On Dec. 29, officials identified two cases of the Omicron variant of COVID in the Panhandle. They warn that this variant is believed to spread more quickly than other variants.
In a press release issued on Dec. 29, Panhandle Public Health District Director Kim Engel encouraged people to get vaccinated to reduce the spread of the virus.
“COVID vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID. We strongly encourage COVID vaccination for everyone 5 and older and boosters for everyone 16 and older. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the impact of COVID on our communities,” said Engel.
Vaccines are widely available throughout the Panhandle.
Currently, one of the monoclonal antibody treatments has been shown to be effective against the Omicron variant, though officials note it may be limited due to supply issues.
COVID-19 Unified Command issued new guidelines for those people who have tested positive for COVID or have been exposed to someone with COVID. For people who have tested positive, regardless of vaccination status, must stay home for five days, or, if they have a fever, until the fever resolves. After five days, if the symptoms are resolving, people may leave their house, though they should continue to wear a mask around others for five additional days.
For those who have been exposed and are up to date on their vaccinations should wear a mask for 10 days and test on day five. If they develop symptoms, they should get tested and stay home.
For those who are not up to date on their vaccinations, or unvaccinated, and who have been exposed to someone with COVID should stay at home for five days, and wear a mask around others for five additional days. Those who cannot quarantine must wear a mask for 10 days. Those who develop symptoms should stay home and get tested.
Since the pandemic began, Box Butte County has seen a total of 1,753 cases of COVID, 19 of which have resulted in death. The Panhandle has seen a total of 15,030 cases, 252 of which have resulted in death. Currently, 42 percent of Panhandle residents are vaccinated.