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

The Three Rivers Public Health Department reported its second death, a Saunders County man in his 70s with underlying health conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/threeriverspublichealthNE/posts/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pg/threeriverspublichealthNE/posts/?ref=page_internal&nbsp;</a>

The Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department reported its second death.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2020/050720a.htm" target="_blank">https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2020/050720a.htm&nbsp;</a>

Further information is available related to a death reported by DHHS yesterday evening. The deceased individual was a Dakota County resident. &nbsp;

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 92, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 7,831. 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. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iuwv40yommq81m3/AAAYgdnJYg3wWuwiPxPL8SEpa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</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 this 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;

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

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

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

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

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

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two additional deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Friday.The Three Rivers Public Health Department reported its second death, a Saunders County man in his 70s with underlying health conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/threeriverspublichealthNE/posts/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pg/threeriverspublichealthNE/posts/?ref=page_internal&nbsp;</a>The Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department reported its second death.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2020/050720a.htm" target="_blank">https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2020/050720a.htm&nbsp;</a>Further information is available related to a death reported by DHHS yesterday evening. The deceased individual was a Dakota County resident. &nbsp;The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 92, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 7,831. 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. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iuwv40yommq81m3/AAAYgdnJYg3wWuwiPxPL8SEpa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</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 this 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>.

2 additional COVID-19 related deaths reported in Nebraska on Friday

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been awarded a Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) renewal grant. &nbsp;This grant is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF, a part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“I want to thank President Trump for signing off on the allocation of more funds for this important grant,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp;&nbsp;“DHHS, in partnership with Nebraska’s Department of Education, will ensure that grant funds are optimized for the benefit of Nebraska’s young children and their families. &nbsp;I appreciate the work our team has put into getting this grant.”

Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) is a competitive federal grant program established as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) passed in 2015. &nbsp;Funding from this grant will allow DHHS to continue collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and other public and private partners to further develop existing programs that benefit children statewide.

Last year, Nebraska was awarded $4.1 million in PDG B-5 funds. &nbsp;This grant allowed Nebraska to complete a comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. &nbsp;Supporting this important work, DHHS has been awarded a renewal grant supplied by funding signed into the PDG budget by President Trump in 2019. &nbsp;As a result, Nebraska will receive $8.9 million for each of the next three years with contributing partners pledging $2.7 million in matched funds.

The recently awarded PDG B-5 grant is designed to improve the quality of early childhood services.&nbsp; It will expand access to the most vulnerable families while strengthening and streamlining state-level infrastructure. &nbsp;The State’s efforts in the coming years will build on the accomplishments achieved during the first year of grant funding.&nbsp; As it moves forward, the State will also leverage the community-level leadership and infrastructure that have been built over many years to better serve preschool children and their families.

DHHS will provide overall project oversight. &nbsp;As a sub-grantee, the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation will serve in a project coordination role and will lead the communication and dissemination efforts.&nbsp; The Nebraska Department of Education Office of Early Childhood is also a sub-grantee, leading some key activities.&nbsp;

“Nebraska has a vested interest in ensuring families have strong early childhood educational opportunities to choose from that are supported by both public and private partners,” said Stephanie Beasley, Director of the Division of Children and Family Services.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This grant allows us to build off the successes from last year to continue improving services to families and their young children.”

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been awarded a Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) renewal grant. &nbsp;This grant is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF, a part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).“I want to thank President Trump for signing off on the allocation of more funds for this important grant,” said Gov. Ricketts.&nbsp;&nbsp;“DHHS, in partnership with Nebraska’s Department of Education, will ensure that grant funds are optimized for the benefit of Nebraska’s young children and their families. &nbsp;I appreciate the work our team has put into getting this grant.”Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) is a competitive federal grant program established as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) passed in 2015. &nbsp;Funding from this grant will allow DHHS to continue collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and other public and private partners to further develop existing programs that benefit children statewide.Last year, Nebraska was awarded $4.1 million in PDG B-5 funds. &nbsp;This grant allowed Nebraska to complete a comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. &nbsp;Supporting this important work, DHHS has been awarded a renewal grant supplied by funding signed into the PDG budget by President Trump in 2019. &nbsp;As a result, Nebraska will receive $8.9 million for each of the next three years with contributing partners pledging $2.7 million in matched funds.The recently awarded PDG B-5 grant is designed to improve the quality of early childhood services.&nbsp; It will expand access to the most vulnerable families while strengthening and streamlining state-level infrastructure. &nbsp;The State’s efforts in the coming years will build on the accomplishments achieved during the first year of grant funding.&nbsp; As it moves forward, the State will also leverage the community-level leadership and infrastructure that have been built over many years to better serve preschool children and their families.DHHS will provide overall project oversight. &nbsp;As a sub-grantee, the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation will serve in a project coordination role and will lead the communication and dissemination efforts.&nbsp; The Nebraska Department of Education Office of Early Childhood is also a sub-grantee, leading some key activities.&nbsp;“Nebraska has a vested interest in ensuring families have strong early childhood educational opportunities to choose from that are supported by both public and private partners,” said Stephanie Beasley, Director of the Division of Children and Family Services.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This grant allows us to build off the successes from last year to continue improving services to families and their young children.”

Gov. Ricketts announces grant to bolster early childhood services


The North Platte Public Library will be
reopening to the public with
the following modifications and restrictions.
The following changes should allow persons to return library
materials and checkout new materials.  It also meets the needs of
those who need access to the internet or wifi. 


You
are using the library at your own risk. The North Platte Public
Library is not responsible if you contract the Coronavirus. We are
taking all precautions to protect our staff and our patrons.

News Release
The North Platte Public Library will be
reopening to the public with
the following modifications and restrictions.
The following changes should allow persons to return library
materials and checkout new materials. It also meets the needs of
those who need access to the internet or wifi. 
HOURS
OF OPERATION<ol>
 <li>
	Hours for general public:
	Monday-Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM. 
	
	</li><li>
	Hours for vulnerable
	population: 8:00AM – 9:00 AM. It is expected and encouraged that the vulnerable population use hand sanitizer.
	</li><li>
	Saturday and Sunday: The library is closed.
</li>
 </ol>RESTRICTIONS<ol>
 <li>The library is only open to individuals that
	are 14 years of age and
	older.
	</li><li>
	Only one person per household
	should enter the library
	</li><li>
	A time limit of 30 minutes per
	visit per day will be
	enforced
	</li><li>
	All persons visiting the library will need
	to check in with a library staff person outside the library
	
		All persons will be asked 3 questions and
		be required to use hand sanitizer. Masks
		
			What is your first name?
			
			Have you been traveling outside of the
			state? If so, please wait 14 days before entering the library.
			
			Have you or anybody in your household
			been sick or running a temperature within the last week? If so,
			please wait 14 days after you have recovered before entering the
			library
			
			Staff will have hand sanitizer and all
			persons will be required to use the sanitizer at the check-in
			station.
		
	
	</li><li>
		All persons will be asked 3 questions and
		be required to use hand sanitizer. Masks
		
			What is your first name?
			
			Have you been traveling outside of the
			state? If so, please wait 14 days before entering the library.
			
