Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department Press Release

For Immediate Release:  Media in Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne Counties

Date:  April 11, 2020

Contact:  Julie Rother

Email Address:  julie@nnphd.org

First Case of COVID-19 in NNPHD District

Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department (NNPHD) reports the first confirmed COVID-19 case within the health district of Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne Counties.  The patient, a male in his 70's, is a resident of Wayne County.  Lab results were received by the health department on 04/11/2020.

The patient has been isolating at home since before onset of symptoms.  NNPHD Nursing Team continues to investigate the situation and identify any close contacts who may need to be contacted and provided with appropriate isolation and quarantine guidelines.

NNPHD has begun an investigation to determine how the gentleman became exposed to the virus.  Julie Rother, NNPHD Health Director, reminds people of the importance to continue to social distance.  Rother states, "We all need to take our role seriously in slowing the spread of the virus.  There are many people in our communities who are at a higher risk of severe disease from the virus such as people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions.  Please do your part to limit any unnecessary exposure to the virus and to others.  It's important that we all follow the Governor's guidance to Stay Home, Stay Healthy and Stay Connected."  More about the Governor's guidance and the Directed Health Measures can be found on the Governor's website:  https://governor.nebraska.gov/.