OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Thirty-five confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Omaha-area schools in the early weeks of the school year, Douglas County health director Adi Pour said.

Seventeen students and 18 school staff members have tested positive as of Tuesday night, Pour said Wednesday. Another 152 students, staff and faculty who had close contact with those who are ill were in quarantine, The Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/17-students-18-school-staff-test-positive-for-covid-19-douglas-countys-health-director-says/article_2e580369-a445-5c34-93be-6fa64654c1ca.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Pour told the Douglas County Board of Health she was surprised more cases haven't been confirmed but attributed that in part to the Omaha Public Schools teaching only remote classes for the first quarter.

Positive cases have been confirmed at the Millard, Gretna and Ralston school districts in recent days, she said.

County health department employees and experts from the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are working with schools to respond to the coronavirus.

While 32% of the county's cases are among those aged 20- to 34, younger residents also are contracting the disease. Pour said 119 cases were reported last week among people ranging from infants to age 19. Those ages 15 to 19 accounted for 79 cases, or 66% of the total.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Thirty-five confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Omaha-area schools in the early weeks of the school year, Douglas County health director Adi Pour said.Seventeen students and 18 school staff members have tested positive as of Tuesday night, Pour said Wednesday. Another 152 students, staff and faculty who had close contact with those who are ill were in quarantine, The Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/17-students-18-school-staff-test-positive-for-covid-19-douglas-countys-health-director-says/article_2e580369-a445-5c34-93be-6fa64654c1ca.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Pour told the Douglas County Board of Health she was surprised more cases haven't been confirmed but attributed that in part to the Omaha Public Schools teaching only remote classes for the first quarter.Positive cases have been confirmed at the Millard, Gretna and Ralston school districts in recent days, she said.County health department employees and experts from the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are working with schools to respond to the coronavirus.While 32% of the county's cases are among those aged 20- to 34, younger residents also are contracting the disease. Pour said 119 cases were reported last week among people ranging from infants to age 19. Those ages 15 to 19 accounted for 79 cases, or 66% of the total.

Douglas County schools report 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported nine new cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County on Wednesday.

All cases are from Lincoln County and are considered Under Investigation.

Six of the cases are from today, August 19.

There are now 178 active cases in the WCDHD jurisdiction. There have been 288 confirmed cases since March with 3 deaths officials attributed to COVID-19.&nbsp;107 cases are considered Recovered.

*PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard.&nbsp;

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR2RFIRSs_cIQ2YjTVnoGy1HETT3IWXnkRMEAnymvsn1mtxAhdMn-yHoMdo#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported nine new cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County on Wednesday.All cases are from Lincoln County and are considered Under Investigation.Six of the cases are from today, August 19.There are now 178 active cases in the WCDHD jurisdiction. There have been 288 confirmed cases since March with 3 deaths officials attributed to COVID-19.&nbsp;107 cases are considered Recovered.*PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard.&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR2RFIRSs_cIQ2YjTVnoGy1HETT3IWXnkRMEAnymvsn1mtxAhdMn-yHoMdo#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
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Health officials say 9 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Lincoln County on Wednesday

🎥 Public Health Command Center Update from North Platte (August 17, 2020)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A western Nebraska school district has canceled most classes this week after three staff members tested positive for the coronavirus, requiring two dozen school workers to quarantine.

Classes for most grade levels in the Broken Bow School District have been canceled for the week, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/broken-bow-schools-cancel-bulk-of-classes-after-24-staff-members-put-in-quarantine-over/article_4f54617e-b04c-5a6f-af8e-3ac48b5044b7.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>. Superintendent Darren Tobey said in an online announcement that classes for prekindergarten and grades 6-12 were canceled through Friday. Kindergarten through fifth-grade classes were expected to be held as usual.

The district is now also requiring all students and staff to wear masks through Sept. 7, including at extracurricular activities and on school transportation. The requirement will be revisited before it expires, Tobey said..

The school district covers 426 square miles in Nebraska's Custer County and has an enrollment of more than 800 students.

Other school districts in the state - including those in Omaha - have also seen cases of the virus following attempts to launch in-person classes.

The news of Broken Bow's problems came as the state surpassed 30,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online virus tracker</a>. As of Monday morning, the state had seen 30,372 confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak and 361 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

The following letter was sent to students and parents:

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A western Nebraska school district has canceled most classes this week after three staff members tested positive for the coronavirus, requiring two dozen school workers to quarantine.Classes for most grade levels in the Broken Bow School District have been canceled for the week, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/broken-bow-schools-cancel-bulk-of-classes-after-24-staff-members-put-in-quarantine-over/article_4f54617e-b04c-5a6f-af8e-3ac48b5044b7.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>. Superintendent Darren Tobey said in an online announcement that classes for prekindergarten and grades 6-12 were canceled through Friday. Kindergarten through fifth-grade classes were expected to be held as usual.The district is now also requiring all students and staff to wear masks through Sept. 7, including at extracurricular activities and on school transportation. The requirement will be revisited before it expires, Tobey said..The school district covers 426 square miles in Nebraska's Custer County and has an enrollment of more than 800 students.Other school districts in the state - including those in Omaha - have also seen cases of the virus following attempts to launch in-person classes.The news of Broken Bow's problems came as the state surpassed 30,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">state's online virus tracker</a>. As of Monday morning, the state had seen 30,372 confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak and 361 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.The following letter was sent to students and parents:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597696404131.png" alt="broken bow cancel august 17 2020.PNG" />
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Broken Bow school district cancels classes after 3 staff members test positive for coronavirus

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-On Sunday, the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) reported 11 new cases in their jurisdiction.

Officials say ten new cases were reported in Lincoln County and one in Thomas County.

WCDHD says there are 166 active cases in their jurisdiction, with 259 confirmed cases being reported since March. 90 cases are considered "recovered" by health officials.

*PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR2SpKwMSFygq9X8f_tY0WN6f1i0bxfU_wAmomkwqA7v4gNhKnDKB9bXYHc#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-On Sunday, the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) reported 11 new cases in their jurisdiction.Officials say ten new cases were reported in Lincoln County and one in Thomas County.WCDHD says there are 166 active cases in their jurisdiction, with 259 confirmed cases being reported since March. 90 cases are considered "recovered" by health officials.*PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR2SpKwMSFygq9X8f_tY0WN6f1i0bxfU_wAmomkwqA7v4gNhKnDKB9bXYHc#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Story1?publish=yes">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597628441316.png" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597628570865.png" alt="WCDHD Community Risk Dial" />
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WCDHD: 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County, 1 in Thomas County

WAYNE, Neb. (AP) - Two Wayne State College professors say they are frustrated that their requests to teach remotely this fall were denied.

