LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two new COVID-19 related deaths were reported Thursday, and two new counties – Greeley and Sherman – reported their first COVID-19 cases.

One death was a Hall County resident in his 60s –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.

A second death occurred in Nebraska; further information will be forthcoming.

The Greeley case is a male in his 50s, while the Sherman case is a female in her 20s. Both were reported by the Loup Basin Public Health Department.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/&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 47, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 2,124. 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 –&nbsp;Two new COVID-19 related deaths were reported Thursday, and two new counties – Greeley and Sherman – reported their first COVID-19 cases.One death was a Hall County resident in his 60s –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.A second death occurred in Nebraska; further information will be forthcoming.The Greeley case is a male in his 50s, while the Sherman case is a female in her 20s. Both were reported by the Loup Basin Public Health Department.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/&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 47, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 2,124. 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>.

2 COVID-19 related deaths reported in Nebraska on Thursday, Greeley and Sherman Counties see first cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.

The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.

The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.

Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.

“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — A nearly $500 billion measure helping businesses and hospitals ride out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus’ devastation</a>&nbsp;edged toward House passage Thursday, as lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an eerie tone to Congress’ effort to aid a staggered nation.

“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all.”

The day’s debate was almost overshadowed by social distancing steps that produced a stark image of how the pandemic is changing what used to be normal behavior in Washington.

As Pelosi spoke, she lowered a white scarf that had covered much of her face. House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow protective mask, and most lawmakers and aides on the chamber’s sparsely populated floor wore masks as well.

With the entire Capitol closed to the public, visitors’ galleries were set aside for lawmakers in an effort to separate them.

The package was headed toward certain, overwhelming approval later Thursday, an action that would send the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the legislation Tuesday.

But partisan divides remained over the government’s response to the country’s unprecedented health and economic crises — some of them literally visible.

Of the roughly two dozen lawmakers on the chamber’s floor as debate began, just two were not wearing masks — Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and James Comer of Kentucky.

In addition, Republicans chided Democrats for holding up the initial version of the bill by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., which included just $250 billion, all of it for small businesses.

After two weeks, GOP leaders agreed to expand the bill as Democrats insisted on more money for small businesses in minority and rural communities, hospitals and for virus testing. During that period, the government exhausted an initial $250 billion lawmakers had provided in earlier emergency legislation.

Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, blamed Pelosi for delaying the money as “small businesses and their workers desperately fought to hold on.” He added, “How many jobs could we have saved if partisan politics had not reared its ugly head.”

Pelosi blamed Republicans and McConnell for the holdup, saying Democrats had changed a GOP-written “corporate-oriented trickle-down bill to a worker-first, bubble-up bill.”

She also singled out McConnell for at first opposing adding any money to his original $250 billion package and saying cash-strapped states should be allowed to declare bankruptcy, a move they currently cannot do and that would threaten a broad range of state services.

“Oh, really?” Pelosi said. “What made you think that was a good idea?”

A government report Thursday showed that since the virus hit the U.S., a previously unthinkable 26 millions Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, about 1 in 6 workers.

Despite the political rhetoric, large majorities of both parties were sure to back the measure by a wide margin.

Anchoring the bill is a request by the Trump administration to replenish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses</a>&nbsp;with payroll, rent and other expenses.

Supporters are already warning that more funds will be needed almost immediately for the business-backed Paycheck Protection Program. Launched just weeks ago, the program quickly reached its lending limit after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.

Battle lines are forming over the next measure amid growing demands to help out state and local governments, the Postal Service and first responders.

Pelosi said she would name it the “Heroes Act” because it will include more money for first-responders and other state and local costs. She and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Md., said it will also include more money for hospitals, direct payments to individuals and an extension of beefed up unemployment payments until the fall.

McConnell has said the Senate will pause before jumping onto the next bill. He has said he wants to consider the impact on the swelling national debt of the $2.5 trillion Congress will now have provided with four bipartisan bills addressing the pandemic and supporting the economy.

The bill being approved Thursday started two weeks ago as a simple Trump-sought $250 billion replenishment of the oversubscribed payroll subsidy program and grew from there. The payroll program provides forgivable loans so businesses can continue paying workers while forced to stay closed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing</a>&nbsp;and stay-at-home orders.

It also contains $100 billion demanded by Democrats for hospitals and a nationwide testing program, along with a $60 billion set-aside for small banks and an alternative network of community development banks that focus on development in urban neighborhoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders. There’s also $60 billion for small-business loans and grants delivered through the Small Business Administration’s existing disaster aid program.

The House planned to conduct its roll call votes under social distancing rules, with dozens of lawmakers voting at a time grouped in alphabetical order.

Pelosi has also orchestrated a vote to establish a select panel to provide oversight of the government’s efforts to battle the coronavirus, a move decried by Republicans as playing politics with the crisis.

