NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The benefits of art to one's mental health has been studied and proven for years. Because of this, the Prairie Arts Center (PAC) in North Platte is getting creative to make art available to the community.

PAC will be providing the "Images of Hope Art Walk" over the next few weeks.

"As PAC is closed to the public, community members have not been able to view artwork and gallery pieces, so we're bringing the artwork to the public," said PAC Executive Director Holly Carlini.

Area artists were asked to paint, draw, or create large artwork images that will be placed in the windows of PAC for the community to view.

PAC will also host prize giveaways on their Facebook page. Fans who answer questions about the Art Walk on Facebook will be eligible for prizes.

"This is a chance to spread color, a positive community message, and a fun outdoor activity that boosts creativity," Carlini said.

The artwork pieces will be placed in the windows over the next few weeks. Follow PAC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairieArtsCenter/">Facebook </a>for more details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587574497857.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The benefits of art to one's mental health has been studied and proven for years. Because of this, the Prairie Arts Center (PAC) in North Platte is getting creative to make art available to the community.PAC will be providing the "Images of Hope Art Walk" over the next few weeks."As PAC is closed to the public, community members have not been able to view artwork and gallery pieces, so we're bringing the artwork to the public," said PAC Executive Director Holly Carlini.Area artists were asked to paint, draw, or create large artwork images that will be placed in the windows of PAC for the community to view.PAC will also host prize giveaways on their Facebook page. Fans who answer questions about the Art Walk on Facebook will be eligible for prizes."This is a chance to spread color, a positive community message, and a fun outdoor activity that boosts creativity," Carlini said.The artwork pieces will be placed in the windows over the next few weeks. Follow PAC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrairieArtsCenter/">Facebook </a>for more details.

Prairie Arts Center keeps art alive with 'Images of Hope Art Walk'

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — The deaths of four Northern Arapaho tribal members has raised Wyoming’s total number of people killed by the coronavirus to six.

 Northern Arapaho Business Council Chairman Lee Spoonhunter tells the Casper Star-Tribune that three of the four tribe members were from the same family. 

Two more people have died from COVID-19 over the last several weeks.

 The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes sharing Wyoming's Wind River Reservation have imposed stay-at-home orders to limit the spread of the coronavirus. 

Tribal leaders say many members are more susceptible to the virus because they live in crowded homes or have preexisting health problems.

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — The deaths of four Northern Arapaho tribal members has raised Wyoming’s total number of people killed by the coronavirus to six. Northern Arapaho Business Council Chairman Lee Spoonhunter tells the Casper Star-Tribune that three of the four tribe members were from the same family. Two more people have died from COVID-19 over the last several weeks. The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes sharing Wyoming's Wind River Reservation have imposed stay-at-home orders to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Tribal leaders say many members are more susceptible to the virus because they live in crowded homes or have preexisting health problems.

Deaths of 4 tribal members boosts Wyoming COVID-19 toll to 6

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska state health officials are reporting a one-day jump of nine COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 42 since the outbreak began.

Three of the deaths reported late Tuesday by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from Hall County, which has emerged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/32570bd42a11adb89f82b0f3b7cee072" target="_blank">hot-spot for the virus&nbsp;</a>in the state. Those deaths included a man in his 70s, another man in his 90s, and a woman in her 70s.

Another four deaths were reported Tuesday out of the Omaha area in Douglas County - all men in their 60s and 70s with underlying health conditions.

The other deaths were a woman in her 50s form Seward County and a woman in her 80s from Adams County. Officials said both had underlying health conditions.

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>showed 1,722 confirmed cases in the state. Nearly 16,500 people had been tested for the virus statewide as of Wednesday morning, with nearly 15,000 testing negative for the illness.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska state health officials are reporting a one-day jump of nine COVID-19 deaths, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 42 since the outbreak began.Three of the deaths reported late Tuesday by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from Hall County, which has emerged as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/32570bd42a11adb89f82b0f3b7cee072" target="_blank">hot-spot for the virus&nbsp;</a>in the state. Those deaths included a man in his 70s, another man in his 90s, and a woman in her 70s.Another four deaths were reported Tuesday out of the Omaha area in Douglas County - all men in their 60s and 70s with underlying health conditions.The other deaths were a woman in her 50s form Seward County and a woman in her 80s from Adams County. Officials said both had underlying health conditions.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>showed 1,722 confirmed cases in the state. Nearly 16,500 people had been tested for the virus statewide as of Wednesday morning, with nearly 15,000 testing negative for the illness.

Nine new COVID-19 deaths reported in Nebraska on Tuesday

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has made available an online map that allows residents to track the number of COVID-19 cases in Nebraska by county.

The map is free to use and updated multiple times each day.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has made available an online map that allows residents to track the number of COVID-19 cases in Nebraska by county.The map is free to use and updated multiple times each day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585910824232.png" alt="<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1oOl5f7dhwIvJFr62_xDTXgWd76n-6apa11hBs-IX1CI4vOp0U7oGqC3M#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3">Click HERE to view the map</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1oOl5f7dhwIvJFr62_xDTXgWd76n-6apa11hBs-IX1CI4vOp0U7oGqC3M#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3">Click HERE to view the map</a></figcaption>
 </figure>

DHHS map allows residents to view latest COVID-19 numbers by county

WASHINGTON (AP) — Reopening the U.S. economy is complicated by some troubling scientific questions about the new coronavirus that go beyond the logistics of whether enough tests are available.

In an ideal world, we’d get vaccinated and then get back to normal. But, despite unprecedented efforts, no vaccine will be ready any time soon.

“We’re all going to be wearing masks for a while,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, infectious diseases chief at Massachusetts General Hospital, predicted during a podcast with the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“The really unknown in this, to be completely transparent,” is asymptomatic spread, said Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator.

From the beginning, authorities have rightly told people to stay home if they’re sick. But according to Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, somewhere between 25% and half of infected people might not show symptoms.

That means there’s no way to tell if you’re standing next to someone who’s contagious in the checkout line.