Longtime history professor 76-year-old Don Hickey said he hired an attorney after college officials rejected his request.

"This is a scandal to us - that they're playing hardball with senior faculty and putting them at risk," Hickey said.

After Hickey told administrators he would teach his classes remotely whether they approved or not he was told his classes would be taught on campus by other faculty members. Hickey has taught at the school since 1978.

Another Wayne State history faculty member, 63-year-old Joseph Weixelman, also had his request rejected. Weixelman said he has multiple sclerosis and that medications for that disease suppress the immune system, which could make him more susceptible to severe illness from the COVID-19 virus.

"I feel scared," said Weixelman, who plans to teach his courses on campus starting Monday. "With my age and a preexisting condition, I'm not sure I would make it through" a bout with COVID-19.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

A spokeswoman for the Nebraska State College System said fewer than 20 professors requested accommodations for teaching this fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Spokeswoman Judi Yorges said she wasn't sure how many requests were granted.

Yorges said in a statement that decisions "have been made with the best interests of our students and staff in mind. It is unfortunate if these efforts are misrepresented as 'playing hardball.' "

Yorges said officials believe that face-to-face engagement with professors and on-campus living experiences are vital to state college students. She said colleges reduced class sizes and made other changes to promote safety this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nebraska reported 253 new cases of coronavirus Saturday to give the state 30,241 cases of the virus. The state's online virus tracker said there have been 361 deaths linked to the virus.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 291 new cases per day on Aug. 1 to 269.14 new cases per day on Aug. 15.

WAYNE, Neb. (AP) - Two Wayne State College professors say they are frustrated that their requests to teach remotely this fall were denied.Longtime history professor 76-year-old Don Hickey said he hired an attorney after college officials rejected his request."This is a scandal to us - that they're playing hardball with senior faculty and putting them at risk," Hickey said.After Hickey told administrators he would teach his classes remotely whether they approved or not he was told his classes would be taught on campus by other faculty members. Hickey has taught at the school since 1978.Another Wayne State history faculty member, 63-year-old Joseph Weixelman, also had his request rejected. Weixelman said he has multiple sclerosis and that medications for that disease suppress the immune system, which could make him more susceptible to severe illness from the COVID-19 virus."I feel scared," said Weixelman, who plans to teach his courses on campus starting Monday. "With my age and a preexisting condition, I'm not sure I would make it through" a bout with COVID-19.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.A spokeswoman for the Nebraska State College System said fewer than 20 professors requested accommodations for teaching this fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Spokeswoman Judi Yorges said she wasn't sure how many requests were granted.Yorges said in a statement that decisions "have been made with the best interests of our students and staff in mind. It is unfortunate if these efforts are misrepresented as 'playing hardball.' "Yorges said officials believe that face-to-face engagement with professors and on-campus living experiences are vital to state college students. She said colleges reduced class sizes and made other changes to promote safety this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic.Nebraska reported 253 new cases of coronavirus Saturday to give the state 30,241 cases of the virus. The state's online virus tracker said there have been 361 deaths linked to the virus.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Nebraska decreased over the past two weeks, going from 291 new cases per day on Aug. 1 to 269.14 new cases per day on Aug. 15.

2 professors say Nebraska college refused remote teaching

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Saturday.

21 new positive cases in the WCDHD Jurisdiction. 

One of the positives from 8/14/2020 was initially reported as a Lincoln County resident. This was corrected to McPherson County.

A COVID-19 related death is under investigation. This individual is a female in her 20s. We want to send our deepest and sincere condolences to the family. 

*PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard. 

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Saturday.21 new positive cases in the WCDHD Jurisdiction. 1 case is from Logan County 1 case is from Hooker County 19 cases are from Lincoln CountyOne of the positives from 8/14/2020 was initially reported as a Lincoln County resident. This was corrected to McPherson County.A COVID-19 related death is under investigation. This individual is a female in her 20s. We want to send our deepest and sincere condolences to the family. *PLEASE NOTE: The weekly positivity rate on the dashboard is based on live data. You will see changes to the weekly number due to the fact that this is live data. We will report and make changes as we get additional data from the state system. This section is currently being worked on. You can still find our overall positivity rate in the table on the first page of the dashboard. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597548054180.jpeg" alt="" />
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21 new cases, 1 death reported in WCDHD jurisdiction on Saturday

WASHINGTON (AP) — No, Russia isn’t having a Sputnik moment.

The announcement this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcda62ad992db414d65f23b2adb78e44">his country was the first to approve a coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;did not provoke the awe and wonder of the Soviet Union’s launch of the first satellite into orbit in 1957. Instead, it was met by doubts about the science and safety.

But the claim underscored how, like the space race, the competition to have the first vaccine is about international rivalries as well as science. The first nation to develop a way to defeat the novel coronavirus will achieve a kind of moonshot victory and the global status that goes along with it.

That’s valuable to Putin, whose popularity at home has declined amid a stagnant economy and the ravages of the virus outbreak.

“To be the first one out of the block with a coronavirus vaccine would be a real — pardon the pun — shot in the arm for the Kremlin,” said Timothy Frye, a political science professor at Columbia University who specializes in post-Soviet politics.

Russia is not alone in viewing a vaccine in this light. China, where the virus first emerged, has also raced to make progress on a vaccine.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/93a7be6c6ac427e6211074ab9cfc9dbc">A state-owned Chinese company is boasting</a>&nbsp;that its employees, including top executives, received experimental shots even before the government approved testing in people.

President Donald Trump, whose handling of the coronavirus pandemic has put his political fate in grave jeopardy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7cc45cdcb3e53515b8ff4304a4ae5c06">is hoping to get credit for his administration’s aggressive push for a vaccine,&nbsp;</a>ideally one that arrives before Election Day in November.

It’s far from clear at this point whether Putin has beaten Trump to this medical milestone.

Putin said the Health Ministry gave its approval after the vaccine, named “Sputnik V,” underwent the necessary tests. He said one of his two adult daughters had been inoculated. “We should be grateful to those who have taken this first step, which is very important for our country and the whole world,” he said.