Trump has said he supports including fiscal relief for state and local government in another virus aid package along with infrastructure projects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587665990231.png" alt="Chaplin Pat Conroy opened Thursday's business in the&nbsp; House of Representatives with prayer -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Chaplin Pat Conroy opened Thursday's business in the&nbsp; House of Representatives with prayer -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587723272444.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the media following Thursday's vote -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed the media following Thursday's vote -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress delivered a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending Thursday, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.The measure passed almost unanimously, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the bill during a White House ceremony Friday.The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.Lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we’re still in mitigation.”-------WASHINGTON (AP) — A nearly $500 billion measure helping businesses and hospitals ride out the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus’ devastation</a>&nbsp;edged toward House passage Thursday, as lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an eerie tone to Congress’ effort to aid a staggered nation.“Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all.”The day’s debate was almost overshadowed by social distancing steps that produced a stark image of how the pandemic is changing what used to be normal behavior in Washington.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587665950744.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Thursday's debate on the relief package -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during Thursday's debate on the relief package -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>As Pelosi spoke, she lowered a white scarf that had covered much of her face. House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow protective mask, and most lawmakers and aides on the chamber’s sparsely populated floor wore masks as well.With the entire Capitol closed to the public, visitors’ galleries were set aside for lawmakers in an effort to separate them.The package was headed toward certain, overwhelming approval later Thursday, an action that would send the measure to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the legislation Tuesday.But partisan divides remained over the government’s response to the country’s unprecedented health and economic crises — some of them literally visible.Of the roughly two dozen lawmakers on the chamber’s floor as debate began, just two were not wearing masks — Republican Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and James Comer of Kentucky.In addition, Republicans chided Democrats for holding up the initial version of the bill by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., which included just $250 billion, all of it for small businesses.After two weeks, GOP leaders agreed to expand the bill as Democrats insisted on more money for small businesses in minority and rural communities, hospitals and for virus testing. During that period, the government exhausted an initial $250 billion lawmakers had provided in earlier emergency legislation.Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, blamed Pelosi for delaying the money as “small businesses and their workers desperately fought to hold on.” He added, “How many jobs could we have saved if partisan politics had not reared its ugly head.”Pelosi blamed Republicans and McConnell for the holdup, saying Democrats had changed a GOP-written “corporate-oriented trickle-down bill to a worker-first, bubble-up bill.”She also singled out McConnell for at first opposing adding any money to his original $250 billion package and saying cash-strapped states should be allowed to declare bankruptcy, a move they currently cannot do and that would threaten a broad range of state services.“Oh, really?” Pelosi said. “What made you think that was a good idea?”A government report Thursday showed that since the virus hit the U.S., a previously unthinkable 26 millions Americans have filed for unemployment benefits, about 1 in 6 workers.Despite the political rhetoric, large majorities of both parties were sure to back the measure by a wide margin.Anchoring the bill is a request by the Trump administration to replenish&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses</a>&nbsp;with payroll, rent and other expenses.Supporters are already warning that more funds will be needed almost immediately for the business-backed Paycheck Protection Program. Launched just weeks ago, the program quickly reached its lending limit after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.Battle lines are forming over the next measure amid growing demands to help out state and local governments, the Postal Service and first responders.Pelosi said she would name it the “Heroes Act” because it will include more money for first-responders and other state and local costs. She and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Md., said it will also include more money for hospitals, direct payments to individuals and an extension of beefed up unemployment payments until the fall.McConnell has said the Senate will pause before jumping onto the next bill. He has said he wants to consider the impact on the swelling national debt of the $2.5 trillion Congress will now have provided with four bipartisan bills addressing the pandemic and supporting the economy.The bill being approved Thursday started two weeks ago as a simple Trump-sought $250 billion replenishment of the oversubscribed payroll subsidy program and grew from there. The payroll program provides forgivable loans so businesses can continue paying workers while forced to stay closed for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing</a>&nbsp;and stay-at-home orders.It also contains $100 billion demanded by Democrats for hospitals and a nationwide testing program, along with a $60 billion set-aside for small banks and an alternative network of community development banks that focus on development in urban neighborhoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders. There’s also $60 billion for small-business loans and grants delivered through the Small Business Administration’s existing disaster aid program.The House planned to conduct its roll call votes under social distancing rules, with dozens of lawmakers voting at a time grouped in alphabetical order.Pelosi has also orchestrated a vote to establish a select panel to provide oversight of the government’s efforts to battle the coronavirus, a move decried by Republicans as playing politics with the crisis.Trump has said he supports including fiscal relief for state and local government in another virus aid package along with infrastructure projects.___

Congress, many in masks, approves $500B more in virus aid

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday that he doesn't plan to close any of Nebraska's meatpacking plants despite a surge in coronavirus cases in their surrounding communities that have turned them into the state's biggest COVID-19 hot spots.

Ricketts said he was concerned that shuttering the plants could hurt the state's food supply and lead to "civil unrest" if residents were to suddenly lose access to meat.

"You want to talk about some of these protests going on right now?" he said during a news conference. "Think about how mad people were when they couldn't get paper products. Think about if they couldn't get food. This is why it's vitally important that we keep our food processors open and do everything we can to ensure the supply chain, because we would have civil unrest if that was not the case."

His comments came as Dakota County, home to a Tyson plant, reported 133 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 246. Tyson has acknowledged that some of its workers are among the infected, but it wouldn't give the exact number. At least one employee died Saturday.

Ricketts said employees who worked close together at the plants may be responsible for some of the spread, but he argued that the local outbreaks may also be driven by large groups living together in shared homes, as is common in many meatpacking towns.

"This is a community issue," he said. "... We have to focus not only on what the worksites are doing, but also what's going on at home."

Coronavirus hot spots have surfaced in Hall, Dawson and Dakota counties, all areas of Nebraska with meatpacking plants and large concentrations of workers who often stand side by side to carve meat. The number of cases in Hall County has even surpassed the Omaha area, which has more than nine times as many people.

Plants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d855667c811d3d9810883e05702288ad" target="_blank">throughout the country</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131" target="_blank">faced similar problems</a>, leading to them to suspend their operations in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0cd7680d2d221944ed05f86691bb3537" target="_blank">South Dakota</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34" target="_blank">Iowa.</a>

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said the state's farmers are already hurting from those shutdowns and production slowdowns in other states.

"Widespread closure of processing plants, even for limited periods of time, could be devastating for farmers and consumers alike," he said.

Nebraska state health officials reported four new COVID-19 deaths late Wednesday, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 45.

All of the latest deaths reported by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from the hard-hit Grand Island area, which has emerged as a hot spot.

