By PPHD
Panhandle total: 444, Active: 54, Recovered: 384, Deaths: 6
The weekly risk dial update shows the Panhandle area faring slightly better but still in the yellow. Yellow equates to moderate risk of COVID-19 spread and has corresponding guidance for everyone to continue the increased precautions when at work, social settings, in public, and at home.
The Panhandle risk dial, updated each Tuesday, provides a summary of current conditions with each color incorporating federal and national guidance published by top publish health experts and scientific guidance.
The improving risk dial numbers will take each and every one of us practicing important prevention strategies and being extra safe as we near the start of school. Our common goal of getting kiddos back-to-school is the Panhandle’s united front.
Everything we can do to keep case counts and hospitalizations low is the key to communities moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unified Command confirms five more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:
The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.
Unified Command confirms six more recoveries in the Panhandle.
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
o Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays & Fridays, 7-9am
· Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)
o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2-4pm
o Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Monday-Friday, Noon-4pm
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/y7msahzq
· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Daily
o Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results, insurance will be billed
· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.
March 2-August 4, 2020
· Total Tests Conducted: 8,320
· Positive: 444
· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.3%
· Recovered: 384
· Active Cases: 54
· Deaths: 6
· Active Hospitalizations: 1
· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 45
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.