FREMONT, Neb. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse's attempt at humor during a speech at a Nebraska high school's online commencement - which included jokes about students' fitness and psychologists and also blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak - drew strong criticism.

The Republican senator's speech on Saturday was panned by a Fremont High School board member and his Democratic opponent in the November election. Sasse's spokesman, James Wegmann,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/state_and_regional/watch-now-sasse-ridicules-people-named-jeremy-trying-to-joke-rips-chinese-thugs-in-fremont/article_115b3a24-e69d-5e47-8e4f-8730652bd785.html#1" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;the Omaha World-Herald Sunday the senator was joking during the graduation&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/FDPx7eNvkmw" target="_blank">speech</a>.

Sasse said during the speech "95% of all gainfully employed psychologists - and I'm serious there are dozens of them that are gainfully employed -- their job is really just to help people forget high school ... If you're headed to college, do not - do not - major in psychology. That part's not a joke."

Sasse, who was unshaven and wore a loosened red tie and white dress shirt, also said that in life, the graduates would at times be asked to climb giant ropes. "If you don't get that joke, talk to your mom and dad. Back in the day when we were a lot fitter than you people are, we used to have to climb ropes all the way up to the ceiling of the gym all the time."

Sasse suggested that the graduates would remember their senior years at their future reunions as "that time when China started a big global pandemic that created the worst public health crisis in over a century and brought the economy to its knees and we had to stay home and everybody was hoarding toilet paper."

Near the end of the speech, Sasse mixed in some serious encouragement for students with another shot at China.

"Nobody knows exactly how we're going to beat this thing, but you know what, we're Americans, we're Nebraskans, we've got grit and we're going to beat this thing," he said. "We will bring the economy back. We are going to beat the virus ... We're going to have to have a serious reckoning with the thugs in China who let this mess spiral out of control by lying about it." he said.

Fremont school board member Michael Petersen called on Sasse to apologize. On his public Facebook page, Petersen said, "You deserved better than the graduation remarks from Senator Ben Sasse. The racism, implying that our graduates are fat and lazy, disparaging teachers, and attacking the mental health profession are despicable."

Sasse graduated from Fremont High School in 1990 and also was president of Midland University there before running for the Senate. He is running for a second term in the Senate and in November he'll face Omaha Democrat Chris Janicek, who also criticized the speech.

"It's hard for me to believe that a U.S. senator would make remarks like he did in that speech," said Janicek. "Ridiculing mental health care specialists, suggesting that the graduates are lazy slackers and using the platform to blame China for the pandemic we have now is beyond reprehensible."

Wegmann, Sasse's spokesman, responded to the criticism Sunday.

"Like he said in the video greeting, Ben's proud of each of the graduates - and he believes their generation is tough enough to help lead us through the bumpy economic times ahead. It's ridiculous that some politically addicted folks are complaining about Ben calling out China in a joke. He's said this for months, because it's true: The Chinese Communist Party's coronavirus coverup wasted time that could have contained the spread - those lies cost innocent lives in China and around the world. Pretending graduates are too fragile to hear the truth is silly," Wegmann said.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FDPx7eNvkmw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>FREMONT, Neb. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse's attempt at humor during a speech at a Nebraska high school's online commencement - which included jokes about students' fitness and psychologists and also blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak - drew strong criticism.The Republican senator's speech on Saturday was panned by a Fremont High School board member and his Democratic opponent in the November election. Sasse's spokesman, James Wegmann,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/state_and_regional/watch-now-sasse-ridicules-people-named-jeremy-trying-to-joke-rips-chinese-thugs-in-fremont/article_115b3a24-e69d-5e47-8e4f-8730652bd785.html#1" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;the Omaha World-Herald Sunday the senator was joking during the graduation&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/FDPx7eNvkmw" target="_blank">speech</a>.Sasse said during the speech "95% of all gainfully employed psychologists - and I'm serious there are dozens of them that are gainfully employed -- their job is really just to help people forget high school ... If you're headed to college, do not - do not - major in psychology. That part's not a joke."Sasse, who was unshaven and wore a loosened red tie and white dress shirt, also said that in life, the graduates would at times be asked to climb giant ropes. "If you don't get that joke, talk to your mom and dad. Back in the day when we were a lot fitter than you people are, we used to have to climb ropes all the way up to the ceiling of the gym all the time."Sasse suggested that the graduates would remember their senior years at their future reunions as "that time when China started a big global pandemic that created the worst public health crisis in over a century and brought the economy to its knees and we had to stay home and everybody was hoarding toilet paper."Near the end of the speech, Sasse mixed in some serious encouragement for students with another shot at China."Nobody knows exactly how we're going to beat this thing, but you know what, we're Americans, we're Nebraskans, we've got grit and we're going to beat this thing," he said. "We will bring the economy back. We are going to beat the virus ... We're going to have to have a serious reckoning with the thugs in China who let this mess spiral out of control by lying about it." he said.Fremont school board member Michael Petersen called on Sasse to apologize. On his public Facebook page, Petersen said, "You deserved better than the graduation remarks from Senator Ben Sasse. The racism, implying that our graduates are fat and lazy, disparaging teachers, and attacking the mental health profession are despicable."Sasse graduated from Fremont High School in 1990 and also was president of Midland University there before running for the Senate. He is running for a second term in the Senate and in November he'll face Omaha Democrat Chris Janicek, who also criticized the speech."It's hard for me to believe that a U.S. senator would make remarks like he did in that speech," said Janicek. "Ridiculing mental health care specialists, suggesting that the graduates are lazy slackers and using the platform to blame China for the pandemic we have now is beyond reprehensible."Wegmann, Sasse's spokesman, responded to the criticism Sunday."Like he said in the video greeting, Ben's proud of each of the graduates - and he believes their generation is tough enough to help lead us through the bumpy economic times ahead. It's ridiculous that some politically addicted folks are complaining about Ben calling out China in a joke. He's said this for months, because it's true: The Chinese Communist Party's coronavirus coverup wasted time that could have contained the spread - those lies cost innocent lives in China and around the world. Pretending graduates are too fragile to hear the truth is silly," Wegmann said.

US Sen. Sasse criticized for jokes in Fremont graduation speech

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — FedEx has confirmed that workers from its facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe have tested positive for COVID-19.

A spokesperson from FedEx Ground said in a statement Friday that it was working cooperatively with county health officials and offering voluntary COVID-19 testing to employees and vendors at the facility.

The positive tests are considered to be the first cluster of coronavirus cases tied to a workplace in Johnson County, which announced nine cases in the cluster Thursday without identifying the name of the affected business.