No proof was offered and scientists in Russia warned that more testing would be necessary to establish it is safe and effective. Nonetheless, officials said vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month and mass vaccination may begin as early as October.

Scientists around the world have been cautioning that even if vaccine candidates are proven to work, it will take even more time to tell how long the protection will last.

“It’s a too early stage to truly assess whether it’s going to be effective, whether it’s going to work or not,” said Dr. Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton.

It was also too soon to dismiss the Russian claim out of hand.

The country, though economically dependent on the export of natural resources, does have a history of achievement in science, medicine and aerospace — including becoming the first to put a person into space, in 1961.

“It is possible that they concentrated and could do this,” said Daniel Fried, a retired senior U.S. diplomat. “I’m not scoffing at it, but it doesn’t mean that the Russian economy is advanced.”

A vaccine would be the kind of significant achievement that would elevate Putin at home and in the international community.

“They would love to be able to claim credit because the first country to develop the vaccine will gain enormous prestige,” said Fried, a former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs who is now a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.

It’s also possible Russia had help. The U.S., Britain and Canada l&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47797e89ddb470b3244fae3a799481c5">ast month accused hackers working for Russian intelligence of trying to steal information&nbsp;</a>about a coronavirus vaccine from academic and pharmaceutical research institutions.

In any case, the public is eager for a vaccine as global deaths from the virus surpass 730,000. Some say they would even welcome one from Russia, provided it passes muster with the Food and Drug Administration, which approves vaccines used in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends who should receive them.

“I can’t take it anymore. I’m getting crazy,” said Fernanda Henderson, as she strapped her infant into a car seat at a park in the Maryland suburbs of Washington for a break from quarantining at home. “I don’t think the CDC or the FDA would approve something that is not going to work.”

But to Vesna Jezic, a 79-year-old native of Croatia and immunologist who was taking her grandchildren to the same park, the suspiciously fast progress on the vaccine announced by Putin was reason to be doubtful. “You can imagine we don’t trust anything that comes from Russia,” she said.

The Russian president may face similar doubts at home. Frye noted a 2018 Gallup Poll that showed the former Soviet countries have some of the highest rates of anti-vaccination sentiment in the world.

“If it turns out not to work, it would be a real black eye,” he said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — No, Russia isn’t having a Sputnik moment.The announcement this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fcda62ad992db414d65f23b2adb78e44">his country was the first to approve a coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;did not provoke the awe and wonder of the Soviet Union’s launch of the first satellite into orbit in 1957. Instead, it was met by doubts about the science and safety.But the claim underscored how, like the space race, the competition to have the first vaccine is about international rivalries as well as science. The first nation to develop a way to defeat the novel coronavirus will achieve a kind of moonshot victory and the global status that goes along with it.That’s valuable to Putin, whose popularity at home has declined amid a stagnant economy and the ravages of the virus outbreak.“To be the first one out of the block with a coronavirus vaccine would be a real — pardon the pun — shot in the arm for the Kremlin,” said Timothy Frye, a political science professor at Columbia University who specializes in post-Soviet politics.Russia is not alone in viewing a vaccine in this light. China, where the virus first emerged, has also raced to make progress on a vaccine.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/93a7be6c6ac427e6211074ab9cfc9dbc">A state-owned Chinese company is boasting</a>&nbsp;that its employees, including top executives, received experimental shots even before the government approved testing in people.President Donald Trump, whose handling of the coronavirus pandemic has put his political fate in grave jeopardy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7cc45cdcb3e53515b8ff4304a4ae5c06">is hoping to get credit for his administration’s aggressive push for a vaccine,&nbsp;</a>ideally one that arrives before Election Day in November.It’s far from clear at this point whether Putin has beaten Trump to this medical milestone.Putin said the Health Ministry gave its approval after the vaccine, named “Sputnik V,” underwent the necessary tests. He said one of his two adult daughters had been inoculated. “We should be grateful to those who have taken this first step, which is very important for our country and the whole world,” he said.No proof was offered and scientists in Russia warned that more testing would be necessary to establish it is safe and effective. Nonetheless, officials said vaccination of doctors could start as early as this month and mass vaccination may begin as early as October.Scientists around the world have been cautioning that even if vaccine candidates are proven to work, it will take even more time to tell how long the protection will last.“It’s a too early stage to truly assess whether it’s going to be effective, whether it’s going to work or not,” said Dr. Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton.It was also too soon to dismiss the Russian claim out of hand.The country, though economically dependent on the export of natural resources, does have a history of achievement in science, medicine and aerospace — including becoming the first to put a person into space, in 1961.“It is possible that they concentrated and could do this,” said Daniel Fried, a retired senior U.S. diplomat. “I’m not scoffing at it, but it doesn’t mean that the Russian economy is advanced.”A vaccine would be the kind of significant achievement that would elevate Putin at home and in the international community.“They would love to be able to claim credit because the first country to develop the vaccine will gain enormous prestige,” said Fried, a former assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs who is now a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.It’s also possible Russia had help. The U.S., Britain and Canada l&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47797e89ddb470b3244fae3a799481c5">ast month accused hackers working for Russian intelligence of trying to steal information&nbsp;</a>about a coronavirus vaccine from academic and pharmaceutical research institutions.In any case, the public is eager for a vaccine as global deaths from the virus surpass 730,000. Some say they would even welcome one from Russia, provided it passes muster with the Food and Drug Administration, which approves vaccines used in the U.S., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends who should receive them.“I can’t take it anymore. I’m getting crazy,” said Fernanda Henderson, as she strapped her infant into a car seat at a park in the Maryland suburbs of Washington for a break from quarantining at home. “I don’t think the CDC or the FDA would approve something that is not going to work.”But to Vesna Jezic, a 79-year-old native of Croatia and immunologist who was taking her grandchildren to the same park, the suspiciously fast progress on the vaccine announced by Putin was reason to be doubtful. “You can imagine we don’t trust anything that comes from Russia,” she said.The Russian president may face similar doubts at home. Frye noted a 2018 Gallup Poll that showed the former Soviet countries have some of the highest rates of anti-vaccination sentiment in the world.“If it turns out not to work, it would be a real black eye,” he said.___

Science, politics tied up in global race for a vaccine

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials reported 18 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Friday.

The West Central District Health Department says all of the new cases are in Lincoln County.

There are currently 150 active cases in the WCDHD jurisdiction, with at total of 227 since March. 75 cases are reported as recovered.