			Have you or anybody in your household
			been sick or running a temperature within the last week? If so,
			please wait 14 days after you have recovered before entering the
			library
			
			Staff will have hand sanitizer and all
			persons will be required to use the sanitizer at the check-in
			station.
		
	</li><li>
			What is your first name?
			</li><li>
			Have you been traveling outside of the
			state? If so, please wait 14 days before entering the library.
			</li><li>
			Have you or anybody in your household
			been sick or running a temperature within the last week? If so,
			please wait 14 days after you have recovered before entering the
			library
			</li><li>
			Staff will have hand sanitizer and all
			persons will be required to use the sanitizer at the check-in
			station.
		</li><li>
	Only one chair will be located at each table to encourage social distancing. All comfortable seating has
	been removed from the library main floor.
	</li><li>
	All library materials must be returned through the book drop (not the front desk). The library’s book drop will now be open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. All returned
	library materials are put through a 72-hour quarantine.
	</li><li>
	The second-floor computer lab is not available. However, there will be three stand-up stations on the first floor of the library for those that need computer availability. No computer assistance can be provided due to social
	distancing.
	</li><li>
	ALL second-floor book collections (Young
	Adult, magazines, and Nebraska) are only accessible to library staff. The materials may be requested at the front desk and staff
	will retrieve them for you.
	</li><li>
	No library group programming will be offered in person until further notice, due to social distancing guidelines. This includes Story Time, Wee Read, Summer Reading
	Program, Teens Explore, and adult luncheon series. However
	there are many great online resources that you can access through the library’s website and Facebook pages.
	</li><li>
	The Creation Station is closed until
	further notice; except to library staff, who continue to make
	facemask parts for Great Plains Health.
	</li><li>
	Public Restrooms will be open, however
	they are only cleaned once a day and should only be used in an
	emergency situation.
	</li><li>
	All library staff will be wearing masks.
</li>
 </ol>You
are using the library at your own risk. The North Platte Public
Library is not responsible if you contract the Coronavirus. We are
taking all precautions to protect our staff and our patrons.

North Platte Public Library announces reopening guidelines

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.

The cases were reported to WCDHD on Thursday night.

WCDHD Executive Director Shannon Vanderheiden says the new cases are a female in her 50s and a female in her 60s, both are residents of Lincoln County, and both are isolating at home.

For the latest updates, visit WCDHD's COVID-19 Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR1l8B9GF8U_OB74Hxo29ztErqeDQOdQcrpZCqwYryvDvpbMDeyoHwk8Ph8#!/vizhome/shared/CJG64N2HJ">HERE</a>

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The West Central District Health Department has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.The cases were reported to WCDHD on Thursday night.WCDHD Executive Director Shannon Vanderheiden says the new cases are a female in her 50s and a female in her 60s, both are residents of Lincoln County, and both are isolating at home.For the latest updates, visit WCDHD's COVID-19 Dashboard <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172?fbclid=IwAR1l8B9GF8U_OB74Hxo29ztErqeDQOdQcrpZCqwYryvDvpbMDeyoHwk8Ph8#!/vizhome/shared/CJG64N2HJ">HERE</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwcdhd%2Fvideos%2F541415873435825%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Officials report 2 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lincoln County, now 40 total

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials will probably have to wait at least another few months to learn how much the coronavirus has cut into the state's revenue and budget, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday.

Ricketts said state officials are starting to look at what they might need to do to continue providing state services, but he offered few specifics.

"We really have to get a couple more months under our belt to see what the impact to our revenue is going to be," he said at his weekday coronavirus news conference. "We know there will be an impact."

State revenue came in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bcb8740808f5de834c1c5d3c78920376" target="_blank">higher than expected</a>&nbsp;in March despite a surge in unemployment, but officials have warned that the monthly reports haven't yet captured the damage done to the state economy by the coronavirus pandemic and the widespread layoffs and business cutbacks it caused. The April revenue report, expected next week, is likely to show a sharp downturn.

Ricketts noted that Nebraska entered the pandemic in a strong financial position, with revenues about $300 million higher than expected in the current fiscal year and a cash reserve fund that had been projected to be $647.5 million. Even so, he said that he and the Legislature will probably have to make changes.

Nebraska lawmakers approved $83.6 million in emergency funding for the state's virus response in March. Ricketts has said he's hopeful that the money could get replenished with federal pandemic assistance.

Meanwhile, the state's education commissioner said Nebraska schools that are closed due to the pandemic should be able to reopen on schedule this fall.

Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said opening dates would depend on local health conditions, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/education/education-commissioner-weighs-in-on-nebraska-schools-potentially-opening-this-fall/article_a7806b3f-e9f7-57d0-81a9-0ac69ff0b432.html" target="_blank">Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reported.

"I do think that there will be areas of the state that will be able to keep pretty much their regular calendar intact, and I think that's what folks are interested in," Blomstedt said. "But we are also asking schools to be very thoughtful about digital and remote learning as we continue down that path."

Nebraska had 7,190 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Friday. More than 40,000 people in the state have been tested. Ninety people in Nebraska have died of the disease.

For most people,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak" target="_blank">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The shutdown caused by the virus forced Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo &amp; Aquarium to furlough workers and eliminate positions after cutting its budget by 36%. The zoo has been closed since March 16.

"Decisions affecting our staff are very difficult and not made lightly knowing their level of commitment," Dennis Pate, president and CEO of the zoo, said in a statement.

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

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials will probably have to wait at least another few months to learn how much the coronavirus has cut into the state's revenue and budget, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday.Ricketts said state officials are starting to look at what they might need to do to continue providing state services, but he offered few specifics."We really have to get a couple more months under our belt to see what the impact to our revenue is going to be," he said at his weekday coronavirus news conference. "We know there will be an impact."State revenue came in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bcb8740808f5de834c1c5d3c78920376" target="_blank">higher than expected</a>&nbsp;in March despite a surge in unemployment, but officials have warned that the monthly reports haven't yet captured the damage done to the state economy by the coronavirus pandemic and the widespread layoffs and business cutbacks it caused. The April revenue report, expected next week, is likely to show a sharp downturn.Ricketts noted that Nebraska entered the pandemic in a strong financial position, with revenues about $300 million higher than expected in the current fiscal year and a cash reserve fund that had been projected to be $647.5 million. Even so, he said that he and the Legislature will probably have to make changes.Nebraska lawmakers approved $83.6 million in emergency funding for the state's virus response in March. Ricketts has said he's hopeful that the money could get replenished with federal pandemic assistance.Meanwhile, the state's education commissioner said Nebraska schools that are closed due to the pandemic should be able to reopen on schedule this fall.Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said opening dates would depend on local health conditions, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/education/education-commissioner-weighs-in-on-nebraska-schools-potentially-opening-this-fall/article_a7806b3f-e9f7-57d0-81a9-0ac69ff0b432.html" target="_blank">Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reported."I do think that there will be areas of the state that will be able to keep pretty much their regular calendar intact, and I think that's what folks are interested in," Blomstedt said. "But we are also asking schools to be very thoughtful about digital and remote learning as we continue down that path."Nebraska had 7,190 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Friday. More than 40,000 people in the state have been tested. Ninety people in Nebraska have died of the disease.For most people,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak" target="_blank">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.The shutdown caused by the virus forced Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo &amp; Aquarium to furlough workers and eliminate positions after cutting its budget by 36%. The zoo has been closed since March 16."Decisions affecting our staff are very difficult and not made lightly knowing their level of commitment," Dennis Pate, president and CEO of the zoo, said in a statement.___Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter:&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte</a>

Ricketts says still too soon to know virus' impact on budget

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has warned that the state may see a spike in confirmed cases of COVID-19 after a mass testing event in Sioux Falls. 

