Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) has confirmed two additional cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County residents. These latest individuals to become sick are a man in his 50s and a woman in her 60s. Both of them traveled recently.
DCHD epidemiologists are tracing the contacts of these individuals in our on-going efforts to contain this disease.
“The positive news is that our latest cases also are travel-related,” stated Health Director Dr. Adi Pour. “We continue our extraordinary efforts to prevent community spread.”
The Health Department is asking the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The best way to slow the spread of this disease is to wash your hands often, avoid sick people, don’t touch your face, and stay home if you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use your sleeve if you cough or sneeze.
The Douglas County Health Department also is encouraging businesses, schools and the general public to consider the practice of Social Distancing – a Public Health tool that has been successfully used to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
The idea is to reduce the opportunities for people to gather and potentially share the infection. The goal is to slow or stop the spread of the disease. This can involve limiting large gathering, closing buildings, and canceling or postponing events. This is especially important for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to avoid large crowds. These are the individuals who are most at risk from COVID-19.
COVID-19 symptoms include a fever, a cough or trouble breathing. If you develop symptoms, you should contact your health care provider and inform them of the exposure. Please call ahead before you visit a doctor’s office or a waiting room.
Douglas County Health Department’s COVID-19 Information Line is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (402) 444-3400 to answer general questions about this new disease. The line is answered in English and Spanish. The United Way’s 2-1-1 information line is also taking calls when the DCHD line is closed.
