Officials have rolled back the risk dial for the region, though the Panhandle remains at severe risk of COVID-19 spread.
As of press time, there were a total of 6,087 cases in the Panhandle since testing began in March, with 2,399 active cases, 3,621 recovered and 67 that resulted in death.
Box Butte County has the second highest number of COVID-19 cases in the Panhandle, with a total of 643 cases since March. As of press time, there were 97 active cases, 540 recovered and six that resulted in death.
No county in the Panhandle was without an active case at press time. Banner County has had a total of 12 cases, with two active and 10 recovered; Cheyenne County has had 547 cases, with 118 active, 422 recovered and seven that resulted in death; Dawes County has had 483 cases, with 58 active, 413 recovered and 12 that resulted in death; Deuel County has had 45 cases, with 10 active and 35 recovered; Garden County has had 79 cases, with 15 active and 64 recovered; Grant County has had 17 cases, with six active, nine recovered and two that resulted in death; Kimball County has had 182 cases, with 35 active, 143 recovered and four that resulted in death; Morrill County has had 353 cases, with 53 active, 296 recovered and four that resulted in death; Scotts Bluff County has had 3,423 cases, with 1,969 active, 1,427 recovered and 27 that resulted in death; Sheridan County has had 278 cases, with 29 active, 245 recovered and four that resulted in death; and Sioux County has had 18 cases, with three active, 14 recovered and one that resulted in death.
As of press time, there were 63 active hospitalizations, with a cumulative of 390 hospitalizations.
At Alliance Public Schools, there have been a total of 89 cases, with four active and 85 recovered, as of press time. There were a total of 36 people quarantined in the school district.
At Hemingford Public Schools, there have been a total of eight cases, with two active and six recovered. There were a total of eight people quarantined in the district.
Chadron Public Schools has had a total of 32 cases, with only one active and 31 recovered. There were a total of 13 people quarantined in the district.
Gering Public Schools has had 150 cases, with 10 active and 140 recovered. The number of people quarantined people in the district was not available.
Sidney Public Schools has had 88 cases, with eight active and 58 recovered. There were a total of 69 people quarantined in the district. Data for Scottsbluff Public Schools were not available at press time.
Officials with COVID-19 Unified Command are urging people to take precautions as winter sports and activities are set to begin.
Directed Health Measures issued by Governor Pete Ricketts and by the Nebraska School Activities Association limits attendance at games and activities to participant households, which much remain seated as a group and practice social distancing from other households. Those wishing to attend must also be registered with the school prior to being allowed entry.
Masks will be required for those in attendance. People who are experiencing symptoms of illness are asked not to attend.
“Youth sports and activities are being encouraged to implement precautions as well,” a press release from COVID-19 Unified Command stated. “It’s important to remember, these safety precautions are critical for the continuity of winter sports and activities.”
Free testing is available at several locations in the Panhandle through TestNebraska. People may sign up through testnebraska.com, or by calling 402-207-9377.
In Alliance, testing is available Monday through Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. through Box Butte General Hospital. Testing takes place at 212 East 24th Street.
In Chadron, testing is available through Chadron Community Hospital Mondays and Fridays from 7 to 9 a.m. at 821 Morehead Street.
Gordon Memorial Hospital offers testing Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.
In Scottsbluff, testing is available at Regional West Medical Center Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m.
Sidney Regional Medical Center offers testing from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.