No COVID-19 detected in latest McCook, Ogallala testings

National Guard and Nebraska State Patrol officers go over details with public health officials prior to COVID-19 testing May 6 in McCook. No cases were detected here or in Ogallala May 8.

SWNPHD photo

McCOOK, Neb. -- Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has received all the results from the Nebraska National Guard testing events on May 6th in McCook and on May 8th in Ogallala. All test results were negative, and no new COVID-19 cases were identified. The individuals who participated in these events will receive a copy of their results from the health department, along with a letter thanking them for assisting SWNPHD to obtain more information about the prevalence of COVID-19 in the health district.

SWNPHD Emergency Planning Coordinator Kathie Skeen attended both National Guard events, and said, “We are very grateful to the National Guard for bringing this opportunity to our area and appreciate the excellent work they do. The professionalism and efficiency they displayed helped everything run very smoothly.”

Testing is still available in southwest Nebraska through local clinics and hospitals. Individuals who are interested in being tested for COVID-19 are encouraged to call their medical provider for screening, especially if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, chills or shaking, muscle pain, headache, or new loss of taste or smell.

All 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to SWNPHD are now listed as recovered and have completed their isolation and quarantine requirements. The investigation into the second positive Keith County case has been completed and it was determined to be travel related.

A breakdown of the thirteen case investigations lists three travel related, five direct contact and five community spread.

DHHS has a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

For more information on COVID-19 in southwest Nebraska, visit swhealth.ne.gov. You can also follow SWNPHD on Facebook and Twitter. SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties. SWNPHD is located at 404 West 10th St (1 block north of Arby’s) in McCook.