Three of the new deaths were in Hall County, including a woman who was in her 60s, another who was in her 70s, and a man who was in his 60s. The fourth death was a woman who was in her 90s in neighboring Hamilton County.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>on Thursday morning showed 1,813 confirmed cases in the state. Nearly 17,400 people had been tested for the virus statewide, with more than 15,500 testing negative for the illness. 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.

Associated Press writer Margery A. Beck in Omaha contributed to this report.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday that he doesn't plan to close any of Nebraska's meatpacking plants despite a surge in coronavirus cases in their surrounding communities that have turned them into the state's biggest COVID-19 hot spots.Ricketts said he was concerned that shuttering the plants could hurt the state's food supply and lead to "civil unrest" if residents were to suddenly lose access to meat."You want to talk about some of these protests going on right now?" he said during a news conference. "Think about how mad people were when they couldn't get paper products. Think about if they couldn't get food. This is why it's vitally important that we keep our food processors open and do everything we can to ensure the supply chain, because we would have civil unrest if that was not the case."His comments came as Dakota County, home to a Tyson plant, reported 133 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 246. Tyson has acknowledged that some of its workers are among the infected, but it wouldn't give the exact number. At least one employee died Saturday.Ricketts said employees who worked close together at the plants may be responsible for some of the spread, but he argued that the local outbreaks may also be driven by large groups living together in shared homes, as is common in many meatpacking towns."This is a community issue," he said. "... We have to focus not only on what the worksites are doing, but also what's going on at home."Coronavirus hot spots have surfaced in Hall, Dawson and Dakota counties, all areas of Nebraska with meatpacking plants and large concentrations of workers who often stand side by side to carve meat. The number of cases in Hall County has even surpassed the Omaha area, which has more than nine times as many people.Plants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d855667c811d3d9810883e05702288ad" target="_blank">throughout the country</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131" target="_blank">faced similar problems</a>, leading to them to suspend their operations in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0cd7680d2d221944ed05f86691bb3537" target="_blank">South Dakota</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34" target="_blank">Iowa.</a>Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said the state's farmers are already hurting from those shutdowns and production slowdowns in other states."Widespread closure of processing plants, even for limited periods of time, could be devastating for farmers and consumers alike," he said.Nebraska state health officials reported four new COVID-19 deaths late Wednesday, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 45.All of the latest deaths reported by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from the hard-hit Grand Island area, which has emerged as a hot spot.Three of the new deaths were in Hall County, including a woman who was in her 60s, another who was in her 70s, and a man who was in his 60s. The fourth death was a woman who was in her 90s in neighboring Hamilton County.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>on Thursday morning showed 1,813 confirmed cases in the state. Nearly 17,400 people had been tested for the virus statewide, with more than 15,500 testing negative for the illness. 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.___Associated Press writer Margery A. Beck in Omaha contributed to this report.

Ricketts warns of 'civil unrest' if meatpacking plants close

Nebraska Joint Information Center Update

April 23, 2020 (LINCOLN, Neb.) &nbsp;(The next update from the JIC will be on Monday. Tomorrow is Arbor Day and some state offices are closed.)

Nebraska&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMzAuMTk0NjM1MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.eTy2PTS9o1QiN1rux90KdxbP6yktKiBS_YAJWOnqbNc%2Fbr%2F76773409240-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280706190&amp;sdata=P9X2Uo4lJprPgxmHI7s%2BM2GzllDBWBV9sWpsNsuxZC8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Department of Health and Human Services Dashboard</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1,813&nbsp;positive tests —&nbsp;&nbsp;15,547&nbsp;negative tests&nbsp; —&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;45&nbsp;deaths

United States&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcases-updates%2Fcases-in-us.html&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280711168&amp;sdata=%2FGM6DKPRivzoHwncyJjE%2FIqcO%2B4T4hkjwItp67wC5zI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">website</a>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Numbers listed on the CDC website today at 2:30 p.m. are from April 21

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 802,583&nbsp;cases&nbsp; — &nbsp;44,575&nbsp;deaths

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252F%253Furl%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%25252Flink.php%25253FDynEngagement%25253Dtrue%252526H%25253DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%2525252Bv%2525252FUt%2525252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%2525252BtQ9zJVd%2525252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%2525252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%2525252FFI%2525253D%252526G%25253D0%252526R%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.cdc.gov%2525252Fcovid19%252526I%25253D20200228212559.00000572228f%25252540mail6-42-usnbn1%252526X%25253DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%2525253D%252526S%25253DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE%2526data%253D02%25257C01%25257Ckhalilah.legrand%252540nebraska.gov%25257C7986f7edfcbd449e10e008d7bc94cf93%25257C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%25257C0%25257C0%25257C637185219636880975%2526sdata%253D9wCGyXgupbO8XHXIqlFLwoysbZB%25252BuB%25252B02JIhXlYFdLQ%25253D%2526reserved%253D0%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3Dr4S2IzklWREFo0qXx2X5JDVPUbfOPtatXzo8yeO_XgE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280716147&amp;sdata=OBU5iyccXcdAKe5iUm%2B5KToF5Oq0k7uC5NHMWaRuKyw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

Globally&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.who.int%2Femergencies%2Fdiseases%2Fnovel-coronavirus-2019%2Fsituation-reports%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280721125&amp;sdata=iHdAkog6Kx4MXfaK0Imf%2BPHQhlGivg9uDyM3t6R8SZY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">World Health Organization Situation Report</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2,544,792&nbsp;cases&nbsp; —&nbsp;175,694&nbsp;deaths

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcoronavirus.jhu.edu%2Fmap.html&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280726103&amp;sdata=AdVM7mHUhcaHazTaMuIBTBaDJ%2FuWVMB4n%2B3JuqK%2Ffig%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Johns Hopkins University of Medicine COVID-19 Dashboard</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2,682,225&nbsp;cases&nbsp; —&nbsp;&nbsp;187,330&nbsp;deaths

Gov. Pete Ricketts’ Office&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">https://governor.nebraska.gov</a>

NEW&nbsp;At his 2 p.m. news conference today, Gov. Ricketts hosted&nbsp;Steve Wellman, director of the Department of Agriculture, and&nbsp;Caryn Vincent&nbsp;of Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at DHHS.

