By PPHD
Panhandle total: 916, Active: 94, Recovered: 813, Deaths: 9
Recent graphs were shared on the Thursday briefing with two charts showing cumulative confirmed COVID cases by age group and month in the Nebraska Panhandle.
The first chart shows that most age groups have doubled cases when comparing the months of July to September. The second chart shows a gradual stair step increase with the 20-29 age group being the highest followed by the 10-19 and 40-49 age groups.
Lastly, age breakdowns by month (March-September) were shared for Scotts Bluff, Cheyenne, Dawes, Sheridan, and Box Butte counties. Each chart shows the COVID virus trend in the county indicated with specific factors outlined by health officials.
Scotts Bluff County is a gradual stair step increase while Cheyenne County also shows a gradual increase but a more rapid increase from August to September. Dawes County shows very small case counts through July with marked increases in August and September which was a similar trend for Sheridan County. Box Butte County shows very small case counts with a gradual uptick in August leading into a marked increase in September.
Unified Command confirms 47 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, September 28. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored for symptoms by public health officials.
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
§ Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrows
o Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays & Fridays, 7-9am
§ Collections are at 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: Mondays & Fridays, Noon-4pm; Wednesdays, 2-6pm
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/yydxr5mc
· Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport: Daily
o Call 308-262-1616 for testing, same day results
· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.
March 2-October 1, 2020
· Total Tests Conducted: 14,762
· Positive: 916
· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 6.2%
· Recovered: 813
· Active Cases: 94
· Deaths: 9
· Active Hospitalizations: 3
· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 86
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.