1. What is the appropriate way to apply hand sanitizer?

Squirt the hand sanitizer into the palm of one hand. Be generous with the amount of sanitizer applied. At minimum, you should use an amount that is about the size of a U.S. quarter. Rub hands until completely dry.

2. Where can do I go for updated/accurate information on COVID-19?

  • Contact your local health department: Scotts Bluff County, 308-630-2580

  • Panhandle Public Health Department: 308-262-5764

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: dhhs.ne.gov or call 402-552-6645, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

3.  How does the virus spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

4. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever (over 100.4), cough, and difficulty breathing.

5. Can someone who is quarantined with COVID-19 spread the illness to others?

Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure.

For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, since 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses. Those who have been released from COVID-19 quarantine are not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

6. What is social distancing?

Remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining a distance approximately six feet from others when possible.

7. Should I be tested for COVID-19?

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, and you are not having active respiratory distress, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.

8. Once I am tested, how do I get my results?

The provider who ordered the test will contact you when he or she has the results.

9.  How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

Visit the CDC’s Covid-19 prevention page and treatment page to learn how to protect and treat yourself from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.