CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming will again allow people to dine in at restaurants, meet in bars and gather in larger numbers as the state continues to post some of the lowest coronavirus infection numbers in the U.S. Gov. Mark Gordon announced the new state public health orders Wednesday and they take effect Friday.

 Restaurant and bar tables must be adequately spaced, and employees must wear face coverings. 

They will need to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. 

Up to 25 people will be allowed to gather, up from 10 currently. 

Gordon urged people to continue to be careful, saying “the virus is not yet gone.”

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming will again allow people to dine in at restaurants, meet in bars and gather in larger numbers as the state continues to post some of the lowest coronavirus infection numbers in the U.S. Gov. Mark Gordon announced the new state public health orders Wednesday and they take effect Friday. Restaurant and bar tables must be adequately spaced, and employees must wear face coverings. They will need to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Up to 25 people will be allowed to gather, up from 10 currently. Gordon urged people to continue to be careful, saying “the virus is not yet gone.”

Wyoming to loosen COVID-19 restaurant, bar, gathering rules

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The head of a Native American tribe says the tribe won’t comply with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's demand to remove coronavirus checkpoints it set up on federal and state highways that run through its reservation.

 The Republican governor says the checkpoints are illegal and that she asked the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe to restrict them to tribal roads only. 

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chairman Harold Frazier sent a letter to Noem saying his tribe would consider her points. But he made clear to The Associated Press that he believes the tribe is within its rights to operate checkpoints anywhere on its reservation. 

The Oglala Sioux Tribe didn't reply to a request for comment.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The head of a Native American tribe says the tribe won’t comply with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's demand to remove coronavirus checkpoints it set up on federal and state highways that run through its reservation. The Republican governor says the checkpoints are illegal and that she asked the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe to restrict them to tribal roads only. Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chairman Harold Frazier sent a letter to Noem saying his tribe would consider her points. But he made clear to The Associated Press that he believes the tribe is within its rights to operate checkpoints anywhere on its reservation. The Oglala Sioux Tribe didn't reply to a request for comment.

Native American tribe says sovereignty allows checkpoints

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of Nebraskans filing new unemployment claims appears to be stabilizing but is still far higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released Thursday.

Nebraska state officials received 6,408 new jobless claims during the week that ended March 9, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Last week, the state reported 6,418 claims.

The number of claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d3d2181755cf0e0ac0f15c224682157f" target="_blank">surged to a record 26,788</a>&nbsp;in early April and has slowly trended downward since. Unemployment in Nebraska and nationally has surged as state governments imposed social distancing restrictions to try to keep the coronavirus from spreading and overwhelming local hospitals.

The increase overwhelmed the Nebraska Department of Labor, despite an increase in the number of workers to process claims. The department's original goal of processing 90% of claims in three weeks has been lowered to processing 75% of the claims in four weeks, forcing some unemployed residents to wait longer for their benefits.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of Nebraskans filing new unemployment claims appears to be stabilizing but is still far higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released Thursday.Nebraska state officials received 6,408 new jobless claims during the week that ended March 9, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Last week, the state reported 6,418 claims.The number of claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d3d2181755cf0e0ac0f15c224682157f" target="_blank">surged to a record 26,788</a>&nbsp;in early April and has slowly trended downward since. Unemployment in Nebraska and nationally has surged as state governments imposed social distancing restrictions to try to keep the coronavirus from spreading and overwhelming local hospitals.The increase overwhelmed the Nebraska Department of Labor, despite an increase in the number of workers to process claims. The department's original goal of processing 90% of claims in three weeks has been lowered to processing 75% of the claims in four weeks, forcing some unemployed residents to wait longer for their benefits.

Nebraska unemployment claims stable but higher than normal

President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing last month in the Rose Garden -photo courtesy White House

Tallahassee, Fla. (AP) — Republican attorneys general in 14 states asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to form a state-federal partnership to hold China accountable for damages caused by the spread of the new coronavirus.

The letter to the president says “the Chinese communist government” may have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bf685dcf52125be54e030834ab7062a8">failed to provide information or provided misinformation&nbsp;</a>about the virus that led to its spread.

“The spread of COVID-19 has grievously harmed each of our States. Many of our citizens have suffered and died from this virus. Our economies have been effectively shut down. Businesses, big and small, have been devastated to the point that many will not reopen,” the letter said.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson are taking the lead on the coalition. The letter is also signed by attorneys general in Nebraska, Kansas, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia.

While the coalition is made up of Republicans, Moody said in a phone interview that she wants to add more attorneys generals, including Democrats, as part of an effort to make China pay in some way for the pandemic.

“I don’t see this as a partisan issue. Holding a country accountable for misinformation or lack of action that could have mitigated the spread of this devastating virus is something of concern to all of us regardless of party,” she said. “Seeking damages is of concern to all of us.”

The letter is part of a growing call among state elected officials pointing blame at China for economic loss and deaths caused by the coronavirus, joining dozens of patients and businesses looking to sue China over the outbreak that has killed more than 83,000 people in the United States.

Trump is clearly not happy with China’s role in the spread of the virus. While not a response to the attorneys general letter, he criticized the country on Twitter on Wednesday, saying the virus began spreading just after the U.S. and China reached a trade deal.

“The ink was barely dry, and the World was hit by the Plague from China. 100 Trade Deals wouldn’t make up the difference - and all those innocent lives lost!,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260578860992737285">tweeted.</a>

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis began calling for China to be held accountable in March, saying, “How Americans view them will never be the same. They’ve never been terribly popular as a country here, but I think that we have got to hold China accountable.”

Since then, he has almost weekly criticized China and called for less U.S. reliance on the country for goods, particularly medical equipment.

Moody said the attorneys generals are examining state and federal laws to determine the best course of action against China and whether steps need to be modified to be more successful in their pursuit of accountability.

“What is the mechanism that we may utilize based on the facts that we have and based on the laws that exist or as they are modified ... that we could see success at true accountability from China?” Moody said.

The letter to Trump says state and federal governments need to look at legal, economic, diplomatic and security measures that could be taken against China.

“This will allow us to share information and resources and ensure that any remedy sought takes into consideration our legal capabilities and the devastating impact the virus has had on our States,” it said.

China informed the World Health Organization of the outbreak on Dec. 31 of last year. It contacted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on Jan. 3 and publicly identified the pathogen as a novel coronavirus on Jan. 8.

