirus cases continued to climb in South Dakota on Tuesday, with the state reporting 240 news cases, but no deaths. 

Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases has increased by 198, almost doubling. 

The state currently ranks third in the country for new cases per capita, with 357 new cases per 100,000 people, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins. 

As schools reopened, the state has seen dramatic inclines in the number of cases statewide. 

There are currently 78 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and half of the hospital beds in the state remain available.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Coronavirus cases continued to climb in South Dakota on Tuesday, with the state reporting 240 news cases, but no deaths. Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases has increased by 198, almost doubling. The state currently ranks third in the country for new cases per capita, with 357 new cases per 100,000 people, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins. As schools reopened, the state has seen dramatic inclines in the number of cases statewide. There are currently 78 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and half of the hospital beds in the state remain available.

South Dakota reports 240 COVID-19 cases as infections climb

By&nbsp;CSC College Relations

CHADRON – Chadron State College officials encourage all students and employees to download CampusClear, a free self-screening mobile application for symptoms related to COVID-19.

The app is straightforward and quick to use. CampusClear says it takes less than 10 seconds for individuals to conduct daily health assessments. The app gives educational guidance to users, resulting in a campus “FastPass” for those with no symptoms, or encouraging individuals who may be showing symptoms to stay home, contact local health care providers and CSC, or seek testing opportunities.

The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. For those without access to a mobile device, a web app can be used. To sign up, users need to use their email address provided by Chadron State College. All user information is protected by Campus Clear and data that CSC receives will not be shared.

Once users sign up for the app, they should complete the health assessment daily. Any individual who has concerns about their health should contact their health care provider or the school nurse. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea should immediately contact their health care provider or the school nurse.

“It is important for everyone involved with CSC to use the CampusClear app,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Student Services Jon Hansen. “The app is simple to use and provides students and employees with solid information. The college will also be able to use the information collected to view trends or adjust our COVID-19 plan.”

According to its website, CampusClear is a partnership initiative between&nbsp;<a href="http://ivy.ai/">Ivy.ai</a>, Creighton University, and Stony Brook University that formed to provide a technological solution to the challenge of self-screening as a foundational strategy of the return-to-campus initiative. CampusClear is a free app built to help colleges and universities return to campus safely and make informed decisions about on-campus activity.

While CSC encourages all students and employees to use the free CampusClear app, there is a slight issue with the Health Log section. Individual users should disregard the Health Log section until&nbsp;<a href="http://ivy.ai/">Ivy.ai</a>&nbsp;has corrected the issue.

For more information about the CampusClear app, contact Information Technology at&nbsp;<a href="tel:+13084326311">308-432-6311.</a>

By&nbsp;CSC College RelationsCHADRON – Chadron State College officials encourage all students and employees to download CampusClear, a free self-screening mobile application for symptoms related to COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598982743027.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The app is straightforward and quick to use. CampusClear says it takes less than 10 seconds for individuals to conduct daily health assessments. The app gives educational guidance to users, resulting in a campus “FastPass” for those with no symptoms, or encouraging individuals who may be showing symptoms to stay home, contact local health care providers and CSC, or seek testing opportunities.The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. For those without access to a mobile device, a web app can be used. To sign up, users need to use their email address provided by Chadron State College. All user information is protected by Campus Clear and data that CSC receives will not be shared.Once users sign up for the app, they should complete the health assessment daily. Any individual who has concerns about their health should contact their health care provider or the school nurse. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea should immediately contact their health care provider or the school nurse.“It is important for everyone involved with CSC to use the CampusClear app,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Student Services Jon Hansen. “The app is simple to use and provides students and employees with solid information. The college will also be able to use the information collected to view trends or adjust our COVID-19 plan.”According to its website, CampusClear is a partnership initiative between&nbsp;<a href="http://ivy.ai/">Ivy.ai</a>, Creighton University, and Stony Brook University that formed to provide a technological solution to the challenge of self-screening as a foundational strategy of the return-to-campus initiative. CampusClear is a free app built to help colleges and universities return to campus safely and make informed decisions about on-campus activity.While CSC encourages all students and employees to use the free CampusClear app, there is a slight issue with the Health Log section. Individual users should disregard the Health Log section until&nbsp;<a href="http://ivy.ai/">Ivy.ai</a>&nbsp;has corrected the issue.For more information about the CampusClear app, contact Information Technology at&nbsp;<a href="tel:+13084326311">308-432-6311.</a>

CSC community encouraged to use CampusClear app

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of business leaders released Tuesday shows economic improvement in nine Midwest and Plains states. 

That includes improvements in employment and economic outlook amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and the devastation from a rare wind storm earlier in the month. 

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the survey's employment index moved above growth neutral 50 for the first time since January, coming in at 54.8 for August, compared with 48.5 in July. 

The overall index for the region improved to 60 in August from July's  57.4. Any score above 50 suggests growth. 