FedEx said it has been providing hand soap, disinfecting wipes, masks, latex gloves and hand sanitizer to employees. It said it has also implemented temperature checks, symptom screenings and changes to its process to allow for social distancing.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — FedEx has confirmed that workers from its facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe have tested positive for COVID-19.A spokesperson from FedEx Ground said in a statement Friday that it was working cooperatively with county health officials and offering voluntary COVID-19 testing to employees and vendors at the facility.The positive tests are considered to be the first cluster of coronavirus cases tied to a workplace in Johnson County, which announced nine cases in the cluster Thursday without identifying the name of the affected business.FedEx said it has been providing hand soap, disinfecting wipes, masks, latex gloves and hand sanitizer to employees. It said it has also implemented temperature checks, symptom screenings and changes to its process to allow for social distancing.

Coronavirus infects workers at FedEx facility in Kansas

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Another Nebraska prison employee has tested positive for COVID-19, and the number of virus cases in the state continues to rise.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said a Nebraska State Penitentiary employee has tested positive for coronavirus and is recovering at home. Officials are in the process of identifying all the staff members and inmates who had close contact with the individual who has the virus.

A total of 10 corrections employees and three state inmates have tested positive for the virus so far.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said Sunday that 10,220 people had tested positive for the coronavirus in the state and 123 people had died.

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, Neb. (AP) - Another Nebraska prison employee has tested positive for COVID-19, and the number of virus cases in the state continues to rise.The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said a Nebraska State Penitentiary employee has tested positive for coronavirus and is recovering at home. Officials are in the process of identifying all the staff members and inmates who had close contact with the individual who has the virus.A total of 10 corrections employees and three state inmates have tested positive for the virus so far.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said Sunday that 10,220 people had tested positive for the coronavirus in the state and 123 people had died.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.

Another Nebraska prison worker tests positive for virus

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A third inmate in the community corrections center in Omaha has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said the inmate went to the hospital for an unrelated medical issue and was tested for COVID-19 when he was admitted, KETV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-dept-of-corrections-confirms-third-inmate-tests-positive-for-covid-19/32523029" target="_blank">reports.</a>

The agency said it will start contact tracing to identify other individuals who had close contact with the inmate.

Nine corrections department staff members also have tested positive for COVID-19. Officials said some of those staff members have completed their quarantine and have since returned to work.

Johns Hopkins University reports that Nebraska has 113 deaths and 9,600 cases, although the number of cases is believed to be low because of testing limits.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A third inmate in the community corrections center in Omaha has tested positive for the coronavirus.The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said the inmate went to the hospital for an unrelated medical issue and was tested for COVID-19 when he was admitted, KETV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-dept-of-corrections-confirms-third-inmate-tests-positive-for-covid-19/32523029" target="_blank">reports.</a>The agency said it will start contact tracing to identify other individuals who had close contact with the inmate.Nine corrections department staff members also have tested positive for COVID-19. Officials said some of those staff members have completed their quarantine and have since returned to work.Johns Hopkins University reports that Nebraska has 113 deaths and 9,600 cases, although the number of cases is believed to be low because of testing limits.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.

3rd inmate at Omaha facility tests positive for COVID-19

RAPID CITY, S. D. (KOTA-TV) — A Pine Ridge man  has pleaded guilty in federal court to killing his brother. 

Fifty-two-year-old Lawrence Pourier entered the plea Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter in a plea agreement with prosecutors. 

Pourier had been charged with second-degree murder in the bludgeoning death of his brother, Eric Pourier. 

KOTA-TV says Pourier admits getting in a fight with his brother at a home near Porcupine on the Pine Ridge Reservation last January.

 A statement signed by the defendant says he hit his brother on the back and head with a pipe at least 20 times. 

The cause of his brother’s death was blood loss due to blunt force trauma.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S. D. (KOTA-TV) — A Pine Ridge man has pleaded guilty in federal court to killing his brother. Fifty-two-year-old Lawrence Pourier entered the plea Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter in a plea agreement with prosecutors. Pourier had been charged with second-degree murder in the bludgeoning death of his brother, Eric Pourier. KOTA-TV says Pourier admits getting in a fight with his brother at a home near Porcupine on the Pine Ridge Reservation last January. A statement signed by the defendant says he hit his brother on the back and head with a pipe at least 20 times. The cause of his brother’s death was blood loss due to blunt force trauma.&nbsp;

Pine Ridge man pleads guilty to fatally bludgeoning brother

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A second inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, Nebraska prison officials said Friday.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release that the inmate had been in close contact with the state's first inmate to test positive earlier this week at the Omaha Community Corrections Center.

The Omaha center is one of two work-release prisons in the state and houses 175 inmates. The community corrections facility remains under quarantine.

To date, 20 Nebraska inmates have been tested for the virus, officials said. Twelve have tested negative, two positive and other results are still pending.

"The majority of inmates currently undergoing testing are housed at the Community Corrections Center-Omaha and were determined to have close contact with the first inmate who went to the hospital," Nebraska prisons director Scott Frakes said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A second inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, Nebraska prison officials said Friday.The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release that the inmate had been in close contact with the state's first inmate to test positive earlier this week at the Omaha Community Corrections Center.The Omaha center is one of two work-release prisons in the state and houses 175 inmates. The community corrections facility remains under quarantine.To date, 20 Nebraska inmates have been tested for the virus, officials said. Twelve have tested negative, two positive and other results are still pending."The majority of inmates currently undergoing testing are housed at the Community Corrections Center-Omaha and were determined to have close contact with the first inmate who went to the hospital," Nebraska prisons director Scott Frakes said.

2nd Nebraska prison inmate tests positive for COVID-19

Public Health Command Center update from North Platte on May 15, 2020.

Public Health Command Center update from North Platte on May 15, 2020.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwcdhd%2Fvideos%2F1117276451972041%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥 Public Health Command Center Update from North Platte (May 15, 2020)

LINCOLN –The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by six to 119 today, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard. To view county-specific data, click on the county within the Nebraska map.

In addition, DHHS recently updated its COVID-19 dashboard to include death data by county and added data related to hospital capacity -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time today, is 9,772. 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.

Today, at his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the state's support of long-term care (LTC) facilities during the pandemic.&nbsp;He previewed a new tool being developed by DHHS to help LTC facilities assess and improve their preparedness planning. Speaking at the briefing, Becky Wisell, interim deputy director of Health Licensure and Environmental Health for the Division of Public Health, said the COVID-19 response planning tool covers key areas that LTC facilities should consider in their planning, such as identification and management of ill residents; visitation policies, supplies and resources, infection control and disinfection protocols; and surge capacity for staffing. The state will be asking every LTC facility to complete a plan and will send out the new tool in the near future.

<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska</a>&nbsp;launched last week with mobile testing sites. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska 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. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

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, said Felicia Quintana-Zinn, deputy director within the Division of Public Health, at Gov. Ricketts' Thursday briefing. 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.

Governor Pete Ricketts earlier had announced changes to some of the state's&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">Directed Health Measures (DHM,</a>&nbsp;including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska.&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf">A map of local health departments is also available.&nbsp;</a>

DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging 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</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</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</a>.

