Box Butte County has experienced its first death related to COVID-19 as the virus continues to spread throughout the county.
On Sept. 21, COVID-19 Unified Command confirmed that a man in his 50s in Box Butte County succumbed to the virus. The man, Unified Command noted, had underlying health conditions.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of his death,” said Panhandle Public Health District Director Kim Engel. “We wish his family and friends peace and comfort during their time of loss.”
On Sept. 16, officials announced another COVID-related death in Scotts Bluff County, involving a woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions.
“We express our sincerest condolences to her family and must remain diligent with increases precautions to protect our most vulnerable community members,” said Paulette Schnell, Scotts Bluff County Health Department Director.
The cases in Box Butte County impacted a number of local facilities and activities throughout the past week. Local restaurant Mi Ranchito confirmed on social media that an employee tested positive for the coronavirus, though no other employees were identified as close contacts. They closed on Sept. 15, and reopened on Sept. 22 with continued precautions.
“Throughout the COVID pandemic we have been implementing many important prevention strategies like regular sanitizing and disinfecting practices, frequent handwashing and sanitizing, and employees monitoring for symptoms,” the restaurant posted on social media. “We appreciate your continued support and all the kind thoughts during this very trying time while we work hard to keep everyone safe and serve the Alliance area community!”
The Alliance Public Library was also affected due to a COVID-19 exposure, with city officials announcing the closure of the library on Sept. 17 out of an abundance of caution. On Sept. 22, city officials announced that the library would remain closed through Sept. 30, with the facility set to reopen on Oct. 1 with normal hours. Staff will be at the library to answer questions by phone or to fill material requests from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On Sept. 21, the Box Butte County District Court Office announced they would close due to COVID-19 until Sept. 28. The public will not be able to access the third floor of the Box Butte County Courthouse during that time.
Cases at Alliance Public Schools have increased as well. Since the school year began, there have been a total of five positive cases in the district. According to the district’s COVID-19 Dashboard, as of press time, two people at Alliance High School tested positive for coronavirus, with one case still active and the other recovered; one person at Alliance Middle School tested positive, but has recovered; one person at Grandview Elementary School tested positive, but has recovered; and one person tested positive at Emerson Elementary School, with that case still active. A total of 66 people at Alliance High School have been quarantined, one person has been quarantined at Alliance Middle School, 26 people have been quarantined at Emerson Elementary and one person has been quarantined at the Early Childhood and District Team.
On Friday, Alliance school officials announced the football game against Hastings would be canceled due to COVID-19, with several players being exposed to COVID-19. Alliance was not alone in the cancellation with Ogallala’s game against Kearney Catholic and Sioux County’s game against Guernsey-Sunrise, Wyoming also being canceled due to COVID-19.
Since cases began being tracked in March, the Panhandle has seen a cumulative total of 810 cases, of which 85 are active, 716 are recovered and nine resulted in death. As of press time, Banner County has had two cases that have recovered; Box Butte County has had 63 cases, with 16 active, 46 recovered and one death; Cheyenne County has had 40 cases, with four active and 36 recovered; Dawes County has had 119 cases, with seven active and 112 recovered; Deuel County has had four cases that have recovered; Garden County has had nine cases, with one active and eight recovered; Grant County has one active case; Kimball County has had 17 cases that have recovered; Morrill County has had 78 cases, with six active and 72 recovered; Scotts Bluff County has had 422 cases, with 41 active, 373 recoveries and eight deaths; Sheridan County has had 48 cases with nine active and 39 recovered; and Sioux County has had seven cases that have recovered.
Free testing is available through Test Nebraska at multiple locations in the Panhandle. People can sign up through Test Nebraska at testnebraska.com or by calling 402-207-9377. In Alliance, testing is available at Box Butte General Hospital Monday through Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. The testing site is located in the ambulance bay on the east side of the emergency department.
In Chadron, testing is offered at the Chadron Community Hospital on Mondays and Fridays from 7 to 9 a.m.. Collections are located at 821 Morehead Street.
Community Action Health Center in Gering offers tests on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 a.m.
In Gordon, testing is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. at Gordon Memorial Hospital.
Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff offers tests Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m.
Sidney Regional Medical Center offers tests on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 a.m.
Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport offers tests daily, with same day results.