Agency offers new DHM guidance, TestNebraska results

McCOOK, Neb. -- Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) will move into Phase 3 of reopening with Directed Health Measures (DHM) that will be in effect June 22nd. Additional guidance outlining Phase 4 and a breakout of each of the four phases has also been received as an informational planning tool to assist residents of southwest Nebraska when planning events. Some of the changes found in Phase 3 include:

Gatherings:

Instead of the 25-person limit, gatherings will be based on the occupancy rate of the venue.

Indoor gatherings will be limited to 50% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 10,000).

Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 75% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 10,000).

Groups within gatherings shall be no larger than eight (8) individuals.

Keeping six (6) feet separation between groups will be in the guidance.

Sports:

Fan attendance for youth and school games will no longer be limited to household members only, and will be allowed up to the same limit as Gatherings starting June 22nd. Contact team sports may begin practices and games on July 1st.

Bars & Restaurants:

Remain open for dine-in and move to 100% occupancy. There is a maximum of eight (8) individuals in a party. Food may be consumed at bar seating. Self-serve buffets and salad bars are still prohibited; venue staff must serve food directly to all individuals. Patrons are required to be seated while on premise unless placing an order, using the restroom, or playing games. Games such as pool, darts, arcade games, etc. are now allowed.

SWNPHD has also received the results from the TestNebraska testing events that were held on June 10th in McCook, June 11th in Imperial and on June 12th in Ogallala. While the majority of the test results are in and were negative, approximately 50 test results have yet to be received. The individuals who participated in these events received an e-mail copy of their results from TestNebraska.

Additionally, SWNPHD has been notified of one more person from the health district that has tested positive for COVID-19. This case is a female in her thirties in Red Willow County, related to travel. The individual was tested by their medical provider and was not a part of the TestNebraska events. This brings the total to 20 confirmed cases in the health district. News releases and social media posts for confirmed COVID-19 cases will be sent out weekly.

The full outline of the Directed Health Measures as well as other guidance can be found on the COVID-19 Information pages of SWNPHD’s website www.swhealth.ne.gov. 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.