LINCOLN –The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by six to 119 today, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard. To view county-specific data, click on the county within the Nebraska map.In addition, DHHS recently updated its COVID-19 dashboard to include death data by county and added data related to hospital capacity -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time today, is 9,772. 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.Today, at his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the state's support of long-term care (LTC) facilities during the pandemic.&nbsp;He previewed a new tool being developed by DHHS to help LTC facilities assess and improve their preparedness planning. Speaking at the briefing, Becky Wisell, interim deputy director of Health Licensure and Environmental Health for the Division of Public Health, said the COVID-19 response planning tool covers key areas that LTC facilities should consider in their planning, such as identification and management of ill residents; visitation policies, supplies and resources, infection control and disinfection protocols; and surge capacity for staffing. The state will be asking every LTC facility to complete a plan and will send out the new tool in the near future.<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska</a>&nbsp;launched last week with mobile testing sites. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska 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. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.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, said Felicia Quintana-Zinn, deputy director within the Division of Public Health, at Gov. Ricketts' Thursday briefing. 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.Governor Pete Ricketts earlier had announced changes to some of the state's&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">Directed Health Measures (DHM,</a>&nbsp;including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska.&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf">A map of local health departments is also available.&nbsp;</a>DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging 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 ten-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</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</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</a>.

Officials attribute 119 deaths to COVID-19 in Nebraska, 6 new deaths reported Friday

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the State’s work to support long-term care (LTC) facilities during the pandemic. &nbsp;He previewed a new tool being developed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help LTC facilities assess and improve their preparedness planning.&nbsp;

Becky Wisell, Interim Deputy Director of Health Licensure and Environmental Health for the Division of Public Health at DHHS, joined the Governor today.&nbsp; She detailed the State’s ongoing efforts to assist LTC facilities in mitigating the spread of the virus.

Chris Mehaffey, Scout Executive of the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, gave an update on the Scouts’ activities to serve Nebraskans with food insecurity.&nbsp; He invited Nebraskans to participate in the “Scouting for Food” drive that is collecting supplies for food banks tomorrow (May 16th).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the [TestNebraska.com]TestNebraska.com assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, and Lexington are testing today.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, I want to remind people, scheduling for testing has been filling up quickly.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska testing is by appointment only. &nbsp;Don’t just show up to the testing site.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;You need to take the assessment at [TestNebraska.com]TestNebraska.com and then work to schedule a time.

Gov. Ricketts: Long-Term Care Facilities

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our seniors are one of our most vulnerable populations, and they have been hit especially hard during the pandemic.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have been asking Nebraskans not to visit long-term care facilities at this time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we work to get back to a more normal life, we are partnering with long-term care facilities to develop plans to protect their residents.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar to meat processing facilities, Shelly Schwedhelm and her team from UNMC are touring LTC facilities to help improve their social mitigation efforts.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State will be asking every LTC facility to submit a plan to protect their residents and keep their facility running. &nbsp;We are in the process of developing a template to help facilities create their plan. &nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We expect to deliver this template to LTC facilities in the next week or so.

Becky Wisell: Long-Term Care Facilities

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Care for residents in LTC facilities is a top priority for DHHS.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve been working closely with LTC facilities, Local Health Departments, and other partners so that they can continue to provide quality care to residents in their communities.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our role is as a resource to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS has developed a long-term care COVID-19 response planning tool.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a tool to assist nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in the development of a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool covers key areas that facilities should consider in their planning, such as:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Rapid identification and management of ill residents.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Infection control and disinfection protocols.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Surge capacity for staffing.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool also includes helpful information such as:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Mental health resources for residents and staff.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Guidance on how to request personal protective equipment (PPE) from the State.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool can be used to self-assess strengths and weaknesses of current preparedness efforts.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It can also provide guidance for circumstances that may not yet have occurred at every facility.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Every facility is expected to complete a plan. &nbsp;Once the plan is completed, facilities should send an email notification with the facility’s name and license number to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dhhs.healthcarefacilities@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">DHHS.HealthCareFacilities@nebraska.gov</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State will send out the long-term care COVID-19 response planning tool to LTC facilities in the near future.

Chris Mehaffey: Boy Scouts of America Food Drive

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Scouts’ Mid-America Council has put together a “Scouting for Food” drive.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a time of unprecedented need for food banks.&nbsp; For example, the Food Bank for the Heartland has seen its need go up more than 40%, on average, in recent weeks.&nbsp; Meanwhile, incoming donations have fallen dramatically.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s why Scouting for Food is especially important this spring.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On average, we collect more than 300,000 meals each year.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Boy Scouts canvassed communities last week to provide information about the food drive.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In those neighborhoods, we’re requesting that households do the following:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Put food in a plastic sack, knot it at the top, and leave it at the end of your driveway by tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Food should be non-perishable, such as canned goods, macaroni, peanut butter, and jelly.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not want to leave food outside, please visit a participating Hy-Vee or food bank to drop off your donation.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Drop-off locations are listed on our website (<a href="https://mac-bsa.org/scouting-tools/community-service/scouting-for-food/" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to view).

o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re unable to take part in tomorrow’s food drive, consider going to Food Bank for the Heartland’s website (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffoodbankheartland.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C64dae991f0154eb8fd2e08d7f913d425%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251735862104416&amp;sdata=yyiylR4L1TOJ30B8C7Velq2kIyUpyQl6chbl%2FbsjIIM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">foodbankheartland.org</a>)&nbsp;to make a monetary donation or to volunteer to pack meals.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: National Guard Flyover

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Air National Guard plans a flyover salute to healthcare professionals and all Nebraskans responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;Weather caused the postponement of the flyover originally planned for earlier this week, but it has been rescheduled for Monday, May 18th.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans are encouraged to view the flyovers from the safety of their homes or workplaces&nbsp;while practicing physical distancing. &nbsp;Anyone working in and living around these facilities should have no problem seeing or hearing the aircraft.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch the National Guard’s Facebook page for more information:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C64dae991f0154eb8fd2e08d7f913d425%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251735862104416&amp;sdata=IKwSA5c4F5V7wGiE68AqJRZCc7yKMsdRvUY1DFmtvWk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.

Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:30 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/2020/5/1589598016909.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) speaks at this afternoon’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) speaks at this afternoon’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the State’s work to support long-term care (LTC) facilities during the pandemic. &nbsp;He previewed a new tool being developed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help LTC facilities assess and improve their preparedness planning.&nbsp;Becky Wisell, Interim Deputy Director of Health Licensure and Environmental Health for the Division of Public Health at DHHS, joined the Governor today.&nbsp; She detailed the State’s ongoing efforts to assist LTC facilities in mitigating the spread of the virus.Chris Mehaffey, Scout Executive of the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, gave an update on the Scouts’ activities to serve Nebraskans with food insecurity.&nbsp; He invited Nebraskans to participate in the “Scouting for Food” drive that is collecting supplies for food banks tomorrow (May 16th).Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the [TestNebraska.com]TestNebraska.com assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, and Lexington are testing today.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, I want to remind people, scheduling for testing has been filling up quickly.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska testing is by appointment only. &nbsp;Don’t just show up to the testing site.o&nbsp;&nbsp;You need to take the assessment at [TestNebraska.com]TestNebraska.com and then work to schedule a time.Gov. Ricketts: Long-Term Care Facilities·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our seniors are one of our most vulnerable populations, and they have been hit especially hard during the pandemic.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have been asking Nebraskans not to visit long-term care facilities at this time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we work to get back to a more normal life, we are partnering with long-term care facilities to develop plans to protect their residents.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar to meat processing facilities, Shelly Schwedhelm and her team from UNMC are touring LTC facilities to help improve their social mitigation efforts.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State will be asking every LTC facility to submit a plan to protect their residents and keep their facility running. &nbsp;We are in the process of developing a template to help facilities create their plan. &nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We expect to deliver this template to LTC facilities in the next week or so.Becky Wisell: Long-Term Care Facilities·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Care for residents in LTC facilities is a top priority for DHHS.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve been working closely with LTC facilities, Local Health Departments, and other partners so that they can continue to provide quality care to residents in their communities.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our role is as a resource to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS has developed a long-term care COVID-19 response planning tool.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a tool to assist nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in the development of a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool covers key areas that facilities should consider in their planning, such as:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Rapid identification and management of ill residents.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation policies.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplies and resources.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Infection control and disinfection protocols.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Surge capacity for staffing.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool also includes helpful information such as:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Mental health resources for residents and staff.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Guidance on how to request personal protective equipment (PPE) from the State.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool can be used to self-assess strengths and weaknesses of current preparedness efforts.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It can also provide guidance for circumstances that may not yet have occurred at every facility.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Every facility is expected to complete a plan. &nbsp;Once the plan is completed, facilities should send an email notification with the facility’s name and license number to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dhhs.healthcarefacilities@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">DHHS.HealthCareFacilities@nebraska.gov</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State will send out the long-term care COVID-19 response planning tool to LTC facilities in the near future.Chris Mehaffey: Boy Scouts of America Food Drive·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Scouts’ Mid-America Council has put together a “Scouting for Food” drive.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a time of unprecedented need for food banks.&nbsp; For example, the Food Bank for the Heartland has seen its need go up more than 40%, on average, in recent weeks.&nbsp; Meanwhile, incoming donations have fallen dramatically.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s why Scouting for Food is especially important this spring.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On average, we collect more than 300,000 meals each year.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Boy Scouts canvassed communities last week to provide information about the food drive.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In those neighborhoods, we’re requesting that households do the following:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Put food in a plastic sack, knot it at the top, and leave it at the end of your driveway by tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Food should be non-perishable, such as canned goods, macaroni, peanut butter, and jelly.o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not want to leave food outside, please visit a participating Hy-Vee or food bank to drop off your donation.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Drop-off locations are listed on our website (<a href="https://mac-bsa.org/scouting-tools/community-service/scouting-for-food/" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to view).o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re unable to take part in tomorrow’s food drive, consider going to Food Bank for the Heartland’s website (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffoodbankheartland.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C64dae991f0154eb8fd2e08d7f913d425%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251735862104416&amp;sdata=yyiylR4L1TOJ30B8C7Velq2kIyUpyQl6chbl%2FbsjIIM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">foodbankheartland.org</a>)&nbsp;to make a monetary donation or to volunteer to pack meals.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts: National Guard Flyover·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Air National Guard plans a flyover salute to healthcare professionals and all Nebraskans responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;Weather caused the postponement of the flyover originally planned for earlier this week, but it has been rescheduled for Monday, May 18th.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans are encouraged to view the flyovers from the safety of their homes or workplaces&nbsp;while practicing physical distancing. &nbsp;Anyone working in and living around these facilities should have no problem seeing or hearing the aircraft.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch the National Guard’s Facebook page for more information:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C64dae991f0154eb8fd2e08d7f913d425%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251735862104416&amp;sdata=IKwSA5c4F5V7wGiE68AqJRZCc7yKMsdRvUY1DFmtvWk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:30 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jibguxil57mbngd/AADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts highlights state's work to promote well being at long-term care facilities

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday, an election-year measure designed to brace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e95a6d2d0a721fcffb4efb9435b84f4f">a U.S. economy in free fall</a>&nbsp;and a health care system struggling to contain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8ab8ee4bdac227eb98804d3200d7d9e7">a pandemic still pummeling the country</a>.

The 208-199 vote, over strong Republican opposition, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities. It has no chance of becoming law as written, but will likely spark difficult negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans. Any product would probably be the last major COVID-19 response bill before November’s presidential and congressional elections.

The enormous Democratic measure would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined. It would deliver almost $1 trillion for state and local governments, another round of $1,200 direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.

“Not to act now is not only irresponsible in a humanitarian way, it is irresponsible because it’s only going to cost more,” warned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “More in terms of lives, livelihood, cost to the budget, cost to our democracy.”

Republicans mocked the bill as a bloated Democratic wish-list that was dead on arrival in the GOP-led Senate and, for good measure, faced a White House veto threat. Party leaders say they want to assess how $3 trillion approved earlier is working and see if some states’ partial business reopenings would spark an economic revival that would ease the need for more safety net programs.

Republicans are also sorting through internal divisions and awaiting stronger signals from President Donald Trump about what he will support.

“Phase Four is going to happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, using Washington insider-speak for the measure. “But it’s going to happen in a much better way for the American people.”

Trump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are insisting the next measure should protect reopening businesses from liability lawsuits. The president is also demanding a cut to payroll taxes, but GOP leaders are not yet onboard.

The daylong debate painted a Capitol scene that’s become common in the era of coronavirus, even as it remains disconcerting. The sparsely populated House floor was dotted with lawmakers and aides wearing protective masks and even gloves, though some Republicans lacked them.

Many members looked shaggier and sported beards they had not worn weeks ago. Roll call votes lasted over an hour each because lawmakers were voting in small groups to limit crowding.

To enhance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/95f4b1ce45413f5e6b162221a456894a">the bill’s political impact</a>, Democrats named their measure “The Heroes Act” for the payments it would provide front-line emergency workers. With more than 86,000 Americans dead, 1.4 million confirmed infections and 36 million filing unemployment claims in an frozen economy, Democrats saw GOP opposition as an easy campaign-season target.

“Are you kidding me?” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, of Republican assertions that it was time to stop spending more money. “Where do you guys live? Food lines at our food banks around the block? In the United States of America?”