Visit the WCDHD Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…">HERE</a>.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials reported 18 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Friday.The West Central District Health Department says all of the new cases are in Lincoln County.There are currently 150 active cases in the WCDHD jurisdiction, with at total of 227 since March. 75 cases are reported as recovered.Visit the WCDHD Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…">HERE</a>.<figure>
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Officials report 18 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lincoln County on Friday

PLAINVIEW, Neb. (AP) - The start of the school year has been delayed in Plainview, after the public school superintendent tested positive for COVID-19.

Superintendent Darron Arlt received his positive test results Wednesday, less than 24 hours before school was scheduled to start. The Board of Education held an emergency meeting that night and voted to delay the school year until Aug. 24, The Norfolk Daily News&nbsp;<a href="https://norfolkdailynews.com/news/plainview-superintendent-tests-positive-fall-semester-delayed-to-aug-24/article_7db7a0aa-de6e-11ea-b4bd-8f4d58ef8824.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Arlt said he was in several meetings with staff on Monday and Tuesday, when he began feeling flu-like symptoms. He said he sat within 6 feet of five teachers at one point. The delay was partly to allow those teachers time to quarantine.

About 50 other staff members were in the building at the time of the exposures, Arlt said. Shortly after the meeting Wednesday, families were notified and all staff were asked to leave while facilities were disinfected.

All staff members, except for custodians, aren't allowed to return to school until Aug. 20, which is 10 days after the exposure. Activities, including athletic practices, will resume Aug. 21.

PLAINVIEW, Neb. (AP) - The start of the school year has been delayed in Plainview, after the public school superintendent tested positive for COVID-19.Superintendent Darron Arlt received his positive test results Wednesday, less than 24 hours before school was scheduled to start. The Board of Education held an emergency meeting that night and voted to delay the school year until Aug. 24, The Norfolk Daily News&nbsp;<a href="https://norfolkdailynews.com/news/plainview-superintendent-tests-positive-fall-semester-delayed-to-aug-24/article_7db7a0aa-de6e-11ea-b4bd-8f4d58ef8824.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Arlt said he was in several meetings with staff on Monday and Tuesday, when he began feeling flu-like symptoms. He said he sat within 6 feet of five teachers at one point. The delay was partly to allow those teachers time to quarantine.About 50 other staff members were in the building at the time of the exposures, Arlt said. Shortly after the meeting Wednesday, families were notified and all staff were asked to leave while facilities were disinfected.All staff members, except for custodians, aren't allowed to return to school until Aug. 20, which is 10 days after the exposure. Activities, including athletic practices, will resume Aug. 21.

Plainview superintendent has COVID-19, school start delayed

HERSHEY, Neb.-Hershey Public Schools (HPS) has decided to delay the start of school due to concerns regarding COVID-19.

HPS administrators made the announcement on Friday, stating that due to the "increase of COVID-19 in our region" they have decided not to start the school year until August 24, a delay of one week.

HERSHEY, Neb.-Hershey Public Schools (HPS) has decided to delay the start of school due to concerns regarding COVID-19.HPS administrators made the announcement on Friday, stating that due to the "increase of COVID-19 in our region" they have decided not to start the school year until August 24, a delay of one week.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D10158540900640502%26id%3D189774405501&width=500" width="500" height="675" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Hershey Public Schools delay start due to increase in COVID-19 cases


The risk dial moved up from a 2.0 to 2.27 this week, this falls
within the elevated risk level. There were increases in the following
data which contributed to the move in the risk dial: 


The WCDHD risk
dial is used to show our community how COVID-19 is impacting our area
at a point-in-time.&nbsp;
Every week WCDHD’s team applies a set process for reviewing
available, current data (including positivity rate, cases, testing,
contact tracing and health care system capacity) to set the risk dial
for that week.&nbsp; Because our process is driven by the current
data each week, we cannot predict when we will move the dial up or
down. 
 
The best way to move our community toward green is
to practice social distancing and to wear face coverings when in
public.

The COVID-19 Community Risk Dial
provides a summary of current COVID-19 conditions in the West Central
District. Each level of risk: low (green), moderate (yellow),
elevated (orange), and high (red) are determined by federal and
national guidance published by top public health experts and is
coupled with specific guidance for actions to take at home, at work,
and in the community. 


The following data is used when
determining dial placement:&nbsp;

The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is presented to the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted <a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a>&nbsp;the WCDHD facebook page, as well as the <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/shared/JXDHSGQTF">dashboard</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597360343854.png" alt="As of August 13, 2020" />
 <figcaption>As of August 13, 2020</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597360360058.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
The risk dial moved up from a 2.0 to 2.27 this week, this falls
within the elevated risk level. There were increases in the following
data which contributed to the move in the risk dial: 
<ul>
 <li>Contact Tracing
	</li><li>Direct contacts of positives
	</li><li>Testing Availability
	</li><li>Testing Turnaround Time
</li>
 </ul>The WCDHD risk
dial is used to show our community how COVID-19 is impacting our area
at a point-in-time.&nbsp;
Every week WCDHD’s team applies a set process for reviewing
available, current data (including positivity rate, cases, testing,
contact tracing and health care system capacity) to set the risk dial
for that week.&nbsp; Because our process is driven by the current
data each week, we cannot predict when we will move the dial up or
down. 
 
The best way to move our community toward green is
to practice social distancing and to wear face coverings when in
public.The COVID-19 Community Risk Dial
provides a summary of current COVID-19 conditions in the West Central
District. Each level of risk: low (green), moderate (yellow),
elevated (orange), and high (red) are determined by federal and
national guidance published by top public health experts and is
coupled with specific guidance for actions to take at home, at work,
and in the community. 
The following data is used when
determining dial placement:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Weekly Positivity Rate
	</li><li>Overall Positivity Rate
	</li><li>New Cases
	</li><li>Rate of Cases per day
	</li><li>Daily Hospitalization
	</li><li>ICU Availability
	</li><li>Ventilator&nbsp;Availability&nbsp;
	</li><li>Community Spread
	</li><li>Testing Availability
	</li><li>Testing Turnaround Time
	</li><li>Contact Tracing
	</li><li>Direct contacts of positives
	</li><li>Medical &amp; Surgical Bed
	Availability 
	
	</li><li>Availability of Reliable and Valid
	Antibody Testing
	</li><li>Availability of effective
	treatment&nbsp;modalities&nbsp;for COVID-19&nbsp;
	</li><li>An effective vaccine that is
	widely available&nbsp;
	</li><li>Being able to easily obtain PPE
	through standard supply chains
</li>
 </ul>The risk dial will be updated every
Thursday after the information is presented to the Public Health
Command Center. Dial updates are posted <a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/risk-dial.html">HERE</a>&nbsp;the WCDHD facebook page, as well as the <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/shared/JXDHSGQTF">dashboard</a>.

