Dec 04, 2020

12 more COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle reported

Posted Dec 04, 2020 1:45 PM

By PPHD

Twelve additional COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle are being reported. This brings the total deaths in the Panhandle to 79. The deaths are being announced as follows:

Box Butte County

  1. One female in her 50s

Dawes County

  1. Two females: one in her 80s & one in her 90s
  2. One male in his 90s

Cheyenne County

  1. One female in her 70s

Scotts Bluff County

  1. Five males: three in their 60s & two in their 90s
  2. One female in her 90s

Sheridan County

  1. One female in her 60s

“We share our heartfelt sympathy to the friends and loved ones in the loss of our fellow Panhandle residents. We wish you peace and comfort especially during this holiday season,” expressed Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.

Changes have been made on the quarantine requirements allowing two additional options.

The Governor’s Directed Health Measure determines and establishes the quarantine options in Nebraska. A 14-day quarantine timeframe is still recommended due to the incubation period of COVID (2-14 days).

The following options may be chosen for close contacts:

  1. On day 10 without testing and no symptoms
  2. With this strategy, transmission risk is estimated at 1%-10%.
  3. On day 7 after receiving a negative test and no symptoms
  4. Testing may be collected within 48 hours before the 7th day.
  5. Quarantine cannot be discontinued earlier than day 7.
  6. With this strategy, transmission risk is estimated at 5%-12%.

If either of these options are chosen, symptom monitoring and masking through the full 14 days is still required.

Unified Command confirms 283 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, November 30. Recoveries are available on the Panhandle dashboard at www.pphd.org. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

March 2-December 3, 2020

  1. Total Tests Conducted: 27,015
  2. Positive: 6,272
  3. Recovered: 3,958
  4. Active Cases: 2,235
  5. Weekly Positivity Rate: 43.8%
  6. Deaths: 79
  7. Active Hospitalizations: 66
  8. Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 395
  9. Last week’s cases: 541
  10. Doubling time (November 4-December 2): 29 days
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