SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The hundreds of thousands of bikers who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally have departed western South Dakota. But public health departments in multiple states are trying to measure how much and how quickly the coronavirus spread in the bars, tattoo shops and gatherings before people traveled home to nearly every state in the country. 

The city of Sturgis is conducting mass testing for its roughly 7,000 residents. But health departments in at least six states are also trying to track outbreaks from the 10-day rally which ended on Aug. 16. 

They face the task of tracking an invisible virus that spread among rallygoers who then traveled to over half of the counties in the United States.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The hundreds of thousands of bikers who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally have departed western South Dakota. But public health departments in multiple states are trying to measure how much and how quickly the coronavirus spread in the bars, tattoo shops and gatherings before people traveled home to nearly every state in the country. The city of Sturgis is conducting mass testing for its roughly 7,000 residents. But health departments in at least six states are also trying to track outbreaks from the 10-day rally which ended on Aug. 16. They face the task of tracking an invisible virus that spread among rallygoers who then traveled to over half of the counties in the United States.

Revved by Sturgis Rally, COVID-19 infections move fast, far

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday announced emergency authorization to treat COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma — a move he called “a breakthrough,” one of his top health officials called “promising” and other health experts said needs more study before it’s celebrated.

The announcement came after White House officials complained there were politically motivated delays by the Food and Drug Administration in approving a vaccine and therapeutics for the disease that has upended Trump’s reelection chances.

On the eve of the Republican National Convention, Trump put himself at the center of the FDA’s announcement of the authorization at a news conference Sunday evening. The authorization makes it easier for some patients to obtain the treatment but is not the same as full FDA approval.

The blood plasma, taken from patients who have recovered from the coronavirus and rich in antibodies, may provide benefits to those battling the disease. But the evidence so far has not been conclusive about whether it works, when to administer it and what dose is needed.

In a letter describing the emergency authorization, the chief scientist for the FDA, Denise Hinton, said: “COVID-19 convalescent plasma should not be considered a new standard of care for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Additional data will be forthcoming from other analyses and ongoing, well-controlled clinical trials in the coming months.”

But Trump had made clear to aides that he was eager to showcase good news in the battle against the virus, and the timing allowed him to head into his convention with momentum. He and aides billed it as a “major” development and used the White House briefing room to make the announcement.

Trump also displayed some rare discipline in the evening news conference, sticking to his talking points, deferring to the head of the FDA, Stephen Hahn, and only taking three questions from reporters.

The White House had grown agitated with the pace of the plasma approval. The accusations of an FDA slowdown, which were presented without evidence, were just the latest assault from Trump’s team on what he refers to as the “deep state” bureaucracy. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows did not deal in specifics, but said that “we’ve looked at a number of people that are not being as diligent as they should be in terms of getting to the bottom of it.”

“This president is about cutting red tape,” Meadows said in an interview Sunday on “This Week” on ABC. “He had to make sure that they felt the heat. If they don’t see the light, they need to feel the heat because the American people are suffering.”

During Sunday’s 18-minute press conference, Trump said he thought there had been a “logjam” at the FDA over granting the emergency authorization. He alleged there are people at the FDA “that can see things being held up ... and that’s for political reasons.”

Dr. Joshua Sharfstein said the statement, and Hahn’s silence while Trump said it, “was disgraceful.”

“The FDA commissioner basically allowed the president to mischaracterize the decision and attack the integrity of FDA employees. I was horrified,” said Sharfstein, a vice dean at John Hopkins University’s school of public health who was a top FDA official during the Obama administration.

“This is a promising therapy that has not been fully established,” he said

The push on Sunday came a day after Trump tweeted sharp criticism on the process to treat the virus, which has killed more than 175,000 Americans and imperiled his reelection chances. The White House has sunk vast resources into an expedited process to develop a vaccine, and Trump aides have been banking on it being an “October surprise” that could help the president make up ground in the polls.

“The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics,” Trump tweeted. “Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd. Must focus on speed, and saving lives!”

Earlier this month, Mayo Clinic researchers reported a strong hint that blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors helps other infected patients recover. But it wasn’t considered proof.

More than 70,000 patients in the U.S. have been given convalescent plasma, a century-old approach to fend off flu and measles before vaccines. It’s a go-to tactic when new diseases come along, and history suggests it works against some, but not all, infections.

The Mayo Clinic reported preliminary data from 35,000 coronavirus patients treated with plasma, and said there were fewer deaths among people given plasma within three days of diagnosis, and also among those given plasma containing the highest levels of virus-fighting antibodies.

But it wasn’t a formal study. The patients were treated in different ways in hospitals around the country as part of an FDA program designed to speed access to the experimental therapy. That “expanded access” program tracks what happens to the recipients, but it cannot prove the plasma — and not other care they received — was the real reason for improvement.

Administration officials, in a call with reporters Sunday, discussed a benefit for patients who were within three days of admission to a hospital and were not on a respirator, and were given ‘high-titer’ convalescent plasma containing higher concentrations of antibodies. They were then compared to similar patients who were given lower-titer plasma. The findings suggest deaths were 35% lower in the high-titer group.

There’s been little data on how effective it is or whether it must be administered fairly early in an illness to make a significant difference, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University.

Aiming to ward off a possible a run on convalescent plasma after the announcement, government officials have been working to obtain plasma and to team with corporate partners and nonprofit organizations to generate interest among previously infected patients to donate.

Hahn, who called the development “promising,” said Trump did not speak to him about the timing of the announcement. He said “this has been in the works for several weeks.”

But some health experts were skeptical. Benjamin Corb, of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, called it “conspicuous timing.”

“President Trump is once again putting his political goals ahead of the health and well-being of the American public,” Corb said.

Rigorous studies are under way around the country, comparing similar patients randomly assigned to get plasma or a dummy infusion in addition to regular care. But those studies have been difficult to finish as the virus waxes and wanes in different cities. Also, some patients have requested plasma rather than agreeing to a study that might give them a placebo instead.

Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb dismissed the suggestion of a slowdown.

“I firmly reject the idea they would slow-walk anything or accelerate anything based on any political consideration or any consideration other than what is best for the public health and a real sense of mission to patients,” Gottlieb told CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

Trump, in news conferences, “has made all kinds of therapeutic suggestions” that have not proven to be supported by science — and are even dangerous, Schaffner said. That includes statements about the possible value of treating COVID-19 patients with ultraviolet light and disinfectant. Trump reportedly also recently became enthusiastic about oleandrin, a plant extract derived from a toxic shrub that scientists immediately warned against.

But the president is perhaps best known for his early and ardent embrace of the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine.

Earlier this month, Hahn emphasized that routine evaluation procedures will remain in place to evaluate COVID vaccine candidates.

“I think this administration has put more pressure on the Food and Drug Administration than I can remember” ever happening in the past, Schaffner said.

“Everybody is just a little bit nervous,” he said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Sunday the emergency authorization of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients, in a move he called “a breakthrough,” one of his top health officials called “promising,” and other health experts said needs more study before it’s celebrated.

The announcement came after days of White House officials suggesting there were politically motivated delays by the Food and Drug Administration in approving a vaccine and therapeutics for the disease that has upended Trump’s reelection chances.

On the eve of the Republican National Convention, Trump put himself at the center of the FDA’s announcement of the authorization — it makes it easier for some patients to obtain the treatment — in a news conference Sunday evening.

The blood plasma, taken from patients who have recovered from the coronavirus and rich in antibodies, may provide benefits to those battling with the disease. But the evidence so far has not been conclusive about whether it works, when to administer it and what dose is needed.

In a letter describing the emergency authorization, the chief scientist for the FDA, Denise Hinton, noted: “COVID-19 convalescent plasma should not be considered a new standard of care for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Additional data will be forthcoming from other analyses and ongoing, well-controlled clinical trials in the coming months.”

An emergency use authorization is not the same as full FDA approval.

In the authorization letter, FDA officials emphasized convalescent plasma is still under investigation. “COVID-19 convalescent plasma should not be considered a new standard of care for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Additional data will be forthcoming from other analyses and ongoing, well-controlled clinical trials in the coming months,” it said.