WCDHD: COVID-19 community risk remains elevated; dial moves up in Orange

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) reported 24 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Wednesday.

18 of these cases are from August 12, 2020:

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…">WCDHD Dashboard</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) reported 24 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their jurisdiction on Wednesday.18 of these cases are from August 12, 2020:1 case is from Thomas County23 cases are from Lincoln CountyAll cases are under investigation.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597286661916.png" alt="covid update august 12 2020.png" />
 <figcaption>covid update august 12 2020.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

WCDHD reports 24 new COVID-19 cases in jurisdiction on Wednesday

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH-Associated Press

MISSION, Kan. (AP) - As parents nationwide prepare to help their children with more distance learning, a small but quickly growing number are deciding to take matters entirely into their own hands and begin homeschooling.

Some are worried their districts are unable to offer a strong virtual learning program. For others who may have been considering homeschooling, concerns for their family's health amid the coronavirus and the on-again, off-again planning for in-person instruction are leading them to part ways with school systems.

Mindy Kroesche, a freelance writer and editor from Lincoln, Nebraska, had been leaning toward homeschooling her 12-year-old son, who has autism and ADHD diagnoses that made middle school a challenge. But she always felt her 10-year-old daughter was "built for school." Now with the pandemic raging, she is pulling them both out for the year.

"We just saw that with her wearing a mask for the entire day, that would make learning more difficult for her," she said. "It was going to be such a different environment. We didn't think it would be as beneficial for her."

Homeschooling applications are surging in states including Nebraska, where they are up 21%, and Vermont, where they are up 75%. In North Carolina, a rush of parents filing notices that they planned to homeschool overwhelmed a government website last month, leaving it temporarily unable to accept applications.

There were about 2.5 million homeschool students last year in grades K-12 in the U.S., making up about 3% to 4% of school-age children, according to the National Home Educators Research Institute. Brian Ray, the group's president, is anticipating that their numbers will increase by at least 10%.

"One day the school district says X and four days later they say Y," Ray said. "And then the governor says another thing and then that changes what the school district can do. And parents and teachers are tired of what appear to be arbitrary and capricious decisions. They are tired of it and saying we are out of here."

Interest in homeschooling materials also has been surging, driven in part by parents who are keeping their children enrolled in schools but looking for ways to supplement distance learning.

The National Home School Association received more than 3,400 requests for information on a single day last month, up from between five and 20 inquiries per day before the coronavirus. The group had to increase the size of its email inbox to keep up.

"Clearly the interest we have been getting has exploded," said J. Allen Weston, the executive director of the suburban Denver-based group. "That is really the only way to describe it."

Some parents in rural parts of Nebraska are turning to homeschooling because staffing and limited access to home internet leave districts unable to offer a virtual learning option, said Kathryn Dillow, president and executive director of Nebraska Home Schools, a support and advocacy group.

Homeschooling applications continue arriving in Nebraska, where the number of homeschoolers already had risen to 3,400 as of July 14, up from 2,800 at the same time a year ago, said David Jespersen, a spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Education.

Jespersen said there is "a lot of confusion" and that "parents are delayed in making their decision" because so much is changing.

Regardless of the final number, Jespersen doesn't expect that the increase will bust districts' budgets because homeschoolers will still remain a small fraction of about 326,000 students spread over the state's 244 school systems.

Most other states don't have homeschooling numbers, either because they aren't collected at the state level or it's too early. But all indications point to increases across the country.

"Now is when the reality sets in," said John Edelson, president of Time4Learning, an online curriculum provider, which has seen business explode. "People have postponed the decision, but we are at this great inflection point. And it is hard to see what the angle is going to be, but it is definitely up."

In Missouri, calls and emails pour into the homeschool advocacy group Families For Home Education each time a district releases its reopening plan, said Charyti Jackson, the group's executive director. She said families are in a "panic" about virtual starts to the year and hybrid plans in which students attend classes parttime and study at home the rest.

"They are asking, 'What am I supposed to be doing with my children when I am working full time?'" she said.

For the families who only plan to homeschool for a semester or two, some in small groups or pods, her advice is focused on how to make sure students can transition back to public schooling smoothly when the pandemic ends. That's trickier for students who receive special education services and high schoolers who need to meet their district's graduation requirements.

There also are some indications the exodus to homeschooling could continue well into fall. Christina Rothermel-Branham, a psychology and counseling professor at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, said she is going to attempt remote learning through her local school district for her 6-year-old son. But she said the virtual learning she oversaw in the spring was "very monotonous" and that she plans to switch to homeschooling if the first month goes poorly.

"If there is a lot of stress between the two of us it is probably going to get him pulled out," she said.

Rothermel-Branham, 39, already has scouted out curriculum as a backup and has signed up for art and music classes through Outschool, an online learning platform that is reporting 30 times year-over-year growth since March.

"It is such a big mess," said Outschool CEO Amir Nathoo. "A lot of schools spent all summer preparing for a social distanced reopening and now it looks like that isn't going to happen because of the virus."

He said the demand for classes has been particularly strong in states that moved aggressively to reopen, including Texas, Florida, Georgia and Arizona.

Chris Perrin, the CEO of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania-based Classical Academic Press, said curriculum sales to homeschoolers are up by 50% and that enrollment in its online Scholé Academy has increased by 100% amid the pandemic. He said some there was "understandably a lot of bad online learning" in the spring and that some parents were "appalled" as they oversaw it.

"They are saying I can't stand by and do nothing," Perrin said. "So they are becoming homeschoolers."

