Central District Health Department reports that as of 4:00 p.m. today, April 25, 2020, the number of positive COVID-19 cases confirmed by a laboratory is 866, and there are 24 deaths. 

There are 8 cases in Merrick County, 47 cases in Hamilton County and 811 in Hall County.

Central District Health Department reports that as of 4:00 p.m. today, April 25, 2020, the number of positive COVID-19 cases confirmed by a laboratory is 866, and there are 24 deaths. There are 8 cases in Merrick County, 47 cases in Hamilton County and 811 in Hall County.

811 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Hall County

By DEE-ANN DURBIN and PAUL WISEMAN, Associated Press

The days of standing shoulder-to-shoulder at a bar or sharing a meal at a table for 10 are gone for now — and could take a long time to return even after the coronavirus pandemic ends.

U.S. restaurants are thinking ahead to a time when their dining room doors reopen to a changed world. Owners say there may be physical differences, like masked waiters, disposable menus or fewer tables so patrons can sit farther apart. There will be signs explaining cleaning procedures and glass dividers to protect cashiers. Disinfectant wipes might sit next to napkin dispensers.

“The pivot with my restaurants doesn’t anticipate a return to exactly what was,” said Dan Simons, the owner of Farmers Restaurant Group, which owns six restaurants, a bakery and a distillery in the Washington area and a restaurant in Pennsylvania.

Restaurants that have reopened in Asia provide a blueprint. In Hong Kong, public gatherings are limited to four people, and restaurants must keep tables nearly 5 feet apart. Customers’ temperatures are taken at the door, and they are required to wear masks unless they’re eating or drinking.

In Hefei, China, the La Ma Restaurant reopened March 17 but still checks diners’ temperatures and disinfects the premises every two to three hours, said employee Yang Gui. Business is down by half compared with before the outbreak, Yang said. As few as a dozen diners come some days; two-thirds of the staff have yet to return to work.

That’s changing the experience for diners. Rae Elloso, a teacher in Hong Kong, eats out occasionally because she feels it’s important to have social contact. Dining out is more peaceful now, she said, but also a little uncomfortable when some seating areas are blocked off.

“When restaurants tape up chairs and tables, the impression I get as a diner is that they don’t want me there, even though I know this is not the case,” Elloso said.

David Siu, who also lives in Hong Kong, has noticed that restaurants try to turn the tables over more quickly because they have less capacity.

Delivery is also accelerating in China, indicating many people still want to eat at home. Spending on food at restaurants, convenience stores and other outlets dropped 30% in China in January and February, but delivery spending was up 10% in that period, according to NPD Group, a data and consulting firm.

Takeout and delivery were already gaining in popularity in the U.S. before the pandemic with the introduction of apps like UberEats; that may accelerate if shell-shocked consumers stay home. Menus will likely be pared down, with more focus on food that travels well.

John Gordon, founder of San Diego-based Pacific Management Consulting Group, which advises restaurants, thinks U.S. restaurants — like Asia’s — will have to follow local guidelines when they reopen. Earlier this week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested the state might require temperature checks and more distance between tables.

Gordon says regulations about density will affect restaurants differently. Sit-down restaurants like Cheesecake Factory are designed to bring in a certain amount of money per square foot, so they would see their profitability drop. Fast food chains generally don’t have a lot of business in their dining rooms, so they may not feel as much impact.

But with business down as much as 80% in the sector right now, Gordon said, most restaurants aren’t yet focused on the impact of potential regulations.

“They’re just trying to survive to get to whatever the other side of this is,” he said.

While they wait, some restaurants are already experimenting. Simons added fresh produce and other grocery items to his Founding Farmers restaurants this month. It was a big success. Simons has rehired 175 of his 1,100 staff members, and he’s making 60% of pre-virus sales at one location and 80% at another between takeout and groceries.

Simons expects to continue grocery sales once his dining rooms reopen. He’s also considering other ideas, like renting out the dining space for events.

Even before the pandemic, Simons said restaurants were struggling with the popularity of takeout and delivery, high labor costs and lower alcohol consumption among younger patrons.

Overall traffic at U.S. restaurants was flat last year, according to NPD Group. But digital orders for takeout were up 33%, while digital orders for delivery rose 16%.

With those numbers in mind, many restaurants were already shifting away from big dining rooms. In December, Applebee’s opened its first takeout- and delivery-focused restaurant in Mobile, Alabama. The store is half the size of a traditional Applebee’s, and all the food is packaged to go.

Bent Hansen, the owner of Los Gringos Locos, a Mexican restaurant near Pasadena, California, says it will be up to restaurants to make diners feel comfortable. That will likely mean visible cleaning, fewer tables, touchless ordering and lots of hand sanitizer. He’s also thinking of hiring his own delivery drivers so he can make sure cars are sanitized and the food is protected until it’s delivered.

Restaurants will eventually bounce back, predicts Henry Pertman, director of operations at Total Image Creative, a Maryland-based hospitality consulting firm.

“If you think this is going to make people want to cook their own meals while surfing the Food Channel, you’re wrong. You can only burn so many pot roasts,” he said.

But some restaurants just can’t make the math work right now. The Downtowner in Lafayette, Indiana, closed its dining room in mid-March and quickly abandoned takeout after getting only a handful of orders. Now the 69-year-old restaurant is shuttered until the crisis passes. Its six full-time employees are signing up for unemployment benefits.

