Nebraska state officials issue warning about COVID-19

State officials issued a warning Wednesday for people in Nebraska who have recently traveled to one of 10 countries that have experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 and asked them to self-report to state or local public health officials.

Officials with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said they were tracking the virus that originated in China. They’re also seeking people who have traveled within the last 14 days to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam.

Officials said they haven’t identified any cases in Nebraska residents, although the state is providing quarantine locations for people who were exposed elsewhere in the world.

READ | Coronavirus: Iraj Harirchi Tasked With Tackling COVID-19 In Iran Test Positive

“Ensuring the health of Nebraskans is our main priority and public health officials continue to actively monitor self-isolated Nebraska residents who recently returned from China,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, the state epidemiologist.

State officials have launched a website at for people to self-report, or they say people can contact their local health departments for guidance. They also note that people who become ill after returning from overseas travel are more likely to have other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu.

READ | Vistara To Cancel 54 Int'l Flights Next Month As COVID-19 Weakens Demand

READ | Clinical Trial To Evaluate COVID-19 Drug Treatment