Chinese officials muffled doctors who warned about the virus early on and repeatedly downplayed the threat of the outbreak. However, many of the Chinese government’s missteps appear to have been due to bureaucratic hurdles, tight controls on information and officials hesitant to report bad news.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589452633094.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing last month in the Rose Garden -photo courtesy White HouseTallahassee, Fla. (AP) — Republican attorneys general in 14 states asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to form a state-federal partnership to hold China accountable for damages caused by the spread of the new coronavirus.The letter to the president says “the Chinese communist government” may have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bf685dcf52125be54e030834ab7062a8">failed to provide information or provided misinformation&nbsp;</a>about the virus that led to its spread.“The spread of COVID-19 has grievously harmed each of our States. Many of our citizens have suffered and died from this virus. Our economies have been effectively shut down. Businesses, big and small, have been devastated to the point that many will not reopen,” the letter said.Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson are taking the lead on the coalition. The letter is also signed by attorneys general in Nebraska, Kansas, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and West Virginia.While the coalition is made up of Republicans, Moody said in a phone interview that she wants to add more attorneys generals, including Democrats, as part of an effort to make China pay in some way for the pandemic.“I don’t see this as a partisan issue. Holding a country accountable for misinformation or lack of action that could have mitigated the spread of this devastating virus is something of concern to all of us regardless of party,” she said. “Seeking damages is of concern to all of us.”The letter is part of a growing call among state elected officials pointing blame at China for economic loss and deaths caused by the coronavirus, joining dozens of patients and businesses looking to sue China over the outbreak that has killed more than 83,000 people in the United States.Trump is clearly not happy with China’s role in the spread of the virus. While not a response to the attorneys general letter, he criticized the country on Twitter on Wednesday, saying the virus began spreading just after the U.S. and China reached a trade deal.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As I have said for a long time, dealing with China is a very expensive thing to do. We just made a great Trade Deal, the ink was barely dry, and the World was hit by the Plague from China. 100 Trade Deals wouldn’t make up the difference - and all those innocent lives lost!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260578860992737285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The ink was barely dry, and the World was hit by the Plague from China. 100 Trade Deals wouldn’t make up the difference - and all those innocent lives lost!,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1260578860992737285">tweeted.</a>Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis began calling for China to be held accountable in March, saying, “How Americans view them will never be the same. They’ve never been terribly popular as a country here, but I think that we have got to hold China accountable.”Since then, he has almost weekly criticized China and called for less U.S. reliance on the country for goods, particularly medical equipment.Moody said the attorneys generals are examining state and federal laws to determine the best course of action against China and whether steps need to be modified to be more successful in their pursuit of accountability.“What is the mechanism that we may utilize based on the facts that we have and based on the laws that exist or as they are modified ... that we could see success at true accountability from China?” Moody said.The letter to Trump says state and federal governments need to look at legal, economic, diplomatic and security measures that could be taken against China.“This will allow us to share information and resources and ensure that any remedy sought takes into consideration our legal capabilities and the devastating impact the virus has had on our States,” it said.China informed the World Health Organization of the outbreak on Dec. 31 of last year. It contacted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on Jan. 3 and publicly identified the pathogen as a novel coronavirus on Jan. 8.Chinese officials muffled doctors who warned about the virus early on and repeatedly downplayed the threat of the outbreak. However, many of the Chinese government’s missteps appear to have been due to bureaucratic hurdles, tight controls on information and officials hesitant to report bad news.___

AG in Nebraska, 13 other states to Trump: Let's hold China accountable

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that a dedicated hotline has been set up to answer questions about the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; The number is&nbsp;402-207-9377.&nbsp;&nbsp;Previously, the State’s general coronavirus hotline had been fielding calls related to Test Nebraska.&nbsp;

The Governor also thanked nurses and caregivers for their work to serve Nebraskans during the pandemic.&nbsp; He proclaimed May 10-16, 2020 as Skilled Nursing Care Week in Nebraska in recognition of their ongoing efforts.&nbsp; Heath Boddy, President &amp; CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association joined Gov. Ricketts at this afternoon’s briefing.&nbsp; He underscored the heroic work being done at&nbsp;skilled nursing and long-term care facilities across the state.

Additionally, First Lady Susanne Shore took part in today’s press event.&nbsp; She highlighted Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, overviewed its work to meet the needs of communities affected by the virus, and invited Nebraskans to join the relief efforts.

·&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%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533861152&amp;sdata=9pTc1bkjblAGoG%2B1YqpSFitj9z8dA%2BVJmGc7JDzKX%2Bo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testing sites are operating in Lincoln and Omaha today.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, Test Nebraska will be in Norfolk.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, mobile testing teams will be in Lexington.

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

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer support for Test Nebraska.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are excited to announce today that a call center will be providing support for Test Nebraska. &nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;To date, our general coronavirus hotline has assisted with questions regarding Test Nebraska. &nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Going forward, a call center with experience supporting this system will be available to help our residents.&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;The number for the new Test Nebraska call center is 402-207-9377.

First Lady Shore: Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have worked in close collaboration with the Bring Up Nebraska Community Collaborative, which is a program of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, to identify areas of need across the state.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The majority of our funds, around $250,000, have gone to provide emergency food assistance in virus hotspots, including Colfax, Dakota, Dawson, Hall, Madison, and Platte counties.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have also worked with school administrators in Platte and Colfax counties to provide refurbished laptops and tablets to low-income students, as well as to youth who have aged out of the foster care system.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to do everything we can to help our non-profit partners across the state meet the needs of our citizens.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I have two requests.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;First, if you are able, please consider making a financial contribution to Nebraska Impact, the Food Bank of the Heartland, the Food Bank of Lincoln, or your local food pantry or non-profit.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;You can donate to Nebraska Impact online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533866130&amp;sdata=UY1ML0IPx7GmuQtNyAo6uvXfJEcq4x8sbGq1h5zZlhE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org</a>.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Second, please consider donating masks.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;I have heard from multiple sources this week, including food banks, that there are a lot of people who don’t have access to masks.&nbsp; This puts them at greater risk when they have to go out in public, such as to pick up food for their families.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Providing these masks to people in some of our hardest-hit communities is one way we can help keep Nebraskans safe.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I’m asking all of the wonderful, talented seamstresses—both expert and novice—to sew and donate cloth facemasks to those in need.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Information on how to donate masks, along with a tutorial on how to make facemasks, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2Fmasks&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533871100&amp;sdata=F9pQPOnqiAs6iC49s1IgubOS57UVqQ0obd%2FTdxCdLoY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org/masks</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I appreciate everyone’s strength, sense of community, and resilience.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will get through this difficult time by working together and lifting up those in need.

