On Tuesday afternoon, officials with COVID-19 Unified Command announced that coronavirus has taken the lives of 17 more people in the Panhandle, bringing the total number of deaths in the Panhandle to 67 since the outbreak began in March.
In Box Butte County, three people succumbed to the virus, including one woman in her 50s and two men in their 70s.
In Dawes County, one woman more than 100 years old and one man in his 90s passed away. In Cheyenne County, three women, one in her 40s, one in her 80s and one in her 90s, and one man in his 60s died.
In Kimball County, one man in his 60s succumbed to the virus. In Scotts Bluff County, two women, one in her 60s and one in her 80s, and five men, two in their 50s, two in their 70s and one in his 80s, died.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones in the loss of our fellow Panhandle residents. This insidious virus reminds us how precious life is and how we all must remain vigilant with safety precautions for one another,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.
Unified Command officials encourage people who are struggling with their mental health to reach out for help from family, friends or health professionals.
“Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, social support from family or friends remains important,” a press release from Unified Command stated. “Finding healthy and safe outlets like going for a walk, calling or video chatting with a friend or family member, or enjoying a new book or TV series are all healthy and safe coping strategies.”
As the virus continues to spread throughout the region, people are asked to take safety precautions, including avoiding the Three Cs: crowded places, close contact and confined spaces. People are also encouraged to wear a mask when in public, practice social distancing and to wash or sanitize their hands frequently.