Nebraska COVID Cases Increase To 61

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Additional COVID-19 Cases Identified Five Nebraska Counties

 

For Immediate Release: 3/23/2020

 

 

CONTACTS

Leah Bucco-White, Communications, (402) 309-4157
[email protected]

Khalilah LeGrand, Communications, (402) 853-1320
[email protected]

  

LINCOLN – Additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in several Nebraska counties:

New cases include:

• A man and a woman in their 60s who are Washington County residents. They recently traveled and are self-isolating at home. 
• A woman in her 30s from Madison County who is self-isolating at home - https://elvphd.org/ .
• Three cases in Sarpy and one in Cass - https://www.sarpycasshealthdepartment.org/ .
• Four cases in Douglas County.

Contact investigations are underway to identify people who came into close contact to help prevent further spread continue. All identified close contacts will self-quarantine and be actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms.

The state total as of tonight is 61. As Nebraska remains vigilant in its efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Nebraska, 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.

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.

Recent data shows that the virus is also affecting younger people. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report said 20% of those hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. were 20-44 years old.

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 .

Follow DHHS on Facebook  and Twitter  to learn more about the health of Nebraskans.

 

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