COVID Shows Slight Improvement in Panhandle

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 though the Panhandle was approaching the center point, straddling the Moderate and High risk. During the week of Aug. 4, the region's position receded to about the center point of Moderate Risk. Jessica Davies, Assistant Health Director and Wellness Coordinator for Panhandle Public Health District, said “continuous monitoring for trend data over the next few weeks will give us the best depiction but our hope is people are practicing their important prevention for themselves, their family, and the community.”

“This is critical as we enter the next few weeks of schools opening,” she said.

The numbers also account for five new cases in the Panhandle. An Aug. 4 news release says there were five new cases during the week of Aug. 4. Two cases are children under 19 and Community Spread; one from Dawes County and one from Scotts Bluff County. Three adults were also positive for the coronavirus; one from Deuel County and two from Scotts Bluff County. Both were by Close Contact. All close contact patients are under quarantine and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.

Unified Command also confirms six more recoveries in the Panhandle; five from Scotts Bluff County and one from Cheyenne County.

Testing in Cheyenne County can be done at Sidney Regional Medical Center 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport officers testing with same day results daily. Call 308-262-1616.

Jessica Davies, Assistant Health Director and Wellness Coordinator for Panhandle Public Health District, said there is no mask mandate in the Panhandle. The only exception is when distancing is not realistic, such as when receiving salon or nail services, barber shops, massage therapy services and tattoo parlors.

The Panhandle area will remain in Phase 3 of Gov. Pete Ricketts' Directed Health Measure through August. Phase 3 calls for restaurants and bars to limit patrons to a maximum of eight people in a party, carry-out and delivery allowed, no self-serve buffets or salad bars. Six-feet distance is encouraged between tables, Pool tables, dart boards, shuffle board, arcades are allowed with additional cleaning. Indoor gatherings are limited to 50 percent of capacity and outdoor events to 75 percent of capacity. No parades, carnivals, midways, dances or beer gardens. Events with more than 500 person capacity must submit plans for approval prior to opening. Fitness centers can reopen at a maximum of 75 percent rated occupancy.

For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.