LINCOLN, Nebraska — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will continue cabin, lodge and group activity shelter closures at state park and recreation areas through June 15, with a further possible extension, in a proactive effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The closures are being continued until proper disinfection between reservations can be achieved for the safety of guests and their communities.

“While this may be an inconvenience to those who have reservations for facilities, we want to make sure rentals are safe for our visitors and staff,” said Parks Division Administrator Jim Swenson. “We love seeing our parks and cabins filled with people spending time outdoors, but our top priority at this time has to be the health and safety of all Nebraskans. We will continue to restore services as conditions allow, and we thank everyone for their patronage and understanding during this difficult time.”

If a reservation has been affected by the closure, Game and Parks staff will contact guests directly about a refund or transfer, if applicable. Refunds will be provided to those whose reservations are cancelled. Those with questions about their reservation can contact Game and Parks at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MjcuMjIwNjAzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9yZXNlcnZhdGlvbi1pbnF1aXJ5LyJ9.bor-CFFpcM1HtDtfswz_qAx4rNImGNaiiPKZ1QdpCis/br/79124933246-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.org/reservation-inquiry</a>. Inquiries are answered in the order they are received, and response time is dependent upon call volume and available staff.

Game and Parks offices, visitor’s centers and welcome centers also are currently closed to public walk-in traffic until further notice, as are playground structures at state park and recreation areas.

Game and Parks continues to monitor the public health situation and will phase-in services where possible that comply with guidance issued by local and state health officials.

State parks and recreation areas remain open for day use, including fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and limited camping services were made available at sites across the state May 22. All permits can be purchased online. For a list of parks or recreation areas that currently offer camping go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MjcuMjIwNjAzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9wYXJrc2ZhcXMvIn0.kaPbC_C-MtEThB5quPmwIyHR0-7jWpmHaxs5cKkeHLw/br/79124933246-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.org/parksfaqs</a>.

LINCOLN, Nebraska — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will continue cabin, lodge and group activity shelter closures at state park and recreation areas through June 15, with a further possible extension, in a proactive effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.The closures are being continued until proper disinfection between reservations can be achieved for the safety of guests and their communities.“While this may be an inconvenience to those who have reservations for facilities, we want to make sure rentals are safe for our visitors and staff,” said Parks Division Administrator Jim Swenson. “We love seeing our parks and cabins filled with people spending time outdoors, but our top priority at this time has to be the health and safety of all Nebraskans. We will continue to restore services as conditions allow, and we thank everyone for their patronage and understanding during this difficult time.”If a reservation has been affected by the closure, Game and Parks staff will contact guests directly about a refund or transfer, if applicable. Refunds will be provided to those whose reservations are cancelled. Those with questions about their reservation can contact Game and Parks at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MjcuMjIwNjAzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9yZXNlcnZhdGlvbi1pbnF1aXJ5LyJ9.bor-CFFpcM1HtDtfswz_qAx4rNImGNaiiPKZ1QdpCis/br/79124933246-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.org/reservation-inquiry</a>. Inquiries are answered in the order they are received, and response time is dependent upon call volume and available staff.Game and Parks offices, visitor’s centers and welcome centers also are currently closed to public walk-in traffic until further notice, as are playground structures at state park and recreation areas.Game and Parks continues to monitor the public health situation and will phase-in services where possible that comply with guidance issued by local and state health officials.State parks and recreation areas remain open for day use, including fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and limited camping services were made available at sites across the state May 22. All permits can be purchased online. For a list of parks or recreation areas that currently offer camping go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MjcuMjIwNjAzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9wYXJrc2ZhcXMvIn0.kaPbC_C-MtEThB5quPmwIyHR0-7jWpmHaxs5cKkeHLw/br/79124933246-l" target="_blank">outdoornebraska.org/parksfaqs</a>.

Nebraska Game and Parks cabin, lodge closures extended through June 15

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced an executive order waiving the requirement for older Nebraskans to renew their driver’s licenses in-person.&nbsp; Normally, Nebraskans age 72 or older must appear in-person to renew a license.&nbsp; However, the coronavirus has made it advisable to practice social distancing to encourage health and safety.&nbsp; As a result of the Governor’s executive order, Class O and motorcycle licenses set to expire from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020—for Nebraskans 72 or older—will be extended for one year from the date of expiration printed on the license.&nbsp;

Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV, joined Gov. Ricketts for this afternoon’s press briefing.&nbsp; She talked about the Governor’s executive order and other steps the DMV has taken to serve Nebraskans while promoting physical distancing.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7Cb8fed8ff2c114cdcd30608d801b00a63%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637261202881787586&amp;sdata=YshTOTqkWxJkWen6V4RgF%2B1mPzTxVMnxInBxRIGydwQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind folks about the Test Nebraska schedule for this week:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Test sites are operating in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Kearney, York, Seward, Beatrice, and Clay Center.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Take the assessment and sign up for a test if you qualify.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout this pandemic, we have been taking extra steps to ensure vital services are still available to the residents of Nebraska.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An example of these are the services offered by the DMV.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The department has continued to provide services in counties that remained open throughout the last couple of months, taking extra care to keep our customers and teammates safe.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The department made an extra effort to engage with third-party driving schools to ensure those residents who needed a CDL license were able to get one.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This partnership has helped over 700 new commercial (CDL) drivers obtain their licenses since March 1st.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, to aid our continued pandemic response and to help protect vulnerable Nebraskans, I have signed Executive Order 20-25.&nbsp; It will extend driver licenses for Nebraskans who are 72 years of age and older for one year.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This will help ensure that many of our seniors do not wait in the DMV for service while we are trying to protect them and slow the spread of the virus.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Governor’s executive order is a great step to help safeguard our older population in Nebraska.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This executive order will extend the expiration date of all driver licenses, for drivers aged 72 and older, whose license expires between March 1 and December 31, 2020 for one year from the date of expiration.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DMV services have continued to be available in all counties where the DMV has been able to provide service.&nbsp; However, due to the closure of county offices and other buildings, many DMV locations have been temporarily closed.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In March, the Governor’s executive order extended the expiration date for all driver’s licenses and state IDs until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This was great news for our customers who no longer had to rush to renew their license.&nbsp; However, when we suspended drive tests, we had more than a few disappointed teenagers.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Drive tests will begin again tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27th).

