The COVID-19 death toll in the Nebraska panhandle continues to rise. 

Tuesday afternoon, officials with Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) confirmed seven more deaths related to the virus. This includes the first deaths announced Cheyenne, Kimball, Morrill and Sheridan counties. 

Health officials say a woman in her 70s from Cheyenne County, a man in his 90s from Kimball County, a woman in her 90s from Morrill County and a woman in her 60s from Sheridan County have passed away. 

The other three that recently passed are from Dawes County and include a women in their 60s and 80s and a man in his 70s. 

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of seven Panhandle residents. We wish their families and friends peace and comfort during their time of loss,”  PPHD director Kim Engel said in a statement.

The number of COVID-19 related deaths in the panhandle is now 31. Nine of the 13 counties in PPHD's jurisdiction have experienced at least one death. 

Scotts Bluff County has the highest number of deaths reported with 14. There have now been nine COVID-19 related deaths reported in Dawes County.