FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2020

One New Case and One Death Related to COVID-19 Confirmed in Winnebago 

WINNEBAGO, NE – The Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System, which is comprised of the Winnebago Public Health Department (WPHD) and Twelve Clans Unity Hospital (TCUH), have confirmed one new case of COVID-19 and the first COVID-19 related death in Winnebago. The Winnebago Reservation now has had a total of nine positive cases of COVID-19. Of those nine cases, five individuals have recovered.

The additional positive case was tested at TCUH and is in good condition. The patient remains isolated at home. WPHD has already notified any potential contacts of the individual and is actively investigating the source of exposure. To protect the privacy of the patients, no other details will be released at this time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all who mourn the loss of their loved one.  This is a very difficult time for our community as our tribal culture dictates that we should be together, especially when a relative passes away.  We must continue to do everything we can to protect our community from further spread of COVID-19, while paying respects to the family,” said Danelle Smith, Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System CEO.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with no known cure or vaccine. Winnebago community members experiencing shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, and cough are urged to call the COVID-19 Hotline at (402) 922-1508. Per Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, it is recommended that individuals stay home except to get necessary medical care. Individuals with underlying conditions, such as diabetes or those with compromised immune systems are the most high-risk for contracting the virus.

Prevention measures include washing your hands often with soap and water for at least twenty seconds each time and routinely cleaning frequently touches surfaces. Other recommendations include social distancing, wearing a mask in public, and remaining at least 6 feet away from each other with groups of no more than 10 people.

Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System has been taking many important steps to further protect the health and safety of the community. These steps, among others, have included implementing a no visitor policy within the hospital, increasing the frequency of cleaning facilities, making certain services available remotely, implementing a drive-thru pharmacy, and placing staff on telework status when possible. 

Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System is operated by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and consists of two divisions. Twelve Clans Unity Hospital is a 13-bed state-of-the-art healthcare facility that serves an estimated 10,000 Native Americans who live on the Winnebago Reservation and in the surrounding region. Health care services provided by the hospital include an ambulatory care clinic, inpatient care, express care clinic, pharmacy, radiology, emergency care, medical laboratory, physical therapy, social services, and more. The Winnebago Public Health Department strives to create and maintain a healthy community by providing a wide range of total health and wellness programs. These programs include physical, mental, safety, and social services that benefit the Winnebago community.