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Services will be available in all counties where courthouses are open to walk-in public traffic.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to operate our standard practice for drive tests in the Omaha Metro South office in Bellevue.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;To set up a drive test, customers can give us a call to schedule their appointment.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Details can be found on our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dmv.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">dmv.nebraska.gov</a>.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We have taken a number of steps to increase our capacity throughout the state, including in the Omaha Metro area.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are reassigning teammates, hiring temporary staff, and extending our operating hours in facilities where we are permitted to do so in order to increase our service capacity.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We anticipate being able to administer more than double our standard capacity of skills tests in the Omaha Metro area.&nbsp; We will ramp up further capacity as more temporary teammates come on board.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our teammates will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment to help safeguard the health and safety of our customers and examiners.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Given the confined quarters of the vehicle, and consistent with recommendations from CDC and OSHA, we will require our customers to wear a face covering while participating in a drive test.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are asking anyone who is unwell to please stay home.&nbsp; We will be happy to reschedule your drive test for a different day.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I know many people are wondering when their local DMV office will reopen.&nbsp; This depends on decisions made by local county officials.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as the county lets us know the date they intend to reopen, we will publish the date DMV services will be available on our website.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As counties choose to open their offices again to walk-in public traffic, we will resume services in these locations.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, I would like to remind everyone of the services available on our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dmv.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">dmv.nebraska.gov</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We look forward to being able to resume full services across the state as soon as possible.

Read the Governor’s latest executive order by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/v8urmpput59273d/EO%2020-25%20-%20Driver%20License%20Waiver%20.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:00 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jibguxil57mbngd/AADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590584469032.png" alt="\Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Nebraska DMV Director Rhonda Lahm (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s afternoon press briefing." />
 <figcaption>\Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Nebraska DMV Director Rhonda Lahm (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s afternoon press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced an executive order waiving the requirement for older Nebraskans to renew their driver’s licenses in-person.&nbsp; Normally, Nebraskans age 72 or older must appear in-person to renew a license.&nbsp; However, the coronavirus has made it advisable to practice social distancing to encourage health and safety.&nbsp; As a result of the Governor’s executive order, Class O and motorcycle licenses set to expire from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020—for Nebraskans 72 or older—will be extended for one year from the date of expiration printed on the license.&nbsp;Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV, joined Gov. Ricketts for this afternoon’s press briefing.&nbsp; She talked about the Governor’s executive order and other steps the DMV has taken to serve Nebraskans while promoting physical distancing.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7Cb8fed8ff2c114cdcd30608d801b00a63%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637261202881787586&amp;sdata=YshTOTqkWxJkWen6V4RgF%2B1mPzTxVMnxInBxRIGydwQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind folks about the Test Nebraska schedule for this week:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Test sites are operating in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Kearney, York, Seward, Beatrice, and Clay Center.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Take the assessment and sign up for a test if you qualify.Gov. Ricketts: DMV·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout this pandemic, we have been taking extra steps to ensure vital services are still available to the residents of Nebraska.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An example of these are the services offered by the DMV.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The department has continued to provide services in counties that remained open throughout the last couple of months, taking extra care to keep our customers and teammates safe.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The department made an extra effort to engage with third-party driving schools to ensure those residents who needed a CDL license were able to get one.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This partnership has helped over 700 new commercial (CDL) drivers obtain their licenses since March 1st.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, to aid our continued pandemic response and to help protect vulnerable Nebraskans, I have signed Executive Order 20-25.&nbsp; It will extend driver licenses for Nebraskans who are 72 years of age and older for one year.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This will help ensure that many of our seniors do not wait in the DMV for service while we are trying to protect them and slow the spread of the virus.Director Lahm: DMV·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Governor’s executive order is a great step to help safeguard our older population in Nebraska.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This executive order will extend the expiration date of all driver licenses, for drivers aged 72 and older, whose license expires between March 1 and December 31, 2020 for one year from the date of expiration.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DMV services have continued to be available in all counties where the DMV has been able to provide service.&nbsp; However, due to the closure of county offices and other buildings, many DMV locations have been temporarily closed.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In March, the Governor’s executive order extended the expiration date for all driver’s licenses and state IDs until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This was great news for our customers who no longer had to rush to renew their license.&nbsp; However, when we suspended drive tests, we had more than a few disappointed teenagers.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Drive tests will begin again tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27th).o&nbsp;&nbsp;Services will be available in all counties where courthouses are open to walk-in public traffic.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to operate our standard practice for drive tests in the Omaha Metro South office in Bellevue.o&nbsp;&nbsp;To set up a drive test, customers can give us a call to schedule their appointment.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Details can be found on our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dmv.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">dmv.nebraska.gov</a>.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We have taken a number of steps to increase our capacity throughout the state, including in the Omaha Metro area.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are reassigning teammates, hiring temporary staff, and extending our operating hours in facilities where we are permitted to do so in order to increase our service capacity.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We anticipate being able to administer more than double our standard capacity of skills tests in the Omaha Metro area.&nbsp; We will ramp up further capacity as more temporary teammates come on board.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our teammates will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment to help safeguard the health and safety of our customers and examiners.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Given the confined quarters of the vehicle, and consistent with recommendations from CDC and OSHA, we will require our customers to wear a face covering while participating in a drive test.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are asking anyone who is unwell to please stay home.&nbsp; We will be happy to reschedule your drive test for a different day.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I know many people are wondering when their local DMV office will reopen.&nbsp; This depends on decisions made by local county officials.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as the county lets us know the date they intend to reopen, we will publish the date DMV services will be available on our website.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As counties choose to open their offices again to walk-in public traffic, we will resume services in these locations.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, I would like to remind everyone of the services available on our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dmv.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">dmv.nebraska.gov</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We look forward to being able to resume full services across the state as soon as possible.Read the Governor’s latest executive order by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/v8urmpput59273d/EO%2020-25%20-%20Driver%20License%20Waiver%20.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:00 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jibguxil57mbngd/AADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts issues executive order for driver's license renewals for older Nebraskans

From DHHS<figure>
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DHHS outlines changes to DHMs as Nebraska moves into Phase II of reopening process

Plans for gathering, events, and venues reopening must be submitted to Panhandle Public Health District and approved for all indoor and outdoor locations/venues that hold or have a capacity of 500 or more individuals before reopening is permitted. This application is accessible here: https://tinyurl.com/y8rgnflz.

In accordance with the June Directed Health Measure, gatherings will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 25% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 3,000) for gatherings held at: Indoor or Outdoor Arenas, Indoor or Outdoor Auctions, Stadiums, Tracks, Fairgrounds, Festivals, Zoos, Auditoriums, Large Event Conference Rooms, Meeting Halls, Indoor Theaters, Libraries, Swimming Pools, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. Groups shall be no larger than six (6) individuals. Six (6) feet separation between groups must be maintained.

Unified Command confirms five new cases for COVID-19 in the Panhandle. The case details are as follows:

The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. There are no community exposure sites identified. Exposure is defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart.

Out of the 411 tests conducted last week in Scotts Bluff County through TestNebraska, there were six positive cases. This information has been included in the previous and the current news release. Not all test results have been received.

