By PPHD
Despite many myths circulating that children cannot carry, contract, or be infected with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that children and infants have been sick with and carry the virus. Although adults primarily make up most of the known cases to-date, 17% of the confirmed positive cases in the Panhandle and 11.7% in the state have been children in the 0-19 age group.
We all must remain diligent with our safety precautions for protecting all ages from COVID-19.
Unified Command confirms one more case of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:
-Scotts Bluff County: Male in his 40s, Community Spread
The investigation is complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.
Three new recoveries: one in Cheyenne County, one in Kimball County, and one in Scotts Bluff County, brings the total recoveries to 311.
Testing opportunities for the week of July 20:
· Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays & Fridays, 7-9am o Testnebraska.com
o Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)
· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, 7-8am o https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq
· Morrill County Community Hospital: Daily
o Call for testing, insurance will be billed
· Regional West Health Services: Weekdays (M-F) starting tomorrow (7/22), Noon-4pm o Testnebraska.com
o This site is not currently showing up on the testing locations, but it is showing up as a testing option when completing the assessment.
· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.
March 2-July 21, 2020
Total Tests Conducted: 6,901
Positive: 388
Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.6%
Recovered: 311
Active Cases: 72
Active Hospitalizations: 2
Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 38
Deaths: 5
• Banner County: 2 cases (recovered)
• Box Butte County: 8 cases (4 active, 4 recovered)
• Cheyenne County: 22 cases (recovered)
• Dawes County: 4 cases (recovered)
• Deuel County: 1 case (recovered)
• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)
• Kimball County: 17 cases (2 active, 15 recovered)
• Morrill County: 56 cases (5 active, 51 recovered)
• Scotts Bluff County: 260 cases (60 active, 195 recovered, 5 deaths)
• Sheridan County: 8 cases (1 active, 7 recovered)
• Sioux County: 6 cases (recovered)
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.