And even in people who eventually develop symptoms, it’s not clear exactly how soon after infection they can spread the virus. That’s one reason U.S. officials recently encouraged people to wear cloth masks in public, even as they try to keep 6 feet away from others.

To reopen the economy, officials are emphasizing the availability of more virus tests. That’s key to spotting and isolating the infected, and tracing and quarantining the people they may have exposed. But it’s not a panacea.

“If you get a test today, that does not mean that tomorrow or the next day or the next day or the next day as you get exposed, perhaps from someone who may not even know they’re infected, that that means ‘I’m negative,’” Fauci said at a recent White House briefing.

Doctors assume people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don’t know how much protection or how long it will last.

Another key question: Do people who survive a severe infection have stronger immunity than those who had mild symptoms — or those who had no obvious symptoms at all?

To tell, scientists are rolling out blood tests that look for antibodies, proteins that the immune system makes to fight off infection. They don’t detect active infection like the tests needed for the currently sick. They’re intended to tell who already was infected whether they knew it or not — including those who had few or no symptoms and those who were sick but couldn’t get a diagnostic test.

As they test more people, researchers will look for the level of antibodies that seems to be the key threshold for protection. They’re also trying to tell if having certain types of antibodies are more critical than an overall count.

“How long is the protection — one month, three months, six months, a year?” Fauci said. “We need to be humble and modest that we don’t know everything.”

Another hurdle: Dozens of antibody tests are being sold without proof that they work as promised. Some countries have reported wildly inaccurate results from certain tests. Among other things, scientists must prove the tests don’t confuse antibodies against another respiratory bug for COVID-19 protection.

The situation is so worrisome that FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn recently warned that his agency has given “emergency use authorization” backing to just four tests — and that urgent work to validate others is underway.

One early warning has borne out: Older adults are especially susceptible to COVID-19. So are people of any age who have certain health troubles, such as lung disease, heart problems or diabetes.

But being young and apparently healthy is no guarantee. Plenty of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some children, get infected and occasionally die.

“Some people do extremely well and some people completely crash,” Fauci told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “It’s something more than just age and underlying condition.”

There are theories. Maybe genetic differences play a role in how the body responds to this infection, particularly the overactive immune response — what’s called a “cytokine storm” — that is blamed for many deaths. Some scientists are looking into variations in cell receptors, the docking ports that allow the virus to stick to a cell and burrow inside.

Whatever the culprit, there’s no way to predict who’s going to crash. Yet that will become increasingly important if some of the experimental therapies being studied pan out, Fauci said, because doctors would need to know whether to focus treatment on the seriously ill or try to reach the newly infected quickly.

“If this acts like any other virus, you always want to hit it early,” he noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587558008598.png" alt="President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator during Tuesday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator during Tuesday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Reopening the U.S. economy is complicated by some troubling scientific questions about the new coronavirus that go beyond the logistics of whether enough tests are available.In an ideal world, we’d get vaccinated and then get back to normal. But, despite unprecedented efforts, no vaccine will be ready any time soon.“We’re all going to be wearing masks for a while,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, infectious diseases chief at Massachusetts General Hospital, predicted during a podcast with the Journal of the American Medical Association.Three big unknowns top the worry list:WHO’S CONTAGIOUS?“The really unknown in this, to be completely transparent,” is asymptomatic spread, said Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator.From the beginning, authorities have rightly told people to stay home if they’re sick. But according to Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health, somewhere between 25% and half of infected people might not show symptoms.That means there’s no way to tell if you’re standing next to someone who’s contagious in the checkout line.And even in people who eventually develop symptoms, it’s not clear exactly how soon after infection they can spread the virus. That’s one reason U.S. officials recently encouraged people to wear cloth masks in public, even as they try to keep 6 feet away from others.To reopen the economy, officials are emphasizing the availability of more virus tests. That’s key to spotting and isolating the infected, and tracing and quarantining the people they may have exposed. But it’s not a panacea.“If you get a test today, that does not mean that tomorrow or the next day or the next day or the next day as you get exposed, perhaps from someone who may not even know they’re infected, that that means ‘I’m negative,’” Fauci said at a recent White House briefing.WHO’S IMMUNE?Doctors assume people who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against a repeat infection. But they don’t know how much protection or how long it will last.Another key question: Do people who survive a severe infection have stronger immunity than those who had mild symptoms — or those who had no obvious symptoms at all?To tell, scientists are rolling out blood tests that look for antibodies, proteins that the immune system makes to fight off infection. They don’t detect active infection like the tests needed for the currently sick. They’re intended to tell who already was infected whether they knew it or not — including those who had few or no symptoms and those who were sick but couldn’t get a diagnostic test.As they test more people, researchers will look for the level of antibodies that seems to be the key threshold for protection. They’re also trying to tell if having certain types of antibodies are more critical than an overall count.“How long is the protection — one month, three months, six months, a year?” Fauci said. “We need to be humble and modest that we don’t know everything.”Another hurdle: Dozens of antibody tests are being sold without proof that they work as promised. Some countries have reported wildly inaccurate results from certain tests. Among other things, scientists must prove the tests don’t confuse antibodies against another respiratory bug for COVID-19 protection.The situation is so worrisome that FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn recently warned that his agency has given “emergency use authorization” backing to just four tests — and that urgent work to validate others is underway.WHO’S AT-RISK?One early warning has borne out: Older adults are especially susceptible to COVID-19. So are people of any age who have certain health troubles, such as lung disease, heart problems or diabetes.But being young and apparently healthy is no guarantee. Plenty of 20- and 30-somethings, and even some children, get infected and occasionally die.“Some people do extremely well and some people completely crash,” Fauci told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “It’s something more than just age and underlying condition.”There are theories. Maybe genetic differences play a role in how the body responds to this infection, particularly the overactive immune response — what’s called a “cytokine storm” — that is blamed for many deaths. Some scientists are looking into variations in cell receptors, the docking ports that allow the virus to stick to a cell and burrow inside.Whatever the culprit, there’s no way to predict who’s going to crash. Yet that will become increasingly important if some of the experimental therapies being studied pan out, Fauci said, because doctors would need to know whether to focus treatment on the seriously ill or try to reach the newly infected quickly.“If this acts like any other virus, you always want to hit it early,” he noted.