But Trump had made clear to aides that he was eager for a piece of good news on the battle of the pandemic, and the timing allowed him to head into the convention with momentum. He and aides billed it as a “major” development and utilized the White House briefing room to make the announcement.

The White House had grown agitated with the pace of the plasma approval, but the accusations of a slowdown, which were presented without evidence, were just the latest assault from Trump’s team on the “deep state” bureaucracy. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows did not deal in specifics, but said that “we’ve looked at a number of people that are not being as diligent as they should be in terms of getting to the bottom of it.”

There’s no solid evidence yet that it fights the coronavirus and, if so, how best to use it.

Hahn, who called the development “promising,” said Trump did not speak to him about the timing of the announcement, which comes just before a pivotal week for the president’s reelection chances. Hahn said “this has been in the works for several weeks” and came after a data validation for which the agency had been waiting.

Rigorous studies underway around the country are designed to get that proof, by comparing similar patients randomly assigned to get plasma or a dummy infusion in addition to regular care. But those studies have been difficult to finish as the virus waxes and wanes in different cities. Also, some patients have requested plasma rather than agreeing to a study that might give them a placebo instead.

Hundreds of drugs are currently being developed as possible treatments against the coronavirus infection, taking a range of approaches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598222952199.png" alt="President Trump took only 3 questions during the Sunday evening press conference-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump took only 3 questions during the Sunday evening press conference-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday announced emergency authorization to treat COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma — a move he called “a breakthrough,” one of his top health officials called “promising” and other health experts said needs more study before it’s celebrated.The announcement came after White House officials complained there were politically motivated delays by the Food and Drug Administration in approving a vaccine and therapeutics for the disease that has upended Trump’s reelection chances.On the eve of the Republican National Convention, Trump put himself at the center of the FDA’s announcement of the authorization at a news conference Sunday evening. The authorization makes it easier for some patients to obtain the treatment but is not the same as full FDA approval.The blood plasma, taken from patients who have recovered from the coronavirus and rich in antibodies, may provide benefits to those battling the disease. But the evidence so far has not been conclusive about whether it works, when to administer it and what dose is needed.In a letter describing the emergency authorization, the chief scientist for the FDA, Denise Hinton, said: “COVID-19 convalescent plasma should not be considered a new standard of care for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Additional data will be forthcoming from other analyses and ongoing, well-controlled clinical trials in the coming months.”But Trump had made clear to aides that he was eager to showcase good news in the battle against the virus, and the timing allowed him to head into his convention with momentum. He and aides billed it as a “major” development and used the White House briefing room to make the announcement.Trump also displayed some rare discipline in the evening news conference, sticking to his talking points, deferring to the head of the FDA, Stephen Hahn, and only taking three questions from reporters.The White House had grown agitated with the pace of the plasma approval. The accusations of an FDA slowdown, which were presented without evidence, were just the latest assault from Trump’s team on what he refers to as the “deep state” bureaucracy. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows did not deal in specifics, but said that “we’ve looked at a number of people that are not being as diligent as they should be in terms of getting to the bottom of it.”“This president is about cutting red tape,” Meadows said in an interview Sunday on “This Week” on ABC. “He had to make sure that they felt the heat. If they don’t see the light, they need to feel the heat because the American people are suffering.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598222686256.png" alt="President Donald Trump accompanied by Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn, center and HHS Secretary Alex Azar during a media briefing Sunday -photo Courtesy White House." />
 <figcaption>President Donald Trump accompanied by Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn, center and HHS Secretary Alex Azar during a media briefing Sunday -photo Courtesy White House.</figcaption>
 </figure>During Sunday’s 18-minute press conference, Trump said he thought there had been a “logjam” at the FDA over granting the emergency authorization. He alleged there are people at the FDA “that can see things being held up ... and that’s for political reasons.”Dr. Joshua Sharfstein said the statement, and Hahn’s silence while Trump said it, “was disgraceful.”“The FDA commissioner basically allowed the president to mischaracterize the decision and attack the integrity of FDA employees. I was horrified,” said Sharfstein, a vice dean at John Hopkins University’s school of public health who was a top FDA official during the Obama administration.“This is a promising therapy that has not been fully established,” he saidThe push on Sunday came a day after Trump tweeted sharp criticism on the process to treat the virus, which has killed more than 175,000 Americans and imperiled his reelection chances. The White House has sunk vast resources into an expedited process to develop a vaccine, and Trump aides have been banking on it being an “October surprise” that could help the president make up ground in the polls.“The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics,” Trump tweeted. “Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd. Must focus on speed, and saving lives!”Earlier this month, Mayo Clinic researchers reported a strong hint that blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors helps other infected patients recover. But it wasn’t considered proof.More than 70,000 patients in the U.S. have been given convalescent plasma, a century-old approach to fend off flu and measles before vaccines. It’s a go-to tactic when new diseases come along, and history suggests it works against some, but not all, infections.The Mayo Clinic reported preliminary data from 35,000 coronavirus patients treated with plasma, and said there were fewer deaths among people given plasma within three days of diagnosis, and also among those given plasma containing the highest levels of virus-fighting antibodies.But it wasn’t a formal study. The patients were treated in different ways in hospitals around the country as part of an FDA program designed to speed access to the experimental therapy. That “expanded access” program tracks what happens to the recipients, but it cannot prove the plasma — and not other care they received — was the real reason for improvement.Administration officials, in a call with reporters Sunday, discussed a benefit for patients who were within three days of admission to a hospital and were not on a respirator, and were given ‘high-titer’ convalescent plasma containing higher concentrations of antibodies. They were then compared to similar patients who were given lower-titer plasma. The findings suggest deaths were 35% lower in the high-titer group.There’s been little data on how effective it is or whether it must be administered fairly early in an illness to make a significant difference, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University.Aiming to ward off a possible a run on convalescent plasma after the announcement, government officials have been working to obtain plasma and to team with corporate partners and nonprofit organizations to generate interest among previously infected patients to donate.Hahn, who called the development “promising,” said Trump did not speak to him about the timing of the announcement. He said “this has been in the works for several weeks.”But some health experts were skeptical. Benjamin Corb, of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, called it “conspicuous timing.”“President Trump is once again putting his political goals ahead of the health and well-being of the American public,” Corb said.Rigorous studies are under way around the country, comparing similar patients randomly assigned to get plasma or a dummy infusion in addition to regular care. But those studies have been difficult to finish as the virus waxes and wanes in different cities. Also, some patients have requested plasma rather than agreeing to a study that might give them a placebo instead.Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb dismissed the suggestion of a slowdown.“I firmly reject the idea they would slow-walk anything or accelerate anything based on any political consideration or any consideration other than what is best for the public health and a real sense of mission to patients,” Gottlieb told CBS’s “Face the Nation.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598218807664.png" alt="President Trump during the Sunday evening news conference -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during the Sunday evening news conference -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump, in news conferences, “has made all kinds of therapeutic suggestions” that have not proven to be supported by science — and are even dangerous, Schaffner said. That includes statements about the possible value of treating COVID-19 patients with ultraviolet light and disinfectant. Trump reportedly also recently became enthusiastic about oleandrin, a plant extract derived from a toxic shrub that scientists immediately warned against.But the president is perhaps best known for his early and ardent embrace of the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine.Earlier this month, Hahn emphasized that routine evaluation procedures will remain in place to evaluate COVID vaccine candidates.“I think this administration has put more pressure on the Food and Drug Administration than I can remember” ever happening in the past, Schaffner said.“Everybody is just a little bit nervous,” he said.-----------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Sunday the emergency authorization of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients, in a move he called “a breakthrough,” one of his top health officials called “promising,” and other health experts said needs more study before it’s celebrated.The announcement came after days of White House officials suggesting there were politically motivated delays by the Food and Drug Administration in approving a vaccine and therapeutics for the disease that has upended Trump’s reelection chances.On the eve of the Republican National Convention, Trump put himself at the center of the FDA’s announcement of the authorization — it makes it easier for some patients to obtain the treatment — in a news conference Sunday evening.The blood plasma, taken from patients who have recovered from the coronavirus and rich in antibodies, may provide benefits to those battling with the disease. But the evidence so far has not been conclusive about whether it works, when to administer it and what dose is needed.In a letter describing the emergency authorization, the chief scientist for the FDA, Denise Hinton, noted: “COVID-19 convalescent plasma should not be considered a new standard of care for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Additional data will be forthcoming from other analyses and ongoing, well-controlled clinical trials in the coming months.”An emergency use authorization is not the same as full FDA approval.In the authorization letter, FDA officials emphasized convalescent plasma is still under investigation. “COVID-19 convalescent plasma should not be considered a new standard of care for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Additional data will be forthcoming from other analyses and ongoing, well-controlled clinical trials in the coming months,” it said.But Trump had made clear to aides that he was eager for a piece of good news on the battle of the pandemic, and the timing allowed him to head into the convention with momentum. He and aides billed it as a “major” development and utilized the White House briefing room to make the announcement.Trump also displayed some rare discipline in the evening news conference, sticking to his talking points, deferring to the head of the FDA, Stephen Hahn, and only taking three questions from reporters.The White House had grown agitated with the pace of the plasma approval, but the accusations of a slowdown, which were presented without evidence, were just the latest assault from Trump’s team on the “deep state” bureaucracy. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows did not deal in specifics, but said that “we’ve looked at a number of people that are not being as diligent as they should be in terms of getting to the bottom of it.”“This president is about cutting red tape,” Meadows said in an interview Sunday on “This Week” on ABC. “He had to make sure that they felt the heat. If they don’t see the light, they need to feel the heat because the American people are suffering.”The push on Sunday came a day after Trump tweeted sharp criticism on the process to treat the virus, which has killed more than 175,000 Americans and imperiled his reelection chances. The White House has sunk vast resources into an expedited process to develop a vaccine, and Trump aides have been banking on it being an “October surprise” that could help the president make up ground in the polls.“The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics,” Trump tweeted. “Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd. Must focus on speed, and saving lives!”Earlier this month, Mayo Clinic researchers reported a strong hint that blood plasma from COVID-19 survivors helps other infected patients recover. But it wasn’t considered proof.More than 70,000 patients in the U.S. have been given convalescent plasma, a century-old approach to fend off flu and measles before vaccines. It’s a go-to tactic when new diseases come along, and history suggests it works against some, but not all, infections.There’s no solid evidence yet that it fights the coronavirus and, if so, how best to use it.The Mayo Clinic reported preliminary data from 35,000 coronavirus patients treated with plasma, and said there were fewer deaths among people given plasma within three days of diagnosis, and also among those given plasma containing the highest levels of virus-fighting antibodies.But it wasn’t a formal study. The patients were treated in different ways in hospitals around the country as part of an FDA program designed to speed access to the experimental therapy. That “expanded access” program tracks what happens to the recipients, but it cannot prove the plasma — and not other care they received — was the real reason for improvement.Administration officials, in a call with reporters Sunday, discussed a benefit for patients who were within three days of admission to a hospital and were not on a respirator, and were given ‘high-titer’ convalescent plasma containing higher concentrations of antibodies. They were then compared to similar patients who were given lower-titer plasma. The findings suggest deaths were 35% lower in the high-titer group.There’s been little data on how effective it is or whether it must be administered fairly early in an illness to make a significant difference, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University.Aiming to ward off a possible a run on convalescent plasma after the announcement, government officials have been working to obtain plasma and to team with corporate partners and nonprofit organizations to generate interest among previously infected patients to donate.Hahn, who called the development “promising,” said Trump did not speak to him about the timing of the announcement, which comes just before a pivotal week for the president’s reelection chances. Hahn said “this has been in the works for several weeks” and came after a data validation for which the agency had been waiting.But some health experts were skeptical. Benjamin Corb, of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, called it “conspicuous timing.”“President Trump is once again putting his political goals ahead of the health and well-being of the American public,” Corb said.Rigorous studies underway around the country are designed to get that proof, by comparing similar patients randomly assigned to get plasma or a dummy infusion in addition to regular care. But those studies have been difficult to finish as the virus waxes and wanes in different cities. Also, some patients have requested plasma rather than agreeing to a study that might give them a placebo instead.Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb dismissed the suggestion of a slowdown.ADVERTISEMENT“I firmly reject the idea they would slow-walk anything or accelerate anything based on any political consideration or any consideration other than what is best for the public health and a real sense of mission to patients,” Gottlieb told CBS’s “Face the Nation.”Hundreds of drugs are currently being developed as possible treatments against the coronavirus infection, taking a range of approaches.Trump, in news conferences, “has made all kinds of therapeutic suggestions” that have not proven to be supported by science — and are even dangerous, Schaffner said. That includes statements about the possible value of treating COVID-19 patients with ultraviolet light and disinfectant. Trump reportedly also recently became enthusiastic about oleandrin, a plant extract derived from a toxic shrub that scientists immediately warned against.But the president is perhaps best known for his early and ardent embrace of the malaria drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine.Earlier this month, Hahn emphasized that routine evaluation procedures will remain in place to evaluate COVID vaccine candidates.“I think this administration has put more pressure on the Food and Drug Administration than I can remember” ever happening in the past, Schaffner said.“Everybody is just a little bit nervous,” he said.----