Still, Manager Yolanda Timmons said she’s optimistic that the restaurant will reopen when the outbreak recedes.

“We’re going to have the biggest party when we can all get out,” Timmons said.

By DEE-ANN DURBIN and PAUL WISEMAN, Associated PressThe days of standing shoulder-to-shoulder at a bar or sharing a meal at a table for 10 are gone for now — and could take a long time to return even after the coronavirus pandemic ends.U.S. restaurants are thinking ahead to a time when their dining room doors reopen to a changed world. Owners say there may be physical differences, like masked waiters, disposable menus or fewer tables so patrons can sit farther apart. There will be signs explaining cleaning procedures and glass dividers to protect cashiers. Disinfectant wipes might sit next to napkin dispensers.“The pivot with my restaurants doesn’t anticipate a return to exactly what was,” said Dan Simons, the owner of Farmers Restaurant Group, which owns six restaurants, a bakery and a distillery in the Washington area and a restaurant in Pennsylvania.Restaurants that have reopened in Asia provide a blueprint. In Hong Kong, public gatherings are limited to four people, and restaurants must keep tables nearly 5 feet apart. Customers’ temperatures are taken at the door, and they are required to wear masks unless they’re eating or drinking.In Hefei, China, the La Ma Restaurant reopened March 17 but still checks diners’ temperatures and disinfects the premises every two to three hours, said employee Yang Gui. Business is down by half compared with before the outbreak, Yang said. As few as a dozen diners come some days; two-thirds of the staff have yet to return to work.That’s changing the experience for diners. Rae Elloso, a teacher in Hong Kong, eats out occasionally because she feels it’s important to have social contact. Dining out is more peaceful now, she said, but also a little uncomfortable when some seating areas are blocked off.“When restaurants tape up chairs and tables, the impression I get as a diner is that they don’t want me there, even though I know this is not the case,” Elloso said.David Siu, who also lives in Hong Kong, has noticed that restaurants try to turn the tables over more quickly because they have less capacity.Delivery is also accelerating in China, indicating many people still want to eat at home. Spending on food at restaurants, convenience stores and other outlets dropped 30% in China in January and February, but delivery spending was up 10% in that period, according to NPD Group, a data and consulting firm.Takeout and delivery were already gaining in popularity in the U.S. before the pandemic with the introduction of apps like UberEats; that may accelerate if shell-shocked consumers stay home. Menus will likely be pared down, with more focus on food that travels well.John Gordon, founder of San Diego-based Pacific Management Consulting Group, which advises restaurants, thinks U.S. restaurants — like Asia’s — will have to follow local guidelines when they reopen. Earlier this week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom suggested the state might require temperature checks and more distance between tables.Gordon says regulations about density will affect restaurants differently. Sit-down restaurants like Cheesecake Factory are designed to bring in a certain amount of money per square foot, so they would see their profitability drop. Fast food chains generally don’t have a lot of business in their dining rooms, so they may not feel as much impact.But with business down as much as 80% in the sector right now, Gordon said, most restaurants aren’t yet focused on the impact of potential regulations.“They’re just trying to survive to get to whatever the other side of this is,” he said.While they wait, some restaurants are already experimenting. Simons added fresh produce and other grocery items to his Founding Farmers restaurants this month. It was a big success. Simons has rehired 175 of his 1,100 staff members, and he’s making 60% of pre-virus sales at one location and 80% at another between takeout and groceries.Simons expects to continue grocery sales once his dining rooms reopen. He’s also considering other ideas, like renting out the dining space for events.Even before the pandemic, Simons said restaurants were struggling with the popularity of takeout and delivery, high labor costs and lower alcohol consumption among younger patrons.Overall traffic at U.S. restaurants was flat last year, according to NPD Group. But digital orders for takeout were up 33%, while digital orders for delivery rose 16%.With those numbers in mind, many restaurants were already shifting away from big dining rooms. In December, Applebee’s opened its first takeout- and delivery-focused restaurant in Mobile, Alabama. The store is half the size of a traditional Applebee’s, and all the food is packaged to go.Bent Hansen, the owner of Los Gringos Locos, a Mexican restaurant near Pasadena, California, says it will be up to restaurants to make diners feel comfortable. That will likely mean visible cleaning, fewer tables, touchless ordering and lots of hand sanitizer. He’s also thinking of hiring his own delivery drivers so he can make sure cars are sanitized and the food is protected until it’s delivered.Restaurants will eventually bounce back, predicts Henry Pertman, director of operations at Total Image Creative, a Maryland-based hospitality consulting firm.“If you think this is going to make people want to cook their own meals while surfing the Food Channel, you’re wrong. You can only burn so many pot roasts,” he said.But some restaurants just can’t make the math work right now. The Downtowner in Lafayette, Indiana, closed its dining room in mid-March and quickly abandoned takeout after getting only a handful of orders. Now the 69-year-old restaurant is shuttered until the crisis passes. Its six full-time employees are signing up for unemployment benefits.Still, Manager Yolanda Timmons said she’s optimistic that the restaurant will reopen when the outbreak recedes.“We’re going to have the biggest party when we can all get out,” Timmons said.___