Gov. Ricketts: Skilled Nursing Care Week

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This week is Skilled Nursing Care Week. &nbsp;Facilities across the state are doing an excellent job of delivering care to our most vulnerable at an incredibly difficult time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to remind people not to visit skilled nursing or long-term care facilities at this time. &nbsp;We need to protect people from the virus.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I also want to thank all of our nurses who are making sacrifices and putting their health on the line at this time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To recognize their work, I’m declaring this week as Skilled Nursing Week in Nebraska.

Heath Boddy: Skilled Nursing Care Week

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our long-term care providers continue to be in a war against this virus.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They’re providing high-quality care while also helping our elderly residents connect with their family members in new, physically distanced ways so that they can stay engaged.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Courageous caregivers get up each morning to serve well, care well, and keep people as safe as they can be.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Nebraskans, I encourage you to rally around the skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in your area.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Find ways to show support of the elderly residents who cannot physically be close to their loved ones right now.&nbsp; And give encouragement to the team members who bring their passion and dedication to the job each day to serve some of our most vulnerable residents.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fczkcswmjcqwq6n2%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.13.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533871100&amp;sdata=SBnNIAacALxG%2BNPNiWEitgWujV2NVqtAxJpigU%2FolDI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589451198431.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, President &amp; CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association&nbsp;Heath Boddy (standing, far left, and First Lady Susanne Shore (standing, second from left)&nbsp;at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, President &amp; CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association&nbsp;Heath Boddy (standing, far left, and First Lady Susanne Shore (standing, second from left)&nbsp;at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that a dedicated hotline has been set up to answer questions about the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; The number is&nbsp;402-207-9377.&nbsp;&nbsp;Previously, the State’s general coronavirus hotline had been fielding calls related to Test Nebraska.&nbsp;The Governor also thanked nurses and caregivers for their work to serve Nebraskans during the pandemic.&nbsp; He proclaimed May 10-16, 2020 as Skilled Nursing Care Week in Nebraska in recognition of their ongoing efforts.&nbsp; Heath Boddy, President &amp; CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association joined Gov. Ricketts at this afternoon’s briefing.&nbsp; He underscored the heroic work being done at&nbsp;skilled nursing and long-term care facilities across the state.Additionally, First Lady Susanne Shore took part in today’s press event.&nbsp; She highlighted Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, overviewed its work to meet the needs of communities affected by the virus, and invited Nebraskans to join the relief efforts.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%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533861152&amp;sdata=9pTc1bkjblAGoG%2B1YqpSFitj9z8dA%2BVJmGc7JDzKX%2Bo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testing sites are operating in Lincoln and Omaha today.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, Test Nebraska will be in Norfolk.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, mobile testing teams will be in Lexington.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More sites will be announced in the near future.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer support for Test Nebraska.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are excited to announce today that a call center will be providing support for Test Nebraska. &nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;To date, our general coronavirus hotline has assisted with questions regarding Test Nebraska. &nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;Going forward, a call center with experience supporting this system will be available to help our residents.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;The number for the new Test Nebraska call center is 402-207-9377.First Lady Shore: Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have worked in close collaboration with the Bring Up Nebraska Community Collaborative, which is a program of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, to identify areas of need across the state.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The majority of our funds, around $250,000, have gone to provide emergency food assistance in virus hotspots, including Colfax, Dakota, Dawson, Hall, Madison, and Platte counties.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have also worked with school administrators in Platte and Colfax counties to provide refurbished laptops and tablets to low-income students, as well as to youth who have aged out of the foster care system.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to do everything we can to help our non-profit partners across the state meet the needs of our citizens.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I have two requests.o&nbsp;&nbsp;First, if you are able, please consider making a financial contribution to Nebraska Impact, the Food Bank of the Heartland, the Food Bank of Lincoln, or your local food pantry or non-profit.§&nbsp;&nbsp;You can donate to Nebraska Impact online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533866130&amp;sdata=UY1ML0IPx7GmuQtNyAo6uvXfJEcq4x8sbGq1h5zZlhE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org</a>.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Second, please consider donating masks.§&nbsp;&nbsp;I have heard from multiple sources this week, including food banks, that there are a lot of people who don’t have access to masks.&nbsp; This puts them at greater risk when they have to go out in public, such as to pick up food for their families.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Providing these masks to people in some of our hardest-hit communities is one way we can help keep Nebraskans safe.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I’m asking all of the wonderful, talented seamstresses—both expert and novice—to sew and donate cloth facemasks to those in need.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Information on how to donate masks, along with a tutorial on how to make facemasks, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2Fmasks&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533871100&amp;sdata=F9pQPOnqiAs6iC49s1IgubOS57UVqQ0obd%2FTdxCdLoY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org/masks</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I appreciate everyone’s strength, sense of community, and resilience.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will get through this difficult time by working together and lifting up those in need.Gov. Ricketts: Skilled Nursing Care Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This week is Skilled Nursing Care Week. &nbsp;Facilities across the state are doing an excellent job of delivering care to our most vulnerable at an incredibly difficult time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to remind people not to visit skilled nursing or long-term care facilities at this time. &nbsp;We need to protect people from the virus.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I also want to thank all of our nurses who are making sacrifices and putting their health on the line at this time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To recognize their work, I’m declaring this week as Skilled Nursing Week in Nebraska.Heath Boddy: Skilled Nursing Care Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our long-term care providers continue to be in a war against this virus.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They’re providing high-quality care while also helping our elderly residents connect with their family members in new, physically distanced ways so that they can stay engaged.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Courageous caregivers get up each morning to serve well, care well, and keep people as safe as they can be.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Nebraskans, I encourage you to rally around the skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in your area.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Find ways to show support of the elderly residents who cannot physically be close to their loved ones right now.&nbsp; And give encouragement to the team members who bring their passion and dedication to the job each day to serve some of our most vulnerable residents.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fczkcswmjcqwq6n2%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.13.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533871100&amp;sdata=SBnNIAacALxG%2BNPNiWEitgWujV2NVqtAxJpigU%2FolDI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts highlights new Test Nebraska hotline, proclaims 'Skilled Nursing Care Week' 

LINCOLN (DHHS) –&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (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 total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 107, according to the DHHS data dashboard.