Wellman reminded Nebraskans that tomorrow is Arbor Day and it is also spring planting time. With that in mind, Wellman asked nurseries and garden centers to make sure there is plenty of space for customers to follow social distancing guidelines.

As Farmers Markets open this spring, Wellman reminded vendors to:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Refrain from handing out samples

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Give customers more space

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provide hand sanitizers and

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Take precautions to protect yourself and your staff.

Wellman said a detasseling task force is developing protocol that will protect the 7,000 Nebraskans who fill this vital role in Nebraska each year.

Vincent said there are 33,000 women and children in Nebraska who participate in the WIC program every month. WIC&nbsp;is still helping families get healthy foods during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;WIC&nbsp;offices no longer require in-person visits at this time.&nbsp; Even if a change in income is only temporary, many families may still qualify for the program.&nbsp; If you are pregnant, just had a baby, or are the parent/guardian/foster parent of a child under 5 years old, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsignupwic.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280731079&amp;sdata=kVZeJITS%2F7iqt5K5h54gH0RDkobQLVhGxeRsD2V1Q1o%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://signupwic.com/&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;to find the phone number of a&nbsp;WIC&nbsp;office near you.

NEW&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts&nbsp;will answer questions during a one-hour NET News&nbsp;Speaking of Nebraska COVID-19 Town Hall&nbsp;tonight at 8:30 p.m.&nbsp;Joining him will be&nbsp;Dr. James Linder&nbsp;of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Dannette Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DHHS.

REMINDER&nbsp;Test Nebraska&nbsp;is a new program that will&nbsp;assess, test&nbsp;and&nbsp;track&nbsp;COVID-19 cases in Nebraska. Visit&nbsp;<a href="file://stn/stnedfs$/NEMAHome$/jodie.fawl/~Documents/COVID-19/~JIC%20News%20Releases/testnebraska.com" target="_blank">testnebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to complete an online assessment. The program will help the state increase testing which is important to stop the spread of the virus in the state and especially important when restrictions are lifted. The increased testing will allow only those who test positive to stay home while those who test negative can return to work. Ricketts said the testing will be free for Nebraskans and will give the state real-time information about COVID-19. As part of the plan, Nebraskans are asked to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.testnebraska.com%2Fchallenge&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280736058&amp;sdata=pNQDjoVjYNk5mUZZJWNGXjlnPQPH3mBwOnRvJmyH5Kw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">#TestNebraskaChallenge</a>&nbsp;and to nominate five friends to take the test.&nbsp;

REMINDER&nbsp;Nebraska is on Day 14 of&nbsp;<a>21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy</a>

Please follow these&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy

* Urgent Reminder regarding Voter Registration Deadlines *

To Date&nbsp;413,839&nbsp;ballots have been sent to Nebraska Voters

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink7" target="_blank">COVID-19 Information</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/News-Releases.aspx" target="_blank">DHHS News Releases</a>

COVID-19 Dashboard now includes hospitalization data:<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DHHS-Expands-COVID-19-Dashboard-to-Include-Hospitalization-Data.aspx" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DHHS-Expands-COVID-19-Dashboard-to-Include-Hospitalization-Data.aspx</a>

<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraska.maps.arcgis.com%2Fapps%2Fopsdashboard%2Findex.html%23%2F4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280741036&amp;sdata=W57tqCSjBtJ6J0Xxso6vXkElGAFu96l%2BIZEuVT6rfL4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3</a>

Other DHHS Links and Information&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink7" target="_blank">COVID-19 Information</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/News-Releases.aspx" target="_blank">DHHS News Releases</a>

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska COVID-19 Information Line:&nbsp;(402) 552-6645.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hours:&nbsp;8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST – every day.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State agencies are sharing information using the&nbsp;#NECOVID19 Hashtag

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS has produced COVID-19 announcements available in&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DPb-4Ntbfz-s%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280746014&amp;sdata=WmQYX5bBJeu4Krk2fr1UuYKGaXSSkAwInA%2F7nJY2vOo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">English</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpgrXzj9Th7M&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280750994&amp;sdata=l9uWfeFADyANq8YJQJJ5bDL4L2UQkJRpdeDJzMG6gXE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">En Español</a>.&nbsp;Directed Health Measures translated in Spanish and Vietnamese are now available for Douglas, Cass, Sarpy and Lancaster counties.&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink1" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink1</a>

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Review the&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Health-Alert-Network.aspx" target="_blank">Health Alert Network (HAN)</a>&nbsp;for recent information and guidelines for health care providers.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://nema.nebraska.gov/news" target="_blank">https://nema.nebraska.gov/news</a>

REMINDER&nbsp;NEMA has several Twitter lists you can follow by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNEMAtweets%2Flists&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280755973&amp;sdata=Vt%2FTfA8ygAzaF%2Be4VDcTcZCGhTUAFCwn6Ya75QjuZ2U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets/lists</a>.&nbsp;Consider Subscribing to the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fi%2Flists%2F109883140&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280760941&amp;sdata=jjJEvXb5r6ZmYuq%2B5yRv4Tkjs0h8Dhydc%2F81QFFlFKM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Nebraska State Government List</a>&nbsp;or to the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fi%2Flists%2F94098046&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280760941&amp;sdata=rtREMNKhmSC%2FFQeY%2BveNMhKpQHzWwac%2F2%2BlqCGW%2BOoE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Nebraska County and Regional Emergency Managers&nbsp;List.</a>

REMINDER&nbsp;There is no essential staffing list maintained by the State of Nebraska for people who have jobs to perform. Individuals leaving their homes in order to perform an activity or function for their jobs&nbsp;DO NOT&nbsp;need to carry or present any letter, identification card or other paper proving that they are allowed to leave their home.

