Second positive COVID-19 case in SWNPHD region

McCOOK, Neb. -- A second person has tested positive for COVID-19 in the Southwest Public Health Department district, according to Health Director Myra Stoney.

This second case is a male in his 20s in Furnas County, and he is self-isolating at home. Contact investigations are under way to identify people who came into close contact to help prevent further spread.

All identified close contacts will self-quarantine and be actively monitored daily by public health officials for fever and symptoms.

Asked about the first SWNPHD case, a Red Willow County man in his 30s, Stoney said the case was assumed to be community spread because no travel was involved, but investigations were still under way.

SWNPHD and the other local health departments in Nebraska join Governor Ricketts in urging every Nebraskan to do all we can to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected.

Stay Home

Stay home whenever possible.

Avoid gathering in any groups (if a group is necessary, limit it to no more than 10 people – and remember the 6 feet rule)

Do not visit or host people who do not live with you. This includes family.

Work from home if you can.

Stay Healthy

Keep at least 6 feet distance from anyone you don’t live with.

Stay home if you are sick or if someone in your home is sick.

If you are an employer, make plans so that your employees can stay home when needed.

Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth mask when you are out in public.

Shop once each week, alone, and be efficient. Avoid browsing or lingering.

Stay Connected

Stay in touch with friends and loved ones by using your phone, tablet, computer, letters, or cards.

Check in on neighbors and other people who may be alone or need help.

All Nebraskans need to act today to limit the impact of coronavirus on our communities.

For general information on COVID-19 call the DHHS hotline at 402-552-6645, or visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website at http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx.

For more information on COVID-19 in southwest Nebraska, visit www.swhealth.ne.gov. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook and Twitter. SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins and Red Willow counties. SWNPHD is located at 404 West 10th St (1 block north of Arby’s) in McCook or at 501 Broadway in Imperial (5th St. entrance).