Big unknowns about virus complicate getting back to normal

WASHINGTON (AP) — A $483 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing.

Passage was swift and unanimous, despite opposition from conservative Republicans. President Donald Trump tweeted his support, pledging to sign it into law. It now goes to the House, with votes set for Thursday.

“I urge the House to pass the bill,” Trump said at the White House.

After nearly two weeks of negotiations and deadlock, Congress and the White House reached agreement Tuesday on the nearly $500 billion package — the fourth as Washington strains to respond to the health and economic crisis.

“The Senate is continuing to stand by the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to an almost empty chamber.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill was made “better and broader” after Democrats forced the inclusion of money for hospitals and testing.

A copy of the measure was provided to The Associated Press by a GOP aide.

Most of the funding, $331 billion, would go to boost a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dded8ead64598a3893f4046bbe857d2e">small-business payroll loan program&nbsp;</a>that ran out of money last week. An additional $75 billion would be given to hospitals, and $25 billion would be spent to boost testing for the virus, a key step in building the confidence required to reopen state economies.

Missing from the package, however, was extra funding for state and local governments staring down budget holes and desperate to avert furloughs and layoffs of workers needed to keep cities running.

Trump said he was open to including in a subsequent virus aid package fiscal relief for state and local government — which Democrats wanted for the current bill — along with infrastructure projects.

Not all Republicans are backing Trump on the deal.

Two conservative Republicans, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced opposition during Tuesday’s session but did not halt passage.

Lee said it was “unacceptable” that the full Senate was not present and voting in the pro forma session as Congress shuttered during the virus outbreak.

Paul said no amount of federal funding will be able to salvage a shuttered economy. “Deaths from infectious disease will continue, but we cannot continue to indefinitely quarantine,” said Paul, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c3db22a242e9577126052dece8285d2f">tested positive for the virus</a>&nbsp;last month but has since recovered.

The House is being called to Washington for a Thursday vote, said Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader.

Hoyer, D-Md., said the House will also vote on a proposal to allow proxy voting on future business during the pandemic, a first for Congress, which has required in-person business essentially since its founding.

“The House must show the American people that we continue to work hard on their behalf,” Hoyer wrote to colleagues.

But the landmark rules change met with objections from conservative Republicans.

“I don’t support it at all,” said Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., one of a handful of Republicans who showed up for Tuesday’s pro forma session to protest proxy votes. “Congress should be in session.”

Signaling concerns, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., seeking more information on plans to reopen the House.

The emerging virus aid package — originally designed by Republicans as a $250 billion stopgap to replenish the payroll subsidies for smaller businesses — has grown into the second largest of the four coronavirus response bills so far.

Democratic demands have caused the measure to balloon, though Republicans support additions for hospitals and testing.

The now $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program includes $60 billion or so set aside for — and divided equally among — smaller banks and community lenders that seek to focus on underbanked neighborhoods and rural areas. Democrats have highlighted the number of smaller and minority-owned shops missing out on the aid.

Another $60 billion would be available for a small-business loans and grants program delivered through an existing small business disaster aid program, $10 billion of which would come in the form of direct grants.

The bill provides $25 billion for increased testing efforts, including at least $11 billion to state and tribal governments to detect and track new infections. The rest will help fund federal research into new coronavirus testing options.

Currently, the U.S. has tested roughly 4 million people for the virus, or just over 1% of its population, according to the Covid Tracking Project website.

While the White House says the U.S. has enough testing to begin easing social distancing measures, most experts say capacity needs to increase at least threefold, if not more.

Despite yet another big package from Congress, all sides say more aid is likely needed.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outlined infrastructure and broadband spending for the next bill. And there’s pressure to help cities with populations of less than 500,000 that were shut out of the massive $2 trillion relief bill that passed last month.

Schumer said Monday that he had talked to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell and that Powell said the Fed is working to open up the Main Street Lending program to nonprofits and municipal governments.

The government’s Paycheck Protection Program has been swamped by companies applying for loans and reached its appropriations limit last Thursday after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.

