SWNPHD reports spike in COVID-19 cases

McCOOK, Neb. --Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has been notified of four additional persons from SWNPHD’s health district that have tested positive for COVID-19.

New cases include the following:

•Three Chase County residents - a male in his 30’s, a female in her 30’s, and a male in his teens, all related to direct contact.

•One Red Willow County resident - a female in her 30s, related to community spread.

The case previously reported in Perkins County has been determined to be related to travel. These cases bring the total to 34 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Twenty-five of the cases have recovered, and there has been one death. 9 cases have been reported in the last 7 days, the highest in a one-week period in SWNPHD since reporting began for COVID-19.

SWNPHD reminds residents to continue to practice healthy habits to reduce the spread of illnesses like COVID-19. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; wear a mask in public; keep a 6-foot distance from people who don’t live with you; clean frequently touched surfaces often; and stay home if you are sick.

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.