COVID Shows Slight Increase

After two weeks with the Risk Dial riding the line between Low and Moderate on the four-stage dial, Panhandle Public Health Department reports the dial is moved from 1.0 to 1.38

The PPHD explains the Risk Dial is only a guide, providing a summary of current conditions for the PPHD jurisdiction. Seven of the counties in the PPHD are in the moderate zone while five are low risk. Cheyenne County , among the Moderate risk level, is at 1.4. Sidney is at a Risk Level of 1.3, Potter and Dix at .9, Dalton and Gurley also at .9.

The PPHD recorded 9,286 positive cases of 40,514 people tested. Of the confirmed cases, 5,231 were female and 4,055 male. The PPHD reports as of July 19 32 percent of the population was vaccinated. Deaths related to the coronavirus has reached 197.

As of July 19, there were four hospitalizations. The majority of confirmed cases occurred between the ages of 20 and 49 through either close contact or community.

Cautions for the Moderate Risk level include limiting activities outside of home, staying six feet apart when at work and wear a mask when unable to stay distant. Face masks are strongly recommended for anyone 2 years and older, especially for symptomatic people, ; no face masks at home for people without symptoms unless they are under quarantine after being exposed to someone who is infected. Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available. Stay home if ill with flu-like or COVID-like symptoms and minimize contact with symptomatic people. Avoid bare hand contact with high touch surfaces and use a paper towel or clothing when touching is unavoidable.

Although the TestNE program provided by the state has ended, the need for testing continues, according to a press release from Sidney Regional Medical Center. COVID testing continues to be available 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment is necessary. Results are available within 24 hours. Patients who are symptomatic, asymptomatic, or for diagnostic purposes are encouraged to use the Walk-In Clinic. Testing is no longer free. Patients will be charged for testing as either self-pay or billed to insurance. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider for coverage details. Masks are still required.