By PPHD
Two more COVID-related deaths in Scotts Bluff County confirmed Panhandle total: 1029, Active: 150, Recovered: 868, Deaths: 11
Two more COVID-related deaths have been confirmed in Scotts Bluff County, both are females, one in her 80s and one in her 90s.
“We share our deepest sympathies with their families and must remain diligent with increased precautions to protect our most vulnerable community members,” shared Paulette Schnell, Scotts Bluff County Health Department Director.
Unified Command confirms 62 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, October 5. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.
Panhandle Unified Command has shared Halloween guidelines for low, medium, and high risk activities. Many traditional Halloween activities can be high risk for spreading viruses. There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween this year and keep your family, friends, and community safe.
Testing information and access for the Panhandle area: · You can sign up for the following free testing at Testnebraska.com or 402-207-9377:
o Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 9-10am
§ Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrows
o Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays & Fridays, 7-9am
§ Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)
§ Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the hospital at 747-2466 with questions.
o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2-4pm
o Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Mondays & Fridays, Noon-4pm; Wednesdays, 2-6pm
o Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays & Thursday, 7-9am
· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc
· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Daily
o Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results
· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.
March 2-October 8, 2020
· Total Tests Conducted: 15,804
· Positive: 1029
· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 6.5%
· Recovered: 868
· Active Cases: 150
· Deaths: 11
· Active Hospitalizations: 13
· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 97
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.