The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of business leaders released Tuesday shows economic improvement in nine Midwest and Plains states. That includes improvements in employment and economic outlook amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and the devastation from a rare wind storm earlier in the month. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the survey's employment index moved above growth neutral 50 for the first time since January, coming in at 54.8 for August, compared with 48.5 in July. The overall index for the region improved to 60 in August from July's 57.4. Any score above 50 suggests growth. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Survey: Midwest economy improves despite pandemic, derecho

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln says four sororities and one fraternity are under quarantine because of confirmed COVID-19 cases. 

The university said the five houses initially reported each reported four or five cases, which was enough to impose a quarantine. 

The four sororities are Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Phi and Kappa Kappa Gamma. 

A university spokeswoman says it's unclear if the houses have confirmed more cases since the initial report. 

The university reported a total of 197 positive cases as of Sunday.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln says four sororities and one fraternity are under quarantine because of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The university said the five houses initially reported each reported four or five cases, which was enough to impose a quarantine. The four sororities are Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Phi and Kappa Kappa Gamma. The fraternity is is Beta Theta Pi. A university spokeswoman says it's unclear if the houses have confirmed more cases since the initial report. The university reported a total of 197 positive cases as of Sunday.

Five Greek Houses at University of Nebraska under quarantine

&nbsp;Panhandle total: 634, Active: 76, Recovered: 552, Deaths: 6

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently made the following statement on their website: "For 6% of the deaths, COVID was the only cause mentioned." For the other 94% of people that died of COVID, "individuals had an average of 2.6 additional conditions or causes per death.”

According to the CDC’s website as of August 31, 182,622 US people have died from COVID. COVID is still the third leading cause of death in the US. The information the CDC shared does not change anything, it is how the deaths are being interpreted.

The CDC has consistently stated that individuals with underlying health conditions are more likely to die from COVID. This is one of the facts that public health was aware of since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

60% of US adults have a chronic condition. Among those aged 65 and over, 80% have multiple chronic conditions. Minorities and low-income populations have more chronic conditions too. Many Americans have at least one chronic condition.

Death certificates have multiple lines and include the “immediate cause of death,” “sequentially conditions leading to the cause of death,” and “other significant conditions contributing to death.” It would be unusual that a chronic condition was not listed on a death certificate in the US given the health of our nation overall and how COVID impacts every organ system.

Unified Command confirms 11 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Friday, August 28. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.

Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:

o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am

· Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrows

o Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am

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

· Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the Hospital at 747-2466 with questions.

o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pm

o Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pm

o Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am

· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc

· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Daily

o Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results

· 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.

By PPHD&nbsp;Panhandle total: 634, Active: 76, Recovered: 552, Deaths: 6The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently made the following statement on their website: "For 6% of the deaths, COVID was the only cause mentioned." For the other 94% of people that died of COVID, "individuals had an average of 2.6 additional conditions or causes per death.”According to the CDC’s website as of August 31, 182,622 US people have died from COVID. COVID is still the third leading cause of death in the US. The information the CDC shared does not change anything, it is how the deaths are being interpreted.The CDC has consistently stated that individuals with underlying health conditions are more likely to die from COVID. This is one of the facts that public health was aware of since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.60% of US adults have a chronic condition. Among those aged 65 and over, 80% have multiple chronic conditions. Minorities and low-income populations have more chronic conditions too. Many Americans have at least one chronic condition.Death certificates have multiple lines and include the “immediate cause of death,” “sequentially conditions leading to the cause of death,” and “other significant conditions contributing to death.” It would be unusual that a chronic condition was not listed on a death certificate in the US given the health of our nation overall and how COVID impacts every organ system.Unified Command confirms 11 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Friday, August 28. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598923818396.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am· Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrowso Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am· Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)· Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the Hospital at 747-2466 with questions.o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pmo Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pmo Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Dailyo Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.March 2-August 31, 2020· Total Tests Conducted: 11,258· Positive: 634· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.6%· Recovered: 552· Active Cases: 76· Deaths: 6· Active Hospitalizations: 8· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 63Panhandle 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: 11 more virus cases in the Panhandle, 30 more recovered

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not “backpedal” on the number of deaths caused by COVID-19, reducing the figure from nearly 154,000 to just over 9,000, as social media posts claimed.

The term “Only 6%” trended widely on Twitter over the weekend as supporters of the QAnon conspiracy theory promoted tweets that falsely suggested <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR3-wrg3tTKK5-9tOHPGAHWFVO3DfslkJ0KsDEPQpWmPbKtp6EsoVV2Qs1Q">the CDC had updated</a> its records to show that only 6% of U.S. deaths tied to COVID-19 were legitimate. President Donald Trump was among those who tweeted the information, which was later taken down by Twitter for violating platform rules.

The posts, which received hundreds of thousands of shares online, were based on a regularly updated CDC data table showing underlying conditions for those who died of COVID-19. The conditions included high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, as well as problems that are caused by COVID-19 itself, such as respiratory failure and pneumonia.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm#Comorbidities" target="_blank">CDC data table&nbsp;</a>is based on an analysis of death certificates that mention COVID-19 as a cause. For 6% of the deaths, COVID-19 was the only cause mentioned, the CDC notes.

The other 94% list COVID-19 and other conditions together. Among those deaths, there were, on average, 2.6 additional conditions or causes per death, the public health agency said.