To view county-specific data, just click on the county within the Nebraska map.

Additional hospital data was also added to the dashboard. On the hospital capacity tab, there is now the number of Nebraska hospital beds available and total hospital beds, the number of ICU beds available and the total number of ICU beds, and the number of ventilators available and the total number of ventilators in the state.

Richardson County reported its first case of COVID-19 today. DHHS also reported the first case in Garfield County yesterday. That case was erroneously entered as a Garfield County case and belongs to another county. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 9,075. 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.

Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state's Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</a>.

Governor Ricketts announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska 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/&nbsp;</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

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&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>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589449813123.png" alt="Click <a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1oOl5f7dhwIvJFr62_xDTXgWd76n-6apa11hBs-IX1CI4vOp0U7oGqC3M#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3">HERE</a> to view the dashboard." />
 <figcaption>Click <a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1oOl5f7dhwIvJFr62_xDTXgWd76n-6apa11hBs-IX1CI4vOp0U7oGqC3M#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3">HERE</a> to view the dashboard.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN (DHHS) –&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (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 total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 107, according to the DHHS data dashboard. To view county-specific data, just click on the county within the Nebraska map.Additional hospital data was also added to the dashboard. On the hospital capacity tab, there is now the number of Nebraska hospital beds available and total hospital beds, the number of ICU beds available and the total number of ICU beds, and the number of ventilators available and the total number of ventilators in the state.Richardson County reported its first case of COVID-19 today. DHHS also reported the first case in Garfield County yesterday. That case was erroneously entered as a Garfield County case and belongs to another county. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 9,075. 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.Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state's Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</a>.Governor Ricketts announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska 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/&nbsp;</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.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&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>.

DHHS COVID-19 dashboard now includes death data, hospital capacity

Unified Command confirms two new cases of COVID-19. &nbsp;A Scotts Bluff County male in his 20s and a Morrill County female in her 20s are close contacts of a previously positive case. 

The investigation is 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 10 minutes, less than six feet apart. 

Box Butte County: 1 case (recovered)

Cheyenne County: 9 cases (2 active, 7 recovered)

Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)

Morrill County: 10 Cases (7 active, 3 recovered)

Scotts Bluff County: 47 Cases (20 active, 27 recovered)

Throughout the month of May, we are reminding people to respect the following to keep Nebraska healthy:

Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and sanitize when available.

Monitor your symptoms. If you experience a cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, or loss of taste or smell call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764 before going.

Socially distance in public and at work. Use the six-foot rule as much as possible.

Only sit with people from your household when at church. Stay six feet from other households.

Stay home.&nbsp;Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit. Non-essential out-of-state travel is discouraged.

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

Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports. And no playgrounds.

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

Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.

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. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

By PPHDUnified Command confirms two new cases of COVID-19. &nbsp;A Scotts Bluff County male in his 20s and a Morrill County female in her 20s are close contacts of a previously positive case. The investigation is 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 10 minutes, less than six feet apart. March 2-May 13, 2020Positive: 78Recovered: 48Active cases: 30Box Butte County: 1 case (recovered)Cheyenne County: 9 cases (2 active, 7 recovered)Dawes County: 1 case (active)Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)Morrill County: 10 Cases (7 active, 3 recovered)Scotts Bluff County: 47 Cases (20 active, 27 recovered)Throughout the month of May, we are reminding people to respect the following to keep Nebraska healthy:Wear a mask when possible.Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and sanitize when available.Monitor your symptoms. If you experience a cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, or loss of taste or smell call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764 before going.Socially distance in public and at work. Use the six-foot rule as much as possible.Only sit with people from your household when at church. Stay six feet from other households.Stay home.&nbsp;Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit. Non-essential out-of-state travel is discouraged.Shop alone and only shop once a week. &nbsp;Do not take family with you. Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports. And no playgrounds.Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. &nbsp;Do not visit long-term care facilities. Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity. 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. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

2 new virus cases, 1 in Scotts Bluff Co., 1 in Morrill Co., Panhandle total positive count 78

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - More than 200 workers at a northeastern Nebraska pork processing plant have tested positive for COVID-19, according to plant owners and local health officials.

Tyson Foods said in a Tuesday news release that 212 workers at its plant in Madison tested positive for the virus; 74 of them had no symptoms. The numbers were the results from testing from May 1-4 of 1,467 workers, contractors and vendors at the plant, and the results were released jointly by Tyson and the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department.

The plant was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa98f82c391412a55deddb0f3cd6cf1c" target="_blank">shut down</a>&nbsp;in early May for deep cleaning and sanitization in the wake of a surge in coronavirus cases among meatpacking plant workers.

Tyson workers who test positive receive paid leave and may return to work only when they have been medically cleared to do so, the company said. Tyson said most of those workers who tested positive are considered to be already recovered.

Returning workers will undergo daily health screenings and temperature checks before they are allowed to enter the plant, the company said, and all workers will be provided mandatory face masks. A range of social distancing measures - including physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms - will also be practiced.

Madison is about 100 miles (161 kilometers) northwest of Omaha.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589394908486.png" alt="Tyson plant in Madison, Nebraska. (Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ammodramus">Ammodramus</a>)" />
 <figcaption>Tyson plant in Madison, Nebraska. (Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ammodramus">Ammodramus</a>)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - More than 200 workers at a northeastern Nebraska pork processing plant have tested positive for COVID-19, according to plant owners and local health officials.Tyson Foods said in a Tuesday news release that 212 workers at its plant in Madison tested positive for the virus; 74 of them had no symptoms. The numbers were the results from testing from May 1-4 of 1,467 workers, contractors and vendors at the plant, and the results were released jointly by Tyson and the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department.The plant was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa98f82c391412a55deddb0f3cd6cf1c" target="_blank">shut down</a>&nbsp;in early May for deep cleaning and sanitization in the wake of a surge in coronavirus cases among meatpacking plant workers.Tyson workers who test positive receive paid leave and may return to work only when they have been medically cleared to do so, the company said. Tyson said most of those workers who tested positive are considered to be already recovered.Returning workers will undergo daily health screenings and temperature checks before they are allowed to enter the plant, the company said, and all workers will be provided mandatory face masks. A range of social distancing measures - including physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms - will also be practiced.Madison is about 100 miles (161 kilometers) northwest of Omaha.