The Republican governor says that about 2,600 people have been tested this week as part of an effort to get employees from a Smithfield pork processing facility ready to return to work. 

The plant shut down for more than two weeks after hundreds of employees were sickened by the virus, but some departments opened on Monday. 

Noem continues to move the state towards reopening, indicating that some state employees may soon be returning to their offices, even as confirmed cases are likely to spike.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has warned that the state may see a spike in confirmed cases of COVID-19 after a mass testing event in Sioux Falls. The Republican governor says that about 2,600 people have been tested this week as part of an effort to get employees from a Smithfield pork processing facility ready to return to work. The plant shut down for more than two weeks after hundreds of employees were sickened by the virus, but some departments opened on Monday. Noem continues to move the state towards reopening, indicating that some state employees may soon be returning to their offices, even as confirmed cases are likely to spike.

Noem expecting spike in SD cases after mass testing event

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - As coronavirus hotspots&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34" target="_blank">erupted</a>&nbsp;at major U.S. meatpacking plants, experts criticized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26bf8fc20f2873d9701fd2ea95f87be4" target="_blank">extremely tight working</a>&nbsp;conditions that made the factories natural high risk contagion locations. But some Midwestern politicians have pointed the finger at the workers' living conditions, suggesting crowded homes bear some blame.

The comments - including a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice's remark that an outbreak didn't seem to have come from "regular folks" - outraged workers and advocates who slammed them as elitist and critical of immigrants, who make up a big share of America's meatpacking workforce.

And the remarks stood in contrast to public U.S. outpourings of gratitude for other essential workers like police officers, health care professionals and grocery store workers. The union that represents most packing plant workers on Friday estimated at least 30 have died of the virus.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, generated ire last month when discussing the closure of a Smithfield pork plant in Sioux Falls that infected 1,000 employees and people who came in contact with the workers, saying "99% of what's going on today wasn't happening inside the facility."

The spread of the virus happened "more at home, where these employees were going home and spreading some of the virus because a lot of these folks who work at this plant live in the community, the same building, sometimes in the same apartment," she said on Fox News.

Noem's comments created a foundation for blaming virus outbreaks on the meatpackers' home lives instead of conditions at plants, where employees often worked shoulder to shoulder with little to no protective gear as U.S. virus cases surged, said Taneeza Islam, who runs the refugee and immigrant support group South Dakota Voices for Peace.

Her group organized a letter to Noem to ask "her to listen to the people who have been directly impacted because she has not done that yet, which is very telling about her position in terms of being on the side of the people or being on the side of business."

Noem wasn't alone. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, also a Republican, took heat for remarks last month about "people concentrated together" after a meatpacking plant virus outbreak in his state.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar cited crowded meatpacking worker living conditions in a call last week with members of Congress, according to a story first reported by Politico. Agency spokesman Michael Caputo on Thursday defended Azar's remarks as "nothing more than a statement of the obvious."

Achut Deng, a Sudanese refugee who works at the Sioux Falls plant, said after Noem's remarks that the comments offended her, calling them "ridiculous."

Many of Smithfield's Sioux Falls employees live in well-maintained apartment complexes near the plant, some in multi-generational homes so older family members can be cared for. Others have single-family units. Deng, who was infected and recovered, believes she caught the virus at the plant because she lives only with her three children who have been out of school.

In Wisconsin, Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack appeared to downplay the impact of an outbreak at the JBS Packerland beef plant in Green Bay while hearing arguments on a lawsuit seeking to strike down the state's stay-at-home order. Coronavirus cases in Brown County, where Green Bay lies, jumped from 60 to about 800 in two weeks, a state government lawyer told justices this week.

"These were due to the meatpacking, though," responded Roggensack, part of the court's conservative majority. "That's where Brown County got the flare. It wasn't just the regular folks in Brown County."

Christine Neumann Ortiz, executive director of the Wisconsin-based Latino advocacy group Voces de la Frontera, said Roggensack's comments "reflected elitist disdain for workers."

"It shows she considers their lives less worthy," Ortiz said.

Court spokesman Tom Sheehan said Roggensack was prohibited by court rules from responding.

Many U.S. meat plant workers are Latino but in recent years, particularly in the upper Midwest, African immigrants have taken meatpacking jobs. About 40 languages are spoken by workers at the Sioux Falls plant, the Centers for Disease Control has said.

Ortiz said many Latino and immigrant families with workers in the sector "are very family-oriented" and that could contribute to the virus' spread. But she insisted that the greater threats are workplace conditions and policies she claimed encourage workers to come in sick and do not provide enough worker virus testing.

In South Dakota, Noem said she made her meatpacking company worker living condition comments after the Sioux Falls plant closed and public health officials' focus shifted to stopping the outbreak where the workers lived.

She agreed to speak personally with some meatpacking workers after advocacy groups made the demand. Those calls, organized through Smithfield, were scheduled for Thursday night and Friday.

In Nebraska, meatpacking worker advocates disputed Ricketts' suggestion that an outbreak could have happened because of crowded worker households at the Tyson Foods beef plant in Dakota City, where hundreds were infected.

"The governor's statement that this is a community issue is completely untrue," said Rose Godinez, legal counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, and the daughter of retired meatpacking workers.

She said plant workers told her that most employees who tested positive own or rent their homes and in general do not live in crowded, small dwellings.

Godinez said Ricketts' comments appeared aimed at "trying to deflect some of the companies' failures."

President Donald Trump last week ordered meat companies to stay open, and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue on Friday issued a statement applauding "the safe reopening" of major plants in 10 states.

The United Food and Commercial Workers said in response that the administration is rushing to reopen plants without assuring worker safety, citing at least 30 worker deaths and more than 10,000 workers infected. A Centers for Disease Control report last week cited 20 deaths and nearly 5,000 infections, while noting that some states didn't provide data.

The union is calling on the White House to mandate a range of safety recommendations by the CDC for meat plants and monitor them to make sure they're enforced.

