Pandemic deaths trend upward in SE District

NEBRASKA CITY – Grant Brueggemann of the Southeast District Health Department reported a grim trend of rising death totals in the district in recent weeks.

For most of the pandemic, the death total for the district has not risen above seven. Brueggemann expects that number to climb sharply. There were 16 deaths confirmed by Monday ad 2,158 total cases.

He said the rise in numbers of deaths is associated with outbreaks in skilled nursing homes. All deaths on the COVID-19 dashboard for the district on Monday involved people over age 60.

City Physician Dr. Bradley Vasa said it is encouraging to see the rate of infections level off, but urged people to remember that there are more COVID-19 cases here than ever before. He said social distancing, masks and hand washing are as important as ever.

Dr. Dan DeFreece of CHI Health St. Mary’s said the past week has been fairly calm compared to the previous four to six weeks.

He said hospitals at Nebraska City, Syracuse, Tecumseh, Auburn, Pawnee City and Falls City are working together on plans for vaccine distribution.

He said the vaccine this winter will not eliminate the need for social distancing and masks.

City Attorney Drew Graham said governor’s directed health measure No. 16 includes changes to quarantine of close contacts. He said the 14-day quarantine period has been changed to 10 days for people who have no symptoms.

Quarantine can be ended in seven days for a person with no symptoms who has had a negative test result.
For persons who test positive, isolation is for 10 days from onset of symptoms when the person is fever free for 24 hours without medication.