212 at Nebraska meat plant test positive for COVID-19

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - U.S. meat exports are surging even as the industry is struggling to meet domestic demand because of coronavirus outbreaks at processing plants that have sickened hundreds of workers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131" target="_blank">caused companies to scramble</a>&nbsp;to improve conditions.

Although the situation could cause concern that American workers are risking their health to meet foreign demand, experts say it shouldn't because much of the meat sold to other countries is cuts that Americans generally don't eat. And at least one of the four major processors says it has reduced exports during the pandemic.

If companies manage to keep their workers healthy and plants operating, there should be plenty of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1ace47a100d73ce690990d73e597db22" target="_blank">supply</a>&nbsp;to satisfy domestic and foreign markets, according to industry officials.

"I really feel like the industry is well positioned to serve all of its customers both here and abroad," said Joe Schuele, a spokesman for the industry trade group U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Meat exports, particularly pork exports to China, grew significantly throughout the first three months of the year. This was partly due to several new trade agreements that were completed before the coronavirus outbreak led to the temporary closure of dozens of U.S. meatpacking plants in April and May and to increased absenteeism at many plants that reduced their output.

The Meat Export Federation said pork exports jumped 40% and beef exports grew 9% during the first three months of the year. Chicken exports, meanwhile, grew by 8% in the first quarter. Complete figures weren't yet available for April, but Agriculture Department figures for the last week of April show that pork exports jumped by 40% as shipments to China and Japan surged and exports to Mexico and Canada remained strong. Beef exports declined by 22% in that last week of April.

China's demand for imported pork has risen over the past year because its own pig herds were decimated by an outbreak of African swine fever, and China pledged to buy $40 billion in U.S. agricultural products per year under a trade pact signed in January. China also became the fourth-largest market for American poultry in the first quarter after it lifted a five-year ban on those products. A trade agreement with Japan and a new North American free trade agreement also helped boost exports.

Part of the reason why exports have continued to be so strong this spring is that much of the meat headed overseas was bought up to six months ahead of time - before the virus outbreak took hold in the U.S.

"A lot of these sales were made before COVID-19 hit. China had already made these purchases and then COVID-19 hit. They had actually pre-purchased a lot of this before the plant problems hit," said Chad Hart, an agricultural economist at Iowa State University.

It's also worth noting that meat exports to China and other Asian markets include cuts such as pig feet, snouts and internal organs that have little value in the United States. The most popular cuts in the U.S., including bacon and pork chops, largely stay in the domestic market. More than half of the chicken exports to China were chicken feet. And the Meat Export Federation says demand from the export market helps boost meat production in the U.S. because more animals are slaughtered to help meet all the demand.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said he doesn't think it makes sense to restrict exports because so much of the meat sold internationally isn't popular in the U.S.

"I think it's important to prioritize," said Naig, whose state leads the nation in pork production. "I think companies should meet the domestic market first and then be free to sell the things that the American consumer doesn't purchase and the types of things that we don't normally consume. That's economically important."

Meat production in the United States is dominated by a few huge companies - JBS, Smithfield, Tyson Foods and Cargill. Cameron Bruett, a spokesman for JBS, said that Brazilian-owned company has reduced exports to help ensure it can satisfy U.S. demand for its products. Tyson Foods and Cargill didn't respond to questions about their exports.

Smithfield Foods, which is owned by a Chinese company, said in a statement that it isn't controlled by any government and that the free market determines what products it exports. JBS declined to respond to questions about its foreign ownership. Purdue University agricultural economist Jayson Lusk said it's not clear what role the foreign owners play in deciding how much meat is exported.

The industry has been dealing with a number of production challenges caused by the coronavirus, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c6711b16d68ebde1b2cd8060f431774" target="_blank">several large plants</a>&nbsp;had to close temporarily because of outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease it causes. At least 30 U.S. meatpacking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26bf8fc20f2873d9701fd2ea95f87be4" target="_blank">workers have died</a>&nbsp;of COVID-19 and another 10,000 have been infected or exposed to the virus, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents roughly 80% of the country's beef and pork workers and 33% of its poultry workers.

Kansas State agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said he thinks the industry will get past the shortage concerns within the next several weeks.

"I think it's important that we note that the U.S. hog industry is large enough to sufficiently supply our domestic market and export. We've done that for some time. We've been growing volumes in both places for some time," Tonsor said.

Tyson and Smithfield have both been able to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855" target="_blank">reopen huge pork processing plants</a>&nbsp;that were temporarily closed in Iowa and South Dakota, which should help the industry keep up with demand even if some plants aren't running at full capacity, said David Herring, of the National Pork Producers Council.

"I really don't think we'll see a big problem with meat shortages," said Herring, who raises hogs near Lillington, North Carolina. "As long as the plants are able to come back up and operate maybe not at 100% but at 80% or 90%, I think we should be good."

