Wednesday, February 3, 2021 McCOOK, Neb. New COVID-19 cases have dropped below 100 for the week for the first time since October, according to Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department officials While the number of new cases is still high 71 it comes as a relief to public health workers and the hospitals and clinics who have been under a heavy burden since the fall wave began. With the drop in hospitalizations statewide, Gov. Pete Ricketts has moved the state into the green zone for Directed Health Measures. That means fewer restrictions on gatherings while other requirements are still in place. The new DHMs also have additional guidelines on who is required to quarantine after close contact with a positive case of COVID-19, with exceptions for those who have been positive in the last 90 days or have been fully vaccinated. SWNPHD continues to recommend taking precautions when out in public and avoiding the 3 Cs: crowded places, close contact and closed spaces.