US restaurants expect big changes when their doors reopen

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (WCDHD) - The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) has two new cases of COVID-19 from Lincoln County.&nbsp;

One is a woman in her 50s, and the other is a man in his 50s. Both individuals are self-isolating at home.&nbsp;

To date, we have tested 519 individuals in Lincoln County for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Of the 519 tested, 20 have been positive. Five are travel-related, four are community spread, nine are due to close contact, and two are under investigation. Sixteen of these cases have recovered, two are self-isolating, one is in the hospital, and one person has passed away. All twenty cases are within Lincoln County.&nbsp;

Stay informed of new cases by visiting our website at https://wcdhd.org/ (information will be updated daily 5:45 PM).&nbsp;

In an effort to increase testing within our district, The National Guard assisted by WCDHD will collect 50 more samples next week. The testing will be prioritized according to individuals who are symptomatic and those in high-risk settings. If you are experiencing signs and symptoms or are within a high-risk setting, please contact the health department to schedule testing. Social and physical distancing helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

● Stay home and practice social and physical distancing o Stay Home o Avoid gatherings, if you must gather, keep individuals to 10 or less&nbsp;

● When out stay 6 feet away from others&nbsp;

● Cough and/or sneeze into your elbow&nbsp;

● Wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds&nbsp;

● Wear a community mask - this will help mitigate the spread of the virus 

Public health officials would like to remind you that if you have a fever of over 100.4 or symptoms of respiratory illness, please self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider for additional guidance.&nbsp;

If you are tested, have been in direct contact of a lab-confirmed case, or traveled outside of Nebraska in the last two weeks REGISTER with WCDHD at https://consultinglhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a67PjRi6skYXMrP

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (WCDHD) - The West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) has two new cases of COVID-19 from Lincoln County.&nbsp;One is a woman in her 50s, and the other is a man in his 50s. Both individuals are self-isolating at home.&nbsp;To date, we have tested 519 individuals in Lincoln County for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Of the 519 tested, 20 have been positive. Five are travel-related, four are community spread, nine are due to close contact, and two are under investigation. Sixteen of these cases have recovered, two are self-isolating, one is in the hospital, and one person has passed away. All twenty cases are within Lincoln County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587850042776.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stay informed of new cases by visiting our website at https://wcdhd.org/ (information will be updated daily 5:45 PM).&nbsp;In an effort to increase testing within our district, The National Guard assisted by WCDHD will collect 50 more samples next week. The testing will be prioritized according to individuals who are symptomatic and those in high-risk settings. If you are experiencing signs and symptoms or are within a high-risk setting, please contact the health department to schedule testing. Social and physical distancing helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;This includes:&nbsp;● Stay home and practice social and physical distancing o Stay Home o Avoid gatherings, if you must gather, keep individuals to 10 or less&nbsp;● When out stay 6 feet away from others&nbsp;● Cough and/or sneeze into your elbow&nbsp;● Wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds&nbsp;● Do not touch your face&nbsp;● Wear a community mask - this will help mitigate the spread of the virus Public health officials would like to remind you that if you have a fever of over 100.4 or symptoms of respiratory illness, please self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider for additional guidance.&nbsp;If you are tested, have been in direct contact of a lab-confirmed case, or traveled outside of Nebraska in the last two weeks REGISTER with WCDHD at https://consultinglhd.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a67PjRi6skYXMrP

2 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Lincoln County, total positive cases now 20

WASHINGTON (AP) — The financial condition of the government’s two biggest benefit programs remains shaky, with Medicare expected to become insolvent in just six years, while Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035, the government said this week.

And that’s before factoring what officials acknowledge will be a substantial hit to both programs from the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut down large parts of the U.S. economy and put millions of people out of work.

The depletion dates, which remained unchanged from last year’s estimates, were revealed Wednesday with release of the annual trustees reports of both programs. When Social Security’s reserves are exhausted in 2035, the program will only be able to pay 79% of benefits at that time.

Even if employment rebounds by the end of this year and payroll taxes return to near-normal levels, the shock from the pandemic shutdown could accelerate the depletion of the Social Security trust fund by about six months, officials told reporters.

If a recession extends into next year, it could mean that a depletion would come a full year earlier. The consequences may be worse for the Medicare program, which in this report is estimated to deplete its reserves in 2026.

The expected recession, projected by economists to be the deepest since the 1930s, will mean fewer people paying into Social Security and Medicare. Compounding the problem, the pandemic will impose heavier caseloads on the health program, which provides care for those 65 and older.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who chairs the trustees’ group, said that the Trump administration was “working around the clock to mitigate any potential long-term negative economic effects of the pandemic and position the economy once again for strong growth.”

William Arnone, CEO of the nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, which works on education and policy, said that next year’s report will be much more important because it will take into account the impact of pandemic.

More than 20 million workers have been laid off so far. As a consequence, they and their employers are no longer sending in payroll taxes to support Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare’s giant trust fund for inpatient care.

People forced to retire because of job loss could see their lifetime Social Security checks reduced because the earnings they expected to receive from work won’t be factored into the calculation of their benefits. A year is no small sacrifice for older workers who are at or near their peak earning capacity.

“That will be reflected in next year’s report,” Arnone said.

Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is projected to go up by about $9 next year, to $153.30 a month.

