KEARNEY, Neb. – Two Rivers Public Health Department in Kearney is reporting a local COVID exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 at a faith-based gathering. Two Rivers has been notified that an individual with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 was present at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Axtell during the Sunday morning service on Sunday, September 27.
Individuals who may have been at the church on Sunday, September 27, are being asked by Two Rivers to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID for 14 days from the last time they were present at the location. Common symptoms of COVID are cough, shortness of breath, fever, loss of taste and/or smell, or allergy-like symptoms. Two Rivers sincerely appreciates the concern shown by the church for their community upon notification of this exposure.
If you were one of those in attendance at the Axtell Church on Sunday, September 27, please consider the following actions:
- Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID at home for 14 days from the last time you were at the establishment
- Wear a face mask whenever you are around others and are unable to socially distance
- Clean and disinfect your home and other spaces you have occupied since that time
- If you become symptomatic, free testing is available through Test Nebraska or consult a medical provider
Jeremy Eschliman, Health Director, strongly urges all organizations to require staff, volunteers and attendees to stay home when sick, wear face masks while in the community and in the public, and ensure proper hand washing is exercised.
It is appropriate that faith-based organizations require face masks at this time, regardless of the location within the Two Rivers district. He emphasizes the importance of mask usage in preventing the spread of the virus, especially if people are exhibiting mild, allergy-like symptoms, or are asymptomatic and don’t realize they are infected.
Eschliman reminds people that if they have tested for the virus and are awaiting results, they need to stay home until results are received.