Republicans saw the bill as a Democratic political blunder. They said overly generous unemployment benefits discouraged people from returning to work, and attacked language helping immigrants in the U.S. illegally get federal benefits. They also singled out provisions helping states set up voting by mail and easing the marijuana industry’s access to banks.

“It may help the cannabis industry, but it won’t help Main Street,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Clearly, the bipartisan consensus that produced four previous coronavirus bills is crumbling quickly. Polls show GOP voters are satisfied with the federal response and aren’t agitating for more. Self-branded deficit hawks are citing the massive increase in the spiraling $25 trillion national debt.

Some congressional aides said the Democratic bill’s real price tag could breach $3.5 trillion. A partial estimate of tax provisions alone revealed eye-popping costs: $412 billion to renew $1,200 cash payments to individuals, more than $100 billion to pay health insurance premiums for the unemployed and $164 billion to make an “employee retention” tax credit for businesses more generous.

Republicans leaders faced disunity between conservatives who feel enough has been done and pragmatists who back rescuing the Postal Service from looming insolvency and delivering cash to revenue-starved state and local governments. The huge price tag and a lack of consultation with Republicans by Pelosi cemented GOP opposition.

“This bill is nothing more than the Democratic policy agenda masquerading as a response to the coronavirus crisis,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. He said the bill is “going nowhere, and is going nowhere fast.”

Pelosi overcame party divisions of her own. Some moderate Democrats opposed the package for its price tag and politically fraught provisions like assisting marijuana businesses. A few progressive Democrats were upset because it did not do more, such as guaranteeing workers’ salaries and bolstering their health insurance coverage.

Those for whom the vote was most politically risky were the 30, mostly freshmen, from House districts that backed Trump in 2016. One, Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, labeled the measure “bloated” and said she’d vote no.

Liberal Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., told reporters that she’d also oppose the bill. She said if constituents ask her if the bill would put money in their pockets or preserve their health care, “I can’t tell them yes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589593696332.png" alt="Moments after the U.S. House passed a new $3 trillion coronavirus aid package, which includes money for state and local governments, coronavirus testing, and cash payments to individuals. Members will also take up a House rules change to allow proxy voting-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Moments after the U.S. House passed a new $3 trillion coronavirus aid package, which includes money for state and local governments, coronavirus testing, and cash payments to individuals. Members will also take up a House rules change to allow proxy voting-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday, an election-year measure designed to brace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e95a6d2d0a721fcffb4efb9435b84f4f">a U.S. economy in free fall</a>&nbsp;and a health care system struggling to contain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8ab8ee4bdac227eb98804d3200d7d9e7">a pandemic still pummeling the country</a>.The 208-199 vote, over strong Republican opposition, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities. It has no chance of becoming law as written, but will likely spark difficult negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans. Any product would probably be the last major COVID-19 response bill before November’s presidential and congressional elections.The enormous Democratic measure would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined. It would deliver almost $1 trillion for state and local governments, another round of $1,200 direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589593817267.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her news conference Thursday" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her news conference Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>“Not to act now is not only irresponsible in a humanitarian way, it is irresponsible because it’s only going to cost more,” warned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “More in terms of lives, livelihood, cost to the budget, cost to our democracy.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m in Washington to vote against Speaker Pelosi’s $3 trillion spending bill. This is a partisan attempt to take advantage of a crisis to pass a socialist wish list &amp; reckless spending. Instead, Congress needs to work together on meaningful legislation for Kansans and Americans. <a href="https://t.co/eTl3QiKMWw">pic.twitter.com/eTl3QiKMWw</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1261414271788826624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans mocked the bill as a bloated Democratic wish-list that was dead on arrival in the GOP-led Senate and, for good measure, faced a White House veto threat. Party leaders say they want to assess how $3 trillion approved earlier is working and see if some states’ partial business reopenings would spark an economic revival that would ease the need for more safety net programs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerPelosi</a>’s 1,800 page, $3 trillion boondoggle: -Funds Planned Parenthood -Bails out fiscally irresponsible states -Hands out millions to the “arts” -Discourages people from going back to work This socialist wish list is a sham, and a waste of time.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1261378054900920321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans are also sorting through internal divisions and awaiting stronger signals from President Donald Trump about what he will support.“Phase Four is going to happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, using Washington insider-speak for the measure. “But it’s going to happen in a much better way for the American people.”Trump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are insisting the next measure should protect reopening businesses from liability lawsuits. The president is also demanding a cut to payroll taxes, but GOP leaders are not yet onboard.The daylong debate painted a Capitol scene that’s become common in the era of coronavirus, even as it remains disconcerting. The sparsely populated House floor was dotted with lawmakers and aides wearing protective masks and even gloves, though some Republicans lacked them.Many members looked shaggier and sported beards they had not worn weeks ago. Roll call votes lasted over an hour each because lawmakers were voting in small groups to limit crowding.To enhance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/95f4b1ce45413f5e6b162221a456894a">the bill’s political impact</a>, Democrats named their measure “The Heroes Act” for the payments it would provide front-line emergency workers. With more than 86,000 Americans dead, 1.4 million confirmed infections and 36 million filing unemployment claims in an frozen economy, Democrats saw GOP opposition as an easy campaign-season target.“Are you kidding me?” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, of Republican assertions that it was time to stop spending more money. “Where do you guys live? Food lines at our food banks around the block? In the United States of America?”Republicans saw the bill as a Democratic political blunder. They said overly generous unemployment benefits discouraged people from returning to work, and attacked language helping immigrants in the U.S. illegally get federal benefits. They also singled out provisions helping states set up voting by mail and easing the marijuana industry’s access to banks.“It may help the cannabis industry, but it won’t help Main Street,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.Clearly, the bipartisan consensus that produced four previous coronavirus bills is crumbling quickly. Polls show GOP voters are satisfied with the federal response and aren’t agitating for more. Self-branded deficit hawks are citing the massive increase in the spiraling $25 trillion national debt.Some congressional aides said the Democratic bill’s real price tag could breach $3.5 trillion. A partial estimate of tax provisions alone revealed eye-popping costs: $412 billion to renew $1,200 cash payments to individuals, more than $100 billion to pay health insurance premiums for the unemployed and $164 billion to make an “employee retention” tax credit for businesses more generous.Republicans leaders faced disunity between conservatives who feel enough has been done and pragmatists who back rescuing the Postal Service from looming insolvency and delivering cash to revenue-starved state and local governments. The huge price tag and a lack of consultation with Republicans by Pelosi cemented GOP opposition.“This bill is nothing more than the Democratic policy agenda masquerading as a response to the coronavirus crisis,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. He said the bill is “going nowhere, and is going nowhere fast.”Pelosi overcame party divisions of her own. Some moderate Democrats opposed the package for its price tag and politically fraught provisions like assisting marijuana businesses. A few progressive Democrats were upset because it did not do more, such as guaranteeing workers’ salaries and bolstering their health insurance coverage.Those for whom the vote was most politically risky were the 30, mostly freshmen, from House districts that backed Trump in 2016. One, Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, labeled the measure “bloated” and said she’d vote no.Liberal Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., told reporters that she’d also oppose the bill. She said if constituents ask her if the bill would put money in their pockets or preserve their health care, “I can’t tell them yes.”

