By PPHD
Close contact = a person that is less than six feet for 15 minutes or more with a person that is positive for COVID-19. People considered a close contact in the disease investigation will be told by health officials to self-quarantine for 14 days and go get tested if they begin experiencing symptoms. This helps stop the spread.
Contact of a contact = a person that is a contact of a close contact (outlined above). People considered a contact of a contact are not required to self-quarantine but should continue all the important precautions of staying six feet away from others, wearing a mask, monitoring for symptoms, and frequent handwashing or sanitizing.
Self-quarantine – confirmed as a close contact and must stay home and monitor for symptoms for 14 days since the last exposure to prevent the spread. If symptoms appear, get tested.
Self-isolate – confirmed with COVID-19 and must stay home and away from others for at least 10 days from when symptoms first appeared, at least three full days with no fever, and all other symptoms have improved.
Not abiding by self-quarantine or self-isolation requirements by health officials is enforceable as a misdemeanor offense per the Governor’s Directed Health Measure.
Testing opportunities for the week of July 6:
· Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays & Fridays, 7-9am o Testnebraska.com
o Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)
· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 7-8am o https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq
· Gordon Clinic parking lot: Thursday (7/9) 2-4pm, Monday (7/13) 3-4pm, and Thursday (7/16) 3-4pm
o Call for an appointment: 308-282-6334 or 308-282-1442
o There is no charge for this testing.
· Morrill County Community Hospital: Daily
o Call for testing, insurance will be billed
· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.
Unified Command confirms six more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:
Close contact and exposure are defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart. There are no community exposure sites identified. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.
Thirteen new recoveries: one in Banner County, two in Dawes County, three in Morrill County, six in Scotts Bluff County, and one in Sheridan County, brings the total recoveries to 241.
March 2-July 8, 2020
Total Tests Conducted: 5,692
Positive: 344
Cumulative Positivity Rate: 6%
Recovered: 241
Active Cases: 99
Active Hospitalizations: 1
Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 34
Deaths: 4
• Banner County: 2 cases (recovered)
• Box Butte County: 4 cases (1 active, 3 recovered)
• Cheyenne County: 21 cases (1 active, 20 recovered)
• Dawes County: 4 cases (recovered)
• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)
• Kimball County: 13 cases (1 active, 12 recovered)
• Morrill County: 52 cases (20 active, 32 recovered)
• Scotts Bluff County: 230 cases (71 active, 155 recovered, 4 deaths)
• Sheridan County: 8 cases (5 active, 3 recovered)
• Sioux County: 6 cases (recovered)
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.