<a href="https://apnews.com/6c5942eec36cc43b25ad5df5afebcfbd">Controversies</a>&nbsp;have enveloped the program, with many businesses complaining that banks have favored customers with whom they already do business. Some businesses that haven’t been harmed much by the pandemic have also received loans, along with a number of publicly traded corporations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587503869494.png" alt="The United State's Senate chamber Tuesday after lawmakers reached an agreement on an interim emergency relief bill, which includes $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion for testing." />
 <figcaption>The United State's Senate chamber Tuesday after lawmakers reached an agreement on an interim emergency relief bill, which includes $320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion for testing.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A $483 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing.Passage was swift and unanimous, despite opposition from conservative Republicans. President Donald Trump tweeted his support, pledging to sign it into law. It now goes to the House, with votes set for Thursday.“I urge the House to pass the bill,” Trump said at the White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587510136858.png" alt="President Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin discuss the legislation during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin discuss the legislation during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing-image courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>After nearly two weeks of negotiations and deadlock, Congress and the White House reached agreement Tuesday on the nearly $500 billion package — the fourth as Washington strains to respond to the health and economic crisis.“The Senate is continuing to stand by the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to an almost empty chamber.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill was made “better and broader” after Democrats forced the inclusion of money for hospitals and testing.A copy of the measure was provided to The Associated Press by a GOP aide.Most of the funding, $331 billion, would go to boost a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dded8ead64598a3893f4046bbe857d2e">small-business payroll loan program&nbsp;</a>that ran out of money last week. An additional $75 billion would be given to hospitals, and $25 billion would be spent to boost testing for the virus, a key step in building the confidence required to reopen state economies.Missing from the package, however, was extra funding for state and local governments staring down budget holes and desperate to avert furloughs and layoffs of workers needed to keep cities running.Trump said he was open to including in a subsequent virus aid package fiscal relief for state and local government — which Democrats wanted for the current bill — along with infrastructure projects.Not all Republicans are backing Trump on the deal.Two conservative Republicans, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced opposition during Tuesday’s session but did not halt passage.Lee said it was “unacceptable” that the full Senate was not present and voting in the pro forma session as Congress shuttered during the virus outbreak.Paul said no amount of federal funding will be able to salvage a shuttered economy. “Deaths from infectious disease will continue, but we cannot continue to indefinitely quarantine,” said Paul, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c3db22a242e9577126052dece8285d2f">tested positive for the virus</a>&nbsp;last month but has since recovered.The House is being called to Washington for a Thursday vote, said Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader.Hoyer, D-Md., said the House will also vote on a proposal to allow proxy voting on future business during the pandemic, a first for Congress, which has required in-person business essentially since its founding.“The House must show the American people that we continue to work hard on their behalf,” Hoyer wrote to colleagues.But the landmark rules change met with objections from conservative Republicans.“I don’t support it at all,” said Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., one of a handful of Republicans who showed up for Tuesday’s pro forma session to protest proxy votes. “Congress should be in session.”Signaling concerns, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., seeking more information on plans to reopen the House.The emerging virus aid package — originally designed by Republicans as a $250 billion stopgap to replenish the payroll subsidies for smaller businesses — has grown into the second largest of the four coronavirus response bills so far.Democratic demands have caused the measure to balloon, though Republicans support additions for hospitals and testing.The now $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program includes $60 billion or so set aside for — and divided equally among — smaller banks and community lenders that seek to focus on underbanked neighborhoods and rural areas. Democrats have highlighted the number of smaller and minority-owned shops missing out on the aid.Another $60 billion would be available for a small-business loans and grants program delivered through an existing small business disaster aid program, $10 billion of which would come in the form of direct grants.The bill provides $25 billion for increased testing efforts, including at least $11 billion to state and tribal governments to detect and track new infections. The rest will help fund federal research into new coronavirus testing options.Currently, the U.S. has tested roughly 4 million people for the virus, or just over 1% of its population, according to the Covid Tracking Project website.While the White House says the U.S. has enough testing to begin easing social distancing measures, most experts say capacity needs to increase at least threefold, if not more.Despite yet another big package from Congress, all sides say more aid is likely needed.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin outlined infrastructure and broadband spending for the next bill. And there’s pressure to help cities with populations of less than 500,000 that were shut out of the massive $2 trillion relief bill that passed last month.Schumer said Monday that he had talked to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell and that Powell said the Fed is working to open up the Main Street Lending program to nonprofits and municipal governments.The government’s Paycheck Protection Program has been swamped by companies applying for loans and reached its appropriations limit last Thursday after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.<a href="https://apnews.com/6c5942eec36cc43b25ad5df5afebcfbd">Controversies</a>&nbsp;have enveloped the program, with many businesses complaining that banks have favored customers with whom they already do business. Some businesses that haven’t been harmed much by the pandemic have also received loans, along with a number of publicly traded corporations.___

Senate's $483B virus aid deal finally headed to the House 

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Six additional deaths related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Tuesday.

Three deaths were in Hall County. They were men in their 70s and 90s, and a woman in her 70s -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&amp;data=02%7c01%7c%7cf7256c756d3747c46d1508d7e6686e16%7c043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7c0%7c0%7c637231208503088514&amp;sdata=P5Lopyy2uOXkclMHQKXFuGrQPTWVE8kypqANXrHD6Wo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.

One was a Seward County woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fourcorners.ne.gov/first-covid-19-related-death-in-seward-county-additional-york-county-case" target="_blank">http://www.fourcorners.ne.gov/first-covid-19-related-death-in-seward-county-additional-york-county-case&nbsp;</a>.

South Heartland District Health Department announced the death of an Adams County woman in her 80s who had been hospitalized with underlying health conditions -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.facebook.com/South-Heartland-District-Health-Department-105394269498242/&amp;data=02%7c01%7c%7cf7256c756d3747c46d1508d7e6686e16%7c043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7c0%7c0%7c637231208503088514&amp;sdata=w6W4W0d7uTJ9CUbzpHGFw/Ds0eVI0rh4NyHqloxlvc8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/South-Heartland-District-Health-Department-105394269498242/&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One death was in Douglas County. Douglas County Health Department also reported additional deaths that are not yet reflected on the DHHS dashboard. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.

A death included in the DHHS news release on Saturday was erroneously reported into the electronic tracking system. It was removed from the total count.&nbsp;

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 38, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 1,722. 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). 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;

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;Six additional deaths related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Tuesday.Three deaths were in Hall County. They were men in their 70s and 90s, and a woman in her 70s -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&amp;data=02%7c01%7c%7cf7256c756d3747c46d1508d7e6686e16%7c043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7c0%7c0%7c637231208503088514&amp;sdata=P5Lopyy2uOXkclMHQKXFuGrQPTWVE8kypqANXrHD6Wo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.One was a Seward County woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fourcorners.ne.gov/first-covid-19-related-death-in-seward-county-additional-york-county-case" target="_blank">http://www.fourcorners.ne.gov/first-covid-19-related-death-in-seward-county-additional-york-county-case&nbsp;</a>.South Heartland District Health Department announced the death of an Adams County woman in her 80s who had been hospitalized with underlying health conditions -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.facebook.com/South-Heartland-District-Health-Department-105394269498242/&amp;data=02%7c01%7c%7cf7256c756d3747c46d1508d7e6686e16%7c043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7c0%7c0%7c637231208503088514&amp;sdata=w6W4W0d7uTJ9CUbzpHGFw/Ds0eVI0rh4NyHqloxlvc8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/South-Heartland-District-Health-Department-105394269498242/&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One death was in Douglas County. Douglas County Health Department also reported additional deaths that are not yet reflected on the DHHS dashboard. &nbsp;&nbsp;Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.A death included in the DHHS news release on Saturday was erroneously reported into the electronic tracking system. It was removed from the total count.&nbsp;The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 38, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 1,722. 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). 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;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: 6 new coronavirus related deaths reported in Nebraska

News Release<figure>
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Central District Health Dept. reports 3 new coronavirus related deaths, 590 total cases

Nebraska Joint Information Center daily update (April 21, 2020)

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6th confirmed case of COVID-19 reported in Howard County

Unified Command confirms a new case for COVID-19 in Cheyenne County, a male in his 60s. 