Three more Morrill County and four Scotts Bluff County cases have been deemed recovered. This brings the total recoveries to 73.

· Box Butte County: 2 cases (1 active, 1 recovered)

· Cheyenne County: 10 cases (1 active, 9 recovered)

· Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)

· Morrill County: 11 Cases (3 active, 8 recovered)

· Scotts Bluff County: 71 Cases (27 active, 44 recovered)

Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.

For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

By PPHDPlans for gathering, events, and venues reopening must be submitted to Panhandle Public Health District and approved for all indoor and outdoor locations/venues that hold or have a capacity of 500 or more individuals before reopening is permitted. This application is accessible here: https://tinyurl.com/y8rgnflz.In accordance with the June Directed Health Measure, gatherings will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 25% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 3,000) for gatherings held at: Indoor or Outdoor Arenas, Indoor or Outdoor Auctions, Stadiums, Tracks, Fairgrounds, Festivals, Zoos, Auditoriums, Large Event Conference Rooms, Meeting Halls, Indoor Theaters, Libraries, Swimming Pools, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. Groups shall be no larger than six (6) individuals. Six (6) feet separation between groups must be maintained.Unified Command confirms five new cases for COVID-19 in the Panhandle. The case details are as follows:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590544867607.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. There are no community exposure sites identified. Exposure is defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart.Out of the 411 tests conducted last week in Scotts Bluff County through TestNebraska, there were six positive cases. This information has been included in the previous and the current news release. Not all test results have been received.Three more Morrill County and four Scotts Bluff County cases have been deemed recovered. This brings the total recoveries to 73.March 2-May 26, 2020Total Tests Completed: 2,530Positive: 105Deaths: 0Recovered: 73Active cases: 32· Box Butte County: 2 cases (1 active, 1 recovered)· Cheyenne County: 10 cases (1 active, 9 recovered)· Dawes County: 1 case (recovered)· Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)· Morrill County: 11 Cases (3 active, 8 recovered)· Scotts Bluff County: 71 Cases (27 active, 44 recovered)Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

5 new virus cases confirmed, Panhandle total positive count 105, 73 recoveries

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Omaha-area hospitals have reported another uptick in coronavirus patients but local health officials are still managing the caseload without any issues, the state's top doctor said Tuesday.

Nebraska Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, said Douglas County's hospitals are treating 135 patients, up from 122 last week. But Anthone said the increase hasn't had much impact on the availability of hospital beds or ventilators.

"Everyone feels like they're able to handle the situation," he said at the governor's news conference.

Among the new coronavirus patients is state Sen. Mike Moser, of Columbus, who is receiving care at Nebraska Medical Center. Gov. Pete Ricketts said Tuesday that he was "praying for (Moser) and his family as he goes through this recovery process."

Moser, 68, was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018. The Columbus music store owner previously served as the city's mayor from 2004-2016. In an April letter to his constituents, Moser said he supported the "tough, but necessary" decision to postpone the legislative session because of the pandemic.

Lawmakers suspended their session in late March but are expected to return July 20 to finish the remaining scheduled days.

Another state lawmaker, Sen. Tony Vargas, of Omaha, announced last month that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8cca6fbcaab45563b53d1d2d14c38d74" target="_blank">his 72-year-old father had died</a>&nbsp;in New York after contracting the virus.

Nebraska reported 221 new cases as of Sunday night, bringing the statewide total to 12,355. The largest number is in Omaha's Douglas County, with 3,186 known cases. Among whose who tested positive for the coronavirus, 150 have died.

The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.

Statewide, 46% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 43% of intensive care unit beds and 77% of ventilators are available, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Those numbers drop in Douglas County. Anthone said 29% of hospital beds, 24% of intensive care unit beds and 59% of ventilators are available.

The numbers come as Ricketts prepares to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/30d46c434c6c7246be0720627e300d4d" target="_blank">further loosen Nebraska's social-distancing restrictions</a>&nbsp;in June, arguing that the state has kept the virus from overwhelming Nebraska's hospitals.

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

By GRANT SCHULTE Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Omaha-area hospitals have reported another uptick in coronavirus patients but local health officials are still managing the caseload without any issues, the state's top doctor said Tuesday.Nebraska Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, said Douglas County's hospitals are treating 135 patients, up from 122 last week. But Anthone said the increase hasn't had much impact on the availability of hospital beds or ventilators."Everyone feels like they're able to handle the situation," he said at the governor's news conference.Among the new coronavirus patients is state Sen. Mike Moser, of Columbus, who is receiving care at Nebraska Medical Center. Gov. Pete Ricketts said Tuesday that he was "praying for (Moser) and his family as he goes through this recovery process."Moser, 68, was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018. The Columbus music store owner previously served as the city's mayor from 2004-2016. In an April letter to his constituents, Moser said he supported the "tough, but necessary" decision to postpone the legislative session because of the pandemic.Lawmakers suspended their session in late March but are expected to return July 20 to finish the remaining scheduled days.Another state lawmaker, Sen. Tony Vargas, of Omaha, announced last month that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8cca6fbcaab45563b53d1d2d14c38d74" target="_blank">his 72-year-old father had died</a>&nbsp;in New York after contracting the virus.Nebraska reported 221 new cases as of Sunday night, bringing the statewide total to 12,355. The largest number is in Omaha's Douglas County, with 3,186 known cases. Among whose who tested positive for the coronavirus, 150 have died.The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.Statewide, 46% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 43% of intensive care unit beds and 77% of ventilators are available, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.Those numbers drop in Douglas County. Anthone said 29% of hospital beds, 24% of intensive care unit beds and 59% of ventilators are available.The numbers come as Ricketts prepares to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/30d46c434c6c7246be0720627e300d4d" target="_blank">further loosen Nebraska's social-distancing restrictions</a>&nbsp;in June, arguing that the state has kept the virus from overwhelming Nebraska's hospitals.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Omaha-area hospitals see another uptick in virus patients

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — As Yellowstone and other national parks end a two-month shutdown due to the coronavirus, park officials want visitors to take precautions, such as washing their hands, keeping a safe distance from other people and wearing masks in public. 

It's unclear whether tourists who often disobey park rules will comply. 

If not, popular national parks known for drawing shoulder-to-shoulder summer crowds could become the next U.S. hot spots. 

Park officials say they plan is to let folks guard themselves against COVID-19, just as they do for the usual national park dangers that range from altitude sickness to grizzly bears.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — As Yellowstone and other national parks end a two-month shutdown due to the coronavirus, park officials want visitors to take precautions, such as washing their hands, keeping a safe distance from other people and wearing masks in public. It's unclear whether tourists who often disobey park rules will comply. If not, popular national parks known for drawing shoulder-to-shoulder summer crowds could become the next U.S. hot spots. Park officials say they plan is to let folks guard themselves against COVID-19, just as they do for the usual national park dangers that range from altitude sickness to grizzly bears.

