By PPHD
When planning or attending larger community events, COVID-19 prevention remains critical
Panhandle total: 359, Active: 71, Recovered: 283, Deaths: 5
As larger events are being offered around the area and many fairs are coming up, Panhandle Unified Command reminds event planners and attendees of the critical COVID-19 prevention strategies.
Planning for spacing of attendees to effectively practice six-foot social distancing, discouraging areas of large crowds congregating, encouraging organizers, volunteers, and attendees to wear a mask, and highly accessible opportunities to frequently wash or sanitize their hands is important. Screenings like temperature and symptoms checks for event staff and volunteers and encouraging all attendees not to attend if they are experiencing any symptoms or are at high-risk for complications from COVID-19 helps keep everyone safe during this time.
Event compliance with the Governor’s Directed Health Measure is essential; moreover, we all have a responsibility to keep our communities safe. Our common goal of getting our kiddos back-to-school is the Panhandle’s united front. Everything we can do to keep case counts and hospitalizations low is the key to communities moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unified Command confirms twelve more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle since our Friday report:
The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.
One community exposure site has been announced at the Camp Clarke Rodeo on July 4 in Bridgeport. If you attended this event, monitor for symptoms, and get tested if you begin experiencing any symptoms. The community exposure site is being announced because the positive case is not able to identify all close contacts from the event, social distancing was not practiced.
Public health urges everyone to practice social distancing when attending events. It will take everyone doing their part to prevent community exposure sites.
Sixteen new recoveries, four in Morrill County, eleven in Scotts Bluff County, and one in Sheridan County, brings the total recoveries to 283.
March 2-July 13, 2020
Total Tests Conducted: 6,132
Positive: 359
Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.8%
Recovered: 283
Active Cases: 71
Active Hospitalizations: 4
Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 38
Deaths: 5
• Banner County: 2 cases (recovered)
• Box Butte County: 4 cases (1 active, 3 recovered)
• Cheyenne County: 22 cases (2 active, 20 recovered)
• Dawes County: 4 cases (recovered)
• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)
• Kimball County: 15 cases (3 active, 12 recovered)
• Morrill County: 52 cases (3 active, 49 recovered)
• Scotts Bluff County: 242 cases (60 active, 177 recovered, 5 deaths)
• Sheridan County: 8 cases (2 active, 6 recovered)
• Sioux County: 6 cases (recovered)
Testing opportunities for the week of July 13:
· Chadron Community Hospital: Mondays & Fridays, 7-9am o Testnebraska.com
o Collections are at 821 Morehead Street (Old Hospital ER Entrance next to Wilson Park)
· Community Action Health Center in Gering: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays, 7-8am o https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq
· Gordon Clinic parking lot: Thursday (7/16) 3-4pm
o Call for an appointment: 308-282-6334 or 308-282-1442
o There is no charge for this testing.
· Morrill County Community Hospital: Daily
o Call for testing, insurance will be billed
· Contact your local hospital or clinic for information on testing access.
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.