As of Aug. 26, the CDC said, there were 161,332 deaths where COVID-19 was listed on the death certificate. Social media users over the weekend posted an older screenshot of the data that showed 153,504 deaths. The posts used the 6% figure to claim the U.S. death toll was much lower — 9,210.

“CDC just backpedaled (quietly) and adjusted the U.S. COVID deaths from 153,504 to 9,210. Admitting that their numbers are so (expletive) that they are off by a whopping 94%,” said a post being shared on Facebook Monday.

But such claims misrepresent the data. A death isn’t excluded from the COVID-19 tally just because the person was obese or had diabetes or dementia. Someone with heart problems can still be killed by COVID-19, and the death certificate could mention both as contributing.

Experts say it’s not surprising that so few people who died from COVID-19 had no underlying conditions listed on their death certificates. It is rare for people not to have multiple medical issues at death.

“The underlying cause of death is the condition that began the chain of events that ultimately led to the person’s death,” Dr. Robert Anderson, who oversees the CDC’s death statistics work, said in a statement. “In 92% of all deaths that mention COVID-19, COVID-19 is listed as the underlying cause of death.”

Also, while death certificates are supposed to list any causes or conditions that contributed, past research has shown that the documents aren’t perfect. Doctors might not know – or specify – all the reasons behind a particular death.

More important, the CDC figures show what medical professionals have been saying since the outset of the pandemic — that the virus tends to have a more severe impact on people with underlying conditions.

For example, people died with diabetes not because of it, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious-diseases expert at Vanderbilt University.

“If it hadn’t been for the COVID virus infection, these people would be living today,” he said. “So yes, although they have contributing underlying chronic health factors, it’s still the COVID virus that killed them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598927207022.png" alt="Robert R. Redfield, MD, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during a weekend Zoom conference" />
 <figcaption>Robert R. Redfield, MD, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during a weekend Zoom conference</figcaption>
 </figure>By BEATRICE DUPUY, Associated PressThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not “backpedal” on the number of deaths caused by COVID-19, reducing the figure from nearly 154,000 to just over 9,000, as social media posts claimed.The term “Only 6%” trended widely on Twitter over the weekend as supporters of the QAnon conspiracy theory promoted tweets that falsely suggested <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR3-wrg3tTKK5-9tOHPGAHWFVO3DfslkJ0KsDEPQpWmPbKtp6EsoVV2Qs1Q">the CDC had updated</a> its records to show that only 6% of U.S. deaths tied to COVID-19 were legitimate. President Donald Trump was among those who tweeted the information, which was later taken down by Twitter for violating platform rules.The posts, which received hundreds of thousands of shares online, were based on a regularly updated CDC data table showing underlying conditions for those who died of COVID-19. The conditions included high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, as well as problems that are caused by COVID-19 itself, such as respiratory failure and pneumonia.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm#Comorbidities" target="_blank">CDC data table&nbsp;</a>is based on an analysis of death certificates that mention COVID-19 as a cause. For 6% of the deaths, COVID-19 was the only cause mentioned, the CDC notes.The other 94% list COVID-19 and other conditions together. Among those deaths, there were, on average, 2.6 additional conditions or causes per death, the public health agency said.As of Aug. 26, the CDC said, there were 161,332 deaths where COVID-19 was listed on the death certificate. Social media users over the weekend posted an older screenshot of the data that showed 153,504 deaths. The posts used the 6% figure to claim the U.S. death toll was much lower — 9,210.“CDC just backpedaled (quietly) and adjusted the U.S. COVID deaths from 153,504 to 9,210. Admitting that their numbers are so (expletive) that they are off by a whopping 94%,” said a post being shared on Facebook Monday.But such claims misrepresent the data. A death isn’t excluded from the COVID-19 tally just because the person was obese or had diabetes or dementia. Someone with heart problems can still be killed by COVID-19, and the death certificate could mention both as contributing.Experts say it’s not surprising that so few people who died from COVID-19 had no underlying conditions listed on their death certificates. It is rare for people not to have multiple medical issues at death.“The underlying cause of death is the condition that began the chain of events that ultimately led to the person’s death,” Dr. Robert Anderson, who oversees the CDC’s death statistics work, said in a statement. “In 92% of all deaths that mention COVID-19, COVID-19 is listed as the underlying cause of death.”Also, while death certificates are supposed to list any causes or conditions that contributed, past research has shown that the documents aren’t perfect. Doctors might not know – or specify – all the reasons behind a particular death.More important, the CDC figures show what medical professionals have been saying since the outset of the pandemic — that the virus tends to have a more severe impact on people with underlying conditions.For example, people died with diabetes not because of it, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious-diseases expert at Vanderbilt University.“If it hadn’t been for the COVID virus infection, these people would be living today,” he said. “So yes, although they have contributing underlying chronic health factors, it’s still the COVID virus that killed them.”

CDC has not reduced the death count for COVID-19

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Monument Health leaders have told physicians and caregivers to prepare for a surge in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks. 

The Rapid City Journal reports the warning came from system-wide email after a total of 60 physicians and caregivers tested positive for COVID-19 in August, including 44 in the past week.