By STEVE KARNOWSKI-Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS (AP) - As coronavirus hotspots&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34" target="_blank">erupted</a>&nbsp;at major U.S. meatpacking plants, experts criticized&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26bf8fc20f2873d9701fd2ea95f87be4" target="_blank">extremely tight working</a>&nbsp;conditions that made the factories natural high risk contagion locations. But some Midwestern politicians have pointed the finger at the workers' living conditions, suggesting crowded homes bear some blame.The comments - including a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice's remark that an outbreak didn't seem to have come from "regular folks" - outraged workers and advocates who slammed them as elitist and critical of immigrants, who make up a big share of America's meatpacking workforce.And the remarks stood in contrast to public U.S. outpourings of gratitude for other essential workers like police officers, health care professionals and grocery store workers. The union that represents most packing plant workers on Friday estimated at least 30 have died of the virus.South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, generated ire last month when discussing the closure of a Smithfield pork plant in Sioux Falls that infected 1,000 employees and people who came in contact with the workers, saying "99% of what's going on today wasn't happening inside the facility."The spread of the virus happened "more at home, where these employees were going home and spreading some of the virus because a lot of these folks who work at this plant live in the community, the same building, sometimes in the same apartment," she said on Fox News.Noem's comments created a foundation for blaming virus outbreaks on the meatpackers' home lives instead of conditions at plants, where employees often worked shoulder to shoulder with little to no protective gear as U.S. virus cases surged, said Taneeza Islam, who runs the refugee and immigrant support group South Dakota Voices for Peace.Her group organized a letter to Noem to ask "her to listen to the people who have been directly impacted because she has not done that yet, which is very telling about her position in terms of being on the side of the people or being on the side of business."Noem wasn't alone. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, also a Republican, took heat for remarks last month about "people concentrated together" after a meatpacking plant virus outbreak in his state.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar cited crowded meatpacking worker living conditions in a call last week with members of Congress, according to a story first reported by Politico. Agency spokesman Michael Caputo on Thursday defended Azar's remarks as "nothing more than a statement of the obvious."Achut Deng, a Sudanese refugee who works at the Sioux Falls plant, said after Noem's remarks that the comments offended her, calling them "ridiculous."Many of Smithfield's Sioux Falls employees live in well-maintained apartment complexes near the plant, some in multi-generational homes so older family members can be cared for. Others have single-family units. Deng, who was infected and recovered, believes she caught the virus at the plant because she lives only with her three children who have been out of school.In Wisconsin, Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Roggensack appeared to downplay the impact of an outbreak at the JBS Packerland beef plant in Green Bay while hearing arguments on a lawsuit seeking to strike down the state's stay-at-home order. Coronavirus cases in Brown County, where Green Bay lies, jumped from 60 to about 800 in two weeks, a state government lawyer told justices this week."These were due to the meatpacking, though," responded Roggensack, part of the court's conservative majority. "That's where Brown County got the flare. It wasn't just the regular folks in Brown County."Christine Neumann Ortiz, executive director of the Wisconsin-based Latino advocacy group Voces de la Frontera, said Roggensack's comments "reflected elitist disdain for workers.""It shows she considers their lives less worthy," Ortiz said.Court spokesman Tom Sheehan said Roggensack was prohibited by court rules from responding.Many U.S. meat plant workers are Latino but in recent years, particularly in the upper Midwest, African immigrants have taken meatpacking jobs. About 40 languages are spoken by workers at the Sioux Falls plant, the Centers for Disease Control has said.Ortiz said many Latino and immigrant families with workers in the sector "are very family-oriented" and that could contribute to the virus' spread. But she insisted that the greater threats are workplace conditions and policies she claimed encourage workers to come in sick and do not provide enough worker virus testing.In South Dakota, Noem said she made her meatpacking company worker living condition comments after the Sioux Falls plant closed and public health officials' focus shifted to stopping the outbreak where the workers lived.She agreed to speak personally with some meatpacking workers after advocacy groups made the demand. Those calls, organized through Smithfield, were scheduled for Thursday night and Friday.In Nebraska, meatpacking worker advocates disputed Ricketts' suggestion that an outbreak could have happened because of crowded worker households at the Tyson Foods beef plant in Dakota City, where hundreds were infected."The governor's statement that this is a community issue is completely untrue," said Rose Godinez, legal counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, and the daughter of retired meatpacking workers.She said plant workers told her that most employees who tested positive own or rent their homes and in general do not live in crowded, small dwellings.Godinez said Ricketts' comments appeared aimed at "trying to deflect some of the companies' failures."President Donald Trump last week ordered meat companies to stay open, and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue on Friday issued a statement applauding "the safe reopening" of major plants in 10 states.The United Food and Commercial Workers said in response that the administration is rushing to reopen plants without assuring worker safety, citing at least 30 worker deaths and more than 10,000 workers infected. A Centers for Disease Control report last week cited 20 deaths and nearly 5,000 infections, while noting that some states didn't provide data.The union is calling on the White House to mandate a range of safety recommendations by the CDC for meat plants and monitor them to make sure they're enforced.

Some blame meatpacking workers, not plants, for virus spread

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska schools that are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic should be able to reopen on schedule this fall, the state's education commissioner said.

Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said during a Thursday news conference with Gov. Pete Ricketts that opening dates would depend on local health conditions, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/education/education-commissioner-weighs-in-on-nebraska-schools-potentially-opening-this-fall/article_a7806b3f-e9f7-57d0-81a9-0ac69ff0b432.html" target="_blank">Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reported.

Nebraska had 7,190 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Friday morning. More than 40,000 people have been tested. Ninety people in Nebraska have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

For most people,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak" target="_blank">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The shutdown caused by the virus is forcing Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo &amp; Aquarium to furlough workers and eliminate positions after cutting its budget by 36%.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska schools that are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic should be able to reopen on schedule this fall, the state's education commissioner said.Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said during a Thursday news conference with Gov. Pete Ricketts that opening dates would depend on local health conditions, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/education/education-commissioner-weighs-in-on-nebraska-schools-potentially-opening-this-fall/article_a7806b3f-e9f7-57d0-81a9-0ac69ff0b432.html" target="_blank">Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reported."I do think that there will be areas of the state that will be able to keep pretty much their regular calendar intact, and I think that's what folks are interested in," Blomstedt said. "But we are also asking schools to be very thoughtful about digital and remote learning as we continue down that path."Nebraska had 7,190 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Friday morning. More than 40,000 people have been tested. Ninety people in Nebraska have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.For most people,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak" target="_blank">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.The shutdown caused by the virus is forcing Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo &amp; Aquarium to furlough workers and eliminate positions after cutting its budget by 36%.The zoo has been closed since March 16."Decisions affecting our staff are very difficult and not made lightly knowing their level of commitment," Dennis Pate, president and CEO of the zoo, said in a statement.

Official: Nebraska schools should be able to reopen on time

Topeka,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;–The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) has identified some COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area on the I-70 Turnpike located at mile marker 188 (just East of Topeka, according to a media relase.

The exposure is specifically designated to the food court and restrooms of the facility. This facility houses a food court which includes the following restaurants: Dunkin Donuts, Hardees, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. The facility is accessible going east and westbound on the I-70 Turnpike.

People who have traveled to food court or used the restrooms of this facility after April 23rd&nbsp;are recommended to contact their primary care provider IF they develop any of the following symptoms within 14 days from the date of their visit fever of 100.4 F or higher,&nbsp;chills, rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise,&nbsp;&nbsp;headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrhea

The facility will remain closed while it is sanitized.

Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer stated, ”While the risk of anyone being infected with coronavirus during a visit at the Turnpike food court is probably very low, it is not zero. We think that the public should know that information and should share it with their healthcare provider if they become sick.”