NEW&nbsp;In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Doug Peterson and a bipartisan coalition of 34 attorneys general recommended actions to help homeowners in letters sent today to the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To read on this topic and the letters find information&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/news/attorney-general-peterson-recommends-help-homeowners-affected-covid-19" target="_blank">here</a>.

Department of Administrative Services

A number of state agencies and private organizations have received inquiries from Nebraska manufacturers that have the capabilities to provide needed medical equipment for hospitals and medical providers. The Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has partnered with the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NMEP) to help organize the manufacturers with these capabilities and connect them with the medical community.

For manufacturers please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.unl.edu%2Fcriticalmanufacturing&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280765932&amp;sdata=CN7QuulZw8cLqTXtDCqDMNAuv5OEhQLZ%2BsBv9Y3hYbI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/criticalmanufacturing</a>&nbsp; to register your company and list the products your company is able to produce in short deadlines. For people in the medical community that want to access these companies and order needed supplies, please contact: Doug Carlson, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of Nebraska,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doug.carlson@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">doug.carlson@nebraska.gov</a>, 402-471-0972

Department of Agriculture (NDA)&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov</a>

NEW&nbsp;Nurseries and Garden Centers:&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has created guidance for nurseries and garden centers to help keep customers healthy and to slow the spread of COVID-19. All nurseries and garden centers should first consult with their local health department to ensure that the business is able to meet all local health department guidelines. Nursery and garden center guidance and additional agriculture-related information can be found on NDA’s website at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2Fl.php%3Fu%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.nda.nebraska.gov%252FCOVID-19%253Ffbclid%253DIwAR017ZJ64ErWvDvulOuBmn7JtXo8-7AW1bDBqHmW8wr3L7QW7ix3PdZUEi4%26h%3DAT1WFONGpO_M6gWaf49EDa_cr46FzmgTjuxkhh0kIxVXFUkIwx-bVsxJRD3ItPc6wQFVh4mPed3Q6m5vdQAwZYinwp9yub3QI_hvNgsUTBAuI3huv3GBzmAMO4r8kZ2-UQlnO5w0K9OhAqPARxSDSBBCzIPv0KzVSj7WXsLCCp0XSkmQu8CO8mbs9gTmZuPOanfpKyV5hGlVf61GAj22RRMl2B_uwiKCeNUA3lpexjWlBdJKsaQIykL-QU_YMiBACLn8kHxfaTL2Cxu9zKJnbfppWQ8bbKEqURHlWZdbwd451IkuJeUe29WLpZNpY2Uf193z9nCuM2ecvGt5oxpVPRH7mCl-CyXvDXF2DvG1JlQz2EQb_0D971vnbSGN8utDE4gzQJDISur_hgERmimG2Ms6bfmKMEDcn8n8dd2KMZomhHT4fA1lEk-uG7FyKqQkWEAgw3njF0MniXR0kVG7U1fUfFxpBiH1TlF8JDQZszzFVhmh1L9TpsM36iMvqb_oSiBtQfX3fXkSt0fTJo-q6Ug01bqtCokjnKRVZEK-DI6o3hCIifWATytn58_Vjnb1rhLIhC339PFVGmtDVTocXJtDP8QVELsVIC5QVec6vKb6m08grD9RLmpq&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280770907&amp;sdata=Ai4ZHS2AauLfnjGcNKW2OghWOyfd8j7%2Fohse8zn6jQI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19</a>.

NEW&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance posted three new Consumer Advisories on its website alerting Nebraskans to investment threats and COVID-19 related investment schemes, along with guidance and tips to avoid scammers.

The April 21, 2020 Consumer Advisories can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/about/covid-19-consumer-and-industry-guidance" target="_blank">https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/about/covid-19-consumer-and-industry-guidance</a>&nbsp;under the ‘Consumer Guidance’ tab.&nbsp;

Department of Corrections&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">corrections.nebraska.gov</a>

NDCS has COVID-19 related information on its webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/ndcs-coronavirus-health-update" target="_blank">https://corrections.nebraska.gov/ndcs-coronavirus-health-update</a>.

Department of Economic Development&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/nded-covid19/" target="_blank">https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/nded-covid19/</a>

Business owners or nonprofit leaders are being asked to fill out a survey to report on how COVID-19 has impacted their organizations.&nbsp;The response will help the State of Nebraska, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the University of Nebraska and other partners understand the impact coronavirus has had on revenue and workforce—and find the best ways to support our business and nonprofit community during this crisis. Make your voice heard at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FNE-Biz-Survey-2020&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280775887&amp;sdata=OWpyhbzML%2BDmvASPcEDNhBAZLQ%2BDb7tMF%2BY%2FtviyvQk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/NE-Biz-Survey-2020</a>.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the University of Nebraska and other business-related organizations are reaching out to Nebraska businesses to better understand the initial and potential future impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the revenue and workforce of business organizations.

The goal is to find the best ways to support the Nebraska business community. The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the University of Nebraska is working with&nbsp;Dr. Josie Schafer&nbsp;at UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR)—and in&nbsp;collaboration with&nbsp;Dr. Eric Thompson&nbsp;at UNL,&nbsp;Dr. Dave Dearmont&nbsp;at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and&nbsp;Pete Thompson&nbsp;at the Omaha Chamber—to&nbsp;develop a survey for Nebraska businesses. &nbsp;CPAR will capture the survey results and publish the statewide report. The survey will be in both English and Spanish language versions.