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH-Associated Press MISSION, Kan. (AP) - As parents nationwide prepare to help their children with more distance learning, a small but quickly growing number are deciding to take matters entirely into their own hands and begin homeschooling.Some are worried their districts are unable to offer a strong virtual learning program. For others who may have been considering homeschooling, concerns for their family's health amid the coronavirus and the on-again, off-again planning for in-person instruction are leading them to part ways with school systems.Mindy Kroesche, a freelance writer and editor from Lincoln, Nebraska, had been leaning toward homeschooling her 12-year-old son, who has autism and ADHD diagnoses that made middle school a challenge. But she always felt her 10-year-old daughter was "built for school." Now with the pandemic raging, she is pulling them both out for the year."We just saw that with her wearing a mask for the entire day, that would make learning more difficult for her," she said. "It was going to be such a different environment. We didn't think it would be as beneficial for her."Homeschooling applications are surging in states including Nebraska, where they are up 21%, and Vermont, where they are up 75%. In North Carolina, a rush of parents filing notices that they planned to homeschool overwhelmed a government website last month, leaving it temporarily unable to accept applications.There were about 2.5 million homeschool students last year in grades K-12 in the U.S., making up about 3% to 4% of school-age children, according to the National Home Educators Research Institute. Brian Ray, the group's president, is anticipating that their numbers will increase by at least 10%."One day the school district says X and four days later they say Y," Ray said. "And then the governor says another thing and then that changes what the school district can do. And parents and teachers are tired of what appear to be arbitrary and capricious decisions. They are tired of it and saying we are out of here."Interest in homeschooling materials also has been surging, driven in part by parents who are keeping their children enrolled in schools but looking for ways to supplement distance learning.The National Home School Association received more than 3,400 requests for information on a single day last month, up from between five and 20 inquiries per day before the coronavirus. The group had to increase the size of its email inbox to keep up."Clearly the interest we have been getting has exploded," said J. Allen Weston, the executive director of the suburban Denver-based group. "That is really the only way to describe it."Some parents in rural parts of Nebraska are turning to homeschooling because staffing and limited access to home internet leave districts unable to offer a virtual learning option, said Kathryn Dillow, president and executive director of Nebraska Home Schools, a support and advocacy group.Homeschooling applications continue arriving in Nebraska, where the number of homeschoolers already had risen to 3,400 as of July 14, up from 2,800 at the same time a year ago, said David Jespersen, a spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Education.Jespersen said there is "a lot of confusion" and that "parents are delayed in making their decision" because so much is changing.Regardless of the final number, Jespersen doesn't expect that the increase will bust districts' budgets because homeschoolers will still remain a small fraction of about 326,000 students spread over the state's 244 school systems.Most other states don't have homeschooling numbers, either because they aren't collected at the state level or it's too early. But all indications point to increases across the country."Now is when the reality sets in," said John Edelson, president of Time4Learning, an online curriculum provider, which has seen business explode. "People have postponed the decision, but we are at this great inflection point. And it is hard to see what the angle is going to be, but it is definitely up."In Missouri, calls and emails pour into the homeschool advocacy group Families For Home Education each time a district releases its reopening plan, said Charyti Jackson, the group's executive director. She said families are in a "panic" about virtual starts to the year and hybrid plans in which students attend classes parttime and study at home the rest."They are asking, 'What am I supposed to be doing with my children when I am working full time?'" she said.For the families who only plan to homeschool for a semester or two, some in small groups or pods, her advice is focused on how to make sure students can transition back to public schooling smoothly when the pandemic ends. That's trickier for students who receive special education services and high schoolers who need to meet their district's graduation requirements.There also are some indications the exodus to homeschooling could continue well into fall. Christina Rothermel-Branham, a psychology and counseling professor at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, said she is going to attempt remote learning through her local school district for her 6-year-old son. But she said the virtual learning she oversaw in the spring was "very monotonous" and that she plans to switch to homeschooling if the first month goes poorly."If there is a lot of stress between the two of us it is probably going to get him pulled out," she said.Rothermel-Branham, 39, already has scouted out curriculum as a backup and has signed up for art and music classes through Outschool, an online learning platform that is reporting 30 times year-over-year growth since March."It is such a big mess," said Outschool CEO Amir Nathoo. "A lot of schools spent all summer preparing for a social distanced reopening and now it looks like that isn't going to happen because of the virus."He said the demand for classes has been particularly strong in states that moved aggressively to reopen, including Texas, Florida, Georgia and Arizona.Chris Perrin, the CEO of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania-based Classical Academic Press, said curriculum sales to homeschoolers are up by 50% and that enrollment in its online Scholé Academy has increased by 100% amid the pandemic. He said some there was "understandably a lot of bad online learning" in the spring and that some parents were "appalled" as they oversaw it."They are saying I can't stand by and do nothing," Perrin said. "So they are becoming homeschoolers."

Interest in homeschooling has 'exploded' amid pandemic

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The surprising (at least to fans) announcement late last week that the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is suspending the fall seasons for football and volleyball probably won’t be the last word, according to Joel Smith, the Chadron State College athletic director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; More discussions are scheduled and some changes are anticipated as the NCAA, the conferences and the schools try to do what is best for the student-athletes and the athletic programs, he added.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smith, who is chairman of the RMAC’s Competition Committee, said Monday morning that he already had four zoom meetings scheduled for this week, two of them at the national level and two at the conference level.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “We’re all trying to do the right thing,” Smith said. “We had to make the announcement last week because we had too many questions that were going to take some time to answer. He said they included testing for COVID-19, insurance coverage in case athletes are affected, eligibility of the athletes and scholarships.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The RMAC announcement said the fall sports competition would be moved to the spring, but that also spawned numerous questions, particularly concerning football because of weather implications.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just a week earlier, the RMAC Presidents’ Council announced that conference-only contests would be played this fall, beginning Sept. 18 and 19. The Presidents’ Council also made last week’s decision suspending the fall football, volleyball and soccer seasons, but allowing cross county and golf to be played this fall because they are considered “low risk” sports.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several other Division II conferences had made similar announcements prior to the RMAC decision. Now, it appears that all DII conferences have decided to forego competition in the “high risk” sports this fall.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Earlier last week, the NCAA Board of Governors and the DII Presidents’ Council mandated that no fall sports national championships will take place in 2020.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While much remains uncertain, Smith said it’s possible football teams this fall may emulate what they’ve been doing in the spring and then play a limited schedule of games in the spring.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “There’s no way football will play 10 games in the spring and then play another 10 in the fall (of 2021), after we certainly hope everything is back to normal,” Smith said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He added that after visiting with some of his colleagues Monday, it seems probable that volleyball will switch nearly everything that usually takes place in the fall to spring.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NCAA rules state that coaches may have instructional contact with their athletes a total of 103 days annually. In the past for football, 15 of those days have been utilized in the spring and the remainder in the fall.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smith added that the NCAA previously had decided that all athletes would have to take COVID tests through their nostrils 72 hours before the contests began.&nbsp; The process is expensive, but Smith said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts had stated the state would assist with those costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other members of RMAC had not received similar assurances at last report, Smith said.