House approves new $3T coronavirus relief bill

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will require long-term care centers to develop formal plans outlining how they'll keep the coronavirus from spreading among the vulnerable residents who live in those facilities, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday.

Facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living centers will have to submit plans to state regulators explaining how they intend to identify ill people and deal with visitors for the rest of the year. They'll also have to discuss their disinfection protocols.

The announcement comes as state officials scramble to keep the virus from spreading among long-term care facilities, whose residents are generally older and have underlying health problems.

Long-term care residents are among the hardest-hit population groups in Nebraska, accounting for at least 75 of the state's 113 coronavirus deaths. At least 82 long-term care facilities have reported coronavirus cases in Nebraska, including 35 with cases among residents.

Nebraska health officials reported a one-day jump of six COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, as new cases were reported among police and several Omaha-area nursing homes.

Ricketts said state officials will consult with long-term care facilities on the project. The plans will also focus on residents' mental health needs, he said.

Six deaths from the coronavirus were reported Thursday, bringing the state's total to 113, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The state's total number of cases since the outbreak began jumped to nearly 9,500. Nebraska's hospitals still have a large number of beds, intensive-care unit space and ventilators if needed, according to the department's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online virus tracking portal</a>.

The numbers were reported as the Good Samaritan Society nursing, long-term and hospice care facility in Omaha reported 15 infected residents - including three residents who have died. The Omaha World-Herald also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/life-care-center-of-elkhorn-reports-68-cases-of-covid-19-among-residents-and-staff/article_9d5dbc76-2da2-522d-b846-6c8fe0d7a398.html" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Friday that 68 cases of the virus have been confirmed among residents and staff of Life Care Center in Omaha's Elkhorn community, while 10 residents and one staff member at the CountryHouse in neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa, had tested positive as of Friday.

The Omaha Police Department also reported a sixth officer testing positive for the virus.

State health officials said it's not practical to test all of Nebraska's long-term care residents because such testing would have to be repeated to ensure no new cases have emerged.

"A test just tells you whether you're positive or negative at that point in time," said Dr. Gary Anthone, the state's chief medical officer.

By GRANT SCHULTE-The Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will require long-term care centers to develop formal plans outlining how they'll keep the coronavirus from spreading among the vulnerable residents who live in those facilities, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday.Facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living centers will have to submit plans to state regulators explaining how they intend to identify ill people and deal with visitors for the rest of the year. They'll also have to discuss their disinfection protocols.The announcement comes as state officials scramble to keep the virus from spreading among long-term care facilities, whose residents are generally older and have underlying health problems.Long-term care residents are among the hardest-hit population groups in Nebraska, accounting for at least 75 of the state's 113 coronavirus deaths. At least 82 long-term care facilities have reported coronavirus cases in Nebraska, including 35 with cases among residents.Nebraska health officials reported a one-day jump of six COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, as new cases were reported among police and several Omaha-area nursing homes.Ricketts said state officials will consult with long-term care facilities on the project. The plans will also focus on residents' mental health needs, he said.Six deaths from the coronavirus were reported Thursday, bringing the state's total to 113, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The state's total number of cases since the outbreak began jumped to nearly 9,500. Nebraska's hospitals still have a large number of beds, intensive-care unit space and ventilators if needed, according to the department's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online virus tracking portal</a>.The numbers were reported as the Good Samaritan Society nursing, long-term and hospice care facility in Omaha reported 15 infected residents - including three residents who have died. The Omaha World-Herald also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/life-care-center-of-elkhorn-reports-68-cases-of-covid-19-among-residents-and-staff/article_9d5dbc76-2da2-522d-b846-6c8fe0d7a398.html" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Friday that 68 cases of the virus have been confirmed among residents and staff of Life Care Center in Omaha's Elkhorn community, while 10 residents and one staff member at the CountryHouse in neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa, had tested positive as of Friday.The Omaha Police Department also reported a sixth officer testing positive for the virus.State health officials said it's not practical to test all of Nebraska's long-term care residents because such testing would have to be repeated to ensure no new cases have emerged."A test just tells you whether you're positive or negative at that point in time," said Dr. Gary Anthone, the state's chief medical officer.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 to require coronavirus plans from nursing homes

May 15, 2020 – North Platte, NE&nbsp;– Great Plains Health has received an allocation of the antiviral drug Remdesivir&nbsp;for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

On May 1, the FDA issued “emergency use approval” for Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients. The manufacturer, Gilead Sciences agreed to donate their current stock to be distributed through state health departments. Earlier this week, Governor Ricketts announced that the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services received an initial supply of 400 vials of Remdesivir to distribute as necessary, with the intent that the medication be limited to COVID-19 patients most severely impacted and ventilated.

Today, Great Plains Health received 18 vials, which is enough to treat three patients.

“We are extremely appreciative to receive the Remdesivir,” said Barb Petersen, chief quality officer. “We want to be able to provide the COVID-19 patients we are caring for every opportunity to overcome this disease. We appreciate the support that we have received from the state officials and every partner that helped us receive these vials.”

Jason North, Great Plains Health pharmacy director said, “Multiple people have been involved in the process for garnering this allocation for Great Plains Health including GPHealth infectious disease physician Dr. Eduardo Freitas; GPHealth CEO, Mel McNea; GPHealth chief quality officer, Barb Petersen; Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone; GPHealth radiation oncologist and current chairman of the Nebraska Medical Association, Dr. Todd Hlavaty; UNMC infectious diseases pharmacist, Scott Bergman; Nebraska Governor, Pete Ricketts and US Senator Ben Sasse.”

“It is vital to be able to have access to the same medications and resources that are available in other parts of the state and country,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “Our patients deserve that same level of care and we are proud to be able to provide it thanks to everyone working together that made this happen.”