National parks hope visitors comply with virus measures

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The meat and poultry industry has historically relied on immigrant labor to do some of the most dangerous jobs in America, from employing refugees to a notorious record of hiring immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

 Now that reliance and uncertainty about the pandemic is fueling concerns about possible labor shortages to meet demands for beef, pork and chicken. 

Companies struggling to hire are spending millions on fresh incentives. Whether there’ll be long-lasting difficulties hinge on if employees feel safe, unemployment, industry reforms and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The meat and poultry industry has historically relied on immigrant labor to do some of the most dangerous jobs in America, from employing refugees to a notorious record of hiring immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Now that reliance and uncertainty about the pandemic is fueling concerns about possible labor shortages to meet demands for beef, pork and chicken. Companies struggling to hire are spending millions on fresh incentives. Whether there’ll be long-lasting difficulties hinge on if employees feel safe, unemployment, industry reforms and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Worker shortage concerns loom in immigrant-heavy meatpacking

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Another Nebraska prisons employee has tested positive for COVID-19, according to state officials.

A staff member at the Lincoln Correctional Center recently tested positive for the virus and is self-isolating at home, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said Monday afternoon in a news release. The department will be notifying employees and inmates at the facility of the development and is directing anyone who had close contact with the staffer to self-quarantine until they are medically cleared to come out of quarantine, the release said.

The staffer is the 11th state prisons employee to test positive for the virus.

The state has not reported any additional inmates testing positive for the virus since announcing 10 days ago that three inmates had so far tested positive for COVID-19.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Another Nebraska prisons employee has tested positive for COVID-19, according to state officials.A staff member at the Lincoln Correctional Center recently tested positive for the virus and is self-isolating at home, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said Monday afternoon in a news release. The department will be notifying employees and inmates at the facility of the development and is directing anyone who had close contact with the staffer to self-quarantine until they are medically cleared to come out of quarantine, the release said.The staffer is the 11th state prisons employee to test positive for the virus.The state has not reported any additional inmates testing positive for the virus since announcing 10 days ago that three inmates had so far tested positive for COVID-19.

11th Nebraska prison employee tests positive for COVID-19

Vicki L. Friedman always wanted to play golf with her adult sons but until this spring couldn't find time to learn the game and practice.

Shaun Warkentin was looking for a diversion when his young sons tired of jumping on the backyard trampoline and being indoors. He discovered the joy of taking them fishing.

Neighborhood and park trails across the country have been getting higher-than-usual use by runners, walkers and bicyclists as people find ways to get fresh air while maintaining social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak.

Golf courses are welcoming more beginners and people returning to the game, states have seen robust sales of fishing licenses since the coronavirus hit full force in the U.S. in March and fitness tracking technology has shown a surge in the number of steps recorded.

Friedman, who lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, took up golf at age 54 after the community college where she works ordered employees to do their jobs from home. That gave her more than an extra hour a day she otherwise would spend commuting.

"When you see what's happening around the world, you prioritize and ask yourself what are some of the things you want to do," she said. "I've always been geared toward work. Right now you want to invest in yourself. What else do I want to do that is fun?"

Friedman goes to the driving range a couple of times a week, hits plastic wiffle golf balls in her backyard and, as a Mother's Day gift from her son, went to a course for the first time and was treated to nine holes. She said on a recent afternoon she was about to play her fourth round in three weeks with the set of used clubs she bought for $30.

"This is a way we can spend time together outside," she said. "It's something new. I like sports, and it's fun. It is more addicting than I would have ever dreamed."

Through last week, rounds posted to the GHIN handicap-tracking app were up 22% this May compared with May 2019, according to the USGA. Posted rounds were up 8% for the year.

CommonGround in Aurora, a Denver-area facility operated by the Colorado Golf Association, reported almost 4,800 rounds played on its 18-hole course in April, compared with just over 3,100 the same month in 2019. The number of rounds played on its nine-hole course for beginners wasn't available, but revenue from green fees was more than double what it was in April 2019, and for the first time reservations were required to ease congestion on the first tee.

National Golf Foundation president and CEO Joe Beditz said he's hearing similar reports from around the country.

"Courses are seeing people they haven't seen before or seen very much of," he said. "They're seeing husbands and wives plays, parents and kids. It's kind of surprising to them because even with some restrictions in states, they are still finding themselves to be busier than a similar time of past years."

Minnesota's fishing permit sales of 354,080 from mid-February to the first week of May were up 45% over a comparable period in 2019 and the highest since 2000. Vermont had issued 21,270 permits through April, up 57%. Missouri for one month waived the requirement that anglers have a permit so residents could have a diversion during the pandemic.

"If there is a bright spot in this horrible COVID-19 tragedy, it's the unprecedented interest from fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles all wanting to take their family out to enjoy nature," Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris said in a statement.

Warkentin said he's taken his sons Noah, 8, and Joe, 5, to fishing holes in and around Omaha, Nebraska, four or five times since school let out in March. Even on a chilly, windy day, they were at Carter Lake wetting their lines.

"We're trying to get out, get some fresh air and learn some new skills," Shaun said shortly before helping Joe reel in a tiny sunfish. "We're kind of new to fishing. I've fished most of my life, but these guys haven't done that much. It's a cheap way to get outside and do something different."

On a nearby bank, Lotplar Laywah of Omaha was wearing a facemask while fishing with his children and their cousins. The truck driver had no loads to deliver, so he suggested to the kids that they try fishing.

"The kids, all they do is watch TV and then they start fighting with one another and causing trouble, and mom really has to yell at them," Laywah said. "So we go fishing."

The simplest activities, like running and walking, are apparently popular, based on data generated by Garmin fitness tracker apps. Garmin reported steps recorded by U.S. walkers logging their activity was up 36% when comparing the first half of March with the second, when coronavirus-caused lockdowns began. Worldwide, logged activities like walking and running were up 24% in April compared with the same month in 2019.

Jean Knaack, executive director of the Road Runners Club of America, said the numbers reflect a combination of avid runners logging more miles than usual and people who aren't regular runners giving it a try.

"I think if you look at community chatter, which isn't super scientific, I would say most definitely there has been an uptick in running and walking during this pandemic, especially with places for exercise having been closed down like swimming pools, private gyms, public recreation spaces, basketball courts," she said.

"I've lived in my neighborhood for 15 years and I'm like, 'Who are all these people who are all over walking around and running around this neighborhood?' I think it's a sign people want to get out of their house, but I think people have a desire to run and exercise, and now they're just afforded that time right now, even though that's not the greatest way to get time, what we've all been going through."

