(KLZA)-- Richardson County Health Board met Wednesday morning via teleconference to update the local response the the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Grant Brueggemann, Executive Director of the Southeast District Health Department said despite the fact there have been very few coronavirus cases confirmed within the Southeast district,  everyone should continue to take precautions to avoid the virus. While not wanting to cause alarm,  Brueggemann said with talk of reopening parts of the state in the near future, potentially we could be one case away from an outbreak despite the low number of cases so far. 

While there is no firm data available for the immediate area, Brueggemann said models indicate the peak of COVID19 cases for Nebraska has been pushed back a little to early May or even into the second week of May.

Health Board member Dr. Allan Tramp inquired about recommendations about the general public wearing masks. The District Health Director recommended wearing them if your are comfortable doing so, even though it is not a requirement.

Board members are scheduled to meet again on May 6.