By PPHD
When an individual tests positive for COVID-19, a disease investigator contacts them to determine who they were around for the two days prior to symptom onset. During this part of the investigation, people identified as a “close contact,” defined as at least 15 minutes less than six feet apart in that timeframe, are then required to self-quarantine as an increased precaution. A disease investigator provides information on how to safely self-quarantine.
If that close contact develops symptoms, they need to get tested for COVID-19. If they do not show any symptoms in that 14-day timeframe, the disease investigator then notifies them they can stop the self-quarantine measure.
If a person gets tested and it is negative, testing is a point-in-time so they are still required to complete the remaining days of the self-quarantine as they can still develop symptoms and begin to expose others. This is why people in quarantine cannot return-to-work with a negative test, others could be exposed.
Not abiding by self-quarantine requirements is enforceable as per the current Governor’s Directed Health measure.
COVID-19 testing is available at Community Action Health Center: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7am-8am. Testing is open to those that are symptomatic or close contact to a positive case. Sign up today https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq.
Unified Command confirms nineteen 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.
Fifteen cases have been deemed recovered, three in Morrill County and twelve in Scotts Bluff County, bringing the total recoveries to 185.
March 2-June 29, 2020
Total Tests Conducted: 5,302
Positive: 298
Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.4%
Recovered: 185
Active Cases: 110
Active Hospitalizations: 4
Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 33
Deaths: 3
• Banner County: 1 case (recovered)
• Box Butte County: 3 cases (recovered)
• Cheyenne County: 20 cases (7 active, 13 recovered)
• Dawes County: 2 cases (recovered)
• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)
• Kimball County: 11 cases (1 active, 10 recovered)
• Morrill County: 36 cases (22 active, 14 recovered)
• Scotts Bluff County: 211 cases (76 active, 136 recovered, 3 deaths)
• Sheridan County: 4 cases (active)
• Sioux County: 6 cases (4 active, 2 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.