 Another 167 caregivers are being monitored following COVID-19 exposures either at work or in the community. 

Brad Archer, chief medical officer, said in the email that the staff should be “extra diligent" to protect their health.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Monument Health leaders have told physicians and caregivers to prepare for a surge in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks. The Rapid City Journal reports the warning came from system-wide email after a total of 60 physicians and caregivers tested positive for COVID-19 in August, including 44 in the past week. Another 167 caregivers are being monitored following COVID-19 exposures either at work or in the community. Brad Archer, chief medical officer, said in the email that the staff should be “extra diligent" to protect their health.&nbsp;&nbsp;

South Dakota hospital system warns of surge in virus cases

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials say the state has exceeded 13,000 total confirmed cases of the coronavirus. 

The South Dakota Department of Health on Sunday reported 380 newly confirmed cases of the coronavirus, raising the state’s total to 13,322 since the pandemic hit. 

The Argus Leader reports more than 2,000 cases have been reported in the last seven days. 

That accounts for about 15% of South Dakota’s total cases during the pandemic. 

No new deaths were reported, keeping the state's total at 167. 

Of the new cases reported Sunday, over half were attributed to people between the ages of 10-29. 

Officials report 154 of them were people aged 20-29 and 60 were in those between the ages of 10-19.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials say the state has exceeded 13,000 total confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The South Dakota Department of Health on Sunday reported 380 newly confirmed cases of the coronavirus, raising the state’s total to 13,322 since the pandemic hit. The Argus Leader reports more than 2,000 cases have been reported in the last seven days. That accounts for about 15% of South Dakota’s total cases during the pandemic. No new deaths were reported, keeping the state's total at 167. Of the new cases reported Sunday, over half were attributed to people between the ages of 10-29. Officials report 154 of them were people aged 20-29 and 60 were in those between the ages of 10-19.

South Dakota exceeds 13K total coronavirus cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — Threatening fines and funding cut-offs, the Trump administration issued new COVID-19 requirements for nursing homes and hospitals, prompting immediate pushback from beleaguered industries.

To check the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced it will require facilities to test staff regularly or face fines.

<a href="https://apnews.com/681479be1d9f1a0fea4d64b1a44d5b9e">The move comes months after the White House</a>&nbsp;first urged governors to test all nursing home residents and staff. With residents, nursing homes are being required to offer them coronavirus tests if there is an outbreak or if any show symptoms.

Officials also reinforced a reporting mandate for hospitals. It included a thinly veiled threat to cut off Medicare and Medicaid funds to facilities that fail to report certain COVID-19 data daily to the federal Health and Human Services department. Hospitals responded with a sharp rebuke, calling the move “heavy-handed” and raising the specter of loss of vital services for local communities in a pandemic, less than three months before Election Day.

Long-term care facilities represent less than 1% of the U.S. population, but they account for 42% of the COVID-19 deaths, with more than 70,000 fatalities reported by the COVID Tracking Project.

The plight of frail elders in nursing homes is politically sensitive for President Donald Trump, who is trying to maintain support from older voters amid disapproval of the government’s pandemic response. His administration is distributing fast-test machines to nursing homes, but there are continued reports that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ae2b6d71bdc3a9391ae02910d8f0491f">cases have been rising</a>&nbsp;and facilities still face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ff2bbfb4a7431e86cdca5132042d4a0e">shortages of supplies</a>&nbsp;like masks.

“Our recommendations for testing in nursing homes go back as far back as March and April,” said Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. “What’s different about today is that this is now a requirement ... we want to make sure every single nursing home is complying.”

Independent research indicates that the coronavirus most likely gets into nursing homes via staffers who unwittingly bring it in from surrounding communities where it has started to spread. Staffers who have yet to develop symptoms may have no clue that they’re infected.

Verma said the testing requirement for staff will be keyed to the level of virus activity in local areas. If the positive rate is below 5%, nursing homes will have to test staff once a month. If the rate is 5% - 10%, testing will be required once a week. If the rate is above 10%, staff will have to be tested twice a week. Florida, Iowa and Nevada are examples of states where the COVID-19 positive rate is now above 10%.

The government will provide $2.5 billion to help nursing homes with testing costs, Verma also announced. The administration’s campaign to distribute fast-test machines and an initial supply of tests is supposed to be done by the end of September.

The nursing home industry said it supports mandatory testing as long as facilities are given what they need to comply with requirements.

Mark Parkinson, head of the industry group American Health Care Association, said nursing homes in many parts of the country still can’t get timely results on COVID-19 tests.

CMS “must factor in the delays that continue to be a reality,” Parkinson said in a statement. “Otherwise facilities could face fines for circumstances beyond their control and be conducting tests that are so delayed that they have little clinical value.”

The hospital reporting requirement that was also announced Tuesday follows confusion and misgivings surrounding a Trump administration directive that facilities send critical COVID-19 data directly to HHS instead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as had been the case.

The information includes numbers of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, how many intensive-care beds are occupied, and the availability of essential supplies and equipment such as ventilators and masks and gowns.

The regulation basically says if hospitals want to continue to participate in Medicare and Medicaid, they must report the information as required. The American Hospital Association called for the requirement to be immediately rescinded.

