SIDNEY, NE - As schools and many city offices in the Nebraska Panhandle remain closed until March 27th, Sidney Regional Medical Center is working hard to keep people informed of the latest COVID-19 developments.

A case was confirmed in Lincoln County, which includes North Platte, Tuesday night. It is now the closest confirmed case to the panhandle.

SRMC Infection Control and Quality Manager Bob Kentner says that doesn't change their plans.

"Our attitude has not been if it's going to come here, it's when it's going to come here and so we've prepared thinking eventually it's going to be here," Kentner said. 

One of the plans in place is to allow hospitals to share equipment like ventilators to help ensure they do not get overwhelmed.

"It's a very small percentage of people that need ventilators so between us, and then if we start looking at not being able to keep up with the demand, the hospitals will share ventilators," Kentner said. "We have a plan for that."

Kentner says the hospitals also have plans to transport patients to larger-capacity facilities, such as UC Health in Denver, should the need arise.

Sidney Regional Medical Center also started screening visitors as they enter the facility this week. Further, their assisted living and extended care facilities have been closed to visitors.