Trump: Plasma treatment for COVID-19 a breakthrough

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The FBI is investigating a data breach that may have compromised the identity of people with the coronavirus in South Dakota. 

The Rapid City Journal reports that South Dakota Fusion Center Director Paul Niedringhaus sent a letter to people who may have been affected by the June 19 breach.

 The letter, dated Monday, says the state’s fusion center used Netsential.com’s services to build a secure online portal this spring to help first responders identify people who had tested positive for the coronavirus so they could take precautions while responding to emergency calls. 

Houston-based Netsential previously confirmed that its server was breached.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The FBI is investigating a data breach that may have compromised the identity of people with the coronavirus in South Dakota. The Rapid City Journal reports that South Dakota Fusion Center Director Paul Niedringhaus sent a letter to people who may have been affected by the June 19 breach. The letter, dated Monday, says the state’s fusion center used Netsential.com’s services to build a secure online portal this spring to help first responders identify people who had tested positive for the coronavirus so they could take precautions while responding to emergency calls. Houston-based Netsential previously confirmed that its server was breached.

FBI investigating COVID-19 data breach in South Dakota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Fifteen Minnesota residents have contracted the coronavirus after being exposed during the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. 

Minnesota health officials are warning that they expect the number to grow. One patient was hospitalized as of Friday. 

Kris Ehresmann at the Minnesota Department of Heath says the first Sturgis-linked case was reported Thursday, while 14 others were added Friday. 

The Minnesota announcement follows a warning Thursday from South Dakota officials that a number of people who attended the rally had come down with the virus, including some from out of state. 

They said at the time it was under 25.&nbsp;

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Fifteen Minnesota residents have contracted the coronavirus after being exposed during the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. Minnesota health officials are warning that they expect the number to grow. One patient was hospitalized as of Friday. Kris Ehresmann at the Minnesota Department of Heath says the first Sturgis-linked case was reported Thursday, while 14 others were added Friday. The Minnesota announcement follows a warning Thursday from South Dakota officials that a number of people who attended the rally had come down with the virus, including some from out of state. They said at the time it was under 25.&nbsp;

15 Minnesotans catch coronavirus at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

WASHINGTON (AP) — A widely used coronavirus test is under scrutiny this week after federal health officials warned that it could deliver inaccurate results if laboratory technicians don’t follow the the latest updates from the manufacturer.

The Food and Drug Administration’s warning over Thermo Fisher’s TaqPath test underscores the complexity of COVID-19 tests and how easily they can be skewed by faulty processing and equipment.

The FDA action follows a report last month by Connecticut public health officials that the test resulted in at least 90 people receiving false positive results for the coronavirus.

Thermo Fisher’s test is one of the standard tools used to screen for COVID-19, run on large, automated machines found in many U.S. hospitals and laboratories. The FDA flagged two separate issues that could potentially result in false results: the chemical mixing process and computer software that runs on the company’s machine. Thermo Fisher has provided new instructions for mixing. And a software update fixes the second problem, the FDA said.

For all positive results, FDA said labs should review the instrument settings.

Thermo Fisher said in a statement that its data shows the issues are rare and most users get accurate results by following company directions.