“Hospitals and health systems consistently have put forward a good faith effort to report the data needed to battle COVID-19 under very trying circumstances, despite the ever-changing requests from the government on data reporting,” Rick Pollack, president of the American Hospital Association, said in a statement. “Since February, the government has made at least six changes to how they want hospitals to report data.”

Federal statistics show that 94% of hospitals are reporting the required data, said Pollack. He added his organization has done some investigation of its own and found that in some cases hospitals had sent in their reports, but the information had not gotten through the government system.

“It’s beyond perplexing why CMS would use a regulatory sledgehammer — threatening Medicare participation — to the very organizations that are on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.”

CMS chief Verma said the requirement is meant to correct deficiencies in reporting vital data needed to track and contain the pandemic.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Threatening fines and funding cut-offs, the Trump administration issued new COVID-19 requirements for nursing homes and hospitals, prompting immediate pushback from beleaguered industries.To check the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced it will require facilities to test staff regularly or face fines.<a href="https://apnews.com/681479be1d9f1a0fea4d64b1a44d5b9e">The move comes months after the White House</a>&nbsp;first urged governors to test all nursing home residents and staff. With residents, nursing homes are being required to offer them coronavirus tests if there is an outbreak or if any show symptoms.Officials also reinforced a reporting mandate for hospitals. It included a thinly veiled threat to cut off Medicare and Medicaid funds to facilities that fail to report certain COVID-19 data daily to the federal Health and Human Services department. Hospitals responded with a sharp rebuke, calling the move “heavy-handed” and raising the specter of loss of vital services for local communities in a pandemic, less than three months before Election Day.Long-term care facilities represent less than 1% of the U.S. population, but they account for 42% of the COVID-19 deaths, with more than 70,000 fatalities reported by the COVID Tracking Project.The plight of frail elders in nursing homes is politically sensitive for President Donald Trump, who is trying to maintain support from older voters amid disapproval of the government’s pandemic response. His administration is distributing fast-test machines to nursing homes, but there are continued reports that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ae2b6d71bdc3a9391ae02910d8f0491f">cases have been rising</a>&nbsp;and facilities still face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ff2bbfb4a7431e86cdca5132042d4a0e">shortages of supplies</a>&nbsp;like masks.“Our recommendations for testing in nursing homes go back as far back as March and April,” said Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS. “What’s different about today is that this is now a requirement ... we want to make sure every single nursing home is complying.”Independent research indicates that the coronavirus most likely gets into nursing homes via staffers who unwittingly bring it in from surrounding communities where it has started to spread. Staffers who have yet to develop symptoms may have no clue that they’re infected.Verma said the testing requirement for staff will be keyed to the level of virus activity in local areas. If the positive rate is below 5%, nursing homes will have to test staff once a month. If the rate is 5% - 10%, testing will be required once a week. If the rate is above 10%, staff will have to be tested twice a week. Florida, Iowa and Nevada are examples of states where the COVID-19 positive rate is now above 10%.The government will provide $2.5 billion to help nursing homes with testing costs, Verma also announced. The administration’s campaign to distribute fast-test machines and an initial supply of tests is supposed to be done by the end of September.The nursing home industry said it supports mandatory testing as long as facilities are given what they need to comply with requirements.Mark Parkinson, head of the industry group American Health Care Association, said nursing homes in many parts of the country still can’t get timely results on COVID-19 tests.CMS “must factor in the delays that continue to be a reality,” Parkinson said in a statement. “Otherwise facilities could face fines for circumstances beyond their control and be conducting tests that are so delayed that they have little clinical value.”The hospital reporting requirement that was also announced Tuesday follows confusion and misgivings surrounding a Trump administration directive that facilities send critical COVID-19 data directly to HHS instead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as had been the case.The information includes numbers of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, how many intensive-care beds are occupied, and the availability of essential supplies and equipment such as ventilators and masks and gowns.The regulation basically says if hospitals want to continue to participate in Medicare and Medicaid, they must report the information as required. The American Hospital Association called for the requirement to be immediately rescinded.“Hospitals and health systems consistently have put forward a good faith effort to report the data needed to battle COVID-19 under very trying circumstances, despite the ever-changing requests from the government on data reporting,” Rick Pollack, president of the American Hospital Association, said in a statement. “Since February, the government has made at least six changes to how they want hospitals to report data.”Federal statistics show that 94% of hospitals are reporting the required data, said Pollack. He added his organization has done some investigation of its own and found that in some cases hospitals had sent in their reports, but the information had not gotten through the government system.“It’s beyond perplexing why CMS would use a regulatory sledgehammer — threatening Medicare participation — to the very organizations that are on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.”CMS chief Verma said the requirement is meant to correct deficiencies in reporting vital data needed to track and contain the pandemic.

New COVID-19 mandates on health care facilities get pushback

Alliance Public Schools received confirmation from Panhandle Public Health District on Friday, August 28 of an Alliance elementary student positive with COVID. This student was last in the building on Monday, August 24. &nbsp;

Alliance Public Schools is fully cooperating with public health contact tracers to identify other individuals who were near this student (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes). Classroom seating charts help to inform this process. Public health officials will directly notify any staff or students that may need to self-quarantine. 

