By PPHD
Seventeen additional COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle are being reported. This brings the total deaths in the Panhandle to 67. The deaths are being announced as follows:
Box Butte County
- One female in her 50s
- Two males in their 70s
Dawes County
- One female over 100
- One male in his 90s
Cheyenne County
- Three females: one in her 40s, one in her 80s, one in her 90s
- One male in his 60s
Kimball County
- One male in his 60s
Scotts Bluff County
- Two females: one in her 60s, one in her 80s
- Five males: two in their 50s, two in their 70s, one in his 80s
“We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones in the loss of our fellow Panhandle residents. This insidious virus reminds us how precious life is and how we all must remain vigilant with safety precautions for one another,” expressed Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.
Please do not wait to reach out for help if you are struggling with feelings of depression, sadness, or anxiety. Several free and low-cost resources are available:
- Mental Health Providers in the Area - https://tinyurl.com/y4m7a9g4
- Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority - https://tinyurl.com/y4wm4pzv
- Nebraska Strong Recovery Project
- Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 800-464-0258
- Nebraska Family Helpline: 888-866-8660
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
- 800-273-8255 for English or 888-628-9454 for Spanish
- https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, social support from family or friends remains important. Finding healthy and safe outlets like going for a walk, calling or video chatting with a friend or family member, or enjoying a new book or TV series are all healthy and safe coping strategies.
This public health emergency requires the public to be caring citizens and to contribute to the solution for the sake of our communities and those we love.
Avoid the Three Cs:
- Avoid Crowded Places – Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot maintain 6-feet of distance from others
- Avoid Close Contact – Wear a mask over your nose and mouth or maintain 6-feet distance when you are spending more than 15 total minutes with people you don’t live with
- Avoid Confined Spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation