Nebraska COVID Cases Increase To 32

[niman]

Lincoln, Nemaha and Sarpy Counties reporting new cases    

LINCOLN – Four additional cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were identified in three Nebraska counties.

Two cases are Lincoln County residents. One is a female in her 40s who recently traveled to Colorado and the other is a male in his 20s who was in close contact with a person who previously tested positive for COVID-19. Both new cases are self-isolating at home -

One case is a man in his 60s from Nemaha County who also recently traveled to Colorado. He is isolating at home. For more information, go to http://sedhd.org/ .

One case is a man in his 40s from Sarpy County with underlying health issues. He is currently hospitalized.

All local health departments involved have initiated close contact investigations to identify people who came into close contact to help prevent further spread. All identified close contacts will self-quarantine and be actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms.

As of tonight, the state case total is 32. One case reported by Douglas County yesterday is included in the state case count today. Both state and local health departments are testing and publicly reporting their cases. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS cases and cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.

People who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should self-isolate and call ahead to their primary care provider to be screened over the phone. The provider can evaluate and determine if testing is necessary. 

Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, according to the CDC.

People in these higher-risk groups should: 

• Stock up on supplies , including extra necessary medications.
• Take everyday precautions  to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds  as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel  and non-essential air travel.
• If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home  as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Everyone can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by: 

• Avoiding close contact with sick people and stay home if you are sick.
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website - http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus and CDC's website – https://www.cdc.gov/covid19 . 

DHHS opened a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information - https://www.cdc.gov/covid19 .

http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Four-Additional-COVID-19-Cases-Identified-in-Three-Nebraska-Counties.aspx

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