No test is 100% accurate and all medical tests are expected to deliver a certain small portion of false results. Less is known about the accuracy of COVID-19 tests because of how quickly they were rushed through the regulatory process because of the pandemic.

Thermo Fisher’s test uses molecular technology that is considered the gold standard for detecting the COVID-19 virus and other viruses. The test uses chemicals to extract the genetic material of the virus from a nasal swab, then amplifies it many times until it is detectable with a computer.

Thermo Fisher’s test was among the first granted emergency use by the FDA in mid-March. Like other companies, it got the OK based on laboratory experiments it submitted to regulators. The test successfully detected coronavirus in 60 lab-made samples of the virus, and successfully ruled out the virus in 60 samples that didn’t contain the virus. That was sufficient to meet FDA requirements..

However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/38967d1644ef374d1bcbc7806b383b8e">experts have warned</a>&nbsp;that these laboratory measures are very different from the large patient studies that assess the real-world performance of a test. Those studies can reveal factors that can skew results, such as faulty samples or incorrect processing .

The biggest concern during infectious disease outbreaks is usually avoiding false negatives, or when the test fails to catch people who are actually infected. That can result in some people unknowingly spreading the virus.

But Dr. Albert Ko of Yale’s School of Public Health noted that false positives can also create problems, particularly in places like nursing homes and prisons where people are grouped together based on test results.

“You may wind up putting someone who hasn’t been infected together with people who may be infected and are contagious,” Ko said.

Test results can be affected by a variety of factors, including the type of test used, the quality of the sample and when it was taken during the course of any infection.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A widely used coronavirus test is under scrutiny this week after federal health officials warned that it could deliver inaccurate results if laboratory technicians don’t follow the the latest updates from the manufacturer.The Food and Drug Administration’s warning over Thermo Fisher’s TaqPath test underscores the complexity of COVID-19 tests and how easily they can be skewed by faulty processing and equipment.The FDA action follows a report last month by Connecticut public health officials that the test resulted in at least 90 people receiving false positive results for the coronavirus.WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE TEST?Thermo Fisher’s test is one of the standard tools used to screen for COVID-19, run on large, automated machines found in many U.S. hospitals and laboratories. The FDA flagged two separate issues that could potentially result in false results: the chemical mixing process and computer software that runs on the company’s machine. Thermo Fisher has provided new instructions for mixing. And a software update fixes the second problem, the FDA said.For all positive results, FDA said labs should review the instrument settings.Thermo Fisher said in a statement that its data shows the issues are rare and most users get accurate results by following company directions.HOW ACCURATE ARE COVID-19 TESTS?No test is 100% accurate and all medical tests are expected to deliver a certain small portion of false results. Less is known about the accuracy of COVID-19 tests because of how quickly they were rushed through the regulatory process because of the pandemic.Thermo Fisher’s test uses molecular technology that is considered the gold standard for detecting the COVID-19 virus and other viruses. The test uses chemicals to extract the genetic material of the virus from a nasal swab, then amplifies it many times until it is detectable with a computer.Thermo Fisher’s test was among the first granted emergency use by the FDA in mid-March. Like other companies, it got the OK based on laboratory experiments it submitted to regulators. The test successfully detected coronavirus in 60 lab-made samples of the virus, and successfully ruled out the virus in 60 samples that didn’t contain the virus. That was sufficient to meet FDA requirements..However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/38967d1644ef374d1bcbc7806b383b8e">experts have warned</a>&nbsp;that these laboratory measures are very different from the large patient studies that assess the real-world performance of a test. Those studies can reveal factors that can skew results, such as faulty samples or incorrect processing .HOW SIGNIFICANT ARE FALSE RESULTS?The biggest concern during infectious disease outbreaks is usually avoiding false negatives, or when the test fails to catch people who are actually infected. That can result in some people unknowingly spreading the virus.But Dr. Albert Ko of Yale’s School of Public Health noted that false positives can also create problems, particularly in places like nursing homes and prisons where people are grouped together based on test results.“You may wind up putting someone who hasn’t been infected together with people who may be infected and are contagious,” Ko said.Test results can be affected by a variety of factors, including the type of test used, the quality of the sample and when it was taken during the course of any infection.___

Many steps needed for accurate COVID-19 test results

Max’s Highway Diner, located in Big Springs, was notified today that an employee has tested positive for COVID and two employees identified as close contacts will be self-quarantining. 

Staff are working closely with health officials to mitigate any further risk. They are continuing to practice the critical prevention: staying at least six feet away from patrons and fellow employees, frequent handwashing and sanitizing, wearing a mask, disinfecting highly touched surfaces, and monitoring for symptoms. 

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.

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.

By PPHDMax’s Highway Diner, located in Big Springs, was notified today that an employee has tested positive for COVID and two employees identified as close contacts will be self-quarantining. Staff are working closely with health officials to mitigate any further risk. They are continuing to practice the critical prevention: staying at least six feet away from patrons and fellow employees, frequent handwashing and sanitizing, wearing a mask, disinfecting highly touched surfaces, and monitoring for symptoms. 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.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.

Employee at Max's Highway Diner tests positive for virus 

By George Ledbetter, Chadron State College

CHADRON&nbsp; “Wear a mask when you can; when you can’t, be six feet apart and social distance. If you are sick stay home and get tested.”

That’s the advice for Panhandle residents that Region 23 Emergency Management Coordinator Nan Gould says she and other members of the COVID-19 Unified Command have been emphasizing since early March when the group was formed to help direct western Nebraska’s response to the rapidly developing public health impacts of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

COVID-19 Unified Command is a partnership of the Panhandle Public Health District, Scottsbluff County Health Department, and Emergency Management agencies in Regions 21, 22, and 23. Gould, who has been Region 23 Emergency Management Coordinator for 21 years, leads emergency management planning and activities for Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan, and Sioux counties. Tim Newman fills the role for Region 22 (Scottsbluff and Banner Counties) while Ron Leal is coordinator for Region 21 (Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, and Morrill counties).

A Chadron State College graduate, Gould completed her bachelor’s degree in business in 1991, and earned a Masters of Business Administration from CSC in 2001.

Gould said the first emergency she confronted in her job was fires that consumed more than 200,000 acres of Pine Ridge forest in 2000. She has since been part of the region’s response to major fires in 2006 and 2012, as well as other fires, floods, and weather emergencies.

Regional emergency management coordinators work under the direction of Nebraska Emergency Management Agency to plan for and coordinate response to all types of emergencies, including pandemics. In 2009, Gould was part of regional planning for the H1N1 influenza virus pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;The virus proved less deadly than COVID-19, however. The World Health Organization in 2010 declared the pandemic ended, even though the virus still circulates seasonally and causes illness, hospitalizations, and death.&nbsp;

“This is the first real response-type pandemic I’ve been involved with,” Gould said.

Preparation for a pandemic involves working closely with hospitals, health care providers, and health districts through planning and exercise training, according to Gould. The Panhandle region’s pandemic plan was just getting ready for an update when the new coronavirus appeared, so the newly formed Unified Command used it as a guide.

“We quickly tried to review it and do updates on the fly,” Gould said. “It’s similar to H1NI as far as response, but bigger in scale. It is so unknown and unprecedented, we are learning as we go and trying to interpret as we can, but it’s so rapidly evolving.”

In the initial stages of the pandemic response, Gould was meeting daily via video-conference with the Unified Command team, as well as fire and rescue services, hospitals, churches, and businesses.

“There was a point we were doing eight to ten Zoom meetings a day,” she said. Gould’s schedule has eased somewhat, but still includes daily Unified Command meetings prior to an afternoon news conference.

“We want to make sure we are on the same page and not giving different information. That’s a big part of it,” she said.

Much of Unified Command’s initial effort involved coordinating supplies of personal protective equipment for first responders, which were difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities.

The supply situation has improved, but hospitals and health care providers are still encouraged to make the most of what they have on hand and plan a week or two ahead for their needs, according to Gould.

While a business degree may not have an obvious connection with emergency management, Gould said she has benefitted from her CSC education.

“We do a lot of grant management. It helps with that,” she said. “Business in general is a lot of relationship building. That’s kind of my job. The more people you have relationships with, the better.”

