At 11:30 today, Wednesday Jan. 27, 2021, Central District Health Department will close our vaccine registration list so that we can merge with the state's registration system for COVID-19 vaccinations. If you are age 65 or older, we will be able to transfer and save your registration. If your age is less than 65, we ask that you re-register on the state system that goes live tomorrow. The state’s system has several advantages that will better serve our residents. We will provide the link to the new statewide registration site tomorrow when it goes live. We are excited to be part of this new registration process. Check back tomorrow for the link to the state registration site for COVID-19 vaccinations.
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Phase 1A allocation recommendations can be found here:
http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Nebraska-Receives-First-Shipment-of-COVID-19-Vaccine.aspx
Phase 1B Allocation recommendations can be found here:
http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Vaccine-Phase-1B-Prioritization.pdf
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Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at:
http://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/vaccin
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Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine:
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I'm pregnant. Should I get a COVID vaccine? For more information on COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy, go to:
http://foamcast.org/COVIDvacPregnancy/
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8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program:
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html
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Find the current Directed Health Measures here: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx
NEW INFORMATION ON QUARANTINE FOR COVID-19 (Effective 12/3/2020 at 5:00p.m.)
Revised Options to Discontinue Quarantine
FAQ’s
Q: What has changed?
A: There are now three options:
- Quarantine can remain at 14 days.
- Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring.
- Quarantine can end after Day 7 if a COVID-19 test collected on or after Day 5 is negative and if no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring. (Diagnostic testing resources must be sufficient and available)
Q: Why the changes?
A: The CDC revised its guidance based on ongoing research. We are learning more as we
work through the pandemic and changes will be made in the best interest of the public’s
health. The CDC still recommends a 14-day quarantine period when possible. However,
reducing the length of quarantine may reduce the burden of quarantine and may
increase community compliance.
Q: Are there risks with ending quarantine according to the new CDC guidance.
A: With the 10-day strategy, residual post-quarantine transmission risk is estimated to be
about 1% with an upper limit of about 10%.
With the 7-day strategy, the residual post-quarantine transmission risk is estimated to
be about 5% with an upper limit of about 12%.
With the 14-day strategy, the residual post-quarantine transmission risk is estimated to
be about 0.1% with an upper limit of about 3%.
Q: What if I end my quarantine before 14 days according to the new guidelines?
A: You need to self-monitor for the development of COVID-19 symptoms and wear a mask
over the nose and mouth for the full 14 days.
Q: What if I am in quarantine now? A: That depends on the date you were quarantined. If you were quarantine on November 23rd or earlier, you have now completed your 10 day quarantine and can return to routine activities. However, you must self monitor for symptoms and wear a mask through Day 14 of the original quarantine.
If you have completed less than 10 days, you may:
Stay quarantined for 10 days from your initial quarantine date and then if you have no symptoms, you may resume routine activities. However, you must self monitor for symptoms and wear a mask through Day 14 of the original quarantine. If you are at least Day 5, you can elect to test out of quarantine and should seek a test. If your test results are negative, you may resume normal activities starting on Day 7. However, you must self monitor for symptoms and wear a mask through Day 14 of the original quarantine.
Q: What if I start to show COVID-19 symptoms during quarantine?
A: If you start to have symptoms of COVID-19, you should seek a diagnostic test. You will
need to isolate until you get your test results so that you don’t spread the virus to
others.
Q: What is a “diagnostic test”?
A: PCR tests and Antigen tests (nasal or oral specimen) are acceptable tests. Antibody test
(blood specimen) results do not qualify for ending quarantine early.
Q: What if I don’t have symptoms, but I still get a positive test result?
A: Some people do not show symptoms. If you receive a positive test result, you should isolate. This has not changed. You must isolate for 10 days and until you have been fever-free without fever reducing medicine for 24 hours and your symptoms have improved.
Q: What is self-monitoring for symptom development? How do I do that?
A: Monitor daily for symptom development, which can include a fever (of 100.4 F or above) or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, tiredness, muscle aches, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you develop symptoms, seek a COVID-19 test.
