COVID numbers up, vaccinations slow

McCOOK, Neb. — New COVID cases are up by 50% and they are disproportionately among people over 65, according to the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department.

At the same time, only about 40 individuals were newly fully vaccinated by receiving their second dose of vaccine, doing little to boost the district’s 43% fully-vaccinated rate.

Twenty-one cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the SWNPHD area between June 6 and June 13. In the past 4 weeks, 88 cases of COVID were reported from the nine-county health district. According to the release, these case counts are moderately higher, following the trend of increased cases already seen in the eastern part of the state.

“Now and throughout the summer is a good time to get booster doses or primary series of COVID vaccine to prepare for a possible fall wave and protect from serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19,” according to Myra Stoney, director.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. Follow on Facebook and Instagram or view the website at www.swhealth.ne.gov. Call (308) 345-4223 or stop by the office at 404 West 10th Street in McCook.