COVID vaccine availability to increase in Panhandle next week

The allocation of COVID vaccines is expected to increase significantly for the Panhandle from next week.

1100 doses, plus the required 2^nd the dose, is expected to start weekly next week, with doses awarded based on a percentage of the province. The Panhandle Vaccine Task Force is working together to get shots in the arms, and anyone who has already called or completed the online survey is on the vaccination list.

If you are a resident of Nebraska Panhandle 65 years of age or older or have medical conditions and are interested in getting a COVID vaccine, fill out the form at https://tinyurl.com/ycpxzr5d. Completing the online link is preferable, people can call 308-262-5764 or 308-633-2866. 101.

More than 4,700 people have signed up so far! Help your elderly family, friends and neighbors sign up. This will put them on the list coordinated with local vaccine providers. When vaccines are available, appointments will be scheduled and individuals will be called the next day.

We first vaccinate the healthcare providers and those who are 75 years and older. To date, 4,385 people in the eligible population have received the COVID vaccine in the Panhandle.

‘There are more than 15,000 Panhandle residents aged 65+. We are grateful for the increase in the allocation of vaccines and ask everyone who has been admitted or registered online for the vaccination. Please continue to be patient. The list is coordinated with community vaccine providers and they are doing their best to get local shots, ”said Kim Engel, director of the Panhandle District Health Service. Angel said those on the list will be called to make an appointment, and since the distribution of vaccines is based on the population of the country, it is better not to try outside your regular provider.

COVID vaccinations are also available at the Scottsbluff Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) for veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care system. Vaccinations are by appointment only, no walk-in. Call 308-225-5330 for an appointment.

A Cheyenne County woman in her 50s and a Morrill County man in his 60s are the most recent COVID deaths announced. This brings the total deaths to 158.

“We share peace and comfort with the friends and loved ones in the loss of our fellow Panhandle residents,” Engel said.

Unified Command has confirmed another 62 cases of COVID in the Panhandle since the last report on Thursday 14 January. The investigation is ongoing, all close contacts will be quarantined.

March 2, 2020 – January 18, 2021

• Total tests performed: 31,750
• Positive: 8,117
• Past 14 days (active) cases: 330
• Last week’s affairs: 150
• Last week’s positivity rate: 27.5%
• Deaths: 158
• Active hospitalizations: 10
• Total cumulative hospitalizations: 503
• Doubling time (10 November 2020 – 17 January 2021): 67 days

Avoid the three Cs:

• • Avoid crowded places – Avoid getting together in groups where you can keep no distance of more than one meter
  • Avoid close contact – wear a mask over your nose and mouth or keep a distance of 6 feet if you spend more than 15 minutes with people you do not live with.
  • Avoid confined spaces – Avoid enclosed spaces with poor ventilation

Current access to COVID tests can be found at www.pphd.org.