Alliance Public Schools dashboard can be found at: <a href="https://www.alliancebulldogs.org/covid-19-dashboard.html">https://www.alliancebulldogs.org/covid-19-dashboard.html</a>.

If anyone is experiencing any of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, testing for COVID is available at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Mondays-Fridays from 9-10am, by calling 402-207-9377 or signing up at www.testnebraska.com. 

Protect yourself from COVID by maintaining 6-foot distance away from others, wash or sanitize your hands often, wear a mask, monitor for symptoms, and clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces. We all have a part in the important prevention of COVID.

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. 

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

By PPHD&nbsp;Alliance Public Schools received confirmation from Panhandle Public Health District on Friday, August 28 of an Alliance elementary student positive with COVID. This student was last in the building on Monday, August 24. &nbsp;Alliance Public Schools is fully cooperating with public health contact tracers to identify other individuals who were near this student (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes). Classroom seating charts help to inform this process. Public health officials will directly notify any staff or students that may need to self-quarantine. Alliance Public Schools dashboard can be found at: <a href="https://www.alliancebulldogs.org/covid-19-dashboard.html">https://www.alliancebulldogs.org/covid-19-dashboard.html</a>.If anyone is experiencing any of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, testing for COVID is available at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Mondays-Fridays from 9-10am, by calling 402-207-9377 or signing up at www.testnebraska.com. Protect yourself from COVID by maintaining 6-foot distance away from others, wash or sanitize your hands often, wear a mask, monitor for symptoms, and clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces. We all have a part in the important prevention of COVID.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. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

Alliance Public Schools elementary student tests positive with COVID-19 

Chadron Verizon was recently notified that an employee was confirmed positive with COVID and five other employees identified as close contacts will be self-quarantining. 

If you were at the Chadron Verizon at any of the following dates/times, you may have been exposed to COVID. Please monitor for symptoms, and get tested if you are feeling any signs of illness:

Tuesday, August 25: 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 26: 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 27: 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The Chadron store will be closed over the weekend and beginning Monday, August 31 they will be open again with staffing from another location. The store will operate on limited hours and for appointment-only Monday-Friday 10am-6pm MT. Please call 308-207-3093 to set up an appointment.

“We are working closely with health officials to mitigate any further risk. Our plan for continuity will still assist customers in the meanwhile and want our employees and customers to remain safe and healthy too,” said Marcus Malcom, District Manager. 

If anyone is experiencing any of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, immediately call 402-207-9377 or visit testnebraska.com to schedule testing. 

Free testing is offered at various locations throughout the area and Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays and Fridays, 7-9am. Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the Hospital at 747-2466 with questions.

We all have a part in the important prevention of COVID-19.

By PPHDChadron Verizon was recently notified that an employee was confirmed positive with COVID and five other employees identified as close contacts will be self-quarantining. If you were at the Chadron Verizon at any of the following dates/times, you may have been exposed to COVID. Please monitor for symptoms, and get tested if you are feeling any signs of illness:Tuesday, August 25: 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.Wednesday, August 26: 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Thursday, August 27: 12:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.The Chadron store will be closed over the weekend and beginning Monday, August 31 they will be open again with staffing from another location. The store will operate on limited hours and for appointment-only Monday-Friday 10am-6pm MT. Please call 308-207-3093 to set up an appointment.“We are working closely with health officials to mitigate any further risk. Our plan for continuity will still assist customers in the meanwhile and want our employees and customers to remain safe and healthy too,” said Marcus Malcom, District Manager. If anyone is experiencing any of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, immediately call 402-207-9377 or visit testnebraska.com to schedule testing. Free testing is offered at various locations throughout the area and Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays and Fridays, 7-9am. Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the Hospital at 747-2466 with questions.We all have a part in the important prevention of COVID-19.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. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

Chadron Verizon employee tests positive for Covid-19

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Fair is kicking off under scaled-down conditions as organizers seek to provide a safe venue during a global pandemic.

 The annual fair began Friday at Fonner Park in Grand Island, focusing on 4-H and FFA events where young people will show livestock.

 While there will be a handful of food vendors and some other displays and events, some of the usual offerings won’t be around this year.

 That includes music concerts, rodeos and the midway with its carnival rides. 

On the plus-side, there is no cost to be admitted this year, and parking is free.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Fair is kicking off under scaled-down conditions as organizers seek to provide a safe venue during a global pandemic. The annual fair began Friday at Fonner Park in Grand Island, focusing on 4-H and FFA events where young people will show livestock. While there will be a handful of food vendors and some other displays and events, some of the usual offerings won’t be around this year. That includes music concerts, rodeos and the midway with its carnival rides. On the plus-side, there is no cost to be admitted this year, and parking is free.

Downsized Nebraska State Fair kicks off Friday amid pandemic

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Trackers following coronavirus cases at South Dakota’s six higher education institutions shows 160 active positive cases overall and more than 600 additional people in isolation or quarantine. 

