The number of COVID-19 cases in the Panhandle continues to rise as the virus spreads throughout the region.
In Box Butte County, as of press time, the cumulative number of cases has reached 19, with three cases currently active. On Aug. 18, COVID-19 Unified Command announced the two most recent cases in Box Butte County. One case involved an adult being in close contact with a previously positive case, and the second case involved an adult who tested positive for the virus, but the exposure type was unknown.
“The virus is here, and in the foreseen time we must live with the increased prevention tools for the safety of all in our community which include quarantine and isolation,” Unified Command stated in a press release.
New cases continue to crop up every day, including in schools. On Aug. 19, Sidney Public Schools issued a letter to the community regarding a student who tested positive for the coronavirus. The student was confirmed to be in the building on Aug. 17. School officials announced they were working together with health officials to trace individuals who were in close contact with the student.
Also on Aug. 19, Western Nebraska Community College announced that two people on the Scottsbluff Campus tested positive for the coronavirus. Panhandle Public Health determined no exposure sites on the campus, though officials are asking WNCC students, faculty and staff to monitor their symptoms.
Facial coverings are required at the three WNCC campuses, and officials encourage everyone to continue washing their hands regularly and practicing social distancing.
This week, Scottsbluff Public Schools reported one positive case on its COVID-19 dashboard. No specific information was given about the case. The dashboard states that seven people have been quarantined.
At Chadron Public Schools, according to their COVID-19 Dashboard, a total of 10 positive cases have occurred among students and staff in the district, with a total of 27 people being quarantined.
According to Chadron State College’s COVID-19 Dashboard, a total of 17 students and staff at the college have tested positive for coronavirus since the semester began. As of press time, there were only 12 active cases at CSC.
Several coronavirus cases throughout the Panhandle have been linked to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
During Unified Command’s briefing on Aug. 20, Kim Engel, Director of Panhandle Public Health, said that seven cases in the Panhandle were linked to Sturgis, and they are scattered throughout the region.
“I don’t know if everybody realizes, but that gathering was the largest gathering that’s occurred in the world since the Pandemic started,” said Engel. “It really is a significant event.”
Last week, the Department of Health in South Dakota announced the One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon as a community exposure site during the rally. They specified the exposure took place from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11.
As of press time, the cumulative number of cases throughout the Panhandle reached 567, with 80 active cases, 481 recoveries and six deaths. 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. The testing site is located in the ambulance bay on the east side of the emergency department.
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 offers tests on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 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 Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m.
Sidney Regional Medical Center offers tests on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 a.m.
Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport offers tests daily, with same day results.