The impact on Medicare spending may be harder to sort out, said Fred Riccardi, president of the Medicare Rights Center advocacy group. That’s because of a push-pull effect on spending.

“The demographics of this are that people on Medicare are the most severely impacted,” Riccardi said, noting that older people suffer the worst consequences of COVID-19. Hospitalizations will raise Medicare spending.

“But we also know that the stay-at-home order has put elective surgery and treatment on hold,” Riccardi continued. Older people are also the most likely to need hip and knee replacements and other procedures now paused, and that would tend to lower projected Medicare spending.

The dates are the years that both programs will exhaust their trust funds. When that happens, Social Security will have to cut benefits which many recipients depend on, or lawmakers will have to raise the payroll tax. Medicare would have to cut its payments to hospitals, nursing homes and other medical providers unless taxes are increased.

The annual trustees reports contain the same general warnings they’ve carried for years. Both benefit programs need to make adjustments to become financially sound. But the choices of cutting benefits or raising taxes to bring that about remain politically unpalatable to most lawmakers.

Instead, Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has called for expanding both programs. On Social Security Biden would increase benefits, especially for people of modest incomes, while raising more revenue from upper-income earners.

President Donald Trump pledged during the 2016 campaign not to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. Before the pandemic, he said in an interview that his administration would be taking a look at benefit programs, but the White House press office pushed back on suggestions he was opening the door to cuts.

Various proposals have been put forward. They include reducing the annual cost of living benefit increases for Social Security, raising payroll taxes or raising the retirement age for Medicare. Yet there is little political appetite for such changes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587590671442.png" alt="Sema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services during an April 19 Coronavirus Task Force briefing -White House image" />
 <figcaption>Sema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services during an April 19 Coronavirus Task Force briefing -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The financial condition of the government’s two biggest benefit programs remains shaky, with Medicare expected to become insolvent in just six years, while Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2035, the government said this week.And that’s before factoring what officials acknowledge will be a substantial hit to both programs from the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut down large parts of the U.S. economy and put millions of people out of work.The depletion dates, which remained unchanged from last year’s estimates, were revealed Wednesday with release of the annual trustees reports of both programs. When Social Security’s reserves are exhausted in 2035, the program will only be able to pay 79% of benefits at that time.Even if employment rebounds by the end of this year and payroll taxes return to near-normal levels, the shock from the pandemic shutdown could accelerate the depletion of the Social Security trust fund by about six months, officials told reporters.If a recession extends into next year, it could mean that a depletion would come a full year earlier. The consequences may be worse for the Medicare program, which in this report is estimated to deplete its reserves in 2026.The expected recession, projected by economists to be the deepest since the 1930s, will mean fewer people paying into Social Security and Medicare. Compounding the problem, the pandemic will impose heavier caseloads on the health program, which provides care for those 65 and older.In a statement, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who chairs the trustees’ group, said that the Trump administration was “working around the clock to mitigate any potential long-term negative economic effects of the pandemic and position the economy once again for strong growth.”William Arnone, CEO of the nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, which works on education and policy, said that next year’s report will be much more important because it will take into account the impact of pandemic.More than 20 million workers have been laid off so far. As a consequence, they and their employers are no longer sending in payroll taxes to support Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare’s giant trust fund for inpatient care.People forced to retire because of job loss could see their lifetime Social Security checks reduced because the earnings they expected to receive from work won’t be factored into the calculation of their benefits. A year is no small sacrifice for older workers who are at or near their peak earning capacity.“That will be reflected in next year’s report,” Arnone said.Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is projected to go up by about $9 next year, to $153.30 a month.The impact on Medicare spending may be harder to sort out, said Fred Riccardi, president of the Medicare Rights Center advocacy group. That’s because of a push-pull effect on spending.“The demographics of this are that people on Medicare are the most severely impacted,” Riccardi said, noting that older people suffer the worst consequences of COVID-19. Hospitalizations will raise Medicare spending.“But we also know that the stay-at-home order has put elective surgery and treatment on hold,” Riccardi continued. Older people are also the most likely to need hip and knee replacements and other procedures now paused, and that would tend to lower projected Medicare spending.The dates are the years that both programs will exhaust their trust funds. When that happens, Social Security will have to cut benefits which many recipients depend on, or lawmakers will have to raise the payroll tax. Medicare would have to cut its payments to hospitals, nursing homes and other medical providers unless taxes are increased.The annual trustees reports contain the same general warnings they’ve carried for years. Both benefit programs need to make adjustments to become financially sound. But the choices of cutting benefits or raising taxes to bring that about remain politically unpalatable to most lawmakers.Instead, Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has called for expanding both programs. On Social Security Biden would increase benefits, especially for people of modest incomes, while raising more revenue from upper-income earners.President Donald Trump pledged during the 2016 campaign not to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. Before the pandemic, he said in an interview that his administration would be taking a look at benefit programs, but the White House press office pushed back on suggestions he was opening the door to cuts.Various proposals have been put forward. They include reducing the annual cost of living benefit increases for Social Security, raising payroll taxes or raising the retirement age for Medicare. Yet there is little political appetite for such changes.

Social Security and Medicare funds at risk even before virus

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The state of Nebraska and some cities and counties are getting a combined $6.4 million to address public safety issues during the coronavirus outbreak.

