Additional testing sessions scheduled over COVID-19 concerns

McCOOK, Neb. -- A total of 187 people were tested at a special TestNebraska event Tuesday, conducted after a meeting between Community Hospital and local first responders and medical personnel indicated concerns over an uptick in recent COVID-19 cases in the area.

Results were still pending over the weekend.

According to a Community Hospital release:

· As of today, Community Hospital has admitted four COVID-positive inpatients and recently transferred others to ICU care in other hospitals.

· One death was confirmed by the health department

· 22 positive cases were reported in Red Willow County by the health department, the highest number of any single week since the beginning of the pandemic.

This uptick in positive cases in McCook has affected schools, churches, work staff and our everyday lives. We are reaching out to you, as leaders of our community, to

· Help us communicate our concern to the public

· Encourage everyone to step up their precautions

REMINDER What You Can Do

· Conduct daily health checks with your employees including taking temperatures. Community Hospital has a short screening questionnaire we are willing to share - used daily with 300+ employees when temperatures are taken.

· Encourage employees and the public to wear cloth face coverings.

· Improve/add barriers between you and customers, if possible, or use social distancing.

· Go to the CDC website at cdc.gov for more information and guidance for businesses.

· Before offering public events, check with the health department and fill out a plan.

NEW TestNebraska – Events Added

· Residents of Nebraska are encouraged to continue using the FREE TestNebraska program to test for COVID-19. Due to an increase in those wanting to be tested for COVID, Community Hospital has added drive-through TestNebraska events every Wednesday in October from 8 to 10 AM at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds Merchant building. Dates are October 7, 14, 21, and 28.

· Preregistration is encouraged by going to TestNebraska.com. Eligible residents will receive a QR code, unique to that specific individual and not transferable, which is good for eight days. Bring the QR code and your driver’s license to the appointment. For any residents who do not have Internet, appointments can be made at the test sites, but all individuals are encouraged to make reservations at home prior to coming to the testing site if at all possible. Individuals applying for TestNebraska MUST have a Nebraska address.

· Get tested at TestNebraska if you were exposed to someone COVID-positive or COVID-suspected—even if you don’t have symptoms or your symptoms are mild. This will help to slow the spread of the virus and to protect those who are vulnerable.

· Those tested through TestNebraska will receive an email in up to 72 hours with a link with their unique ID number to retrieve their test. Please do not call the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, or Community Hospital for your test results. If there has been no communication from TestNebraska you can call (402) 207 9377. Participants who test positive will also receive a phone call from the health department, so submitting an accurate phone number is important.

· Please do not show up to an area clinic or the hospital emergency room just to be tested. (Community Hospital can only test for COVID if the person is admitted to the emergency department as a patient, or the patient has a physician order for a COVID test.) Those who need medical care are encouraged to continue using the clinic or emergency room, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath, but call ahead if having symptoms of COVID, to help prevent further spread to others.

NOTE: Transport by Ambulance

· If a person feels they need emergency care and transport by ambulance, make sure they advise the 911 dispatcher of their symptoms and the possibility they could have COVID-19.

REMINDER Stay Vigilant

· Community Hospital’s Incident Command team asks the public to not get complacent about COVID. Please remember to follow these practices:

· Wear a mask to protect those around you. (You may have COVID and don’t even know!) Even with no symptoms or mild symptoms, we can unknowingly expose those with underlying health conditions to COVID.

· Try to touch your face and mask as little as possible.

· Socially distance. If you cannot socially distance, please wear a mask. (When traveling with a non-family member in a car, remember to wear a mask.)

· Wash your hands often. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot.

· If you are asked to quarantine, stay in quarantine until you receive your test results.