With the coronavirus appearing in Nebraska, and even creeping closer to this part of the state, officials aren’t yet taking special measures, but are gearing up efforts to protect residents.
The Nebraska Department of Public Health said as of Tuesday, there are three cases in the state so far. The first was a Douglas County woman who had traveled to England and the other two were relatives of the woman.
In Fremont, Nebraska, schools are closing for a week after someone who attended an event there Feb. 29 was confirmed as having the virus. Maywood/Hayes Center’s girls basketball team played Fremont Archbishop Bergan in the state tournament, prompting a joint letter from the two school superintendents warning that while no extra precautions would be taken in Hayes Center and Maywood, both districts are in close contact with the state Public Health Department in McCook.
Closer to this area, Wauneta-Palisade Superintendent Randy Geier said not much work has been needed to update the district’s plan, since officials here basically are following the same protocol they do during flu season.
In fact, Geier said, while COVID-19 is getting most of the publicity right now, in this area flu is more of a concern because it shows up more regularly.
Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable, but for now, Wauneta Care and Therapy Center isn’t taking any special precautions.

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