This investigation is being conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588891583149.png" alt="Topeka Service area on I-70 Google image" />
 <figcaption>Topeka Service area on I-70 Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;–The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) has identified some COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area on the I-70 Turnpike located at mile marker 188 (just East of Topeka, according to a media relase.The exposure is specifically designated to the food court and restrooms of the facility. This facility houses a food court which includes the following restaurants: Dunkin Donuts, Hardees, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. The facility is accessible going east and westbound on the I-70 Turnpike.People who have traveled to food court or used the restrooms of this facility after April 23rd&nbsp;are recommended to contact their primary care provider IF they develop any of the following symptoms within 14 days from the date of their visit fever of 100.4 F or higher,&nbsp;chills, rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise,&nbsp;&nbsp;headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrheaThe facility will remain closed while it is sanitized.Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer stated, ”While the risk of anyone being infected with coronavirus during a visit at the Turnpike food court is probably very low, it is not zero. We think that the public should know that information and should share it with their healthcare provider if they become sick.”This investigation is being conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Coronavirus cases identified at I-70 service area food court

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

The Central District Health Department announced two additional deaths in Hall County.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>

The Loup Basin Public Health Department reported the death of a Custer County woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/&nbsp;</a>

One death reported was a Dakota County resident -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth&nbsp;</a>. The Dakota County Health Department also announced two additional deaths today that are not yet reflected on the DHHS dashboard. The health department resolved technical difficulties reported yesterday and was able to provide a daily case update for Dakota County today.

A fifth death was also reported. More information is forthcoming.

While it has not yet come into the state dashboard, the Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department also announced its second death.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2020/050720a.htm" target="_blank">https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2020/050720a.htm&nbsp;</a>

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 90, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The number of deaths in Wednesday's release included one that was entered in error. It has been removed from the total count.

The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 7,190. 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. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iuwv40yommq81m3/AAAYgdnJYg3wWuwiPxPL8SEpa?dl%3D0&amp;data=02%7c01%7ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7c8029d69bffb84a537c1808d7ee2257b7%7c043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7c0%7c0%7c637239703574159964&amp;sdata=N4cPCE72MC6uRzEaRW%2BXn/q%2BiR7Udr7mUd2Pwvv8lPU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</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">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 this week in Grand Island and Omaha, and will launch Friday in Lincoln. Additional mobile testing sites are expected to become available shortly.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Five additional deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Thursday.The Central District Health Department announced two additional deaths in Hall County.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>The Loup Basin Public Health Department reported the death of a Custer County woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/&nbsp;</a>One death reported was a Dakota County resident -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth&nbsp;</a>. The Dakota County Health Department also announced two additional deaths today that are not yet reflected on the DHHS dashboard. The health department resolved technical difficulties reported yesterday and was able to provide a daily case update for Dakota County today.A fifth death was also reported. More information is forthcoming.While it has not yet come into the state dashboard, the Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department also announced its second death.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2020/050720a.htm" target="_blank">https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2020/050720a.htm&nbsp;</a>The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 90, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The number of deaths in Wednesday's release included one that was entered in error. It has been removed from the total count.The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 7,190. 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. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iuwv40yommq81m3/AAAYgdnJYg3wWuwiPxPL8SEpa?dl%3D0&amp;data=02%7c01%7ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7c8029d69bffb84a537c1808d7ee2257b7%7c043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7c0%7c0%7c637239703574159964&amp;sdata=N4cPCE72MC6uRzEaRW%2BXn/q%2BiR7Udr7mUd2Pwvv8lPU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</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">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 this week in Grand Island and Omaha, and will launch Friday in 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>.

State COVID-19 deaths rise to 90, five new deaths reported Thursday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite a massive effort, the nation faces “truly daunting” challenges to deploy millions of coronavirus tests to safely re-open the economy, the head of the National Institutes of Health told lawmakers Thursday.

NIH Director Francis Collins told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee that government and private industry have launched a $2.5 billion, taxpayer-funded effort to develop, manufacture and distribute technology capable of accurately testing millions of people a week by the end of the summer or the fall, before the annual flu season.

<a href="https://apnews.com/64a594728f6e36480ee38cc1502436cc">Widespread availability of testing is seen as critical</a>&nbsp;to reopening the economy because it would allow public health officials to identify and contain a rebound of the virus. It remains a high bar to clear.

“I must tell you, senators, that this is a stretch goal that goes well beyond what most experts think will be possible,” Collins said. “I have encountered some stunned expressions when describing these goals and this timetable to knowledgeable individuals. The scientific and logistical challenges are truly daunting.”

Nonetheless, Collins said “the track record of American ingenuity” gives him optimism. More than three months into the epidemic, the lack of testing is widely acknowledged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c335958b1f8f6a37b19b421bc7759722">central failing in the nation’s response</a>.

The issue has dogged the White House for weeks. President Donald Trump takes credit for the fact that testing has ramped up dramatically since the early days of the outbreak, when a test from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ran into numerous problems.

But sometimes he also seems uneasy about testing.

“We do, by far, the most testing,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “If we did very little testing, we wouldn’t have the most cases. So, in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad.”

The U.S. is currently testing more than a million people a week for COVID-19 and White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Deborah Birx has said that weekly number should rise to 2 million or 2.5 million by the middle of June.

But some experts say a million tests per day are needed, or more.

“To test every nursing home, and every prison, everyone in an operating room, and some entire classes and campuses and factories, teams at sports events, and to give those tests more than once, we will need millions more tests,” agreed committee chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. “This demand will only grow as the country goes back to work.”

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the panel, put the blame on Trump for persistent problems with testing.

“The problem isn’t a lack of innovation—it’s a lack of national leadership, and a plan from the White House. “And when it comes to testing, this administration has had no map, and no one at the wheel.”

Congress provided NIH with $1.5 billion to develop tests. To help private industry quickly produce and distribute tests that meet NIH standards, lawmakers gave another $1 billion to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Known as BARDA, that agency is under scrutiny after its director alleged he was ousted for opposing widespread use of a a malaria drug promoted by Trump to treat coronavirus patients.

Collins said the goal is to have highly accurate tests that can provide quick results at the “point-of-care,” such as a doctor’s office or a community health clinic. A special effort is being made to expand testing in minority communities that have taken the brunt of virus deaths.

Many of the currently available tests require processing by a central laboratory to get results. Medical technology giant Abbott already has a point-of-care test available. But Collins said there’s a limited supply of the machines, and that they can sometimes fail to detect a patient who is positive. He said Abbott is working to improve its test, but that he thinks NIH might be able to do better.

NIH has set up what Collins calls a “shark tank” process to quickly identify promising technologies, and test them. Within the agency, the initiative is formally called Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics, or RADx. It was launched just last week.

NIH scientists, along with their counterparts in industry and academia, are looking into tests that can use different types of samples, from nasal swabs, saliva, blood, or exhaled breath.

They’re also looking at antigen tests, a form of rapid test that can detect active infection. With time and effort such tests can be modified to be done at home, Collins said, but accuracy has traditionally been a problem.