Q: Where can I get a “diagnostic” test?
A: Ask your healthcare provider for a test. Or you may go to Testnebraska.com and sign up for a test at no cost to you.
Visit Testnebraska.com, or TestNebraska/es for Spanish, to schedule an appointment at one of more than 60 Test Nebraska locations across the state. Those with questions about testing or who need help completing the online assessment can call the Test Nebraska hotline at
(402) 207-9377.
Presone aquí para más información acerca la nueva información sobre cuarentena para COVID
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Duration of the Mask Ordinance
This order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on November 28, 2020 and will extend until February 23, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., unless otherwise extended by ordinance of the City Council.
Grand Island Mask Policy FAQ
Q: What is considered a face covering?
A: A face covering or mask is defined as a covering which, when worn properly, must cover the nose and mouth completely and can include a paper or disposable face mask, cloth face mask, scarf, bandana, neck gaiter, or a religious face covering. Medical-grade masks and respirators are sufficient face coverings, but to preserve adequate supplies, their purchase and use is discouraged for those who do not work in a health care setting or in other occupations that require medical-grade personal protective equipment. Masks that incorporate a valve designed to facilitate easy exhaling, mesh masks, or masks with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents are not sufficient face coverings because they allow exhaled droplets to be released into the air. For more information on mask material, proper use, washing and care, please go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
Q. How do masks work?
A: Masks work in two ways. When we breathe out: Cloth masks not only effectively block most large droplets, but they can also block the fine droplets and particles called aerosols. Upwards of 80% blockage has been achieved in human experiments that have measured blocking of all respiratory droplets. In some studies, cloth masks perform as well as surgical masks as barriers for source control.
When we breathe in: Multiple layers of cloth with higher thread counts have demonstrated superior performance compared to single layers of cloth with lower thread counts, in some cases filtering nearly 50% of fine particles less than 1 micron. Masks help keep us from breathing in the virus.
Q. Why do I have to wear a mask?
A: We are in the midst of a pandemic where the virus is spreading rapidly. Masks help to control the spread. The universal use of masks combined with keeping distance from others, washing hands frequently and well, using hand sanitizer, staying home when sick and following quarantine and isolation orders from the health department will help us get through the pandemic and to a time when vaccine is available.
Q: When do I have to wear a mask?
A: All individuals age five and older shall wear a face covering over their mouth and nose while indoors in a premises open to the general public unless the that individual maintains a minimum of six feet of separation or social distance at all times from anyone who is not a member of the individual's household.
Q: What businesses does this include?
A: Businesses that are open to the general public. This means all entities that employ or engage workers, including private and public businesses, nonprofits, private clubs, religious centers, public transportation, educational institutions, and daycare facilities.
Q: Where and when are masks NOT required to be worn?
A: You are not required to wear a mask if you are:
-seeking federal, state, or county services; or
-seated at a bar or restaurant or other location to eat or drink
-working at a job that prevents the wearing of a face covering; or
-using a service or buying goods or services that requires the temporary removal of the face covering; or
-asked to remove a face covering to verify an identity for lawful purposes; or
-providing a speech, lecture, or broadcast to an audience so long as six feet of distance from others is maintained; or
-cannot otherwise wear a face covering because of a medical condition, a mental health condition, or a disability that makes it unreasonable for the individual to wear a face covering.
Q: Do I need a mask at the gym:
A: You are required to wear a mask inside gyms and fitness centers. You can take off your mask if the level of exertion makes it difficult to wear a face covering, BUT you must maintain six feet of separation. Masks are not required when swimming.
Q: What if a mask makes my job dangerous?
A: You do not need to wear a mask if doing so would create a job hazard as determined by federal, state, or local regulators or workplace safety and health standards and guidelines.
Q: Do children need to wear masks in public?
A: Children under the age of five are exempt from the mask requirement. Three and four-year-old children who can safely remove their face masks can wear masks, but children age two and younger should NOT EVER wear a face mask.