The survey launched today at 2 pm and will run through Friday, April 24&nbsp;at 5 p.m. (10 days total).&nbsp;

Department of Environment and Energy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://dee.ne.gov/" target="_blank">http://dee.ne.gov</a>

NDEE has issued guidance for indoor and outdoor pools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department recommends pools, spas and spray parks carefully evaluate state and local Directed Health Measures, and close or delay opening until they are lifted.

Current Centers for Disease Control guidance states the novel Coronavirus is not spread in pool water if proper pool chemistry is maintained; however, there is a concern for common areas and people being in close contact.

For more information, please refer to the memo on our COVID-19 page.

CARES Act payments will have no impact on ACA Marketplace subsidies according to the Nebraska Department of Insurance.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, calls for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make economic impact payments of up to $1,200 per taxpayer and $500 for each qualifying child, adjusted based on income. The federal government has announced that any money received due to the CARES Act does not need to be included as income on an application for individual health insurance coverage through healthcare.gov.

In addition, payments received through the CARES Act do not impact an individual’s eligibility for financial assistance for health care coverage through the Marketplace or eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For more information, visit IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief or&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcare.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280780862&amp;sdata=EPNaorW1GsDaF9LrRw0gZyw7K%2BTylC%2B0s735GlXldd8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.healthcare.gov/coronavirus</a>/.

Department of Labor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="file://stn/stnedfs$/NEMAHome$/jodie.fawl/~Documents/COVID-19/~JIC%20News%20Releases/NEworks.nebraska.gov" target="_blank">NEworks.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="file://stn/stnedfs$/NEMAHome$/jodie.fawl/~Documents/COVID-19/~JIC%20News%20Releases/dol.nebraska.gov" target="_blank">dol.nebraska.gov</a>

NEW&nbsp;There were 12,045 new unemployment insurance claims filed during the week ending April 18, a decrease of more than 24 percent from the previous week when 15,943 initial claims were filed.&nbsp;There were 41,727 filed in the entire 2019 calendar year. Spreadsheets showing claims data are available&nbsp;<a href="https://neworks.nebraska.gov/gsipub/index.asp?docid=710" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and will be updated every Thursday.&nbsp;

Initial claims are filed by individuals to request a determination of eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. NDOL processes initial unemployment insurance claims and, if an individual meets eligibility criteria, benefits are paid for each week of continued unemployment.

The highest counts of initial claims were in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry (1,529, which decreased 22.5 percent from the prior week (1,973). All industries had declines in initial claims from the prior week except for Manufacturing and Transportation and Warehousing, which saw an increase of 11.4 percent and 59.2 percent respectively.

Any worker in a non-paid status due to COVID-19 may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits.&nbsp;Unemployment claims in Nebraska are filed online at&nbsp;<a href="https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx" target="_blank">NEworks.nebraska.gov</a>.&nbsp;The NEworks mobile app is available to download for free. After filing a new initial claim, applicants must certify their eligibility every week that they continue to be unemployed by logging into their NEworks account.&nbsp; These weekly certifications must be completed even while the new claim is still being processed.&nbsp; Claim and payment status can also be viewed by logging into the NEworks account.

The federal CARES Act created a temporary program that offers benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits including the self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, and others (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or PUA). The act also increases the amount an individual on regular unemployment or PUA will receive by $600 for every week an individual is unemployed. All individuals who qualify will receive $600 in additional benefits for each eligible week of unemployment through July 25. Workers who have been affected by the pandemic should file a claim for unemployment.&nbsp;NDOL will automatically review every claim that comes in for eligibility under the CARES Act.

Department of Motor Vehicles&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://dmv.nebraska.gov/about/news-releases" target="_blank">DMV news releases</a>

On April 23, 125 years ago, NeDNR began its mission to safeguard Nebraska’s most precious natural resource through sound partnerships, cooperation and science-based decision making to help grow Nebraska’s future.&nbsp;Our agency continues to ensure that critical water-related information remains available (see&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">https://dnr.nebraska.gov/</a>.) Be assured that our staff continue to update vital information, including real-time streamgaging information, during this pandemic.

To support National Flood Insurance Program policyholders amid the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA is extending its 30-day grace period for policy renewals up to 120 days. This is effective for National Flood Insurance Program policies with an expiration date between February 13 – June 15, 2020.

For more information, visit the FEMA website&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnfipservices.floodsmart.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280785842&amp;sdata=WP0VVSqJkhMvs9Vc9d1hvQTj3kJsM7zwkSVnDuNUr7Q%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/</a>

FEMA also has some guidance on flood insurance claims during this time.&nbsp; It allows for the claims to be adjusted remotely without an adjustor visiting the property.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Nebraska Department of Revenue provides guidance, direction, or pertinent public information such items may be found&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;The most current information will be posted to the department’s website under “Featured Information”. Taxpayer Assistance is also available online and by phone, and contact information may be found&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/about/contact-us" target="_blank">here.</a>

NEW&nbsp;the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) launched a new Traffic Count Dashboard as an informational resource for Nebraskans. NDOT has been reporting traffic data since March 1 to track the impact of COVID-19 on statewide traffic volumes.&nbsp; For the week of April 12 through April 18, statewide traffic volumes were down 35 percent compared to the 2016-18 average.

The Traffic Count Dashboard will be updated weekly and can be viewed using the following link:

<a href="https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4473552a18f34645ad0dede3ae1105ce" target="_blank">https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4473552a18f34645ad0dede3ae1105ce</a>

“The traffic count dashboard is a tool to help the DOT understand and communicate how COVID-19 is impacting travel in Nebraska,” said NDOT Director Kyle Schneweis. &nbsp;“While we are seeing freight traffic stay at near normal levels, a 35 percent decrease in statewide traffic volume poses potential impacts to how the NDOT does business. &nbsp;It is too early to estimate the extent of impact but we’ll continue to analyze the data to understand scenarios.”