The initial investigations have begun, and more details will be released when they are complete. &nbsp;Close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. Contacts that are currently showing symptoms will being tested.

Two have recovered and are out of isolation

Nine 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 a new case for COVID-19 in Cheyenne County, a male in his 60s. The initial investigations have begun, and more details will be released when they are complete. &nbsp;Close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. Contacts that are currently showing symptoms will being tested.March 2-April 21, 2020Positive: 39Recovered: 20Box Butte County: 1 caseCheyenne County: 5 casesTwo have recovered and are out of isolationKimball County: 10 CasesNine have recovered and are out of isolationMorrill County: 1 CaseScotts Bluff County: 22 CasesNine 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.

New case in Cheyenne Co. brings Panhandle total positives to 39

LINCOLN –&nbsp;This afternoon, Governor Pete Ricketts announced a new plan to scale up Nebraska’s capability to test for COVID-19.&nbsp; The State is launching a public-private partnership to significantly expand testing in Nebraska over the next several weeks.&nbsp; The program will enlist Nebraskans to take an assessment, get tested, and track their health.

Gov. Ricketts introduced four members of the team partnering with the State to expand testing:

Nebraskans can go online to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7f8364da405b4250c27308d7e64c4b20%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231087676111182&amp;sdata=bsMf1MluEwrPOU0cYUTqa%2BwiUA6ALQR1pklWGpnFHMU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to take the initial assessment.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fakn0khzli02btue%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.21.20.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7f8364da405b4250c27308d7e64c4b20%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231087676121145&amp;sdata=stI5BjTFEH%2B7Tu1m5cp0KKXxrD8XN%2BXqxhQ7bZKKHGw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587513157933.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) talks about the State’s plan to expand testing at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) talks about the State’s plan to expand testing at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN –&nbsp;This afternoon, Governor Pete Ricketts announced a new plan to scale up Nebraska’s capability to test for COVID-19.&nbsp; The State is launching a public-private partnership to significantly expand testing in Nebraska over the next several weeks.&nbsp; The program will enlist Nebraskans to take an assessment, get tested, and track their health.Gov. Ricketts introduced four members of the team partnering with the State to expand testing:<ol>
 <li>Dave Elkington, Founder &amp; Chairman of Xant</li><li>Mark Newman, Founder &amp; CEO of Nomi Health</li><li>Ryan Smith, CEO &amp; Co-Founder of Qualtrics</li><li>Josh James, Founder &amp; CEO of Domo</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska<ol>
 <li>I’m excited to roll out our Test Nebraska initiative to accelerate our ability to defeat the virus and get Nebraskans back to work.</li><li>This broad-scale testing program will give us a clearer view of the health of our state. &nbsp;Having good data will give us the confidence we need to move forward.</li><li>To accomplish testing on a large scale, we’ve partnered with an organization that has done similar work in Utah and is launching a program in Iowa today as well.</li><li>To help us prepare for this expanded testing, we are asking all Nebraskans to participate in the #TestNebraskaChallenge.</li><li>Please go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7f8364da405b4250c27308d7e64c4b20%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231087676101226&amp;sdata=aOj5mq3%2FQTcnxI43xS91OuhlfDGTQ26KvfAvdwm0x3E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;and sign up today. &nbsp;Then go on social media and challenge five friends to do the same.</li>
 </ol>Dave Elkington: Test Nebraska<ol>
 <li>This initiative started in Utah. &nbsp;As residents, we decided that we couldn’t expect our government to take care of everything on its own.</li><li>We started a public-private partnership where a number of companies came together to leverage their technologies and relationships to solve this testing capacity problem.</li><li>We’ve only been running our program in Utah for two-and-a-half to three weeks.&nbsp; Yesterday, we did nearly 3,000 tests there in one day.</li><li>The goal is not merely to determine whether people are infected or not.&nbsp; We want to restore confidence so that people can get back to work, spend time with family and friends, and resume their usual day-to-day activities.</li><li>In the short-term, we’ll test all caregivers, first responders, and those with severe symptoms.</li><li>In the middle-term, we’ll test anyone who is symptomatic.</li><li>Over the long-term, we’ll begin population sampling—testing even those people who have not shown any symptoms.</li>
 </ol>Mark Newman: Test Nebraska<ol>
 <li>Our program works in three parts: we assess, test, and track.First, Nebraskans can go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7f8364da405b4250c27308d7e64c4b20%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231087676111182&amp;sdata=bsMf1MluEwrPOU0cYUTqa%2BwiUA6ALQR1pklWGpnFHMU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to take an initial assessment. &nbsp;This helps our team and State epidemiologists to gauge the general health of various communities and to decide where to set up testing sites.Second, we’ll set up testing in different locations across the state in the next 2-5 weeks.&nbsp; Our testing sites will have multiple kits and multiple test options.Third, we’ll check in with everyone who has been assessed, asking 2-3 follow up questions to track their well-being.</li><li>First, Nebraskans can go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7f8364da405b4250c27308d7e64c4b20%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231087676111182&amp;sdata=bsMf1MluEwrPOU0cYUTqa%2BwiUA6ALQR1pklWGpnFHMU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to take an initial assessment. &nbsp;This helps our team and State epidemiologists to gauge the general health of various communities and to decide where to set up testing sites.</li><li>Second, we’ll set up testing in different locations across the state in the next 2-5 weeks.&nbsp; Our testing sites will have multiple kits and multiple test options.</li><li>Third, we’ll check in with everyone who has been assessed, asking 2-3 follow up questions to track their well-being.</li>
 </ol>Ryan Smith: Test Nebraska<ol>
 <li>Our company has worked with Nebraska for a while now in higher education.</li><li>We run one of the largest assessment firms in the world.</li><li>Every citizen of Nebraska can go in and take the assessment. &nbsp;They can then quickly get tested and stay up to date on how they’re doing.</li><li>All of the data collected is protected with the highest level of security.</li>
 </ol>Josh James: Test Nebraska<ol>
 <li>This testing is free.&nbsp; The state and federal government have figured out how to cover the fees for tests.&nbsp;</li><li>In order to get back to work and reopen society, we need better data.&nbsp; We’re helping to collect this information.</li><li>We’re also providing a crisis command center to give the State real-time information about what’s taking place here in Nebraska.</li><li>Additionally, we’re working with the Governor on a campaign to encourage Nebraskans to take the assessment.</li>
 </ol>Nebraskans can go online to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7f8364da405b4250c27308d7e64c4b20%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231087676111182&amp;sdata=bsMf1MluEwrPOU0cYUTqa%2BwiUA6ALQR1pklWGpnFHMU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to take the initial assessment.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fakn0khzli02btue%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.21.20.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7f8364da405b4250c27308d7e64c4b20%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637231087676121145&amp;sdata=stI5BjTFEH%2B7Tu1m5cp0KKXxrD8XN%2BXqxhQ7bZKKHGw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts launches #TestNebraskaChallenge, rolls out plan to expand COVID-19 testing

