A new Directed Health Measure took effect on Saturday as the vaccine continues to be distributed throughout the state.
The new measure, announced by Governor Pete Ricketts, acknowledges that hospitalizations due to coronavirus have dropped below 10 percent, moving the state into the green phase of its plan to fight the spread of COVID-19.
The move increases the capacity for indoor events or gatherings from 75 percent to 100 percent of rated capacity. Quarantine guidance was also updated to recognize those recovering from coronavirus and those who have been fully vaccinated.
People who have been fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine after an exposure. Instead, they are asked to monitor their symptoms and to wear a mask for 14 days from the date of exposure. People who have recovered from COVID-19 within the past three months are not required to quarantine.
The executive order allowing public bodies the option to meet virtually by video conference or teleconference will continue through April 30.
On Monday, Governor Ricketts announced that he had come into close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus, and, therefore, will quarantine.
“Governor Ricketts came into close contact with someone on Saturday who tested positive today for coronavirus,” said Taylor Gage, Director of Strategic Communications. “The exposure that occurred was work-related. The Governor will complete the required seven-day quarantine. The Governor is not showing any symptoms, and will get tested at the appropriate time.”
Panhandle residents are encouraged to sign up to receive the vaccine. Nebraska residents 18-64 may sign up for the COVID vaccine at https://vaccinate.ne.gov. People will have the opportunity to schedule appointments when the vaccine is available.
Those 65 and older may sign up to receive the vaccine at https://tinyurl.com/ycpxr5d or by calling 308-262-5764 or 308-633-2866 extension 101. People who have had COVID-19 are still encouraged to get the vaccine once they have recovered. Anyone who has received the monoclonal antibody treatment is recommended to be vaccinated no sooner than 90 days after the treatment.
As of Monday, 5,612 Panhandle residents have received the vaccine. Those who have received the first dose of the vaccine will be contacted by the vaccine provider to schedule a time for the second dose.
Panhandle Public Health District Director Kim Engel encourages people to help the elderly sign up for the vaccine.
“This is the time to engage the important Panhandle spirit we are well-known for and think of your elderly friends, family, and neighbors to help them get registered for their COVID vaccine. We can’t underscore enough the importance of residents getting a COVID vaccine when they are eligible. Our case fatality rate is higher than the state average. The COVID vaccine is a critical piece in keeping our most vulnerable residents safe.”
Since the outbreak began in March 2020, there have been 175 Panhandle residents who died due to the coronavirus. In Box Butte County, there have been a total of 886 cases since March, with 13 cases occurring in the past 14 days. There have been eight deaths in Box Butte County.