KIMBA Network NEWS on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020.

LOCAL NEWS

Due to the evolving situation in our area with COVID-19, The City of Kimball will be extending the deadline to have grave decorations removed until Friday, May 1st, 2020.

With 5 cases of COVID-19 now detected in Kimball County, health officials are advising that all residents of the county monitor themselves for symptoms and, if possible, stay home.

I know this are trying times for our community. I wanted to offer my help and some guidance. If you or your business are struggling financially, there are state and federal loan and grants available. Also, some business project grants and loans are available through the City of Kimball. I am happy to help you with these processes and no question is a dumb question. I am also including some helplines because this is or will be taking a mental toll on folks. I recognize most of you do not know or haven’t met me but I am here to help via email and phone! 🥰
Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Elyse Schlake
eschlake@kimballne.org
308-230-0542

Help Lines:
Suicide Prevention: (800) 273-8255
Nebraska Family Helpline: (888) 866-8660
Suicide Hotline (Boystown): (800) 448-3000
Domestic Violence and Assault (866) 953-6837
Alcohol and Drug Abuse: (800) 252-6465

Panhandle Public Health District has confirmed two people residing in Kimball County are confirmed positive for COVID-19, a female in her 40s and a male in his 50s.

Contact investigations are under way to identify people who may have come into close contact with the individuals for the past 14 days to help prevent further spread. All identified close contacts will self-quarantine and be actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms. More details will be released when available.

The presence of COVID-19 in the community suggests the possibility that more patients will be diagnosed. For your health, please follow these guidelines:
• Practice good hand hygiene, including frequent and thorough hand washing and proper use of hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Be sure you have all needed medications and supplies on hand as if you were preparing for a severe snowstorm.
• Practice social distancing – no closer than 6 feet from others.
• Individuals that test positive for COVID-19 or who have a fever of 100.4 or above, or a sudden onset of a cough or sudden onset of shortness of breath, and individuals who live with a person that has tested positive for COVID-19, must home-quarantine for no less than 14 days from the date of positive test or onset of symptoms and isolation.

Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Important updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle.  Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Anyone can visit their website www.pphd.org .

Hometown Hardware, at 212 South Chestnut Street in downtown Kimball, will be changing store hours due to the Corona virus. Hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 1pm and Saturdays from 7:30am to noon. They will also have an Emergency phone number  that will be posted on door.

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