Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases Increasing in U.S.

CONTACT
Leah Bucco-White, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-9356
leah.bucco-white@nebraska.gov

 Tools and Resources to Help Plan for its Arrival Here

Lincoln – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its public health partners continue to closely track the unfolding outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and anticipate its impact on Nebraska and its health care systems.

More cases have been reported in several U.S. states. The recent instances of potential person-to-person spread in certain states along with coronavirus disease-related deaths in our country is concerning. Illnesses have ranged from mild to severe. Recent data shows older adults and people with underlying health conditions are more likely to be severely impacted by coronavirus disease 2019. 

Even though there have been no cases of COVID-19 identified in Nebraska residents, we continue to urge Nebraskans to prepare for the arrival of COVID-19 here.  

First, Nebraskans can help protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by: 

• Staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with those who are sick.
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Here are some of the latest tools and resources to help everyone plan ahead.

Individuals and Families

• How to Prepare and Take Action at Home - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html
• Build a Preparedness Kit - https://www.ready.gov.  
• What to do if You are Sick with Coronavirus Disease 2019 -  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html
• Information for Pregnant Women and Children - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/pregnant-women.html
• Information for Travelers - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 - Frequently Asked Questions - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 Advice to the Public - Myth Busters - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

Childcares and K-12 Schools

• Interim Guidance for Administrators of U.S. Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html

Colleges and Universities

• Interim Guidance for Administrators of U.S. Institutions of Higher Education - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-ihe-response.html
• Guidance for Student Foreign Travel for Institutions of Higher Education - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/student-foreign-travel.html

Businesses

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
• Information for Workers and Employers About Coronavirus Disease 2019 - https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/

Communities

• Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/mass-gatherings-ready-for-covid-19.html

Healthcare Facilities

• Steps Facilities can Take to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/steps-to-prepare.html
• Interim Guidance for Healthcare Facilities - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/guidance-hcf.html
• Strategies to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/prevent-spread-in-long-term-care-facilities.html
• Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirators-strategy/index.html

First responders and law enforcement

• Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-for-ems.html
• Information for Law Enforcement Personnel - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-law-enforcement.html

Other resources

Coronavirus Disease 2019 websites:

DHHS – http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – https://www.cdc.gov/covid19

World Health Organization – https://who.int.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Information Line 

CDC Information Line

800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
TTY 888-232-6348

Hours

Monday–Friday
7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT (English and Spanish)

Extended hours for coronavirus disease 2019 questions only

Saturday – Sunday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT (English)

You can also submit a question to CDC Info via email - https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ContactUs/Form

Stay informed. DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through our website http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. Your local health department is also a good resource for information.