<a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/nebraska-selected-cities-and-counties-get-6-million-to-address-covid-19-public-safety-issues/article_48d1676a-bf66-5d40-918f-e2b9d987e84f.html" target="_blank">The Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reports that the Nebraska Crime Commission received a $4.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, another $2.1 million was allocated to local jurisdictions, including Omaha, which is getting $1.15 million. In addition, Lincoln received about $429,000, Grand Island received about $85,500, Sarpy County received $58,000 and Bellevue received $35,800.

Officials say jurisdictions can use the money for things such as hiring workers, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates' medical needs.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The state of Nebraska and some cities and counties are getting a combined $6.4 million to address public safety issues during the coronavirus outbreak.<a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/nebraska-selected-cities-and-counties-get-6-million-to-address-covid-19-public-safety-issues/article_48d1676a-bf66-5d40-918f-e2b9d987e84f.html" target="_blank">The Omaha World-Herald</a>&nbsp;reports that the Nebraska Crime Commission received a $4.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.Meanwhile, another $2.1 million was allocated to local jurisdictions, including Omaha, which is getting $1.15 million. In addition, Lincoln received about $429,000, Grand Island received about $85,500, Sarpy County received $58,000 and Bellevue received $35,800.Officials say jurisdictions can use the money for things such as hiring workers, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates' medical needs.

Federal funds to aid public safety in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Business owners in Nebraska are starting to plan their comeback, now that the governor has unveiled his plan to ease coronavirus restrictions.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a6f29bac43471481a2780cfc60116df" target="_blank">will relax restrictions in 59 counties,</a>&nbsp;including those in the Omaha area. The new orders, effective until May 31, allow restaurants to reopen their dining rooms but require them to keep crowds at or below half of their capacity. Dining parties will be limited to six people, buffets will remain closed and bars will have to keep their dining areas closed.

Ricketts' plan also allows barbershops, tattoo parlors, salons and massage therapists to reopen, though they must adhere to social distancing precautions.

Paul McCrae, owner of the Corner Kick Street Tacos and Tequila Cantina in Omaha, called the easing of restrictions a "life-saver," especially with Cinco de Mayo the day after the reopening date.

"That's a big day for us," McCrae told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/local/reopening-is-life-saver-to-some-omaha-businesses-but-others-worry-over-rise-in-coronavirus/article_964a26c7-3323-58eb-8652-d820dd13349b.html" target="_blank">Omaha World-Herald</a>.

But co-owners Kelsey Poulsen and Sarah Root of The Copper Pin Salon &amp; Spa haven't decided whether to open on May 4. About half of the 14-person staff don't yet feel safe to return, they told the newspaper.

"We're thinking about taking the hit financially and keeping it closed until we can figure out how to safely operate," said Poulsen.

Ricketts, a Republican, didn't order similar changes in the Lincoln area because that region's public health restrictions don't expire until May 6. The restrictions in the Omaha area were set to expire April 30.

The orders also don't apply to Hall, Dawson or Dakota counties, where cases have spiked at meatpacking plants.

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

Nebraska's online coronavirus tracking portal shows that the state has had 2,421 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 50 deaths from the disease. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Business owners in Nebraska are starting to plan their comeback, now that the governor has unveiled his plan to ease coronavirus restrictions.Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a6f29bac43471481a2780cfc60116df" target="_blank">will relax restrictions in 59 counties,</a>&nbsp;including those in the Omaha area. The new orders, effective until May 31, allow restaurants to reopen their dining rooms but require them to keep crowds at or below half of their capacity. Dining parties will be limited to six people, buffets will remain closed and bars will have to keep their dining areas closed.Ricketts' plan also allows barbershops, tattoo parlors, salons and massage therapists to reopen, though they must adhere to social distancing precautions.Paul McCrae, owner of the Corner Kick Street Tacos and Tequila Cantina in Omaha, called the easing of restrictions a "life-saver," especially with Cinco de Mayo the day after the reopening date."That's a big day for us," McCrae told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/local/reopening-is-life-saver-to-some-omaha-businesses-but-others-worry-over-rise-in-coronavirus/article_964a26c7-3323-58eb-8652-d820dd13349b.html" target="_blank">Omaha World-Herald</a>.But co-owners Kelsey Poulsen and Sarah Root of The Copper Pin Salon &amp; Spa haven't decided whether to open on May 4. About half of the 14-person staff don't yet feel safe to return, they told the newspaper."We're thinking about taking the hit financially and keeping it closed until we can figure out how to safely operate," said Poulsen.Ricketts, a Republican, didn't order similar changes in the Lincoln area because that region's public health restrictions don't expire until May 6. The restrictions in the Omaha area were set to expire April 30.The orders also don't apply to Hall, Dawson or Dakota counties, where cases have spiked at meatpacking plants.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.Nebraska's online coronavirus tracking portal shows that the state has had 2,421 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 50 deaths from the disease. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.

Nebraska businesses prepare to reopen during pandemic

Unified Command confirms three new cases for COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County. Two females, one in her 40s and one youth, and one male in his teens are all close contacts of a previously positive case. 

The investigation is complete. Close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. 

4 have recovered and are out of isolation

10 have recovered and are out of isolation

12 have recovered and are out of isolation

All Panhandle residents are encouraged to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected. What does this mean to you? &nbsp;

Do not visit or host people who do not live with you. &nbsp;

Keep at least 6 feet distance from anyone you don’t live with.