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will over the next few weeks dramatically increase the number of people tested for the coronavirus using a program that was recently launched in Utah and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb79c28687ad35ba9256d4311457eb52" target="_blank">Iowa</a>, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Tuesday.

Ricketts urged residents to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">testnebraska.com</a>, a website that will allow them to get a free, voluntary health assessment. People who have symptoms, have been exposed to the coronavirus or have traveled to hot spots will be eligible for free drive-thru tests.

The partnership with a coalition of private companies will allow the state to test up 3,000 residents per day in about five weeks, up from its current average of 600 to 800 tests.

Ricketts said health care responders will get first priority for testing, followed by people with obvious symptoms, people with a few symptoms and then people with no symptoms who suspect they're infected and want the test.

"Every Nebraskan can be part of this fight," Ricketts said at his weekday coronavirus news conference.

Ricketts said state and company officials are still working on ways to serve people who don't have internet access. One option is a call center. He said more testing it also key to helping businesses reopen in an orderly manner.

The announcement follows a surge in confirmed cases in the last three days, bringing Nebraska's total to 1,648, including 33 deaths. Hall County in south-central Nebraska has seen a surge so large that it surpassed Omaha's Douglas County, which has about nine times as many residents. Hall County's outbreak is largely driven by local meatpacking and food-processing companies that required employees to work close together.

Nearly 16,500 people had been tested statewide as of Tuesday morning.

Ricketts also announced that new hospital capacity information will get released daily on the state's online&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">coronavirus tracking portal</a>. On Tuesday, the website showed that 41% of the state's hospital beds were open, 78% of its ventilators were available for use and 58% of the intensive care unit beds were unoccupied.

Meanwhile, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release that three of the deaths reported Monday were in a hard-hit area of south-central Nebraska. They included a woman in her 60s from Hamilton County, and a woman in her 80s and a man in his 60s, both from Hall County.

The other two deaths came from the Omaha area in Douglas County, where a man in his 40s and a man in his 70s - both with underlying health conditions - died of the disease.

News of the new cases came after Gov. Pete Ricketts announced on Monday that he will lift the state's ban on elective surgeries for hospitals that have at least 30% of their beds, intensive-care unit space and ventilators available. Hospitals must also have at least two weeks worth of personal protective equipment in stock. The order also applies to veterinary and dental services, Ricketts said.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will over the next few weeks dramatically increase the number of people tested for the coronavirus using a program that was recently launched in Utah and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb79c28687ad35ba9256d4311457eb52" target="_blank">Iowa</a>, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Tuesday.Ricketts urged residents to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">testnebraska.com</a>, a website that will allow them to get a free, voluntary health assessment. People who have symptoms, have been exposed to the coronavirus or have traveled to hot spots will be eligible for free drive-thru tests.The partnership with a coalition of private companies will allow the state to test up 3,000 residents per day in about five weeks, up from its current average of 600 to 800 tests.Ricketts said health care responders will get first priority for testing, followed by people with obvious symptoms, people with a few symptoms and then people with no symptoms who suspect they're infected and want the test."Every Nebraskan can be part of this fight," Ricketts said at his weekday coronavirus news conference.Ricketts said state and company officials are still working on ways to serve people who don't have internet access. One option is a call center. He said more testing it also key to helping businesses reopen in an orderly manner.The announcement follows a surge in confirmed cases in the last three days, bringing Nebraska's total to 1,648, including 33 deaths. Hall County in south-central Nebraska has seen a surge so large that it surpassed Omaha's Douglas County, which has about nine times as many residents. Hall County's outbreak is largely driven by local meatpacking and food-processing companies that required employees to work close together.Nearly 16,500 people had been tested statewide as of Tuesday morning.Ricketts also announced that new hospital capacity information will get released daily on the state's online&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">coronavirus tracking portal</a>. On Tuesday, the website showed that 41% of the state's hospital beds were open, 78% of its ventilators were available for use and 58% of the intensive care unit beds were unoccupied.Meanwhile, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release that three of the deaths reported Monday were in a hard-hit area of south-central Nebraska. They included a woman in her 60s from Hamilton County, and a woman in her 80s and a man in his 60s, both from Hall County.The other two deaths came from the Omaha area in Douglas County, where a man in his 40s and a man in his 70s - both with underlying health conditions - died of the disease.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.News of the new cases came after Gov. Pete Ricketts announced on Monday that he will lift the state's ban on elective surgeries for hospitals that have at least 30% of their beds, intensive-care unit space and ventilators available. Hospitals must also have at least two weeks worth of personal protective equipment in stock. The order also applies to veterinary and dental services, Ricketts said.

Nebraska unveils plan to boost virus testing as cases rise

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK'd the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.

