Unified Command has lowered the COVID-19 Risk Dial to orange, or high, down from the severe risk of spread it remained at for several weeks, as an additional seven deaths were announced on Monday.
The total number of people in the Panhandle who have suffered COVID-19 related deaths rose to 104. Officials noted in their briefing Monday that 20 more deaths were pending verification from the state of Nebraska.
The deaths announced on Monday include: a Cheyenne County man in his 80s, a Morrill County woman in her 80s, two Scotts Bluff County women, one in her 80s and one in her 90s, two Scotts Bluff County men, one in his 70s and one in his 90s, and a Sheridan County woman in her 70s.
“We wish to express our sincerest condolences with the friends and loved ones in the loss of our fellow Panhandle residents. We send you peace and comfort especially during this holiday season,” said Panhandle Public Health Director Kim Engel.
Engel announced during the Unified Command briefing Monday that all counties in the Panhandle, with the exception of Deuel and Grant Counties, have been moved into the high risk category, down from the severe risk.
Officials still recommend taking precautions against spreading the virus, such as practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and frequently washing hands.
“We’re heading in the right direction,” Engel said. “We’re in the orange, so let’s keep up the good work and keep heading that way.”
Unified Command is working to roll out the vaccine in the Panhandle, as the vaccine arrives in the region for the first time this week. Currently, they are operating in phase 1A, which encompasses healthcare personnel, and long-term care facility residents and staff. As they prepare to move into phase 1B, Panhandle Public Health District will keep people informed of the status of the vaccine and where it can be received. People are encouraged to keep up with vaccine updates through Panhandle Public Health District. Officials note that the vaccine will be available in every Panhandle County, but do not have a timeline as to when the vaccine will be available to the general public.
Box Butte General Hospital announced on Monday they will start vaccinating healthcare workers, EMS and long-term care residents this week. While the vaccine is not yet available to patients, the general public or members of the high-risk population, BBGH is offering an outpatient clinic for patients to be referred to by a physician to receive an infusion of Bamlanivimab to treat mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19
The antibody infusion is expected to help patients recover from mild symptoms sooner than normal. To receive the treatment, people must be at least 12 years of age, have tested positive for COVID-19, be in the target BMI range, but weighing no less than 88 pounds, have a normal oxygen level without assistance, have mild symptoms and be recovering at home.
The infusion lasts three hours and patients will be charged only an outpatient administration fee. Improvements in condition are expected within three days of the infusion, but does not shorten the length of time needed to stay isolated.
Throughout the Panhandle, there have been a total of 7,300 positive tests for COVID-19, with 575 of those cases reported in the last 14 days. Box Butte County has had 777 cases, with 63 reported in the last 14 days, and seven COVID-19 related deaths.