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Ricketts: More contact tracers due to backlog; new treatment in use

Posted at 1:30 PM, Nov 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-20 19:47:05-05

LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — On Friday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts provided an update on what the state is doing to slow the spread of COVID-19.

When it comes to the treatment of the virus and keeping down hospitalization rates, Ricketts and the state's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, said monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) infusions have been received and were sent out to 39 hospitals across the state.

More: New COVID-19 treatment option coming to NE this week

The mAbs infusions contain lab-created antibodies, like those found in convalescent plasma, and help prevent the virus from progressing Anthone said. 5-10 percent of patients who receive the treatment are less likely to be hospitalized. The treatments are already being used Anthone said.

Another way the state hopes to stop the spread is by handling a backlog of about 2,600 contact trace cases.

Due to a deficiency of contract tracers, Ricketts said the cases began mounting but additional personnel are being brought on to help chip away at them.

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3 News Now reporter Alyssa Curtis provided live updates on Twitter:

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