By JOSH FUNK-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - U.S. meat exports are surging even as the industry is struggling to meet domestic demand because of coronavirus outbreaks at processing plants that have sickened hundreds of workers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131" target="_blank">caused companies to scramble</a>&nbsp;to improve conditions.Although the situation could cause concern that American workers are risking their health to meet foreign demand, experts say it shouldn't because much of the meat sold to other countries is cuts that Americans generally don't eat. And at least one of the four major processors says it has reduced exports during the pandemic.If companies manage to keep their workers healthy and plants operating, there should be plenty of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1ace47a100d73ce690990d73e597db22" target="_blank">supply</a>&nbsp;to satisfy domestic and foreign markets, according to industry officials."I really feel like the industry is well positioned to serve all of its customers both here and abroad," said Joe Schuele, a spokesman for the industry trade group U.S. Meat Export Federation.Meat exports, particularly pork exports to China, grew significantly throughout the first three months of the year. This was partly due to several new trade agreements that were completed before the coronavirus outbreak led to the temporary closure of dozens of U.S. meatpacking plants in April and May and to increased absenteeism at many plants that reduced their output.The Meat Export Federation said pork exports jumped 40% and beef exports grew 9% during the first three months of the year. Chicken exports, meanwhile, grew by 8% in the first quarter. Complete figures weren't yet available for April, but Agriculture Department figures for the last week of April show that pork exports jumped by 40% as shipments to China and Japan surged and exports to Mexico and Canada remained strong. Beef exports declined by 22% in that last week of April.China's demand for imported pork has risen over the past year because its own pig herds were decimated by an outbreak of African swine fever, and China pledged to buy $40 billion in U.S. agricultural products per year under a trade pact signed in January. China also became the fourth-largest market for American poultry in the first quarter after it lifted a five-year ban on those products. A trade agreement with Japan and a new North American free trade agreement also helped boost exports.Part of the reason why exports have continued to be so strong this spring is that much of the meat headed overseas was bought up to six months ahead of time - before the virus outbreak took hold in the U.S."A lot of these sales were made before COVID-19 hit. China had already made these purchases and then COVID-19 hit. They had actually pre-purchased a lot of this before the plant problems hit," said Chad Hart, an agricultural economist at Iowa State University.It's also worth noting that meat exports to China and other Asian markets include cuts such as pig feet, snouts and internal organs that have little value in the United States. The most popular cuts in the U.S., including bacon and pork chops, largely stay in the domestic market. More than half of the chicken exports to China were chicken feet. And the Meat Export Federation says demand from the export market helps boost meat production in the U.S. because more animals are slaughtered to help meet all the demand.Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said he doesn't think it makes sense to restrict exports because so much of the meat sold internationally isn't popular in the U.S."I think it's important to prioritize," said Naig, whose state leads the nation in pork production. "I think companies should meet the domestic market first and then be free to sell the things that the American consumer doesn't purchase and the types of things that we don't normally consume. That's economically important."Meat production in the United States is dominated by a few huge companies - JBS, Smithfield, Tyson Foods and Cargill. Cameron Bruett, a spokesman for JBS, said that Brazilian-owned company has reduced exports to help ensure it can satisfy U.S. demand for its products. Tyson Foods and Cargill didn't respond to questions about their exports.Smithfield Foods, which is owned by a Chinese company, said in a statement that it isn't controlled by any government and that the free market determines what products it exports. JBS declined to respond to questions about its foreign ownership. Purdue University agricultural economist Jayson Lusk said it's not clear what role the foreign owners play in deciding how much meat is exported.The industry has been dealing with a number of production challenges caused by the coronavirus, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6c6711b16d68ebde1b2cd8060f431774" target="_blank">several large plants</a>&nbsp;had to close temporarily because of outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease it causes. At least 30 U.S. meatpacking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26bf8fc20f2873d9701fd2ea95f87be4" target="_blank">workers have died</a>&nbsp;of COVID-19 and another 10,000 have been infected or exposed to the virus, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers union, which represents roughly 80% of the country's beef and pork workers and 33% of its poultry workers.Kansas State agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said he thinks the industry will get past the shortage concerns within the next several weeks."I think it's important that we note that the U.S. hog industry is large enough to sufficiently supply our domestic market and export. We've done that for some time. We've been growing volumes in both places for some time," Tonsor said.Tyson and Smithfield have both been able to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855" target="_blank">reopen huge pork processing plants</a>&nbsp;that were temporarily closed in Iowa and South Dakota, which should help the industry keep up with demand even if some plants aren't running at full capacity, said David Herring, of the National Pork Producers Council."I really don't think we'll see a big problem with meat shortages," said Herring, who raises hogs near Lillington, North Carolina. "As long as the plants are able to come back up and operate maybe not at 100% but at 80% or 90%, I think we should be good."

US meat exports surge as industry struggles to meet demand

DENVER (AP) — Health officials closed a Colorado restaurant that offered sit-down dining on Mother’s Day in defiance of state rules aimed at containing the coronavirus.

 A video showed a packed house and no social distancing at C&amp;C Breakfast and Korean Kitchen. 

One of the owners told KCNC-TV he wanted to stand up for small businesses and get the attention of lawmakers. 

Gov. Jared Polis said the restaurant was causing an immediate health hazard, and its business license will be suspended until it is no longer a threat. 

Health officials say it could be revoked if the restaurant owners refuse to remain closed.

DENVER (AP) — Health officials closed a Colorado restaurant that offered sit-down dining on Mother’s Day in defiance of state rules aimed at containing the coronavirus. A video showed a packed house and no social distancing at C&amp;C Breakfast and Korean Kitchen. One of the owners told KCNC-TV he wanted to stand up for small businesses and get the attention of lawmakers. Gov. Jared Polis said the restaurant was causing an immediate health hazard, and its business license will be suspended until it is no longer a threat. Health officials say it could be revoked if the restaurant owners refuse to remain closed.

Colorado restaurant shut down for allowing sit-down dining

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first inmate in Nebraska to be confirmed through testing to have the disease, officials said.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release that an inmate at the Omaha Community Corrections Center tested positive Tuesday for the virus, leading officials to place the entire prison under quarantine. That means inmates will be confined to their rooms and can't participate in work detail or work-release jobs until they are medically cleared.

"It was never a matter of if this would happen, but when," state prisons director Scott Frakes said. "Putting the facility under quarantine is the smartest move we can make. We want to be completely thorough in determining who had close contact with this single inmate."

Staff members who have had close contact with the infected inmate will be required to quarantine, officials said.

The Omaha center is one of two work-release prisons in the state and houses 175 inmates.

While the Omaha inmate is the first Nebraska state prisoner to test positive for the disease, eight prison systems employees across the state have tested positive.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Health and Human Services&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Tuesday that three more people had died from the virus, bringing the total to 103. Another 120 cases were confirmed Tuesday, bringing the state's total confirmed cases to 8,692.

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 MARGERY A. BECK-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - An inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first inmate in Nebraska to be confirmed through testing to have the disease, officials said.The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release that an inmate at the Omaha Community Corrections Center tested positive Tuesday for the virus, leading officials to place the entire prison under quarantine. That means inmates will be confined to their rooms and can't participate in work detail or work-release jobs until they are medically cleared."It was never a matter of if this would happen, but when," state prisons director Scott Frakes said. "Putting the facility under quarantine is the smartest move we can make. We want to be completely thorough in determining who had close contact with this single inmate."Staff members who have had close contact with the infected inmate will be required to quarantine, officials said.The Omaha center is one of two work-release prisons in the state and houses 175 inmates.While the Omaha inmate is the first Nebraska state prisoner to test positive for the disease, eight prison systems employees across the state have tested positive.Meanwhile, the state Department of Health and Human Services&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Tuesday that three more people had died from the virus, bringing the total to 103. Another 120 cases were confirmed Tuesday, bringing the state's total confirmed cases to 8,692.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 prison inmate tests positive for COVID-19; cases rise

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Three deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Tuesday.

