Area moves to Phase II; ninth case reported in Furnas County

McCOOK, Neb. -- An additional COVID-19 case has been reported in Furnas County, and the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department has moved into Phase 2 of the reopening of Directed Health Measures, June 1-30.

One more person from the health district, a female in her 70s living in Furnas County, has tested positive for COVID-19, related to community spread.

This brings the total confirmed cases in the health district to 19, nine of which have been in Furnas County.

The SWNPHD will scale back to making weekly reports on positive COVID-19 cases instead of daily.

The agency also reported additional guidance regarding sports has been received and an informational planning tool is in place to assist residents of southwest Nebraska when planning events.

Sports Guidance:

Sports are divided into three groups: contact, limited contact, and no contact. Phase 2 allows practices for limited contact and no contact sports including baseball, softball, and volleyball to begin June 1st, and games starting June 18th. Contact sports like basketball, tackle football, soccer, and wrestling remain prohibited. Rodeos are permitted if they follow DHM requirements for gatherings, and school gyms and weight rooms are now permitted to follow DHM requirements for gyms and fitness centers.

Event Planning Tool:

SWNPHD encourages all event coordinators of gatherings and events of any size to complete the COVID-19 Event and Gathering Safety Plan as it provides resources to host safe and successful gatherings. If the venue holds 500 or more people, SWNPHD will review the plan and confirm it is approved or suggest changes within 5 business days.

Daily case updates and maps can be found on the COVID-19 Information pages of SWNPHD’s website www.swhealth.ne.gov, along with the full guidance and the event planning tool. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 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.