Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department Press Release
For Immediate Release: Media in Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne Counties
Date: April 22, 2020
Contact: Julie Rother
Email Address: julie@nnphd.org
First Case of COVID-19 in Thurston County
Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department (NNPHD) reports the third case of confirmed COVID-19 case within the health district of Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne Counties. The patient, a male in his 60's, is a resident of Thurston County. Lab results were received by the health department on 04/22/2020. NNPHD Nursing Team has begun an investigation to determine how this person became exposed to the virus and identify close contacts who may need to quarantine and monitor for symptoms.
Julie Rother, NNPHD Health Director, states, "The virus continues to make its presence known in our communities. The number of cases in our state continues to grow. It is very important that we remember to use good social distancing and infection control practices help slow the spread of the virus." Good social distancing practices include:
- keep a 6-foot distance from others,
- limit your trips to the store to once per week,
- do not gather in groups outside of your hosehold members,
- use virtual methods of connecting with your friends and neighbors such as on your computer or smart phone, and
- remember to call those you know who may live alone to check in on them to ensure they are healthy and safe.
Good infection control practices include things such as:
- wearing a fabric face mask when you go to the store,
- wash hands often and for at least 20 seconds each time,
- daily cleaning of common touch surfaces, and
- stay home and away from others when ill.
All of these things together help to limit any unnecessary exposure to the virus and go a long way to protect yourself and others.
You can stay up to date with the Coronavirus situation on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/. Nebraska DHHS has a COVID-19 call in line where you can get your questions answered about the virus. The phone line operates from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days were week, 402-552-6645. Follow NNPHD on Facebook to get the latest local testing numbers and results or visit our website for local updates www.nnphd.org.