May 15, 2020 – North Platte, NE&nbsp;– Great Plains Health has received an allocation of the antiviral drug Remdesivir&nbsp;for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.On May 1, the FDA issued “emergency use approval” for Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients. The manufacturer, Gilead Sciences agreed to donate their current stock to be distributed through state health departments. Earlier this week, Governor Ricketts announced that the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services received an initial supply of 400 vials of Remdesivir to distribute as necessary, with the intent that the medication be limited to COVID-19 patients most severely impacted and ventilated.Today, Great Plains Health received 18 vials, which is enough to treat three patients.“We are extremely appreciative to receive the Remdesivir,” said Barb Petersen, chief quality officer. “We want to be able to provide the COVID-19 patients we are caring for every opportunity to overcome this disease. We appreciate the support that we have received from the state officials and every partner that helped us receive these vials.”Jason North, Great Plains Health pharmacy director said, “Multiple people have been involved in the process for garnering this allocation for Great Plains Health including GPHealth infectious disease physician Dr. Eduardo Freitas; GPHealth CEO, Mel McNea; GPHealth chief quality officer, Barb Petersen; Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone; GPHealth radiation oncologist and current chairman of the Nebraska Medical Association, Dr. Todd Hlavaty; UNMC infectious diseases pharmacist, Scott Bergman; Nebraska Governor, Pete Ricketts and US Senator Ben Sasse.”“It is vital to be able to have access to the same medications and resources that are available in other parts of the state and country,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “Our patients deserve that same level of care and we are proud to be able to provide it thanks to everyone working together that made this happen.”

Great Plains Health receives Remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump named a former pharmaceutical executive to lead his administration’s all-out effort to produce and distribute a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.

Moncef Slaoui, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will lead “Operation Warp Speed,” Trump’s push to accelerate the vaccine development process for COVID-19.

Slaoui is to serve in a volunteer capacity, and will be assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, the commander of United States Army Materiel Command. 

The move comes as the president and White House aides hope to produce vaccines for the coronavirus faster than what many scientists believe is realistic.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump named a former pharmaceutical executive to lead his administration’s all-out effort to produce and distribute a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Operation Warp Speed is &quot;a massive scientific, industrial, and logistical endeavor unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/dkfU3vPnnA">pic.twitter.com/dkfU3vPnnA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1261354450259763200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Moncef Slaoui, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will lead “Operation Warp Speed,” Trump’s push to accelerate the vaccine development process for COVID-19.Slaoui is to serve in a volunteer capacity, and will be assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, the commander of United States Army Materiel Command. The move comes as the president and White House aides hope to produce vaccines for the coronavirus faster than what many scientists believe is realistic.

🎥 Trump names virus vaccine development team

As we battle coronavirus as a state, we must work together to practice physical distancing as we reopen the parts of our society that were temporarily closed.&nbsp; This is a virus for which we have no immunity.&nbsp; We can’t stop it, but we can slow its spread to ensure that we preserve our healthcare system.

An analogy I use is that we could end almost all traffic fatalities in Nebraska by lowering the speed limit to five miles per hour.&nbsp; But we don’t do that.&nbsp; With regard to coronavirus, we have put measures in place that have essentially “reduced the speed” in society to five miles per hour.&nbsp; We’ve slowed everybody down to protect the healthcare system.&nbsp; These measures have worked, and we have flattened the curve in Nebraska.&nbsp; This has allowed us to succeed in our main goal of preventing our hospitals from being overwhelmed.&nbsp;

These restrictions have had difficult consequences, but they were necessary for a short time.&nbsp; Now that we’re confident in our ability to maintain our healthcare system, we can begin to find the right speed as we move forward.&nbsp;

As we return to a more normal way of life, we’re not going to floor the accelerator. &nbsp;We’ll proceed with caution, gradually picking up the pace while keeping a constant eye on public health data. &nbsp;The Test Nebraska initiative with its three-part strategy—1) Assess, 2) Test, 3) Trace—will help us to gather the data we need to make smart decisions about how fast to move forward.

The first step of our Test Nebraska strategy is to have Nebraskans fill out a simple, five-minute health assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C5128a05234624c5bd30a08d7f8e297ec%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251524396826045&amp;sdata=QceQqpfCSSW9D0HYA%2FLfXnmwjI3KEL2P51jqxRvK%2Bww%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.&nbsp; These assessments help us determine where to deploy our testing resources.&nbsp; Right now, anyone who takes the assessment will be prioritized for testing if they choose the response “yes, I have symptoms.”&nbsp; Additionally, anyone who selects health care, first responder, or food processing as their occupation will also be prioritized, even if they do not report any symptoms of illness on the assessment.

Everyone who signs up at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C5128a05234624c5bd30a08d7f8e297ec%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251524396836006&amp;sdata=2bGUicldLfH2JbQKPZ5eWVcTT93iXVP1Iz2G908iE7U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;will receive periodic follow-up emails requesting updates to their health assessment.&nbsp; Symptoms can develop quickly, and we ask people to update their assessment from time to time as requested.&nbsp; So far, about 140,000 Nebraskans have completed assessments. &nbsp;Please help us to increase that number by signing up and encouraging your friends and family to do the same.

We’re using information from the assessments to decide where to set up mobile testing sites across Nebraska. &nbsp;The Nebraska National Guard is overseeing the test sites to ensure that they run as smoothly as possible.&nbsp; We’ve tested at sites in Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, and Schuyler.&nbsp; We are moving to Lexington and Norfolk as well.&nbsp; We have set up our laboratory at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln to serve as the central site to analyze the samples collected at our Test Nebraska locations.&nbsp; At capacity, we expect the lab to process 3,000 tests per day once testing is fully ramped up.&nbsp;

Testing helps us identify positive cases so that we can isolate individuals with coronavirus and quarantine the members of their household.&nbsp; This serves the dual purpose of helping affected individuals monitor their health and of reducing exposure in the community.&nbsp; Whenever someone tests positive, public health teams interview them to learn more about the people and places they’ve recently visited.&nbsp; We then ask additional folks to quarantine if there’s a significant risk that they’ve been exposed to the virus. &nbsp;We’re continuing to mobilize and equip teammates within our Department of Health and Human Services to perform contact tracing.&nbsp; Our goal is to have 1,000 additional contact tracers at the State that can support our Local Health Departments.

Nebraskans should expect to see our cumulative number of coronavirus cases rise as we expand testing. &nbsp;This does not necessarily indicate an increased rate of infection.&nbsp; In part, it reflects our enhanced ability to trace the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Throughout May, we are continuing to ask everyone to follow our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home.&nbsp; Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limit.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week.&nbsp; Do not take family with you.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing.&nbsp; Play at home.&nbsp; No group sports or playgrounds.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term care facilities.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.