Stay home if you are sick or if someone in your home is sick.

Stay in touch with friends and loved ones

Check in on people who may be alone or need help.

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

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

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

By PPHDUnified Command confirms three new cases for COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County. Two females, one in her 40s and one youth, and one male in his teens are all close contacts of a previously positive case. The investigation is complete. Close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. March 2-April 24, 2020Positive: 43Recovered: 26Box Butte County: 1 caseCheyenne County: 5 cases4 have recovered and are out of isolationKimball County: 10 Cases10 have recovered and are out of isolationMorrill County: 1 CaseScotts Bluff County: 26 Cases12 have recovered and are out of isolationAll Panhandle residents are encouraged to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected. What does this mean to you? &nbsp;Stay Home Stay home whenever possible. Avoid gathering in any groups.Do not visit or host people who do not live with you. &nbsp;Stay HealthyKeep at least 6 feet distance from anyone you don’t live with.Wash your handsStay home if you are sick or if someone in your home is sick.Stay ConnectedStay in touch with friends and loved onesCheck in on people who may be alone or need help.Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

3 new cases in Scotts Bluff Co. brings Panhandle total positives to 43

LINCOLN (DHHS) –&nbsp;Three new COVID-19 related deaths were reported Friday.

Two deaths were in Hall County, a man in his 30s and a woman in her 70s.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>

A third death occurred in Madison County.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elvphd/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/elvphd/&nbsp;</a>

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.

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 50, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 2,421. 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;

All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.

In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled&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. 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>

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; 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 (DHHS) –&nbsp;Three new COVID-19 related deaths were reported Friday.Two deaths were in Hall County, a man in his 30s and a woman in her 70s.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>A third death occurred in Madison County.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elvphd/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/elvphd/&nbsp;</a>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.The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 50, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 2,421. 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;All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled&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. 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>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; 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>.###

Officials report 3 new COVID-19 related deaths in Nebraska Friday

LINCOLN-Governor Pete Ricketts announced upcoming changes that ease some restrictions on social gatherings and business operations in Nebraska as of May 4, 2020. &nbsp;

Maintaining the integrity of Nebraska’s health care system has been the State’s top consideration when making decisions about public health measures.&nbsp; Nebraska continues to have ample capacity to care for the state’s residents.&nbsp; As of April 24th, 48% of hospital beds, 42% of ICU beds, and 74% of ventilators are available for use statewide.&nbsp;

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Dannette R. Smith joined the Governor at today’s press briefing.&nbsp; She spoke about the State’s efforts to expand contact tracing to better track the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Don Arp, Jr., Executive Director of the Nebraska Crime Commission, also participated in this afternoon’s media event.&nbsp; He shared news&nbsp;that&nbsp;the Crime Commission has received $4.3 million in a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant&nbsp;to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Gov. Ricketts: Directed Health Measures (DHMs)

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The current State DHM for Douglas County will be extended through May 3, 2020. &nbsp;The local DHMs from the Sarpy/Cass Health Department and the Douglas County Health Department will also be extended through May 3rd.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The statewide closure until April 30th&nbsp;of all beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, gentleman’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theatres, indoor theatres, and tattoo parlors/studios is extended to May 3rd.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That date will be extended further for some areas.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of May 4, 2020 the State will have 19 separate DHMs, one for each local health department (LHD).&nbsp; They will be effective through May 31, 2020.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact information for the state’s LHDs, along with a map of the LHDs, is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx</a>.

Gov. Ricketts: Statewide DHM Changes

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Places of worship&nbsp;(churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.)

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Places of worship will have relaxed DHM requirements statewide beginning on May 4th.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They will need to ensure six feet of separation between different household units.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It will not be permissible to pass items among worshippers.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A guidance document will be provided with the new DHMs to give instructions to faith communities on how to comply with the updated health measures.

Gov. Ricketts: Regional DHM Changes

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regional updates will apply to all of the following LHDs as of May 4, 2020:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Douglas County Health Dept.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sarpy/Cass Dept. of Health

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;East Central District Health Dept.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Four Corners Health Dept.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loup Basin Public Health Dept.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;North Central District Health Dept.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Northeast Nebraska Public Health Dept.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Panhandle Public Health District

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Southeast District Health Dept.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Southwest Nebraska Public Health District

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salons

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of May 4th, beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, and tattoo parlors/studios in the above LHDs will be permitted to open. &nbsp;These establishments will be added to the list of gatherings subject to the 10-person rule.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The new DHM will&nbsp;require&nbsp;both workers and patrons of these establishments to wear masks.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For districts other than those listed above, these establishments will remain closed past May 3rd.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurants

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of May 4th, restaurants will be allowed to serve dine-in customers if all of the following conditions are met:

§&nbsp;&nbsp;The restaurant limits seating to 50% of the rated occupancy maximum at all times.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;The restaurant seats parties at least six feet apart.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;All dining parties are restricted to no more than six persons (groups larger than six will need to sit at separate tables).

