COVID-19 testing Wednesday in McCook, other area sites soon

LINCOLN, Neb. – Test Nebraska has released the locations, dates and times for testing scheduled for the remainder of July.

They include McCook on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds; Curtis July 20 8-10 a.m. at the Curtis Community Center, Trenton on July 21, 8-10 a.m. in the Community Room, and Cambridge, Aug. 6, 8-11 a.m. in Marks Pharmacy, 722 Patterson.

Last month, the State has expanded tests for all Nebraska residents, including those who previously completed the online assessment, but did not qualify to complete the test. Testing candidates who may have previously tested negative, but are now presenting new symptoms that could result in a positive test are encouraged to complete an updated assessment atTestNebraska.com to determine whether they should be seen for testing.

Nebraskans can complete an assessment at TestNebraska.com or Testnebraska/es for Spanish. Once the assessment is completed, applicants will receive an email from Test Nebraska informing them of eligibility. For those who are eligible, the email will direct them to select the location, date and time that is convenient for them.  A confirmation email will include a bar code, which residents need to print off and bring with them to the testing site. The assessment can be completed via computer or by phone. If an individual does not have Internet access, a relative or friend can help them complete the assessment.

Any citizen showing signs of COVID-19 (high fever, coughing and shortness of breath), or who has already tested positive should remain home and self-quarantine for a minimum of ten days since the onset of symptoms. The person should also remain fever free for 72 hours without medication before coming out of quarantine. Anyone experiencing emergency warning signs such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in chest, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake and bluish lips, should seek medical attention immediately / call 911.

Test Nebraska is an initiative developed in partnership with state leaders and private corporations. The goal is to dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing so that every Nebraskan who needs a test can get a test. Widespread testing is a proven, effective way to combat the spread of COVID-19 and provides the crucial data needed to track the spread of the virus, contain it and understand patterns to inform decision-making and save lives. DHHS is providing communication support to the Test Nebraska initiative.

Residents who have general questions about testing or need help completing the online assessment can call the Test Nebraska hotline at (402) 207-9377.Total assessments completed to date are 648,682. Of those, 59,759 were negative, 179 inconclusive and 2,522 positive. June’s total assessments numbered 250,278. Of those, 35,996 were negative, 1,597 positive and 125 inconclusive. The average all-time testing turnaround time is 41.5 hours.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information - https://www.cdc.gov/covid19.

DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645 or toll-free at (833) 998-2275; hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.CDT, 7 days a week. Find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website - http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus and CDC's website – https://www.cdc.gov/covid19.

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