And while Gould’s experience with major fires has helped in responding to the pandemic, there are major differences.

“This just isn’t playing the same way. This is such an unknown for everyone,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With fire you see progression and containment. With this one, we don’t know at what point it will be contained.”

That’s where the message of following guidelines on wearing masks, social distancing, and other preventative health measures comes in.

“We are all in it together and need to do our part,” Gould said. “If everyone does their part, we can keep moving forward.”&nbsp;

By George Ledbetter, Chadron State College CHADRON&nbsp; “Wear a mask when you can; when you can’t, be six feet apart and social distance. If you are sick stay home and get tested.” That’s the advice for Panhandle residents that Region 23 Emergency Management Coordinator Nan Gould says she and other members of the COVID-19 Unified Command have been emphasizing since early March when the group was formed to help direct western Nebraska’s response to the rapidly developing public health impacts of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 Unified Command is a partnership of the Panhandle Public Health District, Scottsbluff County Health Department, and Emergency Management agencies in Regions 21, 22, and 23. Gould, who has been Region 23 Emergency Management Coordinator for 21 years, leads emergency management planning and activities for Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan, and Sioux counties. Tim Newman fills the role for Region 22 (Scottsbluff and Banner Counties) while Ron Leal is coordinator for Region 21 (Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, and Morrill counties). A Chadron State College graduate, Gould completed her bachelor’s degree in business in 1991, and earned a Masters of Business Administration from CSC in 2001. Gould said the first emergency she confronted in her job was fires that consumed more than 200,000 acres of Pine Ridge forest in 2000. She has since been part of the region’s response to major fires in 2006 and 2012, as well as other fires, floods, and weather emergencies. Regional emergency management coordinators work under the direction of Nebraska Emergency Management Agency to plan for and coordinate response to all types of emergencies, including pandemics. In 2009, Gould was part of regional planning for the H1N1 influenza virus pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;The virus proved less deadly than COVID-19, however. The World Health Organization in 2010 declared the pandemic ended, even though the virus still circulates seasonally and causes illness, hospitalizations, and death.&nbsp; “This is the first real response-type pandemic I’ve been involved with,” Gould said. Preparation for a pandemic involves working closely with hospitals, health care providers, and health districts through planning and exercise training, according to Gould. The Panhandle region’s pandemic plan was just getting ready for an update when the new coronavirus appeared, so the newly formed Unified Command used it as a guide. “We quickly tried to review it and do updates on the fly,” Gould said. “It’s similar to H1NI as far as response, but bigger in scale. It is so unknown and unprecedented, we are learning as we go and trying to interpret as we can, but it’s so rapidly evolving.” In the initial stages of the pandemic response, Gould was meeting daily via video-conference with the Unified Command team, as well as fire and rescue services, hospitals, churches, and businesses. “There was a point we were doing eight to ten Zoom meetings a day,” she said. Gould’s schedule has eased somewhat, but still includes daily Unified Command meetings prior to an afternoon news conference. “We want to make sure we are on the same page and not giving different information. That’s a big part of it,” she said. Much of Unified Command’s initial effort involved coordinating supplies of personal protective equipment for first responders, which were difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities. The supply situation has improved, but hospitals and health care providers are still encouraged to make the most of what they have on hand and plan a week or two ahead for their needs, according to Gould. While a business degree may not have an obvious connection with emergency management, Gould said she has benefitted from her CSC education. “We do a lot of grant management. It helps with that,” she said. “Business in general is a lot of relationship building. That’s kind of my job. The more people you have relationships with, the better.” And while Gould’s experience with major fires has helped in responding to the pandemic, there are major differences. “This just isn’t playing the same way. This is such an unknown for everyone,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With fire you see progression and containment. With this one, we don’t know at what point it will be contained.” That’s where the message of following guidelines on wearing masks, social distancing, and other preventative health measures comes in. “We are all in it together and need to do our part,” Gould said. “If everyone does their part, we can keep moving forward.”&nbsp;

CSC graduate Nan Gould part of Panhandle COVID-19 response team

By Gregory Yanker, City of Chadron Manager

The City of Chadron continues to monitor the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 cases within Dawes County. Over the last several days there have been an increasing number of positive and active cases within our area.

After review of the City’s Continuity of Operations Plan we have moved into a more heightened risk level with the number of cases within our County. As such below is a summary of operations at the City:

- Use of all Athletic Fields will be in accordance with the Directed Health Measure

Phase III Guidance for Sports Activities.

- Parks bathrooms will remain closed for the remainder of the season.

-Will remain open to the public at this time. This is subject to change based on the number of active cases within our area. We are requesting that appointments be made to conduct any business to limit the exposure to staff and the public.

Appointments can be made either by email or telephone.

-We are encouraging that anyone that visits City Hall wear a mask to conduct business. City staff will also be wearing masks when business is being conducted with the general public.

- To make a utility payment several options are available in addition to the front counter:

• 234 Main St. PO Box 390, Chadron Ne, 69337

▪ Payments over the Phone (Credit/Debit Card)

-Is open to the public on modified hours due to staffing levels. Please visit the City website at <a href="http://www.chadron-nebraska.com">www.chadron-nebraska.com</a> to find the updated schedules.

- Due to the increase in cases the Library has moved back to curb side services only.

▪ This decision was made for the safety of the community and the staff.

▪ This measure is only temporary and will go back to modified hours when the risk factors change.

▪ Contact the library at 308-432-0531 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to request materials and inquire about online options that are available.

-Is still in operation and commercial flights are still being operated by Boutique Air on their normal schedule.

- Passengers are encouraged to wear a mask while inside the terminal building. Please contact TSA and/or Boutique for any other specific requirements they might have.

• Chadron Public Transportation “Handibus”

- Is still operating, however requested rides should be limited to medical appointments and essential shopping for groceries and pharmacy.

- We request that individuals notify the dispatcher of any symptoms including cough, fever, difficulty breathing in order for our drivers to be better prepared.

- Is limiting access to the police department at this time. Please call the Police Department non-emergency number at 308-432-0510 to schedule an appointment.

While these decisions are never easy, we continue to strive to provide the best quality of service for the residents of our great City. We will continue to provide more updates as this event unfolds during these next two weeks. For general information please contact City Hall at 308- 432-0505 or visit our website at<a href="http://www.chadron-nebraska.com"> www.chadron-nebraska.com</a>.

By Gregory Yanker, City of Chadron ManagerThe City of Chadron continues to monitor the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 cases within Dawes County. Over the last several days there have been an increasing number of positive and active cases within our area.After review of the City’s Continuity of Operations Plan we have moved into a more heightened risk level with the number of cases within our County. As such below is a summary of operations at the City:• Athletic Fields- Use of all Athletic Fields will be in accordance with the Directed Health MeasurePhase III Guidance for Sports Activities.• Parks Bathrooms- Parks bathrooms will remain closed for the remainder of the season.• City Hall-Will remain open to the public at this time. This is subject to change based on the number of active cases within our area. We are requesting that appointments be made to conduct any business to limit the exposure to staff and the public.Appointments can be made either by email or telephone.-We are encouraging that anyone that visits City Hall wear a mask to conduct business. City staff will also be wearing masks when business is being conducted with the general public.- To make a utility payment several options are available in addition to the front counter:▪ Standard USPS Mail• 234 Main St. PO Box 390, Chadron Ne, 69337▪ Drop Box Payment• Front entrance of City Hall▪ Payments Online (Credit/Debit Card)• https://www.chadron-nebraska.com/▪ Payments over the Phone (Credit/Debit Card)• 1-866-233-0912• Aquatic Center-Is open to the public on modified hours due to staffing levels. Please visit the City website at <a href="http://www.chadron-nebraska.com">www.chadron-nebraska.com</a> to find the updated schedules.• Library- Due to the increase in cases the Library has moved back to curb side services only.▪ This decision was made for the safety of the community and the staff.▪ This measure is only temporary and will go back to modified hours when the risk factors change.▪ Contact the library at 308-432-0531 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to request materials and inquire about online options that are available.• Chadron Municipal Airport-Is still in operation and commercial flights are still being operated by Boutique Air on their normal schedule.- Passengers are encouraged to wear a mask while inside the terminal building. Please contact TSA and/or Boutique for any other specific requirements they might have.• Chadron Public Transportation “Handibus”- Is still operating, however requested rides should be limited to medical appointments and essential shopping for groceries and pharmacy.- We request that individuals notify the dispatcher of any symptoms including cough, fever, difficulty breathing in order for our drivers to be better prepared.• Chadron Police Department- Is limiting access to the police department at this time. Please call the Police Department non-emergency number at 308-432-0510 to schedule an appointment.While these decisions are never easy, we continue to strive to provide the best quality of service for the residents of our great City. We will continue to provide more updates as this event unfolds during these next two weeks. For general information please contact City Hall at 308- 432-0505 or visit our website at<a href="http://www.chadron-nebraska.com"> www.chadron-nebraska.com</a>.