The test from LabCorp will initially only be available to health care workers and first responders under a doctor's orders. The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp, which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S.

Allowing people to self-swab at home would help reduce infection risks for front-line health care workers and help conserve protective gear.

For the home test, people are initially screened with an online questionnaire. If authorized by a physician, LabCorp will ship a testing kit to their home. The kit includes cotton swabs, a collection tube, an insulated pouch and box to ship the specimen back to LabCorp. To take a sample, a cotton swab is swirled in each nostril. The test results are posted online to a secure company website.

The company said it will make the test available in the coming weeks. Each kit will cost $119. The kits will not be available in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

Initially, the Food and Drug Administration required health care workers wearing masks, gloves and other protective gear to collect all samples from potential coronavirus patients, usually by sticking a long swab down the nose or throat.

More recently, the FDA has endorsed the self-swab method. LabCorp's test is the first that allows it to be done at home without supervision.

FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement the agency authorized the self-swab test based on data showing it is “as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor's office, hospital or other testing site.”

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587480608332.png" alt="Image courtesy Lab Corp" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Lab Corp</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK'd the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.The test from LabCorp will initially only be available to health care workers and first responders under a doctor's orders. The sample will still have to be shipped for processing back to LabCorp, which operates diagnostic labs throughout the U.S.Allowing people to self-swab at home would help reduce infection risks for front-line health care workers and help conserve protective gear.For the home test, people are initially screened with an online questionnaire. If authorized by a physician, LabCorp will ship a testing kit to their home. The kit includes cotton swabs, a collection tube, an insulated pouch and box to ship the specimen back to LabCorp. To take a sample, a cotton swab is swirled in each nostril. The test results are posted online to a secure company website.The company said it will make the test available in the coming weeks. Each kit will cost $119. The kits will not be available in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.Initially, the Food and Drug Administration required health care workers wearing masks, gloves and other protective gear to collect all samples from potential coronavirus patients, usually by sticking a long swab down the nose or throat.More recently, the FDA has endorsed the self-swab method. LabCorp's test is the first that allows it to be done at home without supervision.FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement the agency authorized the self-swab test based on data showing it is “as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor's office, hospital or other testing site.”

US OKs 1st coronavirus test that allows self-swab at home

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Health officials report 9 confirmed COVID-19 cases at Tyson plant in Eastern Nebraska

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon told protesters in Cheyenne he doesn't know when the state will get back to normal but he’s talking with state officials about how to reopen businesses. 

Gordon came out of the Capitol to engage with the protesters Monday on the one-month mark after his orders to close schools and businesses to limit the spread of the coronavirus. 

The 100 or so protesters carried signs reading “Don’t Flatten the Economy” and “Defend Liberty.” 

Protesters said they were turning out in support of local businesses and demanded to know what businesses and jobs Gordon thought were essential.&nbsp;

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon told protesters in Cheyenne he doesn't know when the state will get back to normal but he’s talking with state officials about how to reopen businesses. Gordon came out of the Capitol to engage with the protesters Monday on the one-month mark after his orders to close schools and businesses to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The 100 or so protesters carried signs reading “Don’t Flatten the Economy” and “Defend Liberty.” Protesters said they were turning out in support of local businesses and demanded to know what businesses and jobs Gordon thought were essential.&nbsp;

Wyoming governor engages with COVID-19 protesters at Capitol

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced the State’s first step to relax the health measures implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; Starting on May 4th, elective surgeries may resume as long as hospitals and healthcare facilities meet requirements for available bed capacity and have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Additionally, the Governor announced that the State is giving greater authority to healthcare providers to conduct tests for COVID-19.&nbsp; As the State expands capacity to perform tests, healthcare providers can now choose to test a broader range of patients.

The State’s Public Health Director, Dr. Gary Anthone, joined the Governor at today’s briefing. &nbsp;He talked about the elevated risk that COVID-19 poses to smokers.&nbsp; He urged Nebraskans to quit smoking in order to lower the likelihood of medical complications due to COVID-19.

Gov. Ricketts: 21 Days to Keep Nebraska Healthy

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are now on Day 11 of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign.

•&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.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, the State will issue a new Directed Health Measure to allow elective surgeries to resume on May 4th&nbsp;under certain guidelines.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hospitals can resume elective surgeries if they maintain 30% general bed availability, 30% ICU bed availability, 30% ventilator availability, AND have a two-week supply of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) in their specific facility.&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Procedural guidelines for resuming elective procedures will be at the discretion of the hospital or health clinic.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State has been successfully procuring PPE to deliver resources to hospitals across the state through our local public health districts.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have a procurement team and a distribution team tracking requests and delivering items daily.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Department of Health and Human Services is issuing a new Health Action Network alert to healthcare providers across the state.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This alert will expand the grounds for testing.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It will give healthcare providers greater discretion to decide when a test should be performed.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to thank everyone in the Public Health Lab and at all of our testing facilities who has helped to make this happen.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to push to expand testing even further.

