The Superior Express -

Last week we reported Brodstone Hospital was selected as a TestNebraska site and released three testing dates for the month of July were published. Since the announcement, South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) officials have reported 13 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases for July 10 through 13. Two of the new casses are in Nuckolls County: one female in her 60s and one male in his 20s.

New cases in Adams County are five females (one in her 20s, three in their 30s, one in her 50s); and one male under 20.

New cases in Clay County: two females (one in her 20s, one in her 40s); and one male in his 30s.

New cases in Webster County: one female in her 30s; and one male in his 50s.

Michele Bever, SHDHD executive director, reported South Heartland’s positive test rate (number of positive lab reports divided by the total number of lab reports) for the week of July 5 to 11 was 4.4 percent, up from 3.3 percent, the previous week.

“The number of cases and the positivity rate are trending up,” she said. “The cases we have investigated in recent weeks have had increased numbers of contacts compared with previous weeks. In addition, our contact investigations are revealing that many people have not been social distancing or wearing face coverings at these gatherings,” Bever said.

“We can do better than this,” Bever said. “I know that our residents do care about the health and safety of others. What I think is hard for people to wrap their minds around is the idea that we can inadvertently share the virus when we don’t know we are infected and we don’t feel sick,” she said.

“We can infect other people two days before we ever get symptoms ourselves,” Bever said. “That’s why it is important to take precautions whenever we are out and about around other people – at work, at church, at the store, at sports events, at bars and restaurants, and any other place where people are gathered together.”

Bever said that prevention actions reduce the spread of this respiratory illness. These include: Staying at home if we have any symptoms, even mild symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19. Keeping six feet between ourselves and others. Wearing a face covering as a barrier to keep our germs from spreading to others, especially when we are unable to be physically distanced. Washing our hands frequently with soap and water. Cleaning and disinfecting any frequently-touched surfaces.

“These actions are mostly about protecting others, Bever said. “We encourage South Heartland residents to put in place an ‘I’ll protect you, you protect me’ approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19. Let’s do these things to protect each other, especially those who are most vulnerable.”

Appointments for Brodstone’s first testing day on Wednesday were full. The next two scheduled dates are:

•Monday, July 20 – 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

•Wednesday, July 29 – 4 to 6 p.m.

More dates for testing at Brodstone Hospital will follow in August.

Nebraska residents can take an online assessment at http://www.testnebraska.com in order to see if they are eligible for testing. If eligible, the resident will select an appointment date, time and location. In addition, they will receive an email with a QR Code that will be needed upon arrival to the appointment, along with a form of identification.

Those present on testing day will enter off of Highway 14 (near Superior Family Medical Center) heading east towards Washington Street. Directional and informational signage will direct them through the traveling route to testing. All testing is done in your vehicle. Pre-registration and appointments through the TestNebraska portal are required for testing.

Brodstone Hospital continues to have the same processes in place for testing in its facility. If you or someone you know has symptoms of COVID-19 please call Superior Family Medical Center at 402.879.4781.

For more information on TestNebraska, testing day map and full press release, visit http://www.brodstonehospital.org/covid-19.