City of Chadron continues to monitor outbreak of virus cases, public facilities update

Unified Command confirms eight more cases of COVID in the Panhandle.&nbsp;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:

By PPHDUnified Command confirms eight more cases of COVID in the Panhandle.&nbsp;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/2020/8/1598020803543.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Testing information and access for the Panhandle area:<ul>
 <li>You can sign up for the following free testing at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">Testnebraska.com</a>&nbsp;or 402-207-9377:</li><li>Box Butte General Hospital in&nbsp;Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am</li><li>Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrows</li><li>Chadron&nbsp;Community Hospital: Mondays &amp; Fridays, 7-9am</li><li>Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)</li><li>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.</li><li>Gordon&nbsp;Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays, 2-4pm</li><li>Regional West Health Services in&nbsp;Scottsbluff: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pm</li><li>Sidney&nbsp;Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays &amp; Thursday, 7-9am</li><li>Community Action Health Center in&nbsp;Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, &amp; Thursdays, 7-8am</li><li>Testing is free, sign up at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc</a></li><li>Morrill County Community Hospital in&nbsp;Bridgeport: Daily</li><li>Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results</li><li>Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.</li>
 </ul>March 2-August 20, 2020<ul>
 <li>Total Tests Conducted: 10,092</li><li>Positive: 533</li><li>Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.3%</li><li>Recovered: 451</li><li>Active Cases: 76</li><li>Deaths: 6</li><li>Active Hospitalizations: 3</li><li>Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 55</li>
 </ul>

PPHD: 8 more virus cases, 3 more recoveries

Chadron Police Department and Panhandle Unified Command want you to keep your friends, family, neighbors, and community safe when instructed to quarantine or isolate.

The virus is here, and in the foreseen time we must live with the increased prevention tools for the safety of all in our community which include quarantine and isolation. Let’s delve further into what these words really mean.

If someone has been confirmed positive with COVID-19, they must self-isolate. This means they must stay home and away from others for at least 10 days from when symptoms first appeared, at least 24 hours with no fever, and all other symptoms have improved.

If someone was a close contact to a positive COVID-19 person meaning, they were less than six feet away for 15 minutes or more to a person confirmed positive with COVID-19. This means they must self-quarantine by staying home and monitoring for symptoms for 14 days since the last exposure to prevent the spread. If symptoms appear, get tested.

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. Moreover, self-isolating and self-quarantining are proven to slow the spread of COVID-19 in communities.

“Please do your part to keep friends, family, neighbors, and communities safe so schools and businesses can remain open! If you are instructed to self-quarantine or self-isolate, please follow this important requirement,” said Tim Lordino, Chadron Police Chief.

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

By PPHDChadron Police Department and Panhandle Unified Command want you to keep your friends, family, neighbors, and community safe when instructed to quarantine or isolate.The virus is here, and in the foreseen time we must live with the increased prevention tools for the safety of all in our community which include quarantine and isolation. Let’s delve further into what these words really mean.If someone has been confirmed positive with COVID-19, they must self-isolate. This means they must stay home and away from others for at least 10 days from when symptoms first appeared, at least 24 hours with no fever, and all other symptoms have improved.If someone was a close contact to a positive COVID-19 person meaning, they were less than six feet away for 15 minutes or more to a person confirmed positive with COVID-19. This means they must self-quarantine by staying home and monitoring for symptoms for 14 days since the last exposure to prevent the spread. If symptoms appear, get tested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597934364016.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>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. Moreover, self-isolating and self-quarantining are proven to slow the spread of COVID-19 in communities.“Please do your part to keep friends, family, neighbors, and communities safe so schools and businesses can remain open! If you are instructed to self-quarantine or self-isolate, please follow this important requirement,” said Tim Lordino, Chadron Police Chief.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

CPD and Panhandle Unified Command want you to keep your friends, family, and community safe

AP- Sioux Falls residents are mourning an urban cornstalk that briefly became a lighthearted beacon of hope during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Argus Leader reported Wednesday that the stalk had been growing through the concrete in an intersection. 

Mayor Paul TenHaken said the city rallied around the stalk, which quickly had its own mock Twitter account, as a sign of hope in tough times. But someone tore out the stalk sometime before Wednesday morning. 

A memorial with a sign proclaiming “CORN RIP” has been erected at the site and T-shirts commemorating the stalk are being designed.

AP- Sioux Falls residents are mourning an urban cornstalk that briefly became a lighthearted beacon of hope during the coronavirus pandemic. The Argus Leader reported Wednesday that the stalk had been growing through the concrete in an intersection. Mayor Paul TenHaken said the city rallied around the stalk, which quickly had its own mock Twitter account, as a sign of hope in tough times. But someone tore out the stalk sometime before Wednesday morning. A memorial with a sign proclaiming “CORN RIP” has been erected at the site and T-shirts commemorating the stalk are being designed.

South Dakota city mourns urban cornstalk's brief life

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Thirty-five confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Omaha-area schools in the early weeks of the school year, Douglas County health director Adi Pour said.

Seventeen students and 18 school staff members have tested positive as of Tuesday night, Pour said Wednesday. Another 152 students, staff and faculty who had close contact with those who are ill were in quarantine, The Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/17-students-18-school-staff-test-positive-for-covid-19-douglas-countys-health-director-says/article_2e580369-a445-5c34-93be-6fa64654c1ca.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Pour told the Douglas County Board of Health she was surprised more cases haven't been confirmed but attributed that in part to the Omaha Public Schools teaching only remote classes for the first quarter.

Positive cases have been confirmed at the Millard, Gretna and Ralston school districts in recent days, she said.

County health department employees and experts from the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are working with schools to respond to the coronavirus.

While 32% of the county's cases are among those aged 20- to 34, younger residents also are contracting the disease. Pour said 119 cases were reported last week among people ranging from infants to age 19. Those ages 15 to 19 accounted for 79 cases, or 66% of the total.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Thirty-five confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Omaha-area schools in the early weeks of the school year, Douglas County health director Adi Pour said.Seventeen students and 18 school staff members have tested positive as of Tuesday night, Pour said Wednesday. Another 152 students, staff and faculty who had close contact with those who are ill were in quarantine, The Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/17-students-18-school-staff-test-positive-for-covid-19-douglas-countys-health-director-says/article_2e580369-a445-5c34-93be-6fa64654c1ca.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Pour told the Douglas County Board of Health she was surprised more cases haven't been confirmed but attributed that in part to the Omaha Public Schools teaching only remote classes for the first quarter.Positive cases have been confirmed at the Millard, Gretna and Ralston school districts in recent days, she said.County health department employees and experts from the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are working with schools to respond to the coronavirus.While 32% of the county's cases are among those aged 20- to 34, younger residents also are contracting the disease. Pour said 119 cases were reported last week among people ranging from infants to age 19. Those ages 15 to 19 accounted for 79 cases, or 66% of the total.

Douglas County schools report 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19

CHADRON – New and returning Chadron State College faculty members were welcomed during an all campus video conference Aug. 14. In the School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences, new faculty include Dr. Jung Colen, Adam Fette, Joanne Hayes, and Dr. Irasema Ortega, who was hired last semester. In the&nbsp;School of Liberal Arts, Dr. Justin Curtis is a new hire, Jonathan Rovner was hired in 2019, Dr. Nathaniel Doherty is returning to campus, and Jennifer Poarch is the Interim Director of Theatrical Performances. New faculty in the School of Business, Mathematics, and Science include&nbsp;Daphne Bishop, Jordan Haas, and Dr. Jeffrey Kiiskila.

