SIDNEY - Anyone who is traveling or has traveled outside the Nebraska panhandle should self-quarantine for 14 days, according to the Panhandle Public Health District. 

The announcement made Friday is to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Nebraska. There are 37 confirmed cases and no deaths in the state. No cases have been reported in the panhandle. Lincoln County has reported three cases.

Health care workers who return from travel should consult with a trained medical professional at their facility (infection preventionists or physician) and establish a specific infection control protocol that mitigates patient and co-worker exposures.

PPHD District Director Kim Engle said travelers should assume COVID-19 is present at the locations they visited and traveled through. She says it is critical to remember, strict self-quarantine is necessary to "flatten the curve" and slow the growth of COVID-19. Practice social distancing while out of the area to prevent bringing something back to the panhandle.

Residents that support the critical infrastructure to communities, such as truckers, are encouraged to continue to provide these vital services. When back in the panhandle, you are advised to stay home (self-quarantine).

Traveling to and from work is okay. PPHD says the idea is to stay in the same community and practice strict social distancing.

If any symptoms consistent with the new coronavirus develop, people are asked to contact their health care provider or public health. 

Four cases of the new coronavirus have been reported in Laramie County, Wyoming, according to the Wyoming Department of Health

In northeast Colorado, there are no positive cases Sedgwick, Phillips, Logan or Washington counties, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health. There are two positive cases in Morgan County, which includes Fort Morgan. 

SELF-QUARANTINE TIPS:

1. Stay home from work, school, and away from other public places.

2. Monitor your symptoms carefully and immediately report any symptoms consistent with
COVID-19 disease (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore through) to your health care
provider or public health.

3. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

3. Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household such as dishes, towels, and
bedding.

4. Clean all surfaces that are touched often such as counters, tabletops, and doorknobs.  Use
household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.

5. Washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. 

6. Avoid touching your face.

7. Avoid contact with sick people and stay home if you are sick

8. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw away the tissue in the trash.

9. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.