By PPHD
Panhandle Public Health District confirmed two people residing in Kimball County are confirmed positive for COVID-19, a female in her 40s and a male in his 50s.
Contact investigations are underway to identify people who may have come into close contact with the individual for the past 14 days to help prevent further spread. All identified close contacts will self-quarantine and be actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms. More details will be released when available.
The presence of one COVID-19 case 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
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 sudden 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
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.