By ERIC OLSON-AP Sports WriterVicki L. Friedman always wanted to play golf with her adult sons but until this spring couldn't find time to learn the game and practice.Shaun Warkentin was looking for a diversion when his young sons tired of jumping on the backyard trampoline and being indoors. He discovered the joy of taking them fishing.Neighborhood and park trails across the country have been getting higher-than-usual use by runners, walkers and bicyclists as people find ways to get fresh air while maintaining social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak.Golf courses are welcoming more beginners and people returning to the game, states have seen robust sales of fishing licenses since the coronavirus hit full force in the U.S. in March and fitness tracking technology has shown a surge in the number of steps recorded.Friedman, who lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, took up golf at age 54 after the community college where she works ordered employees to do their jobs from home. That gave her more than an extra hour a day she otherwise would spend commuting."When you see what's happening around the world, you prioritize and ask yourself what are some of the things you want to do," she said. "I've always been geared toward work. Right now you want to invest in yourself. What else do I want to do that is fun?"Friedman goes to the driving range a couple of times a week, hits plastic wiffle golf balls in her backyard and, as a Mother's Day gift from her son, went to a course for the first time and was treated to nine holes. She said on a recent afternoon she was about to play her fourth round in three weeks with the set of used clubs she bought for $30."This is a way we can spend time together outside," she said. "It's something new. I like sports, and it's fun. It is more addicting than I would have ever dreamed."Through last week, rounds posted to the GHIN handicap-tracking app were up 22% this May compared with May 2019, according to the USGA. Posted rounds were up 8% for the year.CommonGround in Aurora, a Denver-area facility operated by the Colorado Golf Association, reported almost 4,800 rounds played on its 18-hole course in April, compared with just over 3,100 the same month in 2019. The number of rounds played on its nine-hole course for beginners wasn't available, but revenue from green fees was more than double what it was in April 2019, and for the first time reservations were required to ease congestion on the first tee.National Golf Foundation president and CEO Joe Beditz said he's hearing similar reports from around the country."Courses are seeing people they haven't seen before or seen very much of," he said. "They're seeing husbands and wives plays, parents and kids. It's kind of surprising to them because even with some restrictions in states, they are still finding themselves to be busier than a similar time of past years."Minnesota's fishing permit sales of 354,080 from mid-February to the first week of May were up 45% over a comparable period in 2019 and the highest since 2000. Vermont had issued 21,270 permits through April, up 57%. Missouri for one month waived the requirement that anglers have a permit so residents could have a diversion during the pandemic."If there is a bright spot in this horrible COVID-19 tragedy, it's the unprecedented interest from fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts and uncles all wanting to take their family out to enjoy nature," Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris said in a statement.Warkentin said he's taken his sons Noah, 8, and Joe, 5, to fishing holes in and around Omaha, Nebraska, four or five times since school let out in March. Even on a chilly, windy day, they were at Carter Lake wetting their lines."We're trying to get out, get some fresh air and learn some new skills," Shaun said shortly before helping Joe reel in a tiny sunfish. "We're kind of new to fishing. I've fished most of my life, but these guys haven't done that much. It's a cheap way to get outside and do something different."On a nearby bank, Lotplar Laywah of Omaha was wearing a facemask while fishing with his children and their cousins. The truck driver had no loads to deliver, so he suggested to the kids that they try fishing."The kids, all they do is watch TV and then they start fighting with one another and causing trouble, and mom really has to yell at them," Laywah said. "So we go fishing."The simplest activities, like running and walking, are apparently popular, based on data generated by Garmin fitness tracker apps. Garmin reported steps recorded by U.S. walkers logging their activity was up 36% when comparing the first half of March with the second, when coronavirus-caused lockdowns began. Worldwide, logged activities like walking and running were up 24% in April compared with the same month in 2019.Jean Knaack, executive director of the Road Runners Club of America, said the numbers reflect a combination of avid runners logging more miles than usual and people who aren't regular runners giving it a try."I think if you look at community chatter, which isn't super scientific, I would say most definitely there has been an uptick in running and walking during this pandemic, especially with places for exercise having been closed down like swimming pools, private gyms, public recreation spaces, basketball courts," she said."I've lived in my neighborhood for 15 years and I'm like, 'Who are all these people who are all over walking around and running around this neighborhood?' I think it's a sign people want to get out of their house, but I think people have a desire to run and exercise, and now they're just afforded that time right now, even though that's not the greatest way to get time, what we've all been going through."

Americans finding ways to stay active while keeping distance

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An eighth resident at a western Omaha nursing home has died from COVID-19, as Nebraska health officials reported three new deaths and 145 news cases of the virus.

The Life Care Center of Elkhorn in Omaha reported its latest death on Sunday, along with news that eight residents of the care center who had previously tested negative for the virus have now tested positive, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/elkhorn-nursing-home-reports-eighth-death-from-covid-19-statewide-toll-grows-by-three/article_3152baa1-acac-5ee6-8b11-3d03f2f3823c.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. The facility said last week that it would retest all residents who initially tested negative on May 11.

The new test results bring the number of residents and former residents who have tested positive to 68, and the facility said in a news release that 55 residents are being treated for COVID-19 symptoms at the nursing home. Seven are being treated at local hospitals.

Of 140 center employees tested for the coronavirus since April 27, 30 have tested positive, with five having recovered and returned to work.

The state's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking site&nbsp;</a>said the three new deaths Sunday brings the state's total deaths since the outbreak began to 150. A total of 12,134 people have tested positive for the virus in Nebraska.

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

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An eighth resident at a western Omaha nursing home has died from COVID-19, as Nebraska health officials reported three new deaths and 145 news cases of the virus.The Life Care Center of Elkhorn in Omaha reported its latest death on Sunday, along with news that eight residents of the care center who had previously tested negative for the virus have now tested positive, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/elkhorn-nursing-home-reports-eighth-death-from-covid-19-statewide-toll-grows-by-three/article_3152baa1-acac-5ee6-8b11-3d03f2f3823c.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. The facility said last week that it would retest all residents who initially tested negative on May 11.The new test results bring the number of residents and former residents who have tested positive to 68, and the facility said in a news release that 55 residents are being treated for COVID-19 symptoms at the nursing home. Seven are being treated at local hospitals.Of 140 center employees tested for the coronavirus since April 27, 30 have tested positive, with five having recovered and returned to work.The state's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking site&nbsp;</a>said the three new deaths Sunday brings the state's total deaths since the outbreak began to 150. A total of 12,134 people have tested positive for the virus in Nebraska.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks.

Omaha nursing home reports 8th death from coronavirus

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The coronavirus hasn’t been kind to car owners.

With more people than ever staying home to lessen the spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19</a>, their sedans, pickup trucks and SUVs are parked unattended on the streets, making them easy targets for opportunistic thieves.