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Self-serve buffets and salad bars are prohibited. &nbsp;Restaurant staff must serve food directly to customers or implement buffet orders from the customer table. &nbsp;No customer self-service will be allowed.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Bar seating is not permitted.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Patrons may only consume alcohol on the premises if also consuming a meal.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bars that do not serve food will remain limited to carry-out sales and delivery only.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For districts other than those listed above, restaurants will remain limited to delivery, drive-thru, or carryout past May 3rd.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Childcare Facilities

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of May 4th, childcare facilities will be permitted to have up to 15 kids per room/space.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;All other state provisions, statutes, and regulations (including child-to-staff ratios) still apply.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;For districts other than those listed above, childcares will remain restricted to 10 children per room/space.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Establishments

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bars, gentlemen’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theaters, indoor theaters/playhouses will remain closed statewide until May 31st, though the State may revise the DHM prior to that date.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leading up to these changes to our DHMs, I want to emphasize how important it is to continue following our Six Rules during the rest of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I also want to remind people that regardless of these changes we will still be doing some level of social distancing (at least the six foot rule) until we have a vaccine.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just because we are able to relax some measures, does not mean life returns to normal.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to protect our healthcare system so that Nebraskans can receive the treatment they need if they become infected with coronavirus.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Test Nebraska plan has three steps: assess, test, and track.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I want to talk about the final step.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact tracing makes sure we’re being proactive in monitoring and supporting individuals with potential infection from COVID-19.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to immediately assess those individuals and track their contacts so that we can quarantine those persons at high risk of exposure.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts challenged our department to mobilize 1,000 people to help with contact tracing.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the next 30-60 days, we will deploy 325 teammates from DHHS to assist with contact tracing.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;225 of these teammates are being trained by our epidemiologists from April 27th&nbsp;through May 5th.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they track the spread of the virus, these teammates will gather real-time data to guide our public health strategies.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our teammates will track demographics, on-site symptoms, and close contacts of those who are ill.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our teams will work in the days and evenings to reach all Nebraskans—particularly those still working.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In our conversations, we’re going to be particularly sensitive to cultural differences and linguistic needs.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our DHHS teams will be embedded within local health departments (LHDs).

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We see our job as supporting LHDs in their vital role of keeping citizens safe.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we’re interviewing Nebraskans and tracing contacts, we’ll also be educating Nebraskans on best practices to keep their families and communities safe.

Executive Director Arp: Grant Awarded to Crime Commission

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the $4.3 million DOJ grant, the Crime Commission will grant over $3.9 million to applicants.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eligible entities include state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, prisons, jails, and criminal justice programs.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These entities have considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, IT needs, and distributing resources to hard-hit areas.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To avoid duplicating the efforts of other agencies such as DHHS and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the Crime Commission will not fund the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE).

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As with many federal grants, these funds are reimbursement-based.&nbsp; Agencies will have to expend their own money up front and then submit proof of purchase.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The application process is live at [ncc.nebraska.gov/grant-apps]ncc.nebraska.gov/grant-apps.&nbsp; We’re accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Gov. Ricketts: Payroll Protection Program (PPP)