The numbers are posted to the schools’ websites as part of the South Dakota Board of Regents' effort to keep the public updated on the number of cases on the campuses. 

The tracker tool is based on self-reported cases from each of the colleges.

 The largest group of COVID-19 cases is at the University of South Dakota.

 The university has four active employee cases, 94 active student cases and 406 people in quarantine or isolation either at home or on campus.&nbsp;

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Trackers following coronavirus cases at South Dakota’s six higher education institutions shows 160 active positive cases overall and more than 600 additional people in isolation or quarantine. The numbers are posted to the schools’ websites as part of the South Dakota Board of Regents' effort to keep the public updated on the number of cases on the campuses. The tracker tool is based on self-reported cases from each of the colleges. The largest group of COVID-19 cases is at the University of South Dakota. The university has four active employee cases, 94 active student cases and 406 people in quarantine or isolation either at home or on campus.&nbsp;

160 positive COVID-19 cases on South Dakota college campuses

Panhandle total: 614, Active: 100, Recovered: 508, Deaths: 6

Unified Command confirms 8 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.

· Active Hospitalizations: 8 Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 63

By PPHDPanhandle total: 614, Active: 100, Recovered: 508, Deaths: 6Unified Command confirms 8 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.<figure>
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 </figure>Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am· Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrowso Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am· Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)· Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the Hospital at 747-2466 with questions.o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pmo Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pmo Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Dailyo Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.March 2-August 27, 2020· Total Tests Conducted: 11,042· Positive: 614· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.5%· Recovered: 508· Active Cases: 100· Deaths: 6· Active Hospitalizations: 8 Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 63Panhandle 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: 8 more virus cases, 13 recoveries

LONDON&nbsp; (AP)— The World Health Organization says countries should actively test people to find coronavirus cases, even if they have mild or no symptoms.

That’s despite the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recently switched guidance to say asymptomatic contacts of cases don’t need to be tested.

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead for the coronavirus, says when officials are investigating clusters of COVID-19, “testing may need to be expanded to look for individuals who are on the more mild end of the spectrum or who may indeed be asymptomatic.”

Van Kerkhove says countries were free to adapt their testing guidance for their individual needs and its critical how fast countries get results.

“What’s really important is that testing is used as an opportunity, to define active cases so that they can be isolated and so that contact tracing can also take place,” Van Kerkhove said. “This is really fundamental to breaking chains of transmission.”

Earlier in the pandemic, WHO recommend that countries focus on “testing, testing, testing.”

Van Kerkhove also says wearing masks alone to protect against the spread of the coronavirus isn’t enough, expressing concerns that people are growing too lax on maintaining physical distancing.

“So it’s not just masks alone. It’s not just physical distancing alone,” Van Kerkhove said. “It’s not just hand cleaning alone. Do it all.”

LONDON&nbsp; (AP)— The World Health Organization says countries should actively test people to find coronavirus cases, even if they have mild or no symptoms.That’s despite the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recently switched guidance to say asymptomatic contacts of cases don’t need to be tested.Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead for the coronavirus, says when officials are investigating clusters of COVID-19, “testing may need to be expanded to look for individuals who are on the more mild end of the spectrum or who may indeed be asymptomatic.”Van Kerkhove says countries were free to adapt their testing guidance for their individual needs and its critical how fast countries get results.“What’s really important is that testing is used as an opportunity, to define active cases so that they can be isolated and so that contact tracing can also take place,” Van Kerkhove said. “This is really fundamental to breaking chains of transmission.”Earlier in the pandemic, WHO recommend that countries focus on “testing, testing, testing.”Van Kerkhove also says wearing masks alone to protect against the spread of the coronavirus isn’t enough, expressing concerns that people are growing too lax on maintaining physical distancing.“So it’s not just masks alone. It’s not just physical distancing alone,” Van Kerkhove said. “It’s not just hand cleaning alone. Do it all.”

WHO says test for virus, despite CDC's recent flip flop

Panhandle total: 606, Active: 105, Recovered: 495, Deaths: 6

The Governor’s Directed Health Measure currently in effect for the Panhandle area will be extended until at least September 13. Details are outlined on the COVID page at http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html.

Unified Command confirms 21 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.

By PPHDPanhandle total: 606, Active: 105, Recovered: 495, Deaths: 6The Governor’s Directed Health Measure currently in effect for the Panhandle area will be extended until at least September 13. Details are outlined on the COVID page at http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html.Unified Command confirms 21 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.<figure>
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 </figure>Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am· Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrowso Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am· Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)· Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the Hospital at 747-2466 with questions.o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pmo Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pmo Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Dailyo Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.March 2-August 26, 2020· Total Tests Conducted: 10,810· Positive: 606· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.5%· Recovered: 495· Active Cases: 105· Deaths: 6· Active Hospitalizations: 6· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 60Panhandle 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: Governor’s DHM extended until Sept. 13, 21 more cases, 10 recoveries

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials sparked criticism and confusion after posting guidelines on coronavirus testing from the White House task force that run counter to what scientists say is necessary to control the pandemic.

The new guidance says it’s not necessary for people who have been in close contact with infected people, but don’t feel sick, to get tested. It was posted earlier this week on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC previously had advised local health departments to test people who have been within 6 feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes.

