AUBURN – Following Thursday’s announcement of a second case of COVID-19 in the Southeast District Health Department, director Grant Brueggemann  said the first patients have acted conscientiously  in response the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brueggemann: “To date we have confirmed two cases, one in Nemaha County and one in Otoe County. Both cases within our region were found to be associated with travel and both patients have consciously limited their contact with others while ill.”

“These actions, coupled with the dedication from the general public on the practice of social distancing measures will help prevent the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our local communities.”

Brueggemann reports that the first patient was confirmed on March 19 after the Nemaha County man traveled to Vail, Colo. He has since recovered and is no longer self-isolating, although his close contacts are being monitored for symptoms.

 

The Otoe County woman, who is in her 70s, was visited by a family member who had also traveled to Colorado and showed symptoms. She became symptomatic on March 24 and was tested in Lincoln on March 30.

Brueggemann: “The department continues to urge the public to practice preventative measures, including stay at home while ill, avoiding non-essential travel and practicing social distancing. These preventative actions are essential in limiting the impact on southeast Nebraska communities and across the state.”

The Southeast District Health Department serves 40,000 residents in Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson counties. COVID-19 has been confirmed in two of the five counties, but to this point, there is no confirmed cases of community spread.

There are cases of COVID-19 in 27 of Nebraska’s 93 counties, including two cases in Cass County.

The Sarpy/Cass Health Department reports 59 tests in Cass County and two positives. Both of those are travel related.