Two additional cases of COVID-19 were reported by Nebraska health officials Sunday night, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 50.
Local health departments have initiated contact investigations to identify people who came into contact with two cases reported Sunday, according to a press release from the Nebraska Department of Public Health and Human Services (DHHS).
One of the individuals is a woman in her 40s from Dawson County, who recently traveled. Douglas County also reported a travel-related case on Sunday, but did not provide any other information.
Health officials say Nebraskans returning from travel should assume that COVID-19 is present at the locations they have visited and follow the following recommendations:
- All returning travelers, from any international or domestic location, should limit public interactions, practice strict social distancing, and self-monitor for symptoms.
- Returning travelers from regions withwidespread sustained transmission, plus U.S. locales such as Seattle, WA; New York City; and Santa Clara County, CA) should immediately self-quarantine.
- If a returning traveler develops fever or respiratory illness, they need to immediately self-isolate and report to a healthcare provider or local health department.
- Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with their local health department about appropriate actions.
- Every health care worker who returns from travel should consult with a trained medical professional at their facility and establish a specific infection control protocol (e.g., home quarantine, self-monitoring, personal protective equipment while at work) that mitigates patient and co-worker exposures.
DHHS opened a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line – (402) 552-6645 - to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, 7 days a week.
DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information.
PHOTO by Nick Youngson