Only 36% of county fully vaxed

McCOOK, Neb. — With an average of 81 new COVID-19 cases reported each week for the last month in the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department District, less than half the Red Willow County population is fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Covid Data tracker.

The data tracker showed that the total population of fully vaccinated people in Red Willow County is 35.6%, or 3,184 people. Of those fully vaccinated, 50.8%, or 1,936 people, have received a booster shot.

The transmission rate is high in Red Willow County and masks should be worn in public and indoor settings, according to the Covid Tracker.

The transmission rate is high in Red Willow County and masks should be worn in public and indoor settings, according to the Covid Tracker.

SWNPHD reported 224 new cases from Dec. 14-Jan. 3, with weekly totals of 58, 72 and 92 over that time, for a total of 6,328 COVID cases in the district. SWPHD strongly recommends residents take precautions against the spread this virus by avoiding crowds, wearing a mask indoors when crowds cannot be avoided, frequent hand washing and vaccination for eligible ages.

While no Omicron cases have been identified in Southwest Nebraska, it has quickly become the dominant strain overall in Nebraska and case rates are expected to increase rapidly with this highly contagious virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with COVID-19 isolate for 5 days, then, if symptoms are better, such as lack of fever for 24 hours, follow that by 5 days wearing a mask.

For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second dose and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following exposure but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.

For all those exposed, CDC recommends getting tested for COVID-19 5 days after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not due to COVID-19.

Call your healthcare provider for instructions on testing for COVD19. Home test kits are also available at many local pharmacies. Testing is available at Mark’s Pharmacy in Cambridge Tuesday through Friday; register online at registermytime.com/tw/markspharmacy.

SWNPHD strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 and older, and boosters for everyone 16 and older. Data shows that Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations are approximately 35% effective against Omicron, and a booster dose restores effectiveness to 75%.

Vaccinations are available at Dundy County Hospital/Quality Healthcare Clinic in Benkelman, 308.423.2151 ask for Nicole; Mark’s Pharmacy in Cambridge, 308.697.3400; Adams Drug in Imperial, 308.882.4949 Healthmartcovidvaccine.com; Chase County Clinic in Imperial, 308.882.7299; Farrell’s Pharmacy, McCook, 308.345.1781; Red Willow County Health Department, McCook, 308.345.1790; Southwest Public Health Department, McCook, 308.345.4223; U-Save Pharmacy, McCook, 308.345.5670, Usavemccook.com; Walmart Pharmacy, McCook, 308.345.7024, Walmart.com/pharmacy.

More information is available at SWNPHD, 404 West 10, McCook; 308.345.4223, www.swhealth.ne.gov.