Across the country, public health experts called the change bizarre. They noted that testing contacts of infected people is a core element of public health efforts to keep outbreaks in check, and that a large percentage of infected people — the CDC has said as many as 40% — exhibit no symptoms.

“The recommendation not to test asymptomatic people who likely have been exposed is not in accord with the science,” said John Auerbach, president of Trust for America’s Health, a nonprofit that works to improve U.S. preparedness against disease.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials sparked criticism and confusion after posting guidelines on coronavirus testing from the White House task force that run counter to what scientists say is necessary to control the pandemic.The new guidance says it’s not necessary for people who have been in close contact with infected people, but don’t feel sick, to get tested. It was posted earlier this week on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The CDC previously had advised local health departments to test people who have been within 6 feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes.Across the country, public health experts called the change bizarre. They noted that testing contacts of infected people is a core element of public health efforts to keep outbreaks in check, and that a large percentage of infected people — the CDC has said as many as 40% — exhibit no symptoms.“The recommendation not to test asymptomatic people who likely have been exposed is not in accord with the science,” said John Auerbach, president of Trust for America’s Health, a nonprofit that works to improve U.S. preparedness against disease.“We are seeking clarification from CDC about its recent guidance around testing,” said a spokesman for Michigan’s health department.Federal officials said the new recommendation was issued by consensus of the White House virus task force.However, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert and perhaps the best known task force member, said Wednesday he wasn’t part of the discussion that green-lighted the change.Fauci told CNN he was undergoing surgery when the new guidance was discussed last week, adding he was “worried it will give people the incorrect assumption that asymptomatic spread is not of great concern. In fact it is.”The American Medical Association, in a statement, called the change “a recipe for community spread.” The Association of American Medical Colleges called it “a step backward in fighting the pandemic.”Some officials — including some state governors — said it was another sign of a dysfunctional federal response to the pandemic.“This is like a public health version of Vietnam,” said Brian Castrucci, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, which works to strengthen the public health system.CDC officials referred all media questions to the agency’s parent organization, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. That suggests that HHS ordered the change, not CDC, said Jennifer Nuzzo, a Johns Hopkins University public health researcher.After Twitter lit up with head-scratching and alarm about the change, HHS officials sent an email Wednesday saying the guidance was revised “to reflect current evidence and the best public health interventions,” but did not detail what the new evidence was.The decision came out of meetings of the White House coronavirus task force, HHS officials said.In a call with reporters, Dr. Brett Giroir, the HHS assistant secretary for health, said guidance language originated at the CDC. But he also said many federal leaders outside the agency were involved in “lots of editing, lots of input.” He said federal officials achieved consensus but it was difficult to attribute the final language to any one source.Ultimately, restricting testing could be self-defeating, because it could skew the numbers and create a perception that rates of infection are higher. Testing people who appear to be healthy would tend to lower the overall rate of positive results, while narrowing testing to people who are sick would raise the overall positive rate, Auerbach said.Why HHS would order such a change quickly became a matter of speculation. Dr. Carlos del Rio, an infectious diseases specialist at Emory University, suggested in a tweet that there are two possible explanations.One is that it may be driven by testing supply issues that in many parts of the country have caused widely reported delays in results of a week or more, he suggested.HHS officials suggested that wasn’t the reason, arguing that testing capacity is plentiful.But Dr. Mysheika Roberts, health commissioner for Columbus, Ohio, said the city had to curtail testing last month because of a shortage of reagents used in lab procedures.“When we were testing asymptomatic people here in Columbus, we were picking up a large number of individuals” with the virus, she saidAnother possible explanation for the change is that President Donald Trump simply wants to see case counts drop, and discouraging more people from getting tested is one way to do it, del Rio said in his tweet.Full Coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/tag/VirusOutbreak">Virus Outbreak</a>Giroir said the change was made without input from Trump or Vice President Mike Pence. “There was no weight on the scales by the president or the vice president” or HHS Secretary Alex Azar, Giroir said.Dr. Tom Frieden, who was head of the CDC during the Obama administration, said the move follows another recent change: to no longer recommend quarantine for travelers coming from areas where infections are more common.“Both changes are highly problematic” and need to be better explained, said Frieden, who now is president of Resolve to Save Lives, a nonprofit program that works to prevent epidemics.Frieden said he, too, believes HHS forced CDC to post the changes. He called it “a sad day” because “CDC is being told what to write on their website.”The governors of California, New York, Washington and Kentucky — all Democrats — criticized the new recommendations.Washington Gov Jay Inslee said on Twitter that the changes likely will cause thousands of infections in his state to go unrecognized, and allow the virus to spread even more. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called the new guidance “reckless.”California Gov. Gavin Newsom and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said their states will not follow the new guidance.“We will not be influenced by that change,” Newsom said. “We’re influenced by the folks that are experts in the field who feel very differently.”“Why would you reverse yourself on the quarantine order?” Cuomo told reporters on a conference call. “Because they don’t want publicity that there is a COVID problem. Because the president’s politics are, ‘COVID isn’t a problem We’re past COVID.’”___

Coronavirus Update