Despite silent streets and nearly non-existent traffic, vehicle larcenies shot up 63% in New York and nearly 17% in Los Angeles from Jan. 1 through mid-May, compared with the same period last year.

And many other law enforcement agencies around the U.S. are reporting an increase in stolen cars and vehicle burglaries, even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bbb7adc88d3fa067c5c1b5c72a1a8aa6">violent crime has dropped dramatically nationwide</a>&nbsp;in the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a low-risk crime with a potentially high reward, police say, especially when many drivers leave their doors unlocked or their keys inside.

“You might as well put a sticker on the window that says ‘come take my stuff,’ ” said an exasperated Alex Villanueva, the Los Angeles County sheriff.

In Austin, Texas, last month, a whopping 72% of the 322 stolen vehicles had their keys nearby. The total number of auto thefts in April spiked about 50% and burglaries to vehicles were up 2% from April 2019.

The virus has created a “perfect storm,” said Austin Police Sgt. Chris Vetrano, a supervisor in the 11-detective auto theft unit that investigates stolen vehicle cases.

The elements for that storm: Drivers are at home and not using or checking their cars regularly. School’s out, so teenagers are trying their luck. Criminals are out of work and have more time on their hands or need fast money to support a drug habit.

“You can get on the internet nowadays and learn how to break into vehicles just searching YouTube,” Vetrano said.

(He should know: Someone broke into his locked Ford F-150 pickup truck, one of the most commonly stolen vehicles, about a year ago.)

Salt Lake City Police Det. Greg Wilking said a 22% spike in vehicle burglaries there could be from a few criminals working quickly on “car prowls.”

“It’s really 10 seconds,” he said. “They’re not spending a lot of time in your car. It’s a smash-and-grab-and-go,” sometimes in broad daylight.

Wilking worries the numbers will keep rising because “people get more desperate as time goes on.”

In Baltimore, though, a push to reduce the city’s historically high numbers of vehicle thefts and burglaries appears to have paid off. Thefts from autos plunged 24% and stolen vehicles dropped 19% from January to May compared with the same period last year.

Col. Richard Worley, the chief of patrol, in part credits aggressive efforts to remind residents to lock their cars, take their keys home and park in well-lit areas. In this case, however, the pandemic has actually helped police:

Residents are home, driving less and keeping an eye on the neighborhood, and officers now have time for proactive patrols because calls for service and violent crime have decreased. A thief was recently arrested with 13 stolen catalytic converters during a motor vehicle stop.

Sometimes, however, it’s just a matter of luck. Like for Lindsey Eldridge, the police department’s community outreach coordinator, who left her keys in her car’s cupholder. She realized her mistake just before falling asleep.

She said she “could have been a statistic.”

By STEFANIE DAZIO-Associated PressLOS ANGELES (AP) — The coronavirus hasn’t been kind to car owners.With more people than ever staying home to lessen the spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">COVID-19</a>, their sedans, pickup trucks and SUVs are parked unattended on the streets, making them easy targets for opportunistic thieves.Despite silent streets and nearly non-existent traffic, vehicle larcenies shot up 63% in New York and nearly 17% in Los Angeles from Jan. 1 through mid-May, compared with the same period last year.And many other law enforcement agencies around the U.S. are reporting an increase in stolen cars and vehicle burglaries, even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bbb7adc88d3fa067c5c1b5c72a1a8aa6">violent crime has dropped dramatically nationwide</a>&nbsp;in the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a low-risk crime with a potentially high reward, police say, especially when many drivers leave their doors unlocked or their keys inside.“You might as well put a sticker on the window that says ‘come take my stuff,’ ” said an exasperated Alex Villanueva, the Los Angeles County sheriff.In Austin, Texas, last month, a whopping 72% of the 322 stolen vehicles had their keys nearby. The total number of auto thefts in April spiked about 50% and burglaries to vehicles were up 2% from April 2019.The virus has created a “perfect storm,” said Austin Police Sgt. Chris Vetrano, a supervisor in the 11-detective auto theft unit that investigates stolen vehicle cases.The elements for that storm: Drivers are at home and not using or checking their cars regularly. School’s out, so teenagers are trying their luck. Criminals are out of work and have more time on their hands or need fast money to support a drug habit.“You can get on the internet nowadays and learn how to break into vehicles just searching YouTube,” Vetrano said.(He should know: Someone broke into his locked Ford F-150 pickup truck, one of the most commonly stolen vehicles, about a year ago.)Salt Lake City Police Det. Greg Wilking said a 22% spike in vehicle burglaries there could be from a few criminals working quickly on “car prowls.”“It’s really 10 seconds,” he said. “They’re not spending a lot of time in your car. It’s a smash-and-grab-and-go,” sometimes in broad daylight.Wilking worries the numbers will keep rising because “people get more desperate as time goes on.”In Baltimore, though, a push to reduce the city’s historically high numbers of vehicle thefts and burglaries appears to have paid off. Thefts from autos plunged 24% and stolen vehicles dropped 19% from January to May compared with the same period last year.Col. Richard Worley, the chief of patrol, in part credits aggressive efforts to remind residents to lock their cars, take their keys home and park in well-lit areas. In this case, however, the pandemic has actually helped police:Residents are home, driving less and keeping an eye on the neighborhood, and officers now have time for proactive patrols because calls for service and violent crime have decreased. A thief was recently arrested with 13 stolen catalytic converters during a motor vehicle stop.Sometimes, however, it’s just a matter of luck. Like for Lindsey Eldridge, the police department’s community outreach coordinator, who left her keys in her car’s cupholder. She realized her mistake just before falling asleep.She said she “could have been a statistic.”

Lock your cars! Vehicle theft spikes in COVID-19 pandemic

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's economy has been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak and unemployment has surged, but the state has fared better than most of the rest of the nation.

The state's unemployment rate for April registered 8.3%, which remains well below the national rate of 14.7%. Nebraska's unemployment rate was the third-lowest in the country in those latest figures because the state relies heavily on industries that haven't been affected as much by the virus and related government restrictions, such as food processing and insurance. The state also doesn't have as many jobs tied to the hard-hit tourism and oil industries.

"When you think about it, Nebraska's economy produces a lot of necessities," University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist Eric Thompson said to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/money/pandemic-hits-state-economy-hard-but-nebraska-once-again-better-off-than-most/article_19da3b15-dd9f-5a76-8975-e724fe90ac49.html#1" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald</a>. "Food production is essential, and the demand will be there even as people have to cut back."

The insurance, banking and government sectors have largely been spared job losses. Unemployment figures show that only about one in every 50 workers in those sectors have lost their jobs. In contrast, the downturn from the virus outbreak contributed to the loss of roughly one in every four service jobs.

