Seven positives, one death
By Signal Staff
During the past seven days, the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by 18 to 188, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard.
The state case total, as of Monday, is 15,634, marking an increase of 1,980 from last Friday. Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.
In its most recent press release, Public Health Solutions (PHS) reports seven total coronavirus cases in Fillmore County. PHS has also determined that the death of Shickley resident David Stolzenburg was COVID-19 related and is attributed to Fillmore County due to his residency here. PHS reports Stolzenburg tested positive for the coronavirus on May 8 while in a Lincoln hospital. The longtime area 75-year-old science teacher and gunshop owner passed away on May 21 at a Lincoln healthcare facility. He did not reside in Fillmore County while having COVID-19.
Currently, the PHS health district reports 578 total coronavirus cases with the vast majority occurring in Saline County 517 (89.4 percent). Gage County reports 45 cases (7.8 percent) with the remaining 16 cases (2.8 percent) being tested in Jefferson (eight); Fillmore (seven) and Thayer (one) counties. Of these cases, six are reported as new. York County currently has 37 COVID-19 positives and Clay County has 24 positives.
Still a key part of the state’s game plan to monitor and mitigate COVID-19, TestNebraska expanded this week into western regions of Nebraska. In the coming week, more testing stations will be set up in the state: Crete, 6/10-6/11, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Public Works Building, 320 W 9th St.; McCook, 6/10, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Red Willow Fairgrounds, W 5th.; Imperial, 6/11, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 921 Broadway St.; Ogallala, 6/12, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1501 W 5th St.; Dakota City, 6/12-6/13, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Dakota City Fire Hall, 208 S 21st St.; Springfield, 6/12-6/13, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Sarpy County Fairgrounds, 100 Main St.; Lexington, 6/13-6/14, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 801 W Vine St.; North Platte, 6/13-6/14, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., North Platte Bus Facility, 1200 Industrial Ave.; West Point, 6/14, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Location TBD.
The State has announced that it will begin phasing in test scheduling for all Nebraska residents, including those who previously completed the online assessment, but did not qualify to complete the test.
“We want to ensure every Nebraskan knows that if they are concerned they may have been exposed, they can have the opportunity to schedule a test,” said Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Gary Anthone. “The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is through aggressive testing and contact tracing and we continue to expand our capabilities across the state.”
Testing candidates who may have previously tested negative, but are now presenting new symptoms that could result in a positive test are encouraged to complete an updated assessment at TestNebraska.com or TestNebraska/es for Spanish.
To ensure test scheduling occurs in an orderly manner as testing is phased in for all, people aged 15 to 35 in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy counties can now schedule a test. This is in addition to the following priority categories already open for scheduling a test: first responders, health care providers, meatpacking workers, military employees, anyone working in a long-term care facility or nursing home, anyone 65 years old and over, and anyone who has been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Additionally, there is no longer limiting criteria for any individuals living in the state’s remaining 93 counties to schedule a test.
Individuals must still go to the website TestNebraska.com or TestNebraska/es for Spanish and complete an assessment to schedule an appointment for testing.
