By PPHD
With the recent announcement of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the area, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts issued a Directed Health Measure to prevent the spread. Not following this measure is enforceable by misdemeanor charges.
This is enacted for the following counties: Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Kimball, Garden, Grant, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux through May 11, 2020.
Here’s what this includes:
· Bars and restaurants must close dining/public areas and can only offer carry-out, curbside pickup, delivery, or drive-through options.
· Salons and fitness centers can remain operational but must follow the 10 people or less guidance, this count excludes staff. Salons must maintain six feet in between clients.
· Daycare facilities can only have 10 children per class room, excluding staff.
· Weddings, funerals, and any other public events must follow the 10 people or less guidance.
· The following venues must follow the 10 people or less guidance: Gymnasiums, auditoriums, stadiums, arenas, large event conference rooms, meeting halls, theaters, libraries, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space.
· Convenience stores must close their seating portion, people are not to congregate.
· Breakfast bars in hotels are to close their seating area and instruct their guests to take the food back to their rooms.
· In regards to bowling alleys, there is no consumption of food or alcohol allowed in the establishment. There is to be no more than 10 people at a time and a stringent cleaning routine needs to be implemented.
· Elective surgeries and procedures are prohibited.
· Individuals that test positive for COVID-19 or who have a fever of 100.4 or above, or a sudden onset of a cough or suddent onset of shortness of breath, and individuals who
live with a person that has tested positive for COVID-19, must home-quarantine for no less than 14 days from the date of positive test or onset of symptoms and isolation
Here’s what this excludes:
· Normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, healthcare facilities and services, mental health and/or substance use treatment day programs, shopping malls, typically office environments, factories, retail or grocery stores where large groups may be present but not tpically within six feet of one another.
The full measure can be viewed on our website at www.pphd.org.
Non-resident turkey hunters arriving to the state should quarantine for 14 days before going out to hunt. Non-resident visitors to Nebraska lakes and camp grounds should quarantine for 14 days before going out.
Any essential critical workers, especially healthcare workers, that were at the identified community locations at the date/time previously listed, need to follow guidance from their immediate supervisor, employer, or facility.
The total count in the Panhandle is four cases, three in Scotts Bluff County and one in Kimball County.
The presence of COVID-19 in the community suggests the possibility that more patients will be diagnosed. For your health, please follow these guidelines:
· Practice good hand hygiene, including frequent and thorough hand washing and proper use of hand sanitizer
· Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose, and mouth
· Be sure you have all needed medications and supplies on hand as if you were preparing for a severe snowstorm
· Practice social distancing – no closer than 6 feet from others
Anyone in the area who has potentially been exposed to COVID-19 and has a fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath to call before going to any healthcare facility. Healthcare providers will determine if the person can be cared for at home or if screening is necessary. You may call your provider or public health at:
· Scotts Bluff County Health Department: 308-630-1580
· Panhandle Public Health District: 308-262-5764
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. Important 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.