The Dakota County Health Department reported a death in its jurisdiction.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth&nbsp;</a>

The Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department reported its third death.&nbsp;<a href="https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/" target="_blank">https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/&nbsp;</a>

The third death was recently reported in Gage County, a man in his 80s with underlying health conditions.

The first case of COVID-19 was reported Garfield County on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 103, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 8,692. Nebraska's COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

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.

Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state's Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska starting May 11. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</a>.

Governor Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska launched last week in Grand Island, Omaha and Lincoln. Additional mobile testing sites are expected to become available shortly.

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/&nbsp;</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Three deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Tuesday.The Dakota County Health Department reported a death in its jurisdiction.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth&nbsp;</a>The Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department reported its third death.&nbsp;<a href="https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/" target="_blank">https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/&nbsp;</a>The third death was recently reported in Gage County, a man in his 80s with underlying health conditions.The first case of COVID-19 was reported Garfield County on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 103, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 8,692. Nebraska's COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;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.Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state's Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska starting May 11. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</a>.Governor Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska launched last week in Grand Island, Omaha and Lincoln. Additional mobile testing sites are expected to become available shortly.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/&nbsp;</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.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&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>.

Three COVID-19 related deaths reported on Tuesday, 103 total in Nebraska

LONG BEACH, CA. —The&nbsp;<a href="http://calstate.edu/">California State University</a>, the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 53,000 faculty and staff and 482,000 students announced Tuesday will continue with online classes this fall.

According to a media release, Chancellor Tim White said,&nbsp;“This approach to virtual planning is necessary for many reasons. First and foremost is the health, safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff, and the evolving data surrounding the progression of COVID-19 – current and as forecast throughout the 2020-21 academic year. 

This planning approach is necessary because a course that might begin in a face-to-face modality would likely have to be switched to a virtual format during the term if a serious second wave of the pandemic occurs, as forecast. Virtual planning is necessary because it might not be possible for some students, faculty and staff to safely travel to campus.&nbsp;

Said another way, this virtual planning approach preserves as many options for as many students as possible.

Consequently, our planning approach will result in CSU courses primarily being delivered virtually for the fall 2020 term, with limited exceptions for in-person teaching, learning and research activities that cannot be delivered virtually, are indispensable to the university's core mission and can be conducted within rigorous standards of safety and welfare. There will be hybrid approaches and there will be variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances.

Some possible examples of potential exceptions&nbsp; - and only when there are sufficient resources available and protocols in place to assure that rigorous health and safety requirements are in place - include clinical classes with training mannequins for our nursing students such that we keep students on track for licensure and entry into the state's healthcare workforce; essential physical and life science laboratory classes enabling degree completion and entry into the energy and bioscience fields; access to kilns and other unique facilities to enable students in the performing and creative arts to explore and express the depth, breadth and beauty of humanity; hands-on experience with unique instrumentation and senior capstone projects for engineering, architecture and agriculture students; and access to the blue-water hands-on interactive simulator for boat and ship handling, to provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for the maritime industry and required for licensure by the US Coast Guard and UN International Maritime Organization.

The granting of limited exceptions to permit in-person activities will continue to be informed by thoughtful consultation with academic senates, associated students, staff councils and union leadership, and will be based on compelling educational and research needs, while continuing to meet safety benchmarks. Any exceptions may be permitted only in the continued presence of the aforementioned rigorous safety measures and training, and only in consideration of resource availability and other matters of local context, and be in accordance with the guidance of local and state public health agencies, the repopulation directives of governmental authorities along with other relevant regulatory agencies.

This combination, really a myriad of factors, will result in variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances, but predominately there will be limited in-person experiential learning and research occurring on campuses for the fall 2020 term. On some campuses and in some academic disciplines course offerings are likely to be exclusively virtual."

​​​​​​<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585958389195.jpeg" alt="Classes will continue online for all 23 campuses in the California State University system this fall." />
 <figcaption>Classes will continue online for all 23 campuses in the California State University system this fall.</figcaption>
 </figure>LONG BEACH, CA. —The&nbsp;<a href="http://calstate.edu/">California State University</a>, the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 53,000 faculty and staff and 482,000 students announced Tuesday will continue with online classes this fall.According to a media release, Chancellor Tim White said,&nbsp;“This approach to virtual planning is necessary for many reasons. First and foremost is the health, safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff, and the evolving data surrounding the progression of COVID-19 – current and as forecast throughout the 2020-21 academic year. This planning approach is necessary because a course that might begin in a face-to-face modality would likely have to be switched to a virtual format during the term if a serious second wave of the pandemic occurs, as forecast. Virtual planning is necessary because it might not be possible for some students, faculty and staff to safely travel to campus.&nbsp;Said another way, this virtual planning approach preserves as many options for as many students as possible.Consequently, our planning approach will result in CSU courses primarily being delivered virtually for the fall 2020 term, with limited exceptions for in-person teaching, learning and research activities that cannot be delivered virtually, are indispensable to the university's core mission and can be conducted within rigorous standards of safety and welfare. There will be hybrid approaches and there will be variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances.Some possible examples of potential exceptions&nbsp; - and only when there are sufficient resources available and protocols in place to assure that rigorous health and safety requirements are in place - include clinical classes with training mannequins for our nursing students such that we keep students on track for licensure and entry into the state's healthcare workforce; essential physical and life science laboratory classes enabling degree completion and entry into the energy and bioscience fields; access to kilns and other unique facilities to enable students in the performing and creative arts to explore and express the depth, breadth and beauty of humanity; hands-on experience with unique instrumentation and senior capstone projects for engineering, architecture and agriculture students; and access to the blue-water hands-on interactive simulator for boat and ship handling, to provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for the maritime industry and required for licensure by the US Coast Guard and UN International Maritime Organization.The granting of limited exceptions to permit in-person activities will continue to be informed by thoughtful consultation with academic senates, associated students, staff councils and union leadership, and will be based on compelling educational and research needs, while continuing to meet safety benchmarks. Any exceptions may be permitted only in the continued presence of the aforementioned rigorous safety measures and training, and only in consideration of resource availability and other matters of local context, and be in accordance with the guidance of local and state public health agencies, the repopulation directives of governmental authorities along with other relevant regulatory agencies.This combination, really a myriad of factors, will result in variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances, but predominately there will be limited in-person experiential learning and research occurring on campuses for the fall 2020 term. On some campuses and in some academic disciplines course offerings are likely to be exclusively virtual."

