With the steady increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the Panhandle, health officials have placed the region in the severe-risk category for the spread of COVID-19 just as new Directed Health Measures are taking effect.
In Box Butte County, the number of cases has increased to 422 since testing began in March. Of those cases, 93 were active as of press time, 328 recovered and one resulted in death.
At Alliance Public Schools, the number of cumulative cases this school year has reached 75, with nine cases currently active: three at Alliance High School, two at Alliance Middle School, three at Grandview Elementary and one at Emerson Elementary. There were a total of 65 people in the school district in quarantine as of press time according to the district’s COVID-19 Dashboard.
At Hemingford Public Schools, there was one active case, according to the COVID-19 Dashboard, and five recovered cases, bringing the cumulative total to six for the school year. There were a total of 16 people in the district in quarantine as of press time.
The total number of cases in the Panhandle since March has reached 3,645, with 1,656 active cases, 1,972 recovered and 17 resulting in death.
As the virus spreads, COVID-19 Unified Command is recommending people take precautions, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing to slow the outbreak.
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.
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 is offering tests on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 8 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 Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sidney Regional Medical Center offers tests on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9:30 a.m.