Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
According to Panhandle Public Health District, five new cases of COVID-19 were reported since March 1 in Kimball County.
The PPHD’s risk dial remains in the yellow or moderate category for the Panhandle. However, Kimball, Scottsbluff, Box Butte and Sheridan counties are in the high-risk level category.
Last week, Kimball County had no new cases of the virus and other countries also experienced a drop in numbers; PPHD Director Kim Engel said, “How quickly things can change.”
As of Monday, 21.3% of Panhandle adults have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Large doses are continuing to hit the Panhandle as 1,900 doses and the required second doses will arrive this week.
The Centers for Disease Control issued information for fully vaccinated people. According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people can “visit with other fully vaccinated people indoor without wearing masks or physical distancing.”
Although the CDC recommends even fully vaccinated people should continue to “take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing,” it advises people to “avoid medium and large-sized in-person gatherings.”
PPHD requests that all Panhandle resident over 18 register on the state site (vaccinate.ne.gov).
Anyone over 65 should have received a scheduling call; if not, they should call 1-833-998-2275 or 1-531-249-1873.
People are encouraged to stay vigilant in the fight again COVID-19 by physical distancing, using face covering, hand washing, monitoring illnesses, disinfecting and protecting at-risk or vulnerable individuals.