Two new COVID-19 cases reported in district

McCOOK, Neb. -- Two additional persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in counties covered by the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department.

They include:

• One Keith County resident - A male in his 20’s who is self-isolating at home, and the case is related to community spread.

• One Furnas County resident – A male in his 20’s who is self-isolating at home, related to travel.

Neither of these positive cases are results from the TestNebraska events this week. These cases bring the total to 22 confirmed COVID-19 cases in SWNPHD. Eighteen of the cases have recovered, meaning they are no longer showing symptoms and have met the criteria to be released from self-isolation.

Currently only international travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days; however, SWNPHD and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services recommend that all returning travelers limit public interactions, practice strict social distancing, and self-monitor for symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, chills or shaking, muscle pain, headache, or new loss of taste or smell. Anyone with symptoms is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for testing.

For general information on COVID-19 call the DHHS hotline at 402-552-6645 or visit the website at 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, 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.