As we relax restrictions, Nebraskans will still need to be mindful of maintaining physical distance from one another. &nbsp;Physical distancing combined with testing and contact tracing will help us continue to protect our healthcare system.&nbsp; These measures are especially important for Nebraskans with health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, a compromised immune system, diabetes, or respiratory illness.&nbsp;

For the latest information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.Governor.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and subscribe to the coronavirus updates.&nbsp; You can also visit&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp; Additionally, we’ve set up a Test Nebraska hotline at 402-207-9377 to answer questions about the testing initiative.&nbsp;

We will get through this as we have always done in Nebraska—by working together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579024294426.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsAs we battle coronavirus as a state, we must work together to practice physical distancing as we reopen the parts of our society that were temporarily closed.&nbsp; This is a virus for which we have no immunity.&nbsp; We can’t stop it, but we can slow its spread to ensure that we preserve our healthcare system.An analogy I use is that we could end almost all traffic fatalities in Nebraska by lowering the speed limit to five miles per hour.&nbsp; But we don’t do that.&nbsp; With regard to coronavirus, we have put measures in place that have essentially “reduced the speed” in society to five miles per hour.&nbsp; We’ve slowed everybody down to protect the healthcare system.&nbsp; These measures have worked, and we have flattened the curve in Nebraska.&nbsp; This has allowed us to succeed in our main goal of preventing our hospitals from being overwhelmed.&nbsp;These restrictions have had difficult consequences, but they were necessary for a short time.&nbsp; Now that we’re confident in our ability to maintain our healthcare system, we can begin to find the right speed as we move forward.&nbsp;As we return to a more normal way of life, we’re not going to floor the accelerator. &nbsp;We’ll proceed with caution, gradually picking up the pace while keeping a constant eye on public health data. &nbsp;The Test Nebraska initiative with its three-part strategy—1) Assess, 2) Test, 3) Trace—will help us to gather the data we need to make smart decisions about how fast to move forward.Test Nebraska: AssessThe first step of our Test Nebraska strategy is to have Nebraskans fill out a simple, five-minute health assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C5128a05234624c5bd30a08d7f8e297ec%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251524396826045&amp;sdata=QceQqpfCSSW9D0HYA%2FLfXnmwjI3KEL2P51jqxRvK%2Bww%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.&nbsp; These assessments help us determine where to deploy our testing resources.&nbsp; Right now, anyone who takes the assessment will be prioritized for testing if they choose the response “yes, I have symptoms.”&nbsp; Additionally, anyone who selects health care, first responder, or food processing as their occupation will also be prioritized, even if they do not report any symptoms of illness on the assessment.Everyone who signs up at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C5128a05234624c5bd30a08d7f8e297ec%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251524396836006&amp;sdata=2bGUicldLfH2JbQKPZ5eWVcTT93iXVP1Iz2G908iE7U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;will receive periodic follow-up emails requesting updates to their health assessment.&nbsp; Symptoms can develop quickly, and we ask people to update their assessment from time to time as requested.&nbsp; So far, about 140,000 Nebraskans have completed assessments. &nbsp;Please help us to increase that number by signing up and encouraging your friends and family to do the same.Test Nebraska: TestWe’re using information from the assessments to decide where to set up mobile testing sites across Nebraska. &nbsp;The Nebraska National Guard is overseeing the test sites to ensure that they run as smoothly as possible.&nbsp; We’ve tested at sites in Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, and Schuyler.&nbsp; We are moving to Lexington and Norfolk as well.&nbsp; We have set up our laboratory at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln to serve as the central site to analyze the samples collected at our Test Nebraska locations.&nbsp; At capacity, we expect the lab to process 3,000 tests per day once testing is fully ramped up.&nbsp;Test Nebraska: TraceTesting helps us identify positive cases so that we can isolate individuals with coronavirus and quarantine the members of their household.&nbsp; This serves the dual purpose of helping affected individuals monitor their health and of reducing exposure in the community.&nbsp; Whenever someone tests positive, public health teams interview them to learn more about the people and places they’ve recently visited.&nbsp; We then ask additional folks to quarantine if there’s a significant risk that they’ve been exposed to the virus. &nbsp;We’re continuing to mobilize and equip teammates within our Department of Health and Human Services to perform contact tracing.&nbsp; Our goal is to have 1,000 additional contact tracers at the State that can support our Local Health Departments.Nebraskans should expect to see our cumulative number of coronavirus cases rise as we expand testing. &nbsp;This does not necessarily indicate an increased rate of infection.&nbsp; In part, it reflects our enhanced ability to trace the spread of the virus.&nbsp;Throughout May, we are continuing to ask everyone to follow our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home.&nbsp; Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limit.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week.&nbsp; Do not take family with you.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing.&nbsp; Play at home.&nbsp; No group sports or playgrounds.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term care facilities.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.As we relax restrictions, Nebraskans will still need to be mindful of maintaining physical distance from one another. &nbsp;Physical distancing combined with testing and contact tracing will help us continue to protect our healthcare system.&nbsp; These measures are especially important for Nebraskans with health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, a compromised immune system, diabetes, or respiratory illness.&nbsp;For the latest information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.Governor.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and subscribe to the coronavirus updates.&nbsp; You can also visit&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp; Additionally, we’ve set up a Test Nebraska hotline at 402-207-9377 to answer questions about the testing initiative.&nbsp;We will get through this as we have always done in Nebraska—by working together.

Ricketts: Finding the right speed for Nebraska

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are planning to test everyone in nursing homes and assisted living facilities over the next month. 

The Department of Health will be working with facilities that care for the elderly to test over 26,000 people in the coming weeks.

 Nursing homes have been most susceptible to deaths from COVID-19. 

The state has acquired more supplies needed for tests, allowing them to hold mass testing events. 

Health officials also plan to conduct random testing among vulnerable people to try to catch infections before they spread. 

Health officials are also planning a mass testing event next week with one Native American tribe.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are planning to test everyone in nursing homes and assisted living facilities over the next month. The Department of Health will be working with facilities that care for the elderly to test over 26,000 people in the coming weeks. Nursing homes have been most susceptible to deaths from COVID-19. The state has acquired more supplies needed for tests, allowing them to hold mass testing events. Health officials also plan to conduct random testing among vulnerable people to try to catch infections before they spread. Health officials are also planning a mass testing event next week with one Native American tribe.

South Dakota plans mass testing in elder care facilities

Columbus – Scammers are using a variety of different methods to steal money from unsuspecting victims during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Columbus – Scammers are using a variety of different methods to steal money from unsuspecting victims during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.These scams range from threatening to shut a Nebraska Public Power District customer’s power off through a text message or requesting a customer to purchase a green dot card to pay a fake overdue bill. Scammers will either text or call a customer and tell them that they must pay their bill immediately or their power will be shut-off. If the customer pays a scammer using a green dot card, or other method such as wire transfer, it makes it very difficult to track or recover the money.“NPPD has suspended all disconnects and late payment fees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and we are encouraging customers to reach out to us if they are having trouble paying their bill,” says NPPD VicePresident and Retail General Manager Tim Arlt. “Scammers will try to confuse or cause panic in order to get what they want, and it’s important for customers to know this is not how NPPD conducts business.”Scammers will sometimes spoof their real phone number to make it appear as an NPPD number when they are making calls. They will then ask the customer to call them back using a different number in order to make the payments.NPPD will not call or text a customer and demand payment or threaten to shut off a customer’s power. If you believe you are a target of a potential scam or are unsure if you are talking to someone from NPPD, hang up the phone and call 1-877-ASK-NPPD.

Coronavirus Update