Q: How should business owners get the word out about the mask policy?
A: Each business is responsible for posting their own sign that is visible to the public. Click here to access a printable sign.
Q: What should I do if I see a person not wearing a mask in a business where a sign for mask wearing is posted?
A: The ordinance states that business owners have a duty to require mask compliance inside their business. If you observe a fellow patron who is not wearing a mask, you may report this to the business owner or manager on duty. You should not directly confront that patron.
Q: Who is responsible for assuring compliance to the ordinance?
A: Business owners are responsible for compliance to the ordinance. The business owner should ask the patron to wear a mask. It the patron refuses, the business owner should ask the patron to leave. The business owner who willingly allows patrons to remain inside without a mask is in violation of the ordinance. The patron who refuses to mask or to leave if requested is in violation of the ordinance. This may result in criminal charges.
Q: What is the penalty for violating the mask policy?
A: Violation is defined as a misdemeanor in section §1-2 of Grand Island City Code. It comes with a minimum fine of $25 for each offense, and each instance can be considered to be a separate offense.
Q: What if I have a medical condition that makes it difficult to wear a mask?
A: Under this city ordinance, if you are unable to wear a mask because of a medical or mental health condition, or a disability that makes it unreasonable for you to wear a mask, you may find it convenient to get a note from your physician to make interactions with businesses easier, but it is not required. However, businesses can choose to have stronger mask requirements than the ordinance, meaning individual businesses can require you to wear a mask inside regardless of medical condition. It's best to check with the individual business before arriving.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: If you are alone in any of the following: office, room, a vehicle, the cab of heavy equipment or machinery, or an enclosed work area, you may remove your mask. Please remember to keep your face covering with you to be prepared for person-to-person interactions and to be used when you are no longer alone.
A: Masks do not need to be worn by public safety workers actively engaged in a public safety role, including but not limited to law enforcement personnel, fire fighters, or emergency medical personnel, in situations where wearing a face covering would seriously interfere in the performance of the individual's public safety responsibilities.
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If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, click here for more information.
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Sessions are filling fast. Click on this image to register.
Please note schedule changes due to the holidays. No testing on 12/25 or 1/1. Testing on 12/24 and 12/31 will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
Las citas se estan llenando rapido. Haga click en esta imagen para registrarse.
Tome en cuenta que el calendario cambió debido a las festividades de fin de año. No se realizan pruebas el 12/25 o el 1/1. Las pruebas el 12/24 y 12/31 van a ser de 9:00 am a 11:00 am.
Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html
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PLANNING AN EVENT?
If you are planning an event, please click on this link to complete a survey.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
Reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. We have classes available in English and Spanish. Click to learn more
Women, Infants & Children
WIC stands for "Women, Infants and Children"
The Nebraska WIC Program provides healthy food at no cost, breastfeeding support and nutrition information to about 38,000 people across the state each month
Food Safety & Permits
The goal of the CDHD Food Safety Program is to lower the number of outbreaks of foodborne illness, when people get food poisoning after eating the same unsafe food. We work to ensure that safe food is offered to the public by permitted and inspected establishments.
News & Notes
New data published by the CDC estimate that on any given day in 2018, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The analyses, published in the journal <a href="https://journals.lww.com/stdjournal/Abstract/9000/Sexually_Transmitted_Infections_Among_US_Women_and.97758.aspx"><em>Sexually Transmitted Diseases</em></a>, show the burden of diagnosed and undiagnosed STIs in the U.S. and the estimated medical costs associated with STIs.
Media Statement from CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, on Extending the Eviction Moratorium.
Today, Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, officially begins her post as the 19th director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the ninth administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). U.S. President Joe Biden selected Dr. Walensky to lead the agency in December. Dr. Walensky comes to CDC from Massachusetts General Hospital, where she served as Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases from 2017-2020; and Harvard Medical School, where she served as Professor of Medicine from 2012-2020. Additional biographical information is available on the CDC website.
