GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The following is from the Central District health Department:
COVID-19 viral activity in the Central District has diminished considerably. Two months ago, 44% of COVID-19 tests were positive. One month ago, that had dropped to 8% and today we are at 2% positive tests. Tests are readily available through TestNebraska, who will return to us June 22 and 23. We attribute the reduction in the number of cases to the PHASE I measures that were implemented. We learn more about COVID-19 every day, and what we learn we then apply to our actions.
At this time, we believe that our COVID numbers support our transition to Directed Health Measure (DHM) Phase II. While we are experiencing a downward trend in the percent COVID-19 positive tests, we all still need to take precautions. We experienced a very large number of COVID-19 cases here in the Central District, and we are not eager to repeat that. Phase II allows us to open up a bit more now while being realistically cautious.
Details of DHM Phase II and COVID-19 Nebraska Guidance Documents can be found at: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Nebraska-Guidance-Documents.aspx.
The virus is not gone, and we will see some form of increased activity at some point in the future. Our lower COVID-19 numbers allow us time now for planning for that future. We are available to consult with organizations and businesses who plan expanded openings based on advancing to Phase II.
An event form needs to be completed for those planning gatherings of 500 or more. This form can be found on our website at cdhd.ne.gov. We are currently collaborating with schools in the district in developing individualized COVID-19 plans for events now and the return to classrooms in the fall.
We share the goal of assuring safe and healthy school environments for students, faculty, and staff.
We credit CDHD residents and visitors who practice social distancing, wear face coverings, stay home when ill, and wash their hands with our success thus far. It is apparent that in our community, we have decided that we control the virus; the virus does not control us. Taking the appropriate safety measures shows that if we are persistent and consistent, we can defeat the virus.