By PPHD
Due to the continued increase in cases and the critical nature and importance of contact tracing in slowing the spread of COVID, the following adjustments are being made:
• The 24/7 call line will direct people to where testing is available, how-to self report as a close contact, or to receive quarantine or isolation documentation.
• For all other requests, please leave a message and the voicemail box will be monitored daily.
• State contact tracers will be used when needed.
• Please be sure to answer your phone if it is an outside area code, i.e. 402
• When issuing case reporting on the Monday/Thursday briefings, age breakdowns will be for the jurisdiction rather than the county.
• Details will still appear on the dashboard available on the homepage at www.pphd.org.
Unified Command confirms 338 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle and 166 recoveries since last reporting on Monday, November 2. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.
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
- 212 East 24th Street, former Kiddie Kampus pre-school building.
o Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays & Fridays, 7-9am
- 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)
- Other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients may be available through the hospital as ordered by your Primary Care Practitioner, call the hospital at 747-2466 with questions.
o Gordon Memorial Hospital: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2-4pm
o Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff: Tuesdays & Fridays, 1pm-4pm; Call 308-630-2100 for other testing opportunities for symptomatic patients.
o Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, 7-9:30am
· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, 7-8am o Testing is free, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yydxr5mc
· Alliance Community Pharmacy in Alliance: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
o For people experiencing symptoms, same day results. Call 308-629-1045 for appointment, fee is $125.
· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Daily
o Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results, insurance can be billed.
· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.
March 2-November 5, 2020
· Total Tests Conducted: 20,802
· Positive: 3,114
· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 15%
· Recovered: 1,772
· Active Cases: 1,326
· Deaths: 16
· Active Hospitalizations: 73
· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 207
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.