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

No Confirmed Cases In Kimball Area

Local Health Officials Remain Vigilant For Signs Of Coronavirus

Health providers and staff at Kimball Health Services and the Pine Bluffs Health Clinic remain vigilant for signs of COVID-19 and are taking precautionary measures should the virus make an appearance in the area.

“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,” said Dr. James Broomfield, medical director at KHS, in a statement released Tuesday. “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.”

The best, most timely source of Coronavirus information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. This information is updated daily.

Meanwhile, the hospital is taking precautionary measures against the virus should the need arise, including taking the temperature of everyone entering the facility.

“Don’t be alarmed if you see people being screened at the doors,” said Jess Webb, clinic director and emergency preparedness coordinator at KHS. “We need to make sure we keep people in the hospital safe.”

“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.”

KHS continues to take measures to keep patients and staff safe. All patients enter the hospital and clinic through the main door on the west side of the building.

All other entrances are locked and visitors are not allowed at this time. If you need to go to the emergency room, you may ring the bell at the ER door for admission.

The North Campus location is also restricting access to visitors at this time. If you need assistance with your bills, please call the Patient Accounting Office at 308-235-1990. For assistance with medical records, call Medical Records department at 308-235-1968.

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

Both facilities will continue to work closely with local and state officials to monitor COVID-19, Broomfield said.

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.

Those with specific questions or concerns about COVID-19 should 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.