NIH has received more than 1,000 applications putting forth different ideas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588938823679.png" alt="NIH Director Francis Collins during Senate testimony Thursday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>NIH Director Francis Collins during Senate testimony Thursday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite a massive effort, the nation faces “truly daunting” challenges to deploy millions of coronavirus tests to safely re-open the economy, the head of the National Institutes of Health told lawmakers Thursday.NIH Director Francis Collins told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee that government and private industry have launched a $2.5 billion, taxpayer-funded effort to develop, manufacture and distribute technology capable of accurately testing millions of people a week by the end of the summer or the fall, before the annual flu season.<a href="https://apnews.com/64a594728f6e36480ee38cc1502436cc">Widespread availability of testing is seen as critical</a>&nbsp;to reopening the economy because it would allow public health officials to identify and contain a rebound of the virus. It remains a high bar to clear.“I must tell you, senators, that this is a stretch goal that goes well beyond what most experts think will be possible,” Collins said. “I have encountered some stunned expressions when describing these goals and this timetable to knowledgeable individuals. The scientific and logistical challenges are truly daunting.”Nonetheless, Collins said “the track record of American ingenuity” gives him optimism. More than three months into the epidemic, the lack of testing is widely acknowledged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c335958b1f8f6a37b19b421bc7759722">central failing in the nation’s response</a>.The issue has dogged the White House for weeks. President Donald Trump takes credit for the fact that testing has ramped up dramatically since the early days of the outbreak, when a test from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ran into numerous problems.But sometimes he also seems uneasy about testing.“We do, by far, the most testing,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “If we did very little testing, we wouldn’t have the most cases. So, in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad.”The U.S. is currently testing more than a million people a week for COVID-19 and White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Deborah Birx has said that weekly number should rise to 2 million or 2.5 million by the middle of June.But some experts say a million tests per day are needed, or more.“To test every nursing home, and every prison, everyone in an operating room, and some entire classes and campuses and factories, teams at sports events, and to give those tests more than once, we will need millions more tests,” agreed committee chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. “This demand will only grow as the country goes back to work.”Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the panel, put the blame on Trump for persistent problems with testing.“The problem isn’t a lack of innovation—it’s a lack of national leadership, and a plan from the White House. “And when it comes to testing, this administration has had no map, and no one at the wheel.”Congress provided NIH with $1.5 billion to develop tests. To help private industry quickly produce and distribute tests that meet NIH standards, lawmakers gave another $1 billion to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Known as BARDA, that agency is under scrutiny after its director alleged he was ousted for opposing widespread use of a a malaria drug promoted by Trump to treat coronavirus patients.Collins said the goal is to have highly accurate tests that can provide quick results at the “point-of-care,” such as a doctor’s office or a community health clinic. A special effort is being made to expand testing in minority communities that have taken the brunt of virus deaths.Many of the currently available tests require processing by a central laboratory to get results. Medical technology giant Abbott already has a point-of-care test available. But Collins said there’s a limited supply of the machines, and that they can sometimes fail to detect a patient who is positive. He said Abbott is working to improve its test, but that he thinks NIH might be able to do better.NIH has set up what Collins calls a “shark tank” process to quickly identify promising technologies, and test them. Within the agency, the initiative is formally called Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics, or RADx. It was launched just last week.NIH scientists, along with their counterparts in industry and academia, are looking into tests that can use different types of samples, from nasal swabs, saliva, blood, or exhaled breath.They’re also looking at antigen tests, a form of rapid test that can detect active infection. With time and effort such tests can be modified to be done at home, Collins said, but accuracy has traditionally been a problem.NIH has received more than 1,000 applications putting forth different ideas.___

US faces 'truly daunting' challenges on needed COVID tests

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that a Test Nebraska mobile site will be open in Lincoln on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp; Test Nebraska mobile locations have been operating in Grand Island and Omaha since Monday.

At this afternoon’s press event, the Governor also proclaimed this week as Teacher Appreciation Week in Nebraska.&nbsp; Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt joined the Governor to accept the proclamation on behalf of the state’s teachers.&nbsp; He also unveiled a new website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchne.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997588003&amp;sdata=C6S1uAClIxij7OajyyG%2BgQreyRsZ2%2F60C6J1lJUZdG0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.launchne.com</a>, that will serve as a central resource for the state’s education system as it looks to the future.&nbsp; The website features protocols and best practices to aid local decision-makers as they ensure continuity of education in their schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;129,462 Nebraskans have taken about 165,000 total assessments 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%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997588003&amp;sdata=Jwv%2F2V9VYZsAs%2BMl4uklRqutLZc%2F2VnmpAlKVURNGrw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;as of this morning.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska completed 526 tests yesterday in Grand Island and Omaha (combined).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are excited to announce that Test Nebraska will start in Lincoln tomorrow.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;The testing site will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday at the Lancaster County Events Center.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right now, anyone who takes the assessment (initially or follow up) 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%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997588003&amp;sdata=Jwv%2F2V9VYZsAs%2BMl4uklRqutLZc%2F2VnmpAlKVURNGrw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;will be selected to be tested if they choose the response “yes, I have symptoms.”&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone who selects health care worker, first responder, or meat packing as their occupation will also be tested, even if they do not report any symptoms of illness on the assessment.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone who meets these criteria can schedule a time to get tested at one of our Test Nebraska locations.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone who signed up 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%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997597959&amp;sdata=WrI5z4l%2F0ZSAJBdUQAw6NT55Hz7qQCAnHtpUumOEnK4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;received a follow up email asking them to update their assessment on Sunday night.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you haven’t done so already, please update your assessment.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Symptoms can develop quickly, and we will ask people to update their assessment from time to time as needed.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can expect to see the domain name “qemailserver.com” on communications they receive about their Test Nebraska assessments.

Gov. Ricketts: Teacher Appreciation Week

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While education is being delivered differently for many kids right now, teachers continue to play a critical role in helping our kids achieve their dreams.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether you teach in a public school, private school, or home school, each and every teacher and parent has a responsibility to instill great character and raise up the next generation of citizens.

Commissioner Blomstedt: Launch Nebraska

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re proud of teachers across Nebraska for the way they’ve adjusted to the change in learning environment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This situation has given us the opportunity to think differently and innovate.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, we’re announcing our Launch Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; You can learn about it at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchne.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997597959&amp;sdata=syPsIj74%2FWfaSUCQOvJxObavwUYraVBwvY%2FLISVkno0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.launchne.com</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the website, you’ll find protocols and examples on how we plan to move forward as a state education system.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This summer, we have the opportunity to learn about some of the best procedures, policies, and practices that might take place in our buildings next fall.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The website has resources to guide local decision-makers as they think about the conditions for learning. &nbsp;This includes wellness and well-being at facilities, as well as health monitoring in the surrounding community.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The website also has helpful resources in the areas of leadership, planning, governance, operations, and technology usage.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Starting soon, we’ll host webinars on how teachers can be effective in the online learning environment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’ll engage with education and public health leaders from all over the state to find best practices and to develop resources for the website to aid decision-makers as they plan for the future.

