The first community spread case of coronavirus disease 2019 was identified in Douglas County today. It is the woman in her 60s who tested positive yesterday and was reported as a travel-related case. The Douglas County Health Department’s continuing investigation determined her symptoms were present before she traveled so the case is now being classified as community spread. She continues to self-isolate at home.
“We will continue see more cases in Nebraska and we expect additional community transmission of COVID-19, but we can all work together to help slow the spread,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “Nebraskans need to be extra vigilant and stay home if they’re experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses including fever, cough, shortness of breath and in some cases a sore throat.”
As we’ve already seen in some areas, Nebraskans should expect closures and cancellations in their communities as we work to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Two additional presumptive positive cases that are travel-related were reported to DHHS today, along with another case under investigation. All are from Douglas County. One is a male in his 50s who recently traveled to Spain and the other is a male in his 30s who traveled to Douglas County from Singapore. Both are self-isolating and DCHD is in the process of identifying close contacts to help reduce further spread.
You can find further information on the Douglas County Health Department’s website – https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news