Dr. Anthone: Smoking and the Risk of COVID-19

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We all know how serious COVID-19 can be.&nbsp; It’s an even more serious threat for those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When people inhale combustible products with chemicals, it causes inflammation in the lung airway passages and can lead to severe injury.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When you add that effect to a viral load in the lungs, it can be devastating.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Among people with COVID-19, a recent study shows that those who smoke are two-and-a-half times more likely to get severe symptoms than those who do not smoke. &nbsp;This holds true for cigarette and marijuana smoking, as well as vaping.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smokers are already at higher risk of lung disease and have decreased lung capacity.&nbsp; For these reasons, smokers who get COVID-19 are more likely to need to go on a ventilator and to stay on one.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In my forty years as a surgeon, we always counseled patients to discontinue smoking prior to an elective surgery to decrease the risk of pulmonary complications.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Studies show that stopping smoking for even two weeks can make a difference in your body’s ability to recover from surgery or fight an illness.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we go through the pandemic, it’s important for Nebraskans to be aware of the enhanced risks for those who smoke.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For Nebraskans who are ready to stop smoking or vaping, the Nebraska Quitline can provide help and support: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fq7u2zaaus1bj2qs%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.20.20.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C6b6b39ea61744590e1da08d7e57bd4f2%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637230192318679169&amp;sdata=7R8Iup3PA0uTLEnGT80wqVSnW3T4vCNpgc%2Fgaed3kyM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587427314437.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Public Health Director Dr. Gary Anthone (far left) at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Public Health Director Dr. Gary Anthone (far left) at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced the State’s first step to relax the health measures implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; Starting on May 4th, elective surgeries may resume as long as hospitals and healthcare facilities meet requirements for available bed capacity and have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE).Additionally, the Governor announced that the State is giving greater authority to healthcare providers to conduct tests for COVID-19.&nbsp; As the State expands capacity to perform tests, healthcare providers can now choose to test a broader range of patients.The State’s Public Health Director, Dr. Gary Anthone, joined the Governor at today’s briefing. &nbsp;He talked about the elevated risk that COVID-19 poses to smokers.&nbsp; He urged Nebraskans to quit smoking in order to lower the likelihood of medical complications due to COVID-19.Gov. Ricketts: 21 Days to Keep Nebraska Healthy•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are now on Day 11 of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign.•&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: Elective Surgeries•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, the State will issue a new Directed Health Measure to allow elective surgeries to resume on May 4th&nbsp;under certain guidelines.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hospitals can resume elective surgeries if they maintain 30% general bed availability, 30% ICU bed availability, 30% ventilator availability, AND have a two-week supply of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) in their specific facility.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Procedural guidelines for resuming elective procedures will be at the discretion of the hospital or health clinic.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State has been successfully procuring PPE to deliver resources to hospitals across the state through our local public health districts.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have a procurement team and a distribution team tracking requests and delivering items daily.Gov. Ricketts: Expanded Testing•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Department of Health and Human Services is issuing a new Health Action Network alert to healthcare providers across the state.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This alert will expand the grounds for testing.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It will give healthcare providers greater discretion to decide when a test should be performed.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to thank everyone in the Public Health Lab and at all of our testing facilities who has helped to make this happen.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to push to expand testing even further.Dr. Anthone: Smoking and the Risk of COVID-19•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We all know how serious COVID-19 can be.&nbsp; It’s an even more serious threat for those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When people inhale combustible products with chemicals, it causes inflammation in the lung airway passages and can lead to severe injury.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When you add that effect to a viral load in the lungs, it can be devastating.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Among people with COVID-19, a recent study shows that those who smoke are two-and-a-half times more likely to get severe symptoms than those who do not smoke. &nbsp;This holds true for cigarette and marijuana smoking, as well as vaping.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smokers are already at higher risk of lung disease and have decreased lung capacity.&nbsp; For these reasons, smokers who get COVID-19 are more likely to need to go on a ventilator and to stay on one.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In my forty years as a surgeon, we always counseled patients to discontinue smoking prior to an elective surgery to decrease the risk of pulmonary complications.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Studies show that stopping smoking for even two weeks can make a difference in your body’s ability to recover from surgery or fight an illness.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we go through the pandemic, it’s important for Nebraskans to be aware of the enhanced risks for those who smoke.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For Nebraskans who are ready to stop smoking or vaping, the Nebraska Quitline can provide help and support: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fq7u2zaaus1bj2qs%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.20.20.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C6b6b39ea61744590e1da08d7e57bd4f2%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637230192318679169&amp;sdata=7R8Iup3PA0uTLEnGT80wqVSnW3T4vCNpgc%2Fgaed3kyM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>

Gov. Ricketts announces guidelines to resume elective surgeries in May

GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization chief warned Monday that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn’t specify why he believes the outbreak that has infected some 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000 could get worse. He and others, however, have previously pointed to the likely future spread of the illness through Africa, where health systems are far less developed.

“Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us,” Tedros told reporters from WHO headquarters in Geneva. “Let’s prevent this tragedy. It’s a virus that many people still don’t understand.”

Some Asian and European governments have gradually eased or started relaxing “lockdown” measures like quarantines, school and business closures and restrictions on public gatherings, citing a decline in the growth of COVID-19 case counts and deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587401715959.png" alt="General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during Monday's virus press conference" />
 <figcaption>General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during Monday's virus press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization chief warned Monday that “the worst is yet ahead of us” in the coronavirus outbreak, reviving the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus didn’t specify why he believes the outbreak that has infected some 2.5 million people and killed over 166,000 could get worse. He and others, however, have previously pointed to the likely future spread of the illness through Africa, where health systems are far less developed.“Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us,” Tedros told reporters from WHO headquarters in Geneva. “Let’s prevent this tragedy. It’s a virus that many people still don’t understand.”Some Asian and European governments have gradually eased or started relaxing “lockdown” measures like quarantines, school and business closures and restrictions on public gatherings, citing a decline in the growth of COVID-19 case counts and deaths.Tedros and his agency have been on the defensive after President Donald Trump of the United States — the WHO’s biggest single donor — last week ordered a halt to U.S. funding for the agency, alleging that it botched the early response to the outbreak.Among other things, Trump insisted WHO had failed to adequately share “in a timely and transparent” way information about the outbreak after it erupted in China late last year.Tedros said: “There is no secret in WHO because keeping things confidential or secret is dangerous. It’s a health issue.”“This virus is dangerous. It exploits cracks between us when we have differences,” he said.Tedros said U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staffers have been seconded to work with his agency, suggesting that was a sign of WHO’s transparency.“Having CDC staff (at WHO) means there is nothing hidden from the U.S. from Day One” Tedros said. “Our CDC colleagues also know that we give information immediately to anyone.”In one of his starkest comparisons yet, the U.N. health agency chief also alluded to the so-called Spanish flu more than a century ago, saying the coronavirus has a “very dangerous combination ... like the 1918 flu that killed up to 100 million people.”Tedros called the illness “Public Enemy No. 1,” and said: “We have been warning from Day One: This is a devil that everybody should fight.”___

Coronavirus Update