First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Custer County

A patient within Loup Basin Public Health Departments jurisdiction has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Immediate Release – April 5, 2020

Burwell, NE – A patient within Loup Basin Public Health Departments (LBPHD) jurisdiction has
tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The person is a male in his 80s who is a
resident of Custer County. He is hospitalized and stable. LBPHD is working in conjunction with
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure proper patient care and
infection control practices are being followed. Patient information is considered protected
health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and
will not be provided to protect the patient’s privacy.
Due to an increase in known community spread throughout the state, all 93 counties in
Nebraska were placed under Directed Health Measures (DHM) on April 3, 2020, at 10:00 p.m.
This remains in effect through May 11th unless renewed. LBPHD encourages everyone to limit
non-essential travel outside of their community. Travel outside of your community should only
occur for work and medical necessity.
Under the Directed Health Measures, individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or
have symptoms consistent with the virus (fever > 100.4°F, sudden onset cough and/or
shortness of breath) or live with someone who has tested positive or has the above-mentioned
symptoms should home quarantine for at least 14 days.
The DHM also imposes an enforceable 10-person limit on public gatherings. Restaurants and
bars are required to close their dining area and move to take, delivery and/or curbside service
only.
People can help protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are
not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Loup Basin Public Health Department
• Avoid close contact with sick people and stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For the latest information, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
website at http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx or LBPHD (website: www.lbphd.org or
on Facebook by searching Loup Basin Public Health Department).