Virus will keep nation's largest public university system closed this fall

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Utah company that agreed to provide Nebraska with 540,000 coronavirus tests defended its work Tuesday after four state senators called on Gov. Pete Ricketts to cancel the state's $27 million contract with the firm.

Nomi Health said in a statement that the company has delivered more than 200,000 FDA-approved tests to the state ahead of schedule, launched the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/en" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>website, set up a lab to process them and helped mobilize testing sites in four Nebraska cities.

"TestNebraska is an incredible collaboration between this state's public and private sectors," the company said in a statement.

Company officials also disputed the senators' allegation that the company hasn't delivered the contractually required number of tests within 48 hours. The contract only requires the company to provide testing materials, hardware and technology for the TestNebraska program but doesn't hold the company responsible for testing turnaround times.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Utah company that agreed to provide Nebraska with 540,000 coronavirus tests defended its work Tuesday after four state senators called on Gov. Pete Ricketts to cancel the state's $27 million contract with the firm.Nomi Health said in a statement that the company has delivered more than 200,000 FDA-approved tests to the state ahead of schedule, launched the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/en" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>website, set up a lab to process them and helped mobilize testing sites in four Nebraska cities."TestNebraska is an incredible collaboration between this state's public and private sectors," the company said in a statement.Company officials also disputed the senators' allegation that the company hasn't delivered the contractually required number of tests within 48 hours. The contract only requires the company to provide testing materials, hardware and technology for the TestNebraska program but doesn't hold the company responsible for testing turnaround times.

TestNebraska contractor says senators' criticism unfounded

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Test Nebraska mobile testing sites will open in Norfolk and Lexington later this week.&nbsp;

The Governor also proclaimed “Police Week” in Nebraska and designated Friday, May 15th&nbsp;as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the state.&nbsp; He thanked the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) for taking on extra responsibilities to assist with the State’s coronavirus response. &nbsp;In addition to its usual duties to protect and serve Nebraskans, the NSP is giving significant support to the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; NSP Superintendent John A. Bolduc joined the Governor to talk about the work his team is doing to help keep Nebraskans safe and healthy.

·&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%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451461006&amp;sdata=QGbE4VvmRCgbJxEtMq0JBBqaTlPJ6M6%2Fq2w0hiusWZM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska test results:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;So far, 2,943 test results have been received and 100 people have tested positive.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Yesterday, Test Nebraska teams swabbed 1,233 people.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Schuyler, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha are testing today.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, the Schuyler team will be in Norfolk.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, the Grand Island team will be in Lexington.

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

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduling for testing has filled up quickly for Lincoln and Omaha.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589334506682.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Colonel John A. Bolduc (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press conference." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Colonel John A. Bolduc (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Test Nebraska mobile testing sites will open in Norfolk and Lexington later this week.&nbsp;The Governor also proclaimed “Police Week” in Nebraska and designated Friday, May 15th&nbsp;as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the state.&nbsp; He thanked the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) for taking on extra responsibilities to assist with the State’s coronavirus response. &nbsp;In addition to its usual duties to protect and serve Nebraskans, the NSP is giving significant support to the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; NSP Superintendent John A. Bolduc joined the Governor to talk about the work his team is doing to help keep Nebraskans safe and healthy.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%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451461006&amp;sdata=QGbE4VvmRCgbJxEtMq0JBBqaTlPJ6M6%2Fq2w0hiusWZM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska test results:o&nbsp;&nbsp;So far, 2,943 test results have been received and 100 people have tested positive.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Yesterday, Test Nebraska teams swabbed 1,233 people.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Schuyler, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha are testing today.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, the Schuyler team will be in Norfolk.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, the Grand Island team will be in Lexington.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduling for testing has filled up quickly for Lincoln and Omaha.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.o&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=dx0jAhORdbmg0d9iNbibxAPp2k1qwp%2B42pdpWCgaXeM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;and then schedule a time if you’re selected to be tested.Gov. Ricketts: Police Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday is Peace Officers Memorial Day—a day in which we would have ordinarily gathered for a remembrance ceremony at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial in Grand Island.o&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, we remember Trooper Jerry Smith, who passed away in the line of duty on June 20, 2019.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Smith’s family during this week. &nbsp;We continue to mourn his loss and celebrate his life of service.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day, flags will be flown at half-staff throughout the state on Friday.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To honor the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement across the state, I am signing a proclamation today declaring this week as Police Week in Nebraska.Gov. Ricketts: Flyover Salute to Health Workers·&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flyover is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flight will visit 14 Nebraska hospitals spanning nearly the entirety of the state.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A 155th&nbsp;Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker, stationed at the Lincoln Air National Guard base, will fly above healthcare facilities in cities across the state from Scottsbluff to Omaha.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information about the flyover is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=CZT79mfQWjfFOswtwDwhSi1zdZgH8gYKwG3YZuRcjrM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.Colonel Bolduc: Police Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, the National Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A virtual ceremony will be held this week to honor Trooper Smith and other heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can participate in a virtual ceremony this week, which will be hosted on the State Patrol’s social media platforms.&nbsp; Those platforms can be accessed through the NSP website:&nbsp;<a href="http://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">statepatrol.nebraska.gov</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers continue to support the State’s COVID-19 efforts in many ways, while at the same time keeping up with our daily efforts to keep Nebraska safe.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have dozens of troopers assisting throughout the state at testing sites alongside the Nebraska National Guard.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers provide security at test sites, and they also transport test samples to the state laboratory in Lincoln.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent weeks, we’ve been paying special attention to excessive speeding. &nbsp;Since March 19th, our troopers have cited 177 motorists for traveling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’d like to thank Nebraskans for their voluntarily compliance with our Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp; This compliance has kept other Nebraskans safe and has helped keep law enforcement officers safe as well.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhitjbxuwwc747iv%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.12.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451480917&amp;sdata=6nKSuDVeQ9Yym1yLVHTHUSqYwmbkp4xXs5huFbJq0Wc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Coronavirus Update