Two new COVID-19 cases in Red Willow County

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

New cases include two residents of Red Willow County:

• A male in his 60’s who is self-isolating at home, related to travel.

• A female in her 70’s who is self-isolating at home, related to travel.

These cases bring the total to 25 confirmed COVID-19 cases in SWNPHD. Twenty-one 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 (DHHS) 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.