Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Kimball Health Services Addresses COVID-19 Pandemic; No Confirmed Local Cases

Kimball Health Services issued this news release on Thursday, March 12, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic:

Health providers and staff at Kimball Health Services and the Pine Bluffs Health Clinic want the public to have the latest and most accurate information possible about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The best, most timely source of this information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. This information is updated daily.

The Pine Bluffs Health Clinic and Kimball Health Services will continue to work closely with local and state officials to monitor COVID-19, said Dr. James Broomfield, medical director at both facilities.

“There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Kimball Health Services area, nor do we know of any person who has expressed concern about exposure,” Broomfield said. “But there has been much public speculation. We continue to follow the advice of public health officials to protect the health and well-being of our community. We encourage you to be cautious of rumors and speculation on social media or from other sources were factual information is not provided.”

COVID-19 information specific to the Nebraska Panhandle is on the Panhandle Public Health District/Panhandle Regional Medical Response website or the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website. If you have specific questions or concerns about COVID-19 you may call Panhandle Public Health at 308-632-5764. 

Wyoming residents should refer to the Wyoming Department of Health website and CDC website for the most accurate and timely information.

“If you feel you may have contracted the coronavirus or have symptoms that are similar to the coronavirus (shortness of breath, fever especially over 101 degrees and coughing), please call either the Kimball or our Pine Bluffs clinic before you come in,” added Ken Hunter, CEO at Kimball Health Services. “We will direct where and how to get tested. But please call first before coming in.”

The Kimball clinic number is (308) 235-1966; the Pine Bluffs clinic number is (307) 245-3666.

“We have received questions about upcoming surgeries, procedures, treatments and appointments,” Broomfield added. “Currently, because there are no cases of the virus at KHS, all are still being held as planned. However, we are closely monitoring this situation, which is constantly changing, and are looking at all upcoming interactions. We will communicate any cancellations as soon as we know them.”