COVID-19 cases still showing up in district; numbers continue to drop

    Six cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department in the latest week of reporting, April 2-8 .
    There were 208 cases reported in February and March, with an average of 26 cases per week over eight weeks, said Health Director Myra Stoney.
    Most of these cases were detected in long term care facilities, she said, adding that actual case numbers were likely higher due to a wave of infections during February and March.
    But due to low testing numbers in the district, actual rates of infection were not identified, she said.  
    “Recent case counts have since been decreasing,” she said.
     Three deaths due to COVID-19 were reported to SWNPHD in February, Stoney said.
    In addition, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported an additional seven deaths that occurred between February and December 2022, bringing the total deaths due to COVID-19 in SWNPHD to 129.
     Stoney listed the following statistics on deaths from COVID-19 in southwest Nebraska:
    Most deaths occurred during the winter months of November, December and January.
    47% female, 53% male.
    Ages range from 17 to 105 years old.
    Eight out of 10 deaths were age 65 years or older.
    DHHS State Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Donahue and his team analyzed Nebraska-specific data to determine how well the updated COVID-19 booster shots prevented death.
    The analysis, released in March, found that since September 2022, Nebraskans who received the updated boosters were at 17 times lower risk of death compared with those who have not received the vaccine.
    Nebraskans who received the original vaccine series were at two times lower risk of dying compared to those who have not received any COVID vaccine.  
    Anyone ages 6 months and older who has completed the primary series of COVID vaccine more than two months ago are eligible for an updated booster, Stoney said.
    These boosters are still free and can be found at a local pharmacy or at the local health department. Call 308-345-4223 with questions.