The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

The Panhandle Public Health District recently reported an improvement in the region's response to COVID-19.

From March 2 to Aug. 4, the Panhandle area has conducted 8,320 tests. Of that number, 444 tests were returned positive for the coronavirus for a 5.3 percent cumulative positivity rate. Of the 444 positive cases, 384 have recovered and 54 are active. There are six COVID-related deaths, one active hospitalization and 45 cumulative hospitalizations.

PPHD publishes a chart, a dial, explaining the current risk factor for the Panhandle area. In the last week of July, the graphic looked as t...