The data compares 2020s traffic to the historical three-year (2016-18) average daily traffic for each day of the week for that month and then averages the difference in traffic for each week by category.&nbsp;Data for 2019 was excluded due to the impacts of flooding on highways. For example, March 15-21 is calculated by finding the difference in March 15, 2020 vs. the historical average Sunday traffic for March, March&nbsp;16&nbsp; 2020 vs. the historic average Monday in March, etc.&nbsp; Then each day is averaged together to get a weekly average change in traffic.

Nebraska Joint Information Center daily update (April 23, 2020)

LINCOLN –&nbsp;This afternoon, at his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts discussed guidelines for farmers’ markets, nurseries, and garden centers as they operate during the ongoing public health emergency.&nbsp; The Governor also highlighted resources available to families in need through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman joined the Governor at today’s briefing.&nbsp; He talked about safely setting up and shopping at farmers’ markets and garden centers.&nbsp; He also announced the formation of a Detasseling Task Force to ensure the safety of Nebraskans working in fields this summer.

Caryn Vincent, Strategic Advisor for the Division of Public Health within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, also took part in today’s news conference.&nbsp; She overviewed the eligibility requirements and benefits of the WIC program.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: 21 Days to Keep Nebraska Healthy

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are now on Day 14 of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign. &nbsp;We’re two-thirds of the way there!

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind people of our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home. &nbsp;No non-essential errands and no social gatherings. &nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit.

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

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

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing. &nbsp;Play at home. &nbsp;No group sports. &nbsp;And no playgrounds.

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

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

Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska Reminder

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans have completed just under 50,735 assessments as of this morning.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We need every Nebraskan to go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597746477&amp;sdata=X96hqydeJzdRT%2B4UCfR5M3r5t8wN9tyeewL9iVj25iw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to fill out this quick assessment.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska has been #1 in Census response and #1 in enrolling folks in the Payroll Protection Program. &nbsp;Let’s be #1 in testing assessment as well!

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, the website is&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597756430&amp;sdata=aYTVz%2BWm%2FSkawdLvKZG6aFGti8ZZ1NQMZzJ3KHDEQ2I%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>. &nbsp;Please go on social media and use #TestNebraskaChallenge to challenge five friends to take the assessment with you.

Director Wellman: Farmers’ Markets and Garden Centers

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s springtime, which is time for farmers to plant crops and for gardeners to be out in their yards.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomorrow is Arbor Day. &nbsp;I invite Nebraskans to take part in the great tradition—started by J. Sterling Morton—by planting a tree.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA has issued guidelines for nurseries and garden centers during COVID-19:&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/GuidanceNurseriesGardenCenters.pdf" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/GuidanceNurseriesGardenCenters.pdf</a>

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The general physical distancing rules apply to these retailers.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nurseries and garden centers should heed state and local directed health measures.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They should also provide extra space for customers and help to direct foot traffic.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA also has guidance available for farmers’ markets:&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/FarmersMarketGuidance.pdf" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/FarmersMarketGuidance.pdf</a>

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vendors should not hand out samples of food.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They should also have plentiful sanitizers available for customers.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should appropriately distance themselves from one another.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They are also encouraged to wear masks while shopping.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should touch only what they intend to purchase.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA offers coupons to WIC participants that can be used for purchases at farmers’ markets.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Call NDA for information on accessing the coupons at 402-471-2341.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State is setting up a Detasseling Task Force.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Detasselers provide a vital service to our agricultural community.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Around 7,000 Nebraskans detassel each year.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to do everything we can to protect detasselers as they prepare to work in the fields this summer.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The task force has participation from seed companies and detasseling contractors. &nbsp;We’ll also be bringing growers onto the task force.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;USDA has announced a program to give $16 billion in direct aid to farmers and ranchers.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Farm Service Agency will administer the direct aid.&nbsp; Details of the program are still in development.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;USDA has also announced that it will purchase $3 billion of food to assist ag producers and food distributors.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC is a federally funded program that gives free healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible women who are pregnant (or have just had a baby, infants, and children under five years old.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska WIC serves approximately 33,000 women and children each month, at over 100 sites across the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;That number is expected to increase due to the current pandemic.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All caregivers of children up to five years old are welcome to apply for their child. &nbsp;The WIC program often has fathers, guardians, or foster parents apply for their children.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC can put healthy foods on the table for families experiencing food insecurity.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC has different food packages that include specific, nutrient rich foods for a pregnant mother, infant or child, or a woman who is breastfeeding.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC provides an electronic card, similar to a debit card, that can be used to buy foods at the grocery store.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Families who participate in SNAP or Medicaid are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC’s income guidelines are generous and some families may qualify without realizing it. &nbsp;For example, a family of four with a gross income of $47,638 would be eligible for WIC.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The best way to know if you qualify is by visiting the website&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsignupwic.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597756430&amp;sdata=h7B4s6GtspRwzAk%2F6m5nqzH7T1IQPdGjWn8ok3y5Qrw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">signupwic.com</a>&nbsp;and calling a WIC office near you. &nbsp;You can also find WIC’s income guidelines on the Nebraska DHHS WIC website:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx</a>.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to free healthy food, families that participate in WIC also get free nutrition and health education.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given the current public health situation, nutrition, breastfeeding, and health education is now happening over the phone rather than in-person.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC also has a network of nurses, dietitians, lactation consultants, and other moms who help women with their breastfeeding goals. &nbsp;At each WIC appointment, moms have access breastfeeding support.