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%2F4ux08d4v566rvsi%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.07.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997607913&amp;sdata=R8oB85FwQP2nnlXeAyXjhUnqr6%2F4awn%2BEBIvHZBPVdI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588904957452.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt (far left) at this afternoon’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt (far left) at this afternoon’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that a Test Nebraska mobile site will be open in Lincoln on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp; Test Nebraska mobile locations have been operating in Grand Island and Omaha since Monday.At this afternoon’s press event, the Governor also proclaimed this week as Teacher Appreciation Week in Nebraska.&nbsp; Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt joined the Governor to accept the proclamation on behalf of the state’s teachers.&nbsp; He also unveiled a new website,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchne.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997588003&amp;sdata=C6S1uAClIxij7OajyyG%2BgQreyRsZ2%2F60C6J1lJUZdG0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.launchne.com</a>, that will serve as a central resource for the state’s education system as it looks to the future.&nbsp; The website features protocols and best practices to aid local decision-makers as they ensure continuity of education in their schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;129,462 Nebraskans have taken about 165,000 total assessments 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%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997588003&amp;sdata=Jwv%2F2V9VYZsAs%2BMl4uklRqutLZc%2F2VnmpAlKVURNGrw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;as of this morning.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska completed 526 tests yesterday in Grand Island and Omaha (combined).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are excited to announce that Test Nebraska will start in Lincoln tomorrow.o&nbsp;&nbsp;The testing site will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday at the Lancaster County Events Center.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right now, anyone who takes the assessment (initially or follow up) 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%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997588003&amp;sdata=Jwv%2F2V9VYZsAs%2BMl4uklRqutLZc%2F2VnmpAlKVURNGrw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;will be selected to be tested if they choose the response “yes, I have symptoms.”&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone who selects health care worker, first responder, or meat packing as their occupation will also be tested, even if they do not report any symptoms of illness on the assessment.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone who meets these criteria can schedule a time to get tested at one of our Test Nebraska locations.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone who signed up 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%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997597959&amp;sdata=WrI5z4l%2F0ZSAJBdUQAw6NT55Hz7qQCAnHtpUumOEnK4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;received a follow up email asking them to update their assessment on Sunday night.o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you haven’t done so already, please update your assessment.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Symptoms can develop quickly, and we will ask people to update their assessment from time to time as needed.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can expect to see the domain name “qemailserver.com” on communications they receive about their Test Nebraska assessments.Gov. Ricketts: Teacher Appreciation Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While education is being delivered differently for many kids right now, teachers continue to play a critical role in helping our kids achieve their dreams.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether you teach in a public school, private school, or home school, each and every teacher and parent has a responsibility to instill great character and raise up the next generation of citizens.Commissioner Blomstedt: Launch Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re proud of teachers across Nebraska for the way they’ve adjusted to the change in learning environment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This situation has given us the opportunity to think differently and innovate.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, we’re announcing our Launch Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; You can learn about it at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchne.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997597959&amp;sdata=syPsIj74%2FWfaSUCQOvJxObavwUYraVBwvY%2FLISVkno0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.launchne.com</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the website, you’ll find protocols and examples on how we plan to move forward as a state education system.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This summer, we have the opportunity to learn about some of the best procedures, policies, and practices that might take place in our buildings next fall.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The website has resources to guide local decision-makers as they think about the conditions for learning. &nbsp;This includes wellness and well-being at facilities, as well as health monitoring in the surrounding community.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The website also has helpful resources in the areas of leadership, planning, governance, operations, and technology usage.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Starting soon, we’ll host webinars on how teachers can be effective in the online learning environment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’ll engage with education and public health leaders from all over the state to find best practices and to develop resources for the website to aid decision-makers as they plan for the future.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%2F4ux08d4v566rvsi%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.07.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cd5f16d4ef0b64479411208d7f2dd64a0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637244904997607913&amp;sdata=R8oB85FwQP2nnlXeAyXjhUnqr6%2F4awn%2BEBIvHZBPVdI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts announces mobile testing site in Lincoln, proclaims 'Teacher Appreciation Week'

For beauty/nail salons, barbershops, massage therapy services: we are inviting owners of these establishments to join us on a zoom call tomorrow at 1 pm. This call will serve the purpose of reopening guidance at a local level. Please email kellers@wcdhd.org if you are interested in joining this call. Please feel free to share with those that might find this helpful.

Faith-based services:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Guidelines-for-the-Conduct-of-Faith-Based-Services.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2SbckqEf14d1DeF4Sxt_8DPlNaXg1mC2NyMeKZPuAfEdy43IpyDtcLT3I">http://dhhs.ne.gov/…/COVID-19-Guidelines-for-the-Conduct-of…</a>

Restaurants:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Restaurant-In-Room-Dining-Reopening-Guidelines.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2z8DKnmkLOtRJoV8wrISdskwdMAhvt-wFmjXQ2FX8hS4bD6JDc_Nao3TA">http://dhhs.ne.gov/…/COVID-19-Restaurant-In-Room-Dining-Reo…</a>

Dental:&nbsp;<a href="https://wcdhd.org/file_download/inline/b5ceae0b-17cd-4993-a89a-c5d3f6b8c938?fbclid=IwAR1wpGDn7N3VWeMbPMYlblL53VjUDhTBiEzsOcqjwuTmCtlfSEDu6AodVto">https://wcdhd.org/…/in…/b5ceae0b-17cd-4993-a89a-c5d3f6b8c938</a>

These reopening guidelines are also available on our website:&nbsp;<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.html?fbclid=IwAR2RPouw-I3NDWbwiepwQMgncIRv5e9-V5KA5uLKhD7sJ4NonhZbt31U8tc">https://wcdhd.org/…/c…/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.html</a>

Reopening Guidance:For beauty/nail salons, barbershops, massage therapy services: we are inviting owners of these establishments to join us on a zoom call tomorrow at 1 pm. This call will serve the purpose of reopening guidance at a local level. Please email kellers@wcdhd.org if you are interested in joining this call. Please feel free to share with those that might find this helpful.Faith-based services:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Guidelines-for-the-Conduct-of-Faith-Based-Services.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2SbckqEf14d1DeF4Sxt_8DPlNaXg1mC2NyMeKZPuAfEdy43IpyDtcLT3I">http://dhhs.ne.gov/…/COVID-19-Guidelines-for-the-Conduct-of…</a>Restaurants:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Restaurant-In-Room-Dining-Reopening-Guidelines.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2z8DKnmkLOtRJoV8wrISdskwdMAhvt-wFmjXQ2FX8hS4bD6JDc_Nao3TA">http://dhhs.ne.gov/…/COVID-19-Restaurant-In-Room-Dining-Reo…</a>Dental:&nbsp;<a href="https://wcdhd.org/file_download/inline/b5ceae0b-17cd-4993-a89a-c5d3f6b8c938?fbclid=IwAR1wpGDn7N3VWeMbPMYlblL53VjUDhTBiEzsOcqjwuTmCtlfSEDu6AodVto">https://wcdhd.org/…/in…/b5ceae0b-17cd-4993-a89a-c5d3f6b8c938</a>These reopening guidelines are also available on our website:&nbsp;<a href="https://wcdhd.org/what-we-do/health-services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.html?fbclid=IwAR2RPouw-I3NDWbwiepwQMgncIRv5e9-V5KA5uLKhD7sJ4NonhZbt31U8tc">https://wcdhd.org/…/c…/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.html</a>

WCDHD to host call for salon, barbershop, massage studio owners regarding reopening

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Drive-by shootings are up sharply in Wichita so far this year, and Police Chief Gordon Ramsay believes boredom stemming from the coronavirus lockdown is partly to blame.

Ramsay spoke in a Facebook video Tuesday. Ramsay says drive-by shootings are up 82% compared to the five-year average. There were 36 drive-by shootings between Jan. 1 and May 3, compared with the five-year average of 19.8.

Ramsay said that many of the shootings involved young people, and he noted that with recreational centers closed and many restaurants closed, many youths have a lot of idle time. He also cited an uptick in crimes like vandalism and domestic assault.