James Blackledge, CEO of Mutual of Omaha said his insurance company has not had to lay off any workers so far, and it still expects to add roughly 300 employees by the end of the year.

Blackledge said the fact that the company could be adding jobs during the pandemic "is remarkable when you think about it."

It also helped that Mutual of Omaha has been able to shift most of its employees to working from home instead of coming into the office. Only about 150 of the company's more than 5,000 employees are currently going into the office.

Officials say Nebraska's economy may have also fared better overall during the downturn because the state's social distancing measures weren't as strict as most states imposed.

Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts was one of only seven governors who never issued a statewide stay-at-home order shutting down all nonessential businesses. Instead, he imposed restrictions on a regional basis throughout the state based on the number of infections and hospitalizations in each area.

"The idea of shutting down businesses deemed to be nonessential arbitrarily created unemployment in other states," said Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "I think Nebraska did that better."

Nebraska has begun to loosen restrictions across the state, which is helping businesses begin to recover.

Krysette Long, who owns two men's hair salons in Omaha, said business has been so good since she was able to reopen on May 4 that she is employing a few more people than she did before the virus outbreak began.

"We are rebuilding and starting over - that's what it feels like again," she said. "We are all super happy to be back at work and taking care of everyone."

State officials said Sunday that Nebraska has had 11,989 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 147 deaths since the outbreak began. The state Department of Health and Human Services also said that 38% of the state's intensive care beds and 77% of its ventilators remained available on Sunday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's economy has been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak and unemployment has surged, but the state has fared better than most of the rest of the nation.The state's unemployment rate for April registered 8.3%, which remains well below the national rate of 14.7%. Nebraska's unemployment rate was the third-lowest in the country in those latest figures because the state relies heavily on industries that haven't been affected as much by the virus and related government restrictions, such as food processing and insurance. The state also doesn't have as many jobs tied to the hard-hit tourism and oil industries."When you think about it, Nebraska's economy produces a lot of necessities," University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist Eric Thompson said to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/money/pandemic-hits-state-economy-hard-but-nebraska-once-again-better-off-than-most/article_19da3b15-dd9f-5a76-8975-e724fe90ac49.html#1" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald</a>. "Food production is essential, and the demand will be there even as people have to cut back."The insurance, banking and government sectors have largely been spared job losses. Unemployment figures show that only about one in every 50 workers in those sectors have lost their jobs. In contrast, the downturn from the virus outbreak contributed to the loss of roughly one in every four service jobs.James Blackledge, CEO of Mutual of Omaha said his insurance company has not had to lay off any workers so far, and it still expects to add roughly 300 employees by the end of the year.Blackledge said the fact that the company could be adding jobs during the pandemic "is remarkable when you think about it."It also helped that Mutual of Omaha has been able to shift most of its employees to working from home instead of coming into the office. Only about 150 of the company's more than 5,000 employees are currently going into the office.Officials say Nebraska's economy may have also fared better overall during the downturn because the state's social distancing measures weren't as strict as most states imposed.Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts was one of only seven governors who never issued a statewide stay-at-home order shutting down all nonessential businesses. Instead, he imposed restrictions on a regional basis throughout the state based on the number of infections and hospitalizations in each area."The idea of shutting down businesses deemed to be nonessential arbitrarily created unemployment in other states," said Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "I think Nebraska did that better."Nebraska has begun to loosen restrictions across the state, which is helping businesses begin to recover.Krysette Long, who owns two men's hair salons in Omaha, said business has been so good since she was able to reopen on May 4 that she is employing a few more people than she did before the virus outbreak began."We are rebuilding and starting over - that's what it feels like again," she said. "We are all super happy to be back at work and taking care of everyone."State officials said Sunday that Nebraska has had 11,989 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 147 deaths since the outbreak began. The state Department of Health and Human Services also said that 38% of the state's intensive care beds and 77% of its ventilators remained available on Sunday.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Nebraska economy fares better than most states amid pandemic

LINCOLN –&nbsp;During the past seven days, the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by 28 to 147, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard.

The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time today, is 11,662, marking an increase of 1,890 from last Friday. Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.

Less restrictive Directed Health Measures (DHMs) took effect Monday in the South Heartland, Public Health Solutions, and Two Rivers districts. A&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">map of local health departments&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is available on the DHHS website. These relaxed measures allow for the limited reopening of dine-in services at restaurants and of salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy services and increase the per room/space childcare limits from 10 to 15 kids (subject to the usual child-to-staff ratios). The relaxed measures were announced May 11 by Governor Pete Ricketts at his daily coronavirus press briefing.&nbsp; Today, the State posted&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-June-1-Statewide-Sports-Reopening-Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">reopening guidance for sports&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;under Guidance Documents on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

At the coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, May 20, Gov. Ricketts was joined by Sheri Dawson, director of the DHHS Division of Behavioral Health. Dawson was present to accept the official proclamation of May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. She also emphasized the mental health challenges of the ongoing pandemic and gave advice for prioritizing mental well-being. She noted that a number of hotlines stand ready to help.

At that briefing, the Governor said some additional restrictions would ease June 1, when the 14-day quarantine upon returning home would only apply to international travelers.

He continues to urge all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the state. After taking the assessment, participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

Next week, testing will occur in the following cities:

Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/23, 5/26 and 5/30; 8am-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHI Health Center, 455 N 10 St.

Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/23, 5/26 and 5/30; 8am-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N 84 St.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/29-5/30; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Buffalo County Fairgrounds, 3807 N Ave.

York&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/26: 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holthus convention center, 3130 Holen Ave.

Seward&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/27; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seward County Fairgrounds, 400 N 14th St.

Beatrice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/29-5/30; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gage County Fairgrounds 900 West Scott St.

Hastings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/26-5/27; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S Baltimore Ave.

Clay Center&nbsp;&nbsp;5/27; 3pm-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clay County Fairgrounds, 701 N Martin

After someone tests positive, a contact tracer with the local or state public health team will reach out to them with information on safely self-isolating. The contact tracer will also ask questions about where the person has recently been, and with whom they have been in close contact. The information gathered by contact tracers helps to identify other persons who have been exposed to the virus and may be at risk.

The Governor continues to urge Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;

Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html&nbsp;</a>.

Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.

Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645 or toll-free at (833) 998-2275; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;During the past seven days, the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by 28 to 147, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard.The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time today, is 11,662, marking an increase of 1,890 from last Friday. Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.Less restrictive Directed Health Measures (DHMs) took effect Monday in the South Heartland, Public Health Solutions, and Two Rivers districts. A&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">map of local health departments&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is available on the DHHS website. These relaxed measures allow for the limited reopening of dine-in services at restaurants and of salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy services and increase the per room/space childcare limits from 10 to 15 kids (subject to the usual child-to-staff ratios). The relaxed measures were announced May 11 by Governor Pete Ricketts at his daily coronavirus press briefing.&nbsp; Today, the State posted&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-June-1-Statewide-Sports-Reopening-Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">reopening guidance for sports&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;under Guidance Documents on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.At the coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, May 20, Gov. Ricketts was joined by Sheri Dawson, director of the DHHS Division of Behavioral Health. Dawson was present to accept the official proclamation of May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. She also emphasized the mental health challenges of the ongoing pandemic and gave advice for prioritizing mental well-being. She noted that a number of hotlines stand ready to help.At that briefing, the Governor said some additional restrictions would ease June 1, when the 14-day quarantine upon returning home would only apply to international travelers.He continues to urge all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the state. After taking the assessment, participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.Next week, testing will occur in the following cities:Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/23, 5/26 and 5/30; 8am-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHI Health Center, 455 N 10 St.Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/23, 5/26 and 5/30; 8am-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N 84 St.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/29-5/30; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Buffalo County Fairgrounds, 3807 N Ave.York&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/26: 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holthus convention center, 3130 Holen Ave.Seward&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/27; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seward County Fairgrounds, 400 N 14th St.Beatrice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/29-5/30; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gage County Fairgrounds 900 West Scott St.Hastings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/26-5/27; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S Baltimore Ave.Clay Center&nbsp;&nbsp;5/27; 3pm-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clay County Fairgrounds, 701 N MartinAfter someone tests positive, a contact tracer with the local or state public health team will reach out to them with information on safely self-isolating. The contact tracer will also ask questions about where the person has recently been, and with whom they have been in close contact. The information gathered by contact tracers helps to identify other persons who have been exposed to the virus and may be at risk.The Governor continues to urge Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Stay home.&nbsp; No non-essential errands and no social gatherings.&nbsp; Respect the 10-person limits.</li><li>Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.&nbsp;</li><li>Shop alone.&nbsp; Do this only once a week and do not take your family with you.</li><li>Help kids social distance. Play at home, no group sports and no playgrounds.</li><li>Help seniors stay at home.&nbsp; This can be done by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term facilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Exercise daily.&nbsp; Do your best to stay as healthy and safe as you can.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html&nbsp;</a>.Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645 or toll-free at (833) 998-2275; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

Nebraska officials report 28 new virus deaths in last week

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts hosted his daily coronavirus press briefing at the State Capitol.&nbsp; He reminded Nebraskans to be mindful of physical distancing and good hygiene over the Memorial Day weekend. &nbsp;He also shared data confirming that the state’s hospital system continues to have plenty of capacity to treat Nebraskans who need care.

Dr. Kelly Caverzagie, VP for Education at Nebraska Medicine, joined the Governor to talk about training resources available to health care workers in the state.

Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt also took part in the press event to provide an update on NDE’s summer learning plans.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We cannot stop transmission of the virus, but we have been successfully slowing the spread.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our hospitals remain stable and are in good shape.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hospital data:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Hospital beds available: 43% (1,676 available of 3,901 total beds)

o&nbsp;&nbsp;ICU beds available: 36% (264 available of 735 total ICU beds)

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Ventilators available: 77% (609 available of 787 total ventilators)

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C108ce203d7c04c72a17d08d7fe97222b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637257797367057293&amp;sdata=%2BBw4Vxs0dMZWedBtTBz2NNkfhuEWndCA02awHxBzN7U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind folks that Test Nebraska will be in the following communities next week:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Kearney, York, Seward, Beatrice, and Clay Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590230010475.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, Dr. Kelly Caverzagie of Nebraska Medicine (standing, far left, and NDE Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt (standing, second from left) at today’s briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, Dr. Kelly Caverzagie of Nebraska Medicine (standing, far left, and NDE Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt (standing, second from left) at today’s briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts hosted his daily coronavirus press briefing at the State Capitol.&nbsp; He reminded Nebraskans to be mindful of physical distancing and good hygiene over the Memorial Day weekend. &nbsp;He also shared data confirming that the state’s hospital system continues to have plenty of capacity to treat Nebraskans who need care.Dr. Kelly Caverzagie, VP for Education at Nebraska Medicine, joined the Governor to talk about training resources available to health care workers in the state.Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt also took part in the press event to provide an update on NDE’s summer learning plans.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts: Hospital Capacity·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We cannot stop transmission of the virus, but we have been successfully slowing the spread.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our hospitals remain stable and are in good shape.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hospital data:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Hospital beds available: 43% (1,676 available of 3,901 total beds)o&nbsp;&nbsp;ICU beds available: 36% (264 available of 735 total ICU beds)o&nbsp;&nbsp;Ventilators available: 77% (609 available of 787 total ventilators)Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C108ce203d7c04c72a17d08d7fe97222b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637257797367057293&amp;sdata=%2BBw4Vxs0dMZWedBtTBz2NNkfhuEWndCA02awHxBzN7U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind folks that Test Nebraska will be in the following communities next week:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Kearney, York, Seward, Beatrice, and Clay Center.Commissioner Blomstedt: Summer School Guidance·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we continue to open school environments, we’re being very thoughtful about developing plans to promote social distancing.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve had conversations about moving forward with at least some in-person learning environments.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve largely chosen to use a 15-student limit in keeping with the State’s childcare directive.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We have interest in serving students with special needs and who may need one-on-one attention.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We also want to help students for whom remote learning was not ideal.&nbsp; We want to make sure they’re caught up.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Launch Nebraska website (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchne.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C108ce203d7c04c72a17d08d7fe97222b%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637257797367067248&amp;sdata=MOfUdOe0S1IV4svoTAUkYKHUbwRmt4aQGutGOi6gGqY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.launchne.com</a>) has guidance for summer school as well as learning guidance for students with disabilities.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The directed health measures (DHMs) going into effect on June 1st&nbsp;will allow larger graduation ceremonies to take place.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We encourage schools to work with their local health departments to host ceremonies in a safe, appropriate way.Dr. Caverzagie: Health Care Training·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There’s no shortage of good information available to health care providers during the pandemic.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, it can sometimes be challenging to sort through this information to find what is needed.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;UNMC has partnered with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to make training resources readily accessible.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve organized these resources and make them available on the DHHS website (<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Resources-for-Health-Care-Providers.aspx" target="_blank">click here</a>).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The website also has webinars created by DHHS to provide information to health care providers and public health workers.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next week, UNMC will host a series of webinars on clinical care.&nbsp; Health care professionals can receive continuing education credit by taking part in the webinars.Full video of the press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/a2gjapxmdol9zoz/Press%20Conf%205.22.2020.mp4?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Coronavirus Update