By PPHD
Panhandle Public Health District can confirm there is a total of six cases in Kimball County with the addition of three people confirmed positive for COVID-19 on April 2, a female in her 40s, and two males in their 60s.
The case investigations for the two Kimball County cases released on April 1 are continuing. Close contacts have been quarantined and are being actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. Contacts that are currently showing symptoms are being tested. The list of potential exposure sites are noted below.
With guidance from Nebraska State Epidemiologists, the recommendation is that everyone in Kimball County check their temperature twice a day and monitor for sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, or diarrhea and, if possible, self-quarantine.
If you have or develop any symptoms, please self-isolate away from other household members and contact your healthcare provider or public health to be tested. Please call before going to any healthcare facility.
Kimball Health Services has announced that one of the cases is a health care administrative employee, not involved in direct patient care. KHS has been implementing strategies over the last month to mitigate the risk of possible exposures. This case does not change how they will be doing work, just enforces why they have been taking the precautions they have been.
KHS will be adjusting their hours starting April 6.
KHS clinics will be open as follows
Pine: 8a-4p, Monday – Friday
Kimball Clinic 9a-5p, Monday – Friday, and 7a-3p on Saturday
Specialty Clinics are suspended at this time
*Please remember that during Business hours (7a-5p) you will need to use the West Entrance to come into the building.
*Anything after 5p should present to the ER doors for admittance.
“We are working diligently to reduce the spread across the Panhandle and need your help to halt the spread in Kimball,” Kim Engel, Director, Panhandle Public Health District. “Staying home is the only way to halt spread in the community.”
Additional protective measures:
· 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
· Practice social distancing – no closer than 6 feet from others
For all Panhandle community exposure sites visit: http://www.pphd.org/potential_community_exposure_sites.html.
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.