He also stated that the colleges’ current insurance does not cover payments for care necessitated by the virus, making it another item that likely will have to be settled before any competition takes place.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State Head Football Coach Jay Long called the scenario “pretty crazy.”&nbsp;

“As coaches, we try to plan and be well organized and then things become so uncertain,” Long added. “That’s just the way things have happened.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Long said at least 40 and maybe as many as 60 CSC football players have been living in Chadron this summer and working out four or five times a week on their own to get ready for the season.

Some of them went home on Friday when they found out there would be no fall camp, which had been scheduled to start on Friday the 14th&nbsp;following the announcement that the Eagles’ first game would be Sept. 19 against South Dakota Mines in Rapid City.

Long said he is hopeful that all of the players will be back this week to be ready when classes begin on Monday.&nbsp; He and his assistants plan to meet with each of the players individually. By then, more information may be available.

&nbsp;&nbsp;Long said some of those nearing graduation may decide not to play if the schedule remains unsettled. The NCAA has determined athletes who decide not to play because of the virus, but remain in school will retain their athletic scholarships.

&nbsp;Football players will be allowed to participate in up to five games before they would use a year of eligibility, Smith said.&nbsp; Similar rules are established for volleyball and other sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State hosted two three-day high school football team camps with nearly 800 participants and two one-day prospect camps, all in July, and received no reports of any COVID-19 problems following them, Long reported.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CSC also hosted volleyball and softball camps during the past month with no negative consequences.&nbsp;

By: Con Marshall, CSC Athletics&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The surprising (at least to fans) announcement late last week that the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is suspending the fall seasons for football and volleyball probably won’t be the last word, according to Joel Smith, the Chadron State College athletic director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; More discussions are scheduled and some changes are anticipated as the NCAA, the conferences and the schools try to do what is best for the student-athletes and the athletic programs, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smith, who is chairman of the RMAC’s Competition Committee, said Monday morning that he already had four zoom meetings scheduled for this week, two of them at the national level and two at the conference level.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “We’re all trying to do the right thing,” Smith said. “We had to make the announcement last week because we had too many questions that were going to take some time to answer. He said they included testing for COVID-19, insurance coverage in case athletes are affected, eligibility of the athletes and scholarships.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The RMAC announcement said the fall sports competition would be moved to the spring, but that also spawned numerous questions, particularly concerning football because of weather implications.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just a week earlier, the RMAC Presidents’ Council announced that conference-only contests would be played this fall, beginning Sept. 18 and 19. The Presidents’ Council also made last week’s decision suspending the fall football, volleyball and soccer seasons, but allowing cross county and golf to be played this fall because they are considered “low risk” sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several other Division II conferences had made similar announcements prior to the RMAC decision. Now, it appears that all DII conferences have decided to forego competition in the “high risk” sports this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Earlier last week, the NCAA Board of Governors and the DII Presidents’ Council mandated that no fall sports national championships will take place in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While much remains uncertain, Smith said it’s possible football teams this fall may emulate what they’ve been doing in the spring and then play a limited schedule of games in the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “There’s no way football will play 10 games in the spring and then play another 10 in the fall (of 2021), after we certainly hope everything is back to normal,” Smith said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He added that after visiting with some of his colleagues Monday, it seems probable that volleyball will switch nearly everything that usually takes place in the fall to spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; NCAA rules state that coaches may have instructional contact with their athletes a total of 103 days annually. In the past for football, 15 of those days have been utilized in the spring and the remainder in the fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smith added that the NCAA previously had decided that all athletes would have to take COVID tests through their nostrils 72 hours before the contests began.&nbsp; The process is expensive, but Smith said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts had stated the state would assist with those costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other members of RMAC had not received similar assurances at last report, Smith said.He also stated that the colleges’ current insurance does not cover payments for care necessitated by the virus, making it another item that likely will have to be settled before any competition takes place.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State Head Football Coach Jay Long called the scenario “pretty crazy.”&nbsp;“As coaches, we try to plan and be well organized and then things become so uncertain,” Long added. “That’s just the way things have happened.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Long said at least 40 and maybe as many as 60 CSC football players have been living in Chadron this summer and working out four or five times a week on their own to get ready for the season.Some of them went home on Friday when they found out there would be no fall camp, which had been scheduled to start on Friday the 14th&nbsp;following the announcement that the Eagles’ first game would be Sept. 19 against South Dakota Mines in Rapid City.Long said he is hopeful that all of the players will be back this week to be ready when classes begin on Monday.&nbsp; He and his assistants plan to meet with each of the players individually. By then, more information may be available.&nbsp;&nbsp;Long said some of those nearing graduation may decide not to play if the schedule remains unsettled. The NCAA has determined athletes who decide not to play because of the virus, but remain in school will retain their athletic scholarships.&nbsp;Football players will be allowed to participate in up to five games before they would use a year of eligibility, Smith said.&nbsp; Similar rules are established for volleyball and other sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chadron State hosted two three-day high school football team camps with nearly 800 participants and two one-day prospect camps, all in July, and received no reports of any COVID-19 problems following them, Long reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CSC also hosted volleyball and softball camps during the past month with no negative consequences.&nbsp;

RMAC's decision to postpone fall sports may not be the last word...

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department reported five new cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County on Monday.

All cases are under investigation, according to WCDHD.&nbsp;

There are currently 96 active cases in the WCDHD jurisdiction. There have been 173 confirmed cases since March. With 75 reported as recovered.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Officials with the West Central District Health Department reported five new cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County on Monday.All cases are under investigation, according to WCDHD.&nbsp;There are currently 96 active cases in the WCDHD jurisdiction. There have been 173 confirmed cases since March. With 75 reported as recovered.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597116130496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Officials report 5 new coronavirus cases in Lincoln County on Monday

🎥 Public Health Command Center Update from North Platte (August 10, 2020)

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's public and private colleges are forging ahead with plans to resume in-person classes this month but will take new steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, top administrators said Monday.

Representatives for Nebraska's three state colleges and 13 private colleges said students will see socially distanced classrooms, less strict attendance policies and mask mandates on campuses throughout the state. Colleges are also planning on-campus temperature screenings.