Homicides also are up. Wichita has had 18 killings so far this year, 58% above the five-year average of 11.4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586790756899.png" alt="Police on the scene of a fatal drive-by shooting on April 13-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of a fatal drive-by shooting on April 13-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Drive-by shootings are up sharply in Wichita so far this year, and Police Chief Gordon Ramsay believes boredom stemming from the coronavirus lockdown is partly to blame.Ramsay spoke in a Facebook video Tuesday. Ramsay says drive-by shootings are up 82% compared to the five-year average. There were 36 drive-by shootings between Jan. 1 and May 3, compared with the five-year average of 19.8.Ramsay said that many of the shootings involved young people, and he noted that with recreational centers closed and many restaurants closed, many youths have a lot of idle time. He also cited an uptick in crimes like vandalism and domestic assault.Homicides also are up. Wichita has had 18 killings so far this year, 58% above the five-year average of 11.4.

Coronavirus cited in spike in Wichita drive-by shootings

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nearly one out of six coronavirus cases in Nebraska have been linked to the state's meatpacking plants, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday amid criticism that not enough is being done to protect the health of their workers.

Ricketts said public health officials have linked about 1,005 of Nebraska's 6,771 coronavirus cases to meatpacking plants. Nebraska's small, mostly rural meatpacking communities have become some of the biggest hot spots both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855" target="_blank">statewide and nationally</a>, with Hall County surpassing the much larger Omaha area.

Asked whether he should have done more to prevent the spread of the virus in the plants, Ricketts said critics were trying to "Monday morning quarter back" on a disaster that the state hasn't faced since the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak.

"Hindsight's always going to be 20/20," he said at a news conference. "It's called, yes, if I had known things two months ago that I know today, I would have done things differently. But that's called experience. Of course you hope you'd learn from your experience to do a better job going forward in the future, and that's what we've done."

Critics said state and local officials and many of the meatpacking plants didn't act soon enough and still haven't taken all the steps necessary to protect workers, many of whom are non-English-speaking immigrants.

Rose Godinez, an attorney for the ACLU of Nebraska, said workers have told her that some plants are following the recommendations of local and federal public health experts, but others aren't. The group unveiled a petition to local health districts on Thursday with more than 900 signatures, calling for more testing and protective equipment for workers and asking companies to offer paid sick leave.

Godinez said some workers received their first masks just two weeks ago, even though the outbreak began in March, and others are being pushed into unfamiliar jobs to compensate for staffing shortages.

"What we're seeing is a lack of worker input," she said. "The workers aren't being put at the table to say whether the guidelines are being followed."

In Omaha, Douglas County Public Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said Thursday that 392 meatpacking workers have contracted the virus out of 1,205 confirmed cases. Pour said medical professionals are working with the nine metro-area plants to get additional testing and housing for those who are already infected and need to stay away from their families.

"From a public health standpoint, I'm concerned that we are not having our infection under control," she said at a separate news conference with Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert.

Ricketts said state officials learned important lessons from an initial outbreak at the JBS beef plant in Grand Island, the state's first hot spot and hardest-hit region. He said state officials used that experience to test more aggressively in Lexington, another meatpacking town that hasn't seen as many cases but is still considered a hot spot.

He has steadfastly refused to tell meatpacking plants that they have to close, arguing that they're an essential part of the nation's food supply and that Nebraska would experience "civil unrest" if residents weren't able to buy meat.

Ricketts also reiterated Thursday that he won't require local health departments to release the number of cases at individual companies.

He argued that those numbers are inaccurate because some people who tested positive have lied about working at specific plants, and public health officials aren't able to verify those claims with meat-packers without violating federal privacy laws. He said such mistakes would be minimized with aggregate data.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services reported Wednesday that four more people Nebraska residents have died of the coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 86 since the pandemic began.

One death was in Hall County, but details weren't immediately provided. Two others were both men in their 60s with underlying health conditions, one in Adams County and the other in Colfax County. No details were given on the fourth death.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nearly one out of six coronavirus cases in Nebraska have been linked to the state's meatpacking plants, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday amid criticism that not enough is being done to protect the health of their workers.Ricketts said public health officials have linked about 1,005 of Nebraska's 6,771 coronavirus cases to meatpacking plants. Nebraska's small, mostly rural meatpacking communities have become some of the biggest hot spots both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/83ef6383e6a437aae20962e3c9de8855" target="_blank">statewide and nationally</a>, with Hall County surpassing the much larger Omaha area.Asked whether he should have done more to prevent the spread of the virus in the plants, Ricketts said critics were trying to "Monday morning quarter back" on a disaster that the state hasn't faced since the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak."Hindsight's always going to be 20/20," he said at a news conference. "It's called, yes, if I had known things two months ago that I know today, I would have done things differently. But that's called experience. Of course you hope you'd learn from your experience to do a better job going forward in the future, and that's what we've done."Critics said state and local officials and many of the meatpacking plants didn't act soon enough and still haven't taken all the steps necessary to protect workers, many of whom are non-English-speaking immigrants.Rose Godinez, an attorney for the ACLU of Nebraska, said workers have told her that some plants are following the recommendations of local and federal public health experts, but others aren't. The group unveiled a petition to local health districts on Thursday with more than 900 signatures, calling for more testing and protective equipment for workers and asking companies to offer paid sick leave.Godinez said some workers received their first masks just two weeks ago, even though the outbreak began in March, and others are being pushed into unfamiliar jobs to compensate for staffing shortages."What we're seeing is a lack of worker input," she said. "The workers aren't being put at the table to say whether the guidelines are being followed."In Omaha, Douglas County Public Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said Thursday that 392 meatpacking workers have contracted the virus out of 1,205 confirmed cases. Pour said medical professionals are working with the nine metro-area plants to get additional testing and housing for those who are already infected and need to stay away from their families."From a public health standpoint, I'm concerned that we are not having our infection under control," she said at a separate news conference with Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert.Ricketts said state officials learned important lessons from an initial outbreak at the JBS beef plant in Grand Island, the state's first hot spot and hardest-hit region. He said state officials used that experience to test more aggressively in Lexington, another meatpacking town that hasn't seen as many cases but is still considered a hot spot.He has steadfastly refused to tell meatpacking plants that they have to close, arguing that they're an essential part of the nation's food supply and that Nebraska would experience "civil unrest" if residents weren't able to buy meat.Ricketts also reiterated Thursday that he won't require local health departments to release the number of cases at individual companies.He argued that those numbers are inaccurate because some people who tested positive have lied about working at specific plants, and public health officials aren't able to verify those claims with meat-packers without violating federal privacy laws. He said such mistakes would be minimized with aggregate data.Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services reported Wednesday that four more people Nebraska residents have died of the coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 86 since the pandemic began.One death was in Hall County, but details weren't immediately provided. Two others were both men in their 60s with underlying health conditions, one in Adams County and the other in Colfax County. No details were given on the fourth death.The state also confirmed the first coronavirus case in Thomas County.Nebraska had 6,771 confirmed cases as of Wednesday evening. More than 37,800 people have been tested. The number of new cases dipped to 311 on Wednesday after a sharp increase over the last two weeks, but the state's hospitals reported a large number of available ventilators and beds.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

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