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, Congress passed a bill, which the President signed into law, to allocate new funds for the Payroll Protection Program.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have already applied for a PPP loan and been accepted by your lender, you do not need to apply again.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have not applied through your lender for PPP already, do it immediately.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These funds will go quickly.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska was ahead of the curve on the first round of funding.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We encourage Nebraskans who have not already applied to reach out to their community bank today.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/s79v8ekzcyzdaio/Press%20Conf%204.24.2020.mp4?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587769753998.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, DHHS CEO Dannette R. Smith (standing, second from left,&nbsp;and Crime Commission Executive Director Don Arp, Jr. (standing, far left) at today’s press event." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, DHHS CEO Dannette R. Smith (standing, second from left,&nbsp;and Crime Commission Executive Director Don Arp, Jr. (standing, far left) at today’s press event.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN-Governor Pete Ricketts announced upcoming changes that ease some restrictions on social gatherings and business operations in Nebraska as of May 4, 2020. &nbsp;Maintaining the integrity of Nebraska’s health care system has been the State’s top consideration when making decisions about public health measures.&nbsp; Nebraska continues to have ample capacity to care for the state’s residents.&nbsp; As of April 24th, 48% of hospital beds, 42% of ICU beds, and 74% of ventilators are available for use statewide.&nbsp;Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Dannette R. Smith joined the Governor at today’s press briefing.&nbsp; She spoke about the State’s efforts to expand contact tracing to better track the spread of the virus.&nbsp;Don Arp, Jr., Executive Director of the Nebraska Crime Commission, also participated in this afternoon’s media event.&nbsp; He shared news&nbsp;that&nbsp;the Crime Commission has received $4.3 million in a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant&nbsp;to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587820786742.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Ricketts: Directed Health Measures (DHMs)·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The current State DHM for Douglas County will be extended through May 3, 2020. &nbsp;The local DHMs from the Sarpy/Cass Health Department and the Douglas County Health Department will also be extended through May 3rd.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The statewide closure until April 30th&nbsp;of all beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, gentleman’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theatres, indoor theatres, and tattoo parlors/studios is extended to May 3rd.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That date will be extended further for some areas.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of May 4, 2020 the State will have 19 separate DHMs, one for each local health department (LHD).&nbsp; They will be effective through May 31, 2020.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact information for the state’s LHDs, along with a map of the LHDs, is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx</a>.Gov. Ricketts: Statewide DHM Changes·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Places of worship&nbsp;(churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.)o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Places of worship will have relaxed DHM requirements statewide beginning on May 4th.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They will need to ensure six feet of separation between different household units.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It will not be permissible to pass items among worshippers.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A guidance document will be provided with the new DHMs to give instructions to faith communities on how to comply with the updated health measures.Gov. Ricketts: Regional DHM Changes•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regional updates will apply to all of the following LHDs as of May 4, 2020:o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Douglas County Health Dept.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sarpy/Cass Dept. of Healtho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;East Central District Health Dept.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Four Corners Health Dept.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loup Basin Public Health Dept.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;North Central District Health Dept.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Northeast Nebraska Public Health Dept.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Panhandle Public Health Districto&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Southeast District Health Dept.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Southwest Nebraska Public Health District•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salonso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of May 4th, beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, and tattoo parlors/studios in the above LHDs will be permitted to open. &nbsp;These establishments will be added to the list of gatherings subject to the 10-person rule.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The new DHM will&nbsp;require&nbsp;both workers and patrons of these establishments to wear masks.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For districts other than those listed above, these establishments will remain closed past May 3rd.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurantso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of May 4th, restaurants will be allowed to serve dine-in customers if all of the following conditions are met:§&nbsp;&nbsp;The restaurant limits seating to 50% of the rated occupancy maximum at all times.§&nbsp;&nbsp;The restaurant seats parties at least six feet apart.§&nbsp;&nbsp;All dining parties are restricted to no more than six persons (groups larger than six will need to sit at separate tables).§&nbsp;&nbsp;Self-serve buffets and salad bars are prohibited. &nbsp;Restaurant staff must serve food directly to customers or implement buffet orders from the customer table. &nbsp;No customer self-service will be allowed.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Bar seating is not permitted.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Patrons may only consume alcohol on the premises if also consuming a meal.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bars that do not serve food will remain limited to carry-out sales and delivery only.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For districts other than those listed above, restaurants will remain limited to delivery, drive-thru, or carryout past May 3rd.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Childcare Facilitieso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of May 4th, childcare facilities will be permitted to have up to 15 kids per room/space.§&nbsp;&nbsp;All other state provisions, statutes, and regulations (including child-to-staff ratios) still apply.§&nbsp;&nbsp;For districts other than those listed above, childcares will remain restricted to 10 children per room/space.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Establishmentso&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bars, gentlemen’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theaters, indoor theaters/playhouses will remain closed statewide until May 31st, though the State may revise the DHM prior to that date.Gov. Ricketts: Social Distancing•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leading up to these changes to our DHMs, I want to emphasize how important it is to continue following our Six Rules during the rest of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I also want to remind people that regardless of these changes we will still be doing some level of social distancing (at least the six foot rule) until we have a vaccine.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just because we are able to relax some measures, does not mean life returns to normal.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to protect our healthcare system so that Nebraskans can receive the treatment they need if they become infected with coronavirus.CEO Smith: Contact Tracing•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Test Nebraska plan has three steps: assess, test, and track.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I want to talk about the final step.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contact tracing makes sure we’re being proactive in monitoring and supporting individuals with potential infection from COVID-19.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to immediately assess those individuals and track their contacts so that we can quarantine those persons at high risk of exposure.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts challenged our department to mobilize 1,000 people to help with contact tracing.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the next 30-60 days, we will deploy 325 teammates from DHHS to assist with contact tracing.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;225 of these teammates are being trained by our epidemiologists from April 27th&nbsp;through May 5th.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they track the spread of the virus, these teammates will gather real-time data to guide our public health strategies.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our teammates will track demographics, on-site symptoms, and close contacts of those who are ill.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our teams will work in the days and evenings to reach all Nebraskans—particularly those still working.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In our conversations, we’re going to be particularly sensitive to cultural differences and linguistic needs.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our DHHS teams will be embedded within local health departments (LHDs).•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We see our job as supporting LHDs in their vital role of keeping citizens safe.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we’re interviewing Nebraskans and tracing contacts, we’ll also be educating Nebraskans on best practices to keep their families and communities safe.Executive Director Arp: Grant Awarded to Crime Commission•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the $4.3 million DOJ grant, the Crime Commission will grant over $3.9 million to applicants.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eligible entities include state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, prisons, jails, and criminal justice programs.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These entities have considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, IT needs, and distributing resources to hard-hit areas.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To avoid duplicating the efforts of other agencies such as DHHS and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the Crime Commission will not fund the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE).•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As with many federal grants, these funds are reimbursement-based.&nbsp; Agencies will have to expend their own money up front and then submit proof of purchase.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The application process is live at [ncc.nebraska.gov/grant-apps]ncc.nebraska.gov/grant-apps.&nbsp; We’re accepting applications on a rolling basis.Gov. Ricketts: Payroll Protection Program (PPP)•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, Congress passed a bill, which the President signed into law, to allocate new funds for the Payroll Protection Program.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have already applied for a PPP loan and been accepted by your lender, you do not need to apply again.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have not applied through your lender for PPP already, do it immediately.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These funds will go quickly.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska was ahead of the curve on the first round of funding.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We encourage Nebraskans who have not already applied to reach out to their community bank today.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/s79v8ekzcyzdaio/Press%20Conf%204.24.2020.mp4?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Coronavirus Update