"Overall, I'm extremely optimistic that we're going to do the right things," said Paul Turman, chancellor of the Nebraska State College System.

The system includes the publicly funded Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges. The University of Nebraska, which is separate from the state colleges, outlined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9da51a2b924473e7f318424205d99a73" target="_blank">similar plans</a>&nbsp;for its fall classes last month.

Turman said the state colleges are adopting a less strict attendance policy this coming semester, and won't penalize students for not coming to class. Classes are also starting in mid-August, a week earlier than normal, and the semester is set to end just before Thanksgiving.

Nebraska Wesleyan University President Darrin Good said his school is imposing strict mask requirements on campus and reducing the number of desks in classrooms to try to keep the virus from spreading. Good said the private university in Lincoln is working with local health departments to provide coronavirus tests when needed.

He said most students have voiced support for the decision to revert back to in-person classes after the switch to online-only earlier this year.

"Having students come back for face-to-face classes and that campus experience is absolutely essential," he said.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said state officials will use contract tracing on any students who test positive for the virus to determine who may have been exposed on campus.

Nebraska officials have confirmed 28,432 coronavirus cases and 345 deaths since the pandemic began, although the actual number is likely higher because some people haven't gotten tested. A total of 302,926 people have been tested so far, and state officials confirmed 187 new cases on Sunday.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Nebraska currently has 41% of its hospital beds available and 82% of its ventilators available, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online tracking portal</a>.

Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte</a>

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's public and private colleges are forging ahead with plans to resume in-person classes this month but will take new steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, top administrators said Monday.Representatives for Nebraska's three state colleges and 13 private colleges said students will see socially distanced classrooms, less strict attendance policies and mask mandates on campuses throughout the state. Colleges are also planning on-campus temperature screenings."Overall, I'm extremely optimistic that we're going to do the right things," said Paul Turman, chancellor of the Nebraska State College System.The system includes the publicly funded Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges. The University of Nebraska, which is separate from the state colleges, outlined&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9da51a2b924473e7f318424205d99a73" target="_blank">similar plans</a>&nbsp;for its fall classes last month.Turman said the state colleges are adopting a less strict attendance policy this coming semester, and won't penalize students for not coming to class. Classes are also starting in mid-August, a week earlier than normal, and the semester is set to end just before Thanksgiving.Nebraska Wesleyan University President Darrin Good said his school is imposing strict mask requirements on campus and reducing the number of desks in classrooms to try to keep the virus from spreading. Good said the private university in Lincoln is working with local health departments to provide coronavirus tests when needed.He said most students have voiced support for the decision to revert back to in-person classes after the switch to online-only earlier this year."Having students come back for face-to-face classes and that campus experience is absolutely essential," he said.Gov. Pete Ricketts said state officials will use contract tracing on any students who test positive for the virus to determine who may have been exposed on campus.Nebraska officials have confirmed 28,432 coronavirus cases and 345 deaths since the pandemic began, although the actual number is likely higher because some people haven't gotten tested. A total of 302,926 people have been tested so far, and state officials confirmed 187 new cases on Sunday.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.Nebraska currently has 41% of its hospital beds available and 82% of its ventilators available, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online tracking portal</a>.___Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte</a>

Nebraska's public, private colleges gear up for school year

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported 13 new positive cases of COVID 19 in Lincoln County on Sunday.

There have now been 168 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the WCDHD jurisdiction since March. 70 of those cases are considered recovered. There were two deaths early in the outbreak.

The Post has spoken to numerous people anonymously who have tested positive and all report being asymptomatic or report having very mild symptoms.&nbsp;

9 of the cases are from 8/8/2020 (total of 27 positives for this date) 4 of the cases are from today 8/9/2020

8 of the cases are close contacts, 4 are under investigation, and 1 is travel related.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department reported 13 new positive cases of COVID 19 in Lincoln County on Sunday.There have now been 168 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the WCDHD jurisdiction since March. 70 of those cases are considered recovered. There were two deaths early in the outbreak.The Post has spoken to numerous people anonymously who have tested positive and all report being asymptomatic or report having very mild symptoms.&nbsp;From WCDHD:9 of the cases are from 8/8/2020 (total of 27 positives for this date) 4 of the cases are from today 8/9/20208 of the cases are close contacts, 4 are under investigation, and 1 is travel related.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172…">WCDHD Dashboard</a><figure>
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13 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Lincoln County on Sunday

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Lincoln Police closed down a bowling alley this weekend for violating the city's coronavirus restrictions after the owner vowed to fight the rules requiring people to wear masks in public places.

On Saturday, Lincoln Police enforced the local health department's order to close Madsen's Bowling &amp; Billiards for violating restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak. Officials have said that employees at Madsen's Bowling &amp; Billiards weren't wearing face coverings, patrons were told that masks were optional and people weren't far enough apart.

The bowling alley's owner, Benjamin Madsen, has challenged the city's health restrictions in court. The business was ticketed Saturday for violating a closure order by operating on Friday.

Madsen's attorney, J.L. Spray, declined to comment on the closure on Saturday.

Officials with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said Madsen's will remain closed until it submits a plan to comply with the health rules.

Nebraska has confirmed 28,245 virus cases and 345 deaths since the pandemic began, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online tracking portal</a>. The number of cases is likely higher, though, due to those that aren't documented. Officials said 141 new cases were reported Saturday.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Lincoln Police closed down a bowling alley this weekend for violating the city's coronavirus restrictions after the owner vowed to fight the rules requiring people to wear masks in public places.On Saturday, Lincoln Police enforced the local health department's order to close Madsen's Bowling &amp; Billiards for violating restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak. Officials have said that employees at Madsen's Bowling &amp; Billiards weren't wearing face coverings, patrons were told that masks were optional and people weren't far enough apart.The bowling alley's owner, Benjamin Madsen, has challenged the city's health restrictions in court. The business was ticketed Saturday for violating a closure order by operating on Friday.Madsen's attorney, J.L. Spray, declined to comment on the closure on Saturday.Officials with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said Madsen's will remain closed until it submits a plan to comply with the health rules.Nebraska has confirmed 28,245 virus cases and 345 deaths since the pandemic began, according to the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online tracking portal</a>. The number of cases is likely higher, though, due to those that aren't documented. Officials said 141 new cases were reported Saturday.

Coronavirus Update