New Cases of COVID-19 Confirmed in Winnebago

WINNEBAGO, NE — Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System, which is comprised of the
Winnebago Public Health Department (WPHD) and Twelve Clans Unity Hospital (TCUH), has
confirmed three new cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) on the Winnebago
Reservation. One of the individuals was tested in another county and two of the individuals were tested at
TCUH. One patient has recovered, one patient was transferred to another hospital for a high level of care
and one patient is isolated and in good condition. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases in
Winnebago is now at eight and, of those, four individuals have recovered.

The WPHD is investigating and notifying any potential contacts of the positive cases and appropriate
precautions are being taken. To protect the privacy of all patients, no other details will be released at this
time.

“We strongly urge all Winnebago community members to continue practicing social distancing. We
understand that the States are starting to open up more businesses but the risk for potential exposure still
exists. The virus is in our community and we must all take personal responsibility to protect each other
and protect ourselves,” 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.

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