School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences

Colen, an Assistant Professor, will teach mathematics education. She earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Pennsylvania State University. She also has a master’s degree in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in Educational Technology from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea.

Previously, she taught mathematics and mathematics education at St. Margaret’s School in Virginia, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania State University.

Her research interests reside in improving mathematics education. She has investigated in-service teachers’ conceptions of Standards for Mathematical Practice, teachers’ practices to promote students’ mathematical competencies, and innovative teaching strategies and tasks.&nbsp;

Her first impression of Chadron is that it is a friendly community.

She has co-authored several mathematics textbooks, translated mathematics education books into different languages, and presented research at domestic and international conferences. She has been an editorial board member of the “Journal of the Korean Society of Mathematics Education,” and served as a reader/scorer of the College Board AP Statistics Exams.

Fette will be an Education Instructor teaching Introduction to Teaching and Assessment Foundations.

He is joining the CSC faculty after serving five years as a Principal and Activities Director at Dundy County Stratton Public Schools in Benkelman, Nebraska. Before that, he was a 7-12 science teacher in Palmyra, Nebraska, for three years.

He is a graduate of CSC in Range Management and Biology Education and earned a master’s degree in Education Administration. He is completing a doctorate in School Improvement with an area of concentration in Educational Leadership through the University of West Georgia. He and his wife, Lisa also a CSC graduate, have a daughter, Leah.

“Working at CSC was attractive due to my familiarity with the program and institution as a previous student. I am excited to bring my experiences into the program that helped me grow into the educator I am today,” Fette said.

Hayes is an Assistant Professor with a focus on Special Education teacher preparation. She will be teaching a variety of courses including Introduction to Teaching, undergraduate and graduate level Assessment for Individuals with Disabilities, Interpersonal Communication Skills, and Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Classrooms.

“I am delighted to be here at Chadron and looking forward to this semester. I came to Chadron because it is a more reasonable size yet has an excellent reputation while maintaining very high standards in education,” said Hayes. “The surrounding countryside is reminiscent of my childhood home in rural California and the people are universally kind and welcoming. Who wouldn’t love Chadron?”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Business at Northeastern University, and a master’s degree in elementary education at Cambridge College, both in Boston. She taught literacy classes and Special Education at a middle school in Texas, and earned a second master’s in Special Education at the University of Texas.

Hayes taught at an elementary bilingual charter school before relocating to Connecticut where she taught literacy and history at a residential treatment facility for adjudicated adolescent girls. After eight years there, she decided to pursue a doctorate in Special Education at the University of Connecticut with a research focus on adolescent literacy. She will complete her dissertation this fall.&nbsp;

Ortega joined the Education faculty in the Spring of 2020 as an Associate Professor. She teaches research design, assessment, and evaluation courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“What attracted me to CSC was its reputation for being a teaching institution with a solid record of producing quality teachers. I am passionate about teaching, research, and learning,” Ortega said.

She was a middle and high school science teacher for 18 years in Florida and Arizona before she decided to pursue a doctorate at Arizona State University and enter higher education.

Curtis is joining the Department of Justice Studies, Social Sciences, and English as an Assistant Professor. His primary subject area is comparative politics. He will be teaching Introduction to Political Science, U.S. Government and Politics, and The Academic Life.

He earned his doctorate and master’s degrees from the University of Arizona in Government and Public Policy. His bachelor’s degree in Political Science is from Brigham Young University. His minor field as an undergraduate and a graduate was Middle Eastern Studies, and his dissertation was about Islamist political parties across the Muslim-majority world.

He has lived in Russia where he worked at an English-teaching school for children, and Tajikistan where he studied the Persian language.

Curtis and his wife, Jessica, have two children, Maisy and Chip.

“Chadron State was attractive to me because of the opportunity it will afford me to work closely with students and design curricula in political science. I would likely not be able to teach courses like (The Academic Life) anywhere else, so I am looking forward to this flexibility and these opportunities for creativity,” Curtis said.

Doherty is returning to CSC as an Assistant Professor in the English department after being a faculty member during the 2016-17 academic year. He was Assistant Professor of Literature at Bard High School Early College Baltimore during 2019-20.

He will be an instructor in English and the Humanities teaching Writing and Rhetoric and Graphic Novels: Studies in Diversity.

Originally from Connecticut, Doherty earned a Master’s in American Literature in Ireland. He earned a doctorate in English at Stony Brook University in New York. He said he and his wife, Kimberly Cox, an Assistant Professor in the English department, enjoy life in the community of Chadron and the opportunities for teaching and research.

When he was a King Library staff member in 2018-19, Doherty spoke during the Graves Lecture Series. He shared his observations about “Zone One,” a zombie apocalypse novel in his presentation, “Equanimity Among the Ruins: The Doubtful Value of Humanity in Colson Whitehead’s ‘Zone One’.” The novel was written during the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis and published in 2011.

Poarch is the Interim Director of Theatrical Performances. She was the Artist in Residence for CSC’s Theatre program in Spring 2020, and she completed her contract after converting both artistic classes to online courses.&nbsp;She enjoyed helping students build their confidence and prepare them for careers beyond graduation. Poarch managed auditions for both spring shows, and directed “She Kills Monsters,” in addition to teaching Stage Combat and Voice and Movement for the Actor.

She earned what she describes as a well-rounded bachelor’s degree from Lees-McRae College including stage work, directing, and technical aspects such as lights, sound, costumes, sets, and props.&nbsp;Poarch was certified in hand-to-hand, rapier, and quarterstaff combat by a Canadian Artist in Residence when she was an undergraduate student.

Poarch returns this semester to teach Principles of Acting and Audition Techniques as well as direct the fall musical, “I Love you, You’re Perfect…Now Change.” Later in the fall, Poarch will direct “What’s Next?,” an original work by David Craven, a past CSC Artist in Residence and colleague of Poarch.

Rovner was hired in 2019 and he will continue in the English Department as an Assistant Professor teaching transitional writing and creative writing.

He grew up in Denver and earned a bachelor’s in English from the University of Northern Colorado. He also has a master’s in English from Hollins University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Idaho. Before coming to Chadron, he taught for three years at the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani, and for six years at Morehead State University in eastern Kentucky.

His wife, Caitlin, is CSC’s Transitional Studies Director. The couple has a daughter, Penelope.

