Unreported COVID deaths in Central Health district

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - The Central District Health Department will add 30 previously unreported COVID-19 related deaths in the district to its dashboard on Wednesday.

This high number is largely due to lag time in reporting from as far back as January 2021.

“Our thoughts go out to the many families and friends of these lost loved ones,” said the health department.

Data on COVID-19 related deaths during the pandemic period can be delayed due to the date the death occurred, when the death certificate was completed and processing by the National Vital Statistics System. This delay can range from 1 to 8 weeks or more depending on jurisdiction and other factors.

The 30 cases being reported in our district are confirmed COVID-19 related deaths, some dating back more than a year.

The cases reported include:

-1 death reported in January of 2021

-2 deaths reported in September of 2021

-10 deaths reported in October

-3 November of 2021

-8 deaths reported in December 2021

-2 deaths reported in January of 2022

-4 deaths reported in February of 2022

″Unfortunately, during the pandemic this backlog of cases is not uncommon,” Teresa Anderson, Health Director of CDHD, said. “It is wise to continue to take precautions against COVID as we continue to see COVID-19 deaths which might have been prevented.”

Other indicators on the dashboard are more in line with the falling numbers of cases we’ve experienced in the past few weeks.

As of February 18, 2022, over the past 7 days there were 116 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 148 cases per 100,000, and a positivity rate of 33%.Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and your community against COVID-19.

CDHD offers COVID-19 vaccination clinics from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mondays – Fridays and until 6 p.m. on Thursdays and include first and second doses for those 5 years old and up and boosters for those 12 and up. No appointment is necessary and no one will be turned away. For more information call (308) 385-5175 or log onto www.cdhd.ne.gov.