By PPHD
Panhandle Public Health District can confirm there is a total of six cases in Kimball County. The Nebraska DHHS map found on www.pphd.org states five cases. PPHD has completed contact investigations for six people residing in Kimball County.
Everyone that was identified as a close contact of those testing positive has been notified and is in self-quarantine. If you were identified as a close contact, you would have received a call from public health. All community exposures have been updated on PPHD’s website, see link below.
Of the six confirmed cases, three are family members. Of the other three, two are family members, and the other is a close contact. Since Kimball is a small community, multiple persons visited many of the same community exposure sites.
Due to the prevalence of exposures, all residents are at high risk unless we take strong measures. For your safety, please follow these guidelines
Monitor your symptoms: Check your temperature twice a day and monitor for sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, or diarrhea. If you experience symptoms, call your provider and self-isolate.
Practice strict social distancing and self-quarantine, if possible.
Two of the positives cases are employees of Kimball Health Services. Any close contacts identified have been contacted through the investigation process.
Nebraska Public Health Lab has increased testing, which has delayed results across the state. We are not seeing results in the typical 24-48 hours.
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.