By CSC College RelationsCHADRON – New and returning Chadron State College faculty members were welcomed during an all campus video conference Aug. 14. In the School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences, new faculty include Dr. Jung Colen, Adam Fette, Joanne Hayes, and Dr. Irasema Ortega, who was hired last semester. In the&nbsp;School of Liberal Arts, Dr. Justin Curtis is a new hire, Jonathan Rovner was hired in 2019, Dr. Nathaniel Doherty is returning to campus, and Jennifer Poarch is the Interim Director of Theatrical Performances. New faculty in the School of Business, Mathematics, and Science include&nbsp;Daphne Bishop, Jordan Haas, and Dr. Jeffrey Kiiskila.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597936942285.jpeg" alt="New and returning Chadron State College faculty, Fall 2020. Front row, from left: Daphne Bishop, Irasema Ortega, Jung Colen, and Joanne Hayes. Back row, from left, Jonathan Rovner, Justin Curtis, Jeffrey Kiiskila, and Adam Fette. Not pictured: Jordan Haas, Nathaniel Doherty, and Jennifer Poarch. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>New and returning Chadron State College faculty, Fall 2020. Front row, from left: Daphne Bishop, Irasema Ortega, Jung Colen, and Joanne Hayes. Back row, from left, Jonathan Rovner, Justin Curtis, Jeffrey Kiiskila, and Adam Fette. Not pictured: Jordan Haas, Nathaniel Doherty, and Jennifer Poarch. (Photo by Daniel Binkard/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>School of Professional Studies and Applied SciencesDr. Jung ColenColen, an Assistant Professor, will teach mathematics education. She earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Pennsylvania State University. She also has a master’s degree in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in Educational Technology from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea.Previously, she taught mathematics and mathematics education at St. Margaret’s School in Virginia, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania State University.Her research interests reside in improving mathematics education. She has investigated in-service teachers’ conceptions of Standards for Mathematical Practice, teachers’ practices to promote students’ mathematical competencies, and innovative teaching strategies and tasks.&nbsp;Her first impression of Chadron is that it is a friendly community.She has co-authored several mathematics textbooks, translated mathematics education books into different languages, and presented research at domestic and international conferences. She has been an editorial board member of the “Journal of the Korean Society of Mathematics Education,” and served as a reader/scorer of the College Board AP Statistics Exams.Adam FetteFette will be an Education Instructor teaching Introduction to Teaching and Assessment Foundations.He is joining the CSC faculty after serving five years as a Principal and Activities Director at Dundy County Stratton Public Schools in Benkelman, Nebraska. Before that, he was a 7-12 science teacher in Palmyra, Nebraska, for three years.He is a graduate of CSC in Range Management and Biology Education and earned a master’s degree in Education Administration. He is completing a doctorate in School Improvement with an area of concentration in Educational Leadership through the University of West Georgia. He and his wife, Lisa also a CSC graduate, have a daughter, Leah.“Working at CSC was attractive due to my familiarity with the program and institution as a previous student. I am excited to bring my experiences into the program that helped me grow into the educator I am today,” Fette said.Joanne HayesHayes is an Assistant Professor with a focus on Special Education teacher preparation. She will be teaching a variety of courses including Introduction to Teaching, undergraduate and graduate level Assessment for Individuals with Disabilities, Interpersonal Communication Skills, and Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Classrooms.“I am delighted to be here at Chadron and looking forward to this semester. I came to Chadron because it is a more reasonable size yet has an excellent reputation while maintaining very high standards in education,” said Hayes. “The surrounding countryside is reminiscent of my childhood home in rural California and the people are universally kind and welcoming. Who wouldn’t love Chadron?”She earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Business at Northeastern University, and a master’s degree in elementary education at Cambridge College, both in Boston. She taught literacy classes and Special Education at a middle school in Texas, and earned a second master’s in Special Education at the University of Texas.Hayes taught at an elementary bilingual charter school before relocating to Connecticut where she taught literacy and history at a residential treatment facility for adjudicated adolescent girls. After eight years there, she decided to pursue a doctorate in Special Education at the University of Connecticut with a research focus on adolescent literacy. She will complete her dissertation this fall.&nbsp;Dr. Irasema Ortega&nbsp;Ortega joined the Education faculty in the Spring of 2020 as an Associate Professor. She teaches research design, assessment, and evaluation courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.“What attracted me to CSC was its reputation for being a teaching institution with a solid record of producing quality teachers. I am passionate about teaching, research, and learning,” Ortega said.She was a middle and high school science teacher for 18 years in Florida and Arizona before she decided to pursue a doctorate at Arizona State University and enter higher education.School of Liberal ArtsDr. Justin CurtisCurtis is joining the Department of Justice Studies, Social Sciences, and English as an Assistant Professor. His primary subject area is comparative politics. He will be teaching Introduction to Political Science, U.S. Government and Politics, and The Academic Life.He earned his doctorate and master’s degrees from the University of Arizona in Government and Public Policy. His bachelor’s degree in Political Science is from Brigham Young University. His minor field as an undergraduate and a graduate was Middle Eastern Studies, and his dissertation was about Islamist political parties across the Muslim-majority world.He has lived in Russia where he worked at an English-teaching school for children, and Tajikistan where he studied the Persian language.Curtis and his wife, Jessica, have two children, Maisy and Chip.“Chadron State was attractive to me because of the opportunity it will afford me to work closely with students and design curricula in political science. I would likely not be able to teach courses like (The Academic Life) anywhere else, so I am looking forward to this flexibility and these opportunities for creativity,” Curtis said.Dr. Nathaniel DohertyDoherty is returning to CSC as an Assistant Professor in the English department after being a faculty member during the 2016-17 academic year. He was Assistant Professor of Literature at Bard High School Early College Baltimore during 2019-20.He will be an instructor in English and the Humanities teaching Writing and Rhetoric and Graphic Novels: Studies in Diversity.Originally from Connecticut, Doherty earned a Master’s in American Literature in Ireland. He earned a doctorate in English at Stony Brook University in New York. He said he and his wife, Kimberly Cox, an Assistant Professor in the English department, enjoy life in the community of Chadron and the opportunities for teaching and research.When he was a King Library staff member in 2018-19, Doherty spoke during the Graves Lecture Series. He shared his observations about “Zone One,” a zombie apocalypse novel in his presentation, “Equanimity Among the Ruins: The Doubtful Value of Humanity in Colson Whitehead’s ‘Zone One’.” The novel was written during the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis and published in 2011.Jennifer PoarchPoarch is the Interim Director of Theatrical Performances. She was the Artist in Residence for CSC’s Theatre program in Spring 2020, and she completed her contract after converting both artistic classes to online courses.&nbsp;She enjoyed helping students build their confidence and prepare them for careers beyond graduation. Poarch managed auditions for both spring shows, and directed “She Kills Monsters,” in addition to teaching Stage Combat and Voice and Movement for the Actor.She earned what she describes as a well-rounded bachelor’s degree from Lees-McRae College including stage work, directing, and technical aspects such as lights, sound, costumes, sets, and props.&nbsp;Poarch was certified in hand-to-hand, rapier, and quarterstaff combat by a Canadian Artist in Residence when she was an undergraduate student.Poarch returns this semester to teach Principles of Acting and Audition Techniques as well as direct the fall musical, “I Love you, You’re Perfect…Now Change.” Later in the fall, Poarch will direct “What’s Next?,” an original work by David Craven, a past CSC Artist in Residence and colleague of Poarch.Jonathan RovnerRovner was hired in 2019 and he will continue in the English Department as an Assistant Professor teaching transitional writing and creative writing.He grew up in Denver and earned a bachelor’s in English from the University of Northern Colorado. He also has a master’s in English from Hollins University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Idaho. Before coming to Chadron, he taught for three years at the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani, and for six years at Morehead State University in eastern Kentucky.His wife, Caitlin, is CSC’s Transitional Studies Director. The couple has a daughter, Penelope.School of Business, Mathematics, and ScienceDaphne BishopBishop is an Assistant Professor who will teach principal accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, and taxation. She lived and worked in Texas where she earned an MBA in accounting at the University of North Texas (UNT).After she received an MBA, she worked at a local Certified Public Accountant firm for about two years before returning to UNT where she worked for about 12 years, starting as a teaching assistant, accountant, and advancing to a senior grants and contracts specialist, and a financial officer. Her higher education experience also includes lecturing at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.She is pursuing her doctorate of Business Administration in Accounting from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Bishop feels her domestic and foreign travel experiences allow her to enhance and enrich classroom experiences through sharing various cultural and business activities she has observed.Jordan HaasHaas will be an Instructor teaching pre-College Algebra courses. He graduated from CSC with an endorsement in 7-12 Math Education and as a graduate assistant taught College Algebra and Applied Statistics while he earned his master’s degree in Education Administration.&nbsp;He has been teaching junior high and high school math for the past seven years at Hemingford Public Schools, while also serving as the head football coach. He will continue as the high school football coach for Hemingford this fall.“I am so excited to be back at CSC. I have been a lifelong Panhandle resident. Chadron State College has always been special to me. The people of Chadron brought me back. The sense of community at this college is second to none. I have made so many lifelong friends here and I am so grateful for the opportunity to return,” Haas said.His wife, Lisa, an alumna, works for CSC as an athletic trainer.Dr. Jeffrey KiiskilaKiiskila is joining the Department of Mathematical and Natural Sciences as an Assistant Professor. His primary subject areas are plant biochemistry and environmental remediation, though he has broad interests. He will teach Microbiology, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Introductory Chemistry, and Special Methods/Science.He comes to CSC from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, his home state. He earned a doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan Tech, along with a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences. His research at Michigan Tech focused mainly on the use of plants for the remediation of water contaminated with heavy metals and toxic organic compounds.“Chadron State College was attractive to me because I thoroughly enjoy small town life and I was excited for the chance to work with smaller class sizes where I can really get to know my students,” Kiiskila said.

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