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%2Fsh%2Fjibguxil57mbngd%2FAADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597766389&amp;sdata=FHVHQ6BlOQzY41m08K9NyP%2BcmIKRfA%2FfRB3xC72Skkw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587688522563.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, NDA Director Steve Wellman (standing, second from left, and&nbsp;DHHS Division of Public Health Strategic Advisor Caryn Vincent (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, NDA Director Steve Wellman (standing, second from left, and&nbsp;DHHS Division of Public Health Strategic Advisor Caryn Vincent (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN –&nbsp;This afternoon, at his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts discussed guidelines for farmers’ markets, nurseries, and garden centers as they operate during the ongoing public health emergency.&nbsp; The Governor also highlighted resources available to families in need through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman joined the Governor at today’s briefing.&nbsp; He talked about safely setting up and shopping at farmers’ markets and garden centers.&nbsp; He also announced the formation of a Detasseling Task Force to ensure the safety of Nebraskans working in fields this summer.Caryn Vincent, Strategic Advisor for the Division of Public Health within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, also took part in today’s news conference.&nbsp; She overviewed the eligibility requirements and benefits of the WIC program.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts: 21 Days to Keep Nebraska Healthy•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are now on Day 14 of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign. &nbsp;We’re two-thirds of the way there!•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind people of our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home. &nbsp;No non-essential errands and no social gatherings. &nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work. &nbsp;Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week. &nbsp;Do not take family with you.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing. &nbsp;Play at home. &nbsp;No group sports. &nbsp;And no playgrounds.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. &nbsp;Do not visit long-term care facilities.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska Reminder•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans have completed just under 50,735 assessments as of this morning.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We need every Nebraskan to go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597746477&amp;sdata=X96hqydeJzdRT%2B4UCfR5M3r5t8wN9tyeewL9iVj25iw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to fill out this quick assessment.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska has been #1 in Census response and #1 in enrolling folks in the Payroll Protection Program. &nbsp;Let’s be #1 in testing assessment as well!•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, the website is&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597756430&amp;sdata=aYTVz%2BWm%2FSkawdLvKZG6aFGti8ZZ1NQMZzJ3KHDEQ2I%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>. &nbsp;Please go on social media and use #TestNebraskaChallenge to challenge five friends to take the assessment with you.Director Wellman: Farmers’ Markets and Garden Centers•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s springtime, which is time for farmers to plant crops and for gardeners to be out in their yards.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomorrow is Arbor Day. &nbsp;I invite Nebraskans to take part in the great tradition—started by J. Sterling Morton—by planting a tree.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA has issued guidelines for nurseries and garden centers during COVID-19:&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/GuidanceNurseriesGardenCenters.pdf" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/GuidanceNurseriesGardenCenters.pdf</a>o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The general physical distancing rules apply to these retailers.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nurseries and garden centers should heed state and local directed health measures.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They should also provide extra space for customers and help to direct foot traffic.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA also has guidance available for farmers’ markets:&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/FarmersMarketGuidance.pdf" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/FarmersMarketGuidance.pdf</a>o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vendors should not hand out samples of food.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They should also have plentiful sanitizers available for customers.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should appropriately distance themselves from one another.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They are also encouraged to wear masks while shopping.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should touch only what they intend to purchase.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA offers coupons to WIC participants that can be used for purchases at farmers’ markets.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Call NDA for information on accessing the coupons at 402-471-2341.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State is setting up a Detasseling Task Force.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Detasselers provide a vital service to our agricultural community.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Around 7,000 Nebraskans detassel each year.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to do everything we can to protect detasselers as they prepare to work in the fields this summer.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The task force has participation from seed companies and detasseling contractors. &nbsp;We’ll also be bringing growers onto the task force.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;USDA has announced a program to give $16 billion in direct aid to farmers and ranchers.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Farm Service Agency will administer the direct aid.&nbsp; Details of the program are still in development.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;USDA has also announced that it will purchase $3 billion of food to assist ag producers and food distributors.Caryn Vincent: WIC Program•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC is a federally funded program that gives free healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible women who are pregnant (or have just had a baby, infants, and children under five years old.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska WIC serves approximately 33,000 women and children each month, at over 100 sites across the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;That number is expected to increase due to the current pandemic.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All caregivers of children up to five years old are welcome to apply for their child. &nbsp;The WIC program often has fathers, guardians, or foster parents apply for their children.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC can put healthy foods on the table for families experiencing food insecurity.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC has different food packages that include specific, nutrient rich foods for a pregnant mother, infant or child, or a woman who is breastfeeding.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC provides an electronic card, similar to a debit card, that can be used to buy foods at the grocery store.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Families who participate in SNAP or Medicaid are automatically income-eligible for WIC.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC’s income guidelines are generous and some families may qualify without realizing it. &nbsp;For example, a family of four with a gross income of $47,638 would be eligible for WIC.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The best way to know if you qualify is by visiting the website&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsignupwic.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597756430&amp;sdata=h7B4s6GtspRwzAk%2F6m5nqzH7T1IQPdGjWn8ok3y5Qrw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">signupwic.com</a>&nbsp;and calling a WIC office near you. &nbsp;You can also find WIC’s income guidelines on the Nebraska DHHS WIC website:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx</a>.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to free healthy food, families that participate in WIC also get free nutrition and health education.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given the current public health situation, nutrition, breastfeeding, and health education is now happening over the phone rather than in-person.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC also has a network of nurses, dietitians, lactation consultants, and other moms who help women with their breastfeeding goals. &nbsp;At each WIC appointment, moms have access breastfeeding support.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%2Fsh%2Fjibguxil57mbngd%2FAADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597766389&amp;sdata=FHVHQ6BlOQzY41m08K9NyP%2BcmIKRfA%2FfRB3xC72Skkw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Coronavirus Update