County Approves COVID Policy - Employees Testing Positive Are to Remain Home

The Cheyenne County Commissioners officially addressed the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, during the April 6 meeting.

The audio Zoom meeting was held with all in attendance participating from remote locations.

The policy opens by clearly saying “if you have tested positive for COVID-19 virus, or have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, you are quarantined and must have a Doctor's release to return to work.”

The policy is for county employees only.

The policy goes on to say if a person has direct contact with a person who has been diagnosed with the virus, that employee must self-quarantine for 14 days. The same instruction is for any employee or county official who records a fever of 100.4 or above, or sudden onset of a cough and/or shortness of breath. If an employee or a family member has symptoms listed but is diagnosed with an influenza or other any other illness besides the COVID-19, the employee may return to work after symptoms have subsided.

Any travel outside of the Panhandle area will result in a 14-day quarantine. The Panhandle area, defined by the Panhandle Public Health District, includes Sioux, Dawes, Sheridan, Box Butte, Morrill, Banner, Garden, Scotts Bluff, Kimball, Cheyenne, Grant and Deuel counties.

Employees are directed not to attend socail functions where there are more than 10 people in attendance. Social distancing is encouraged, including leaving six feet of distance between yourself and another person.

Quarantine is defined as:

• Stay home. Do not leave except to get medical care. Do not visit public places.

• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.

• Avoid public transportation.

• Stay away from others. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom if available.