Virus Concerns Heightened In Kimball

The information in regard to the coronavirus changes hourly and is extremely fluid as it has inched into our town and county. Be cautious about believing rumors; it is always best to rely on facts.

And it’s so important to remain calm and continue to practice social distancing and follow instructions from the Panhandle Public Health District. PPHD and the Unified Command said: “If you travel out of the Panhandle, please follow the guidance to self-quarantine for 14 days upon returning.”

Before this week’s first confirmed case in Kimball, a recent update from the Scotts Bluff County Health Department, which is located within the Panhandle Public Health District, confirmed that a male in his 30s has tested positive for COVID-19.

This case, according to the health department, is not related to the confirmed case in Goshen County. “The person has isolated at their home since March 24, 2020. Contact investigations are underway to identify people who may have come into close contact with the individual for the past 14 days to help prevent further spread. All identified close contacts will self-quarantine and be actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms,” said Paulette Schnell, Scotts Bluff County Health Department director.

Locally, Kimball Police Chief Andy Bremer said he locked down the Kimball Police Department about two weeks ago to eliminate any additional exposure to his officers. The department is on the front lines, but they are taking needed precautions as they are all equipped with face masks, gloves, sanitizer and they are spraying down everything with Lysol.

The police department has changed some operational procedures, which include not assisting the ambulance except in legal situations. Also, help for travelers through the ministerial association is still providing gas but will not provide local hotels in an effort to eliminate the possibility of exposure to the community.

Kimball Sheriff, Harry Gillway reported that the office had a number of 911 calls over the weekend with people concerned about symptoms they were experiencing. Some refused treatment, while the ambulance did take one to the hospital with concerning symptoms.

Gillway said that people should call tele-a-health at the hospital to receive instructions on how to proceed. This is a time to be concerned but to remain calm and follow instructions from authorities.

The Kimball County Hospital reported that they are functioning the same as before in that they are restricting entry to the hospital to only the west doors of the building. No visitors are allowed in the hospital and all patients and staff are screened for symptoms at the door.

According to Kerry Ferguson, the hospital staff as a precaution is putting up a triage tent on the east side of the hospital.

At the Kimball County Hospital Board of Trustee meeting on Monday, Ken Hunter said that between the clinics in Kimball and Pine Bluffs they have done about 10 swabs and all have been negative. A patient has to meet the Health Department’s criteria before they can be tested. It usually takes three days to get the results back from the state lab.

Hunter said that: “The MASH type Army tent was put up in case we need to admit larger numbers of patients. Then we are able to screen before going into the facility.”

Furthermore, Kimball County Courthouse closed at 1 p.m. Monday and remains closed until further notice. Most all offices can be contacted via phone or email. More details are on the county website.

The county clerk’s office will be sending out letters to all registered voters with information how to obtain a ballot for early voting.

Bemis Drug is taking all prescriptions to the curbside to be picked up during this time. The pharmacy said in a news release that “all activities are designed to prevent direct contact between customers and pharmacy staff and reduce exposure for everyone.”

Whenever a crisis erupts, the scammers and hackers seems to be ahead of every curve. The Nebraska Attorney General Office advises people to use caution, especially about “miracle” cures for preventing the coronavirus. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. There are no cures, no vaccines or other remedies to treat or cure the virus, according to the Federal Food and Drug Administration.

Also, there have been reports of calls or texts asking for personal information or to “verify a relief check.” Ignore those calls because the government will not call you for that information. In addition, be careful and research before making donations to relief agencies. It is best to use only legitimate agencies.

Another change and guideline recommended by Panhandle Public Health District involves branding. The springtime branding ritual is usually a social event for neighbors and friends, but not this year. Among a few of the guidelines included in the restrictions are limiting branding to essential crew; leaving grandparents, children and other high risk people at home; packing a lunch or fixing sack lunches, and not passing the bottle around.

This year, make branding strictly business and wait until next year to invite all the neighbors and friends to help work those calves.