By PPHD
Panhandle total: 2,260; Active: 879; Recovered: 1,365; Deaths: 16
Health officials urge all Panhandle residents to take extra caution with Halloween events over the weekend. COVID cases and hospitalizations are rapidly increasing and we all must take critical safety precautions.
Here’s what you can do to stay safe and stop the spread of COVID:
1. Crowded Places: Avoid gathering in groups where you can’t maintain 6-feet distance from others.
2. Close Contact: Wear a mask or maintain 6-feet distance when you’re with people you don’t live with.
3. Confined Spaces: Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
Unified Command confirms 321 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, October 26. 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
- Ambulance Bay on the east side of the emergency department, watch for the green arrows
- Starting, Monday, November 2 location will be: 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: Mondays & Fridays, Noon-4pm; Wednesdays, 2-6pm
o Sidney Regional Medical Center: Tuesdays & Thursday, 7-9am
· 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 $105.
· 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-October 29, 2020
· Total Tests Conducted: 19,279
· Positive: 2,260
· Cumulative Positivity Rate: 11.7%
· Recovered: 1,365
· Active Cases: 879
· Deaths: 16
· Active Hospitalizations: 52
· Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 147
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.