By TYLER ELLYSON-<a href="http://unknews.unk.edu/2020/04/02/work-out-the-unk-way-lopers-create-home-fitness-videos-for-class-project/?fbclid=IwAR3_VhJh70Ax-QdwweDlPxmvy88zWt9U0O5q10dPkXJttLRc0Ygpnyhrp-M">UNK Communications</a>

KEARNEY – With many gyms and fitness centers temporarily closed, people may be looking for new ways to stay active during the coronavirus outbreak.

Luckily, there’s a group of Lopers you can learn from.

Equipped with smartphones and everyday household items, University of Nebraska at Kearney students are showing people how to maintain their fitness while they’re stuck at home.

The idea came from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/hperls/exercise-science-fitness-and-wellness-comprehensive.php">exercise science</a>&nbsp;professor Greg Brown, who usually challenges his students to participate in the UNK Fun 5K for extra credit. Since that event was canceled by the ongoing pandemic, and many students are no longer in Kearney as they finish the semester through remote learning, Brown offered an alternative for two of his classes – create home workout videos that can be shared on the UNK Community Wellness Program’s social media channels.

The extra credit assignment gives students an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world scenario while providing a public service.

Plus, Brown said, it forces many of them to step outside their comfort zone and think creatively about situations they may encounter as future health and fitness professionals.

“In the future, they might be prescribing home exercise programs, and a lot of people don’t have this equipment at home,” he said.

Each video features exercises that can be performed without specialized equipment. For instance, UNK senior Jenna Oberhauser recommends using a jug of laundry detergent if you don’t have weights.

In her video, Oberhauser, an exercise science major with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/index.php">health sciences</a>&nbsp;minor, leads a total body workout from the living room of the Kearney house she shares with three other UNK students. Sporting black leggings and a UNK Learning Commons T-shirt, the Genoa native walks viewers through a variety of exercises – push-ups, bodyweight squats, lunges, Russian twists – while explaining the specific benefits and identifying the muscle groups she’s targeting.

“This is more than just a workout video,” said Oberhauser, who plans to enroll in a physician assistant program after graduating from UNK in May. “We’re using what we learned in class and putting that out there for the public to see. It’s awesome that it can be shared with others so they can stay physically active while they’re at home.”

“Getting physically active and releasing endorphins is definitely good for people right now,” she added.

Because the workouts are only 10 to 12 minutes long, they can be performed by both regular gymgoers and people with a newfound focus on healthy living.

“Being physically active really can help boost the immune system, which is important with this pandemic,” Brown said.

Hunter Kraus, a UNK sophomore from Taylor, understands firsthand the importance of home workouts right now. The exercise science major and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/hperls/athletic_training.php">athletic training</a>&nbsp;minor is also a member of the Loper football team.

“Being part of the football team, we’re used to always lifting in gyms and having our workouts given to us,” he said. “With everything going on, we’re unable to even get workouts from our coaches. It’s up to us to keep ourselves in shape so we don’t fall behind.”

Kraus’ workout focuses on core muscles while he offers tips and words of encouragement for those watching on the internet.

“It’s important for us to keep our bodies healthy and stay strong while we’re social distancing,” said Kraus, who called the video assignment a “great experience.”

“This was definitely a fun one,” he said.

Brown is equally pleased with the end result.

“I can’t say enough about how impressed I am with the students,” the UNK professor said. “We have amazing students and they’ve done a great job with it.”

The students’ home workout videos can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/UNKwellness">@UNKwellness Twitter account</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/UNKCommunityWellnessPrograms/">UNK Community Wellness Programs Facebook page.</a>

By TYLER ELLYSON-<a href="http://unknews.unk.edu/2020/04/02/work-out-the-unk-way-lopers-create-home-fitness-videos-for-class-project/?fbclid=IwAR3_VhJh70Ax-QdwweDlPxmvy88zWt9U0O5q10dPkXJttLRc0Ygpnyhrp-M">UNK Communications</a>KEARNEY – With many gyms and fitness centers temporarily closed, people may be looking for new ways to stay active during the coronavirus outbreak.Luckily, there’s a group of Lopers you can learn from.<figure>
 <img src="http://unknews.unk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Greg-Brown-214x300.jpg" alt="Greg Brown" />
 <figcaption>Greg Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>Equipped with smartphones and everyday household items, University of Nebraska at Kearney students are showing people how to maintain their fitness while they’re stuck at home.The idea came from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/hperls/exercise-science-fitness-and-wellness-comprehensive.php">exercise science</a>&nbsp;professor Greg Brown, who usually challenges his students to participate in the UNK Fun 5K for extra credit. Since that event was canceled by the ongoing pandemic, and many students are no longer in Kearney as they finish the semester through remote learning, Brown offered an alternative for two of his classes – create home workout videos that can be shared on the UNK Community Wellness Program’s social media channels.The extra credit assignment gives students an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world scenario while providing a public service.Plus, Brown said, it forces many of them to step outside their comfort zone and think creatively about situations they may encounter as future health and fitness professionals.“In the future, they might be prescribing home exercise programs, and a lot of people don’t have this equipment at home,” he said.Each video features exercises that can be performed without specialized equipment. For instance, UNK senior Jenna Oberhauser recommends using a jug of laundry detergent if you don’t have weights.<figure>
 <img src="http://unknews.unk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Jenna-Oberhauser-219x300.jpg" alt="Jenna Oberhauser" />
 <figcaption>Jenna Oberhauser</figcaption>
 </figure>In her video, Oberhauser, an exercise science major with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/index.php">health sciences</a>&nbsp;minor, leads a total body workout from the living room of the Kearney house she shares with three other UNK students. Sporting black leggings and a UNK Learning Commons T-shirt, the Genoa native walks viewers through a variety of exercises – push-ups, bodyweight squats, lunges, Russian twists – while explaining the specific benefits and identifying the muscle groups she’s targeting.“This is more than just a workout video,” said Oberhauser, who plans to enroll in a physician assistant program after graduating from UNK in May. “We’re using what we learned in class and putting that out there for the public to see. It’s awesome that it can be shared with others so they can stay physically active while they’re at home.”“Getting physically active and releasing endorphins is definitely good for people right now,” she added.Because the workouts are only 10 to 12 minutes long, they can be performed by both regular gymgoers and people with a newfound focus on healthy living.“Being physically active really can help boost the immune system, which is important with this pandemic,” Brown said.Hunter Kraus, a UNK sophomore from Taylor, understands firsthand the importance of home workouts right now. The exercise science major and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unk.edu/academics/hperls/athletic_training.php">athletic training</a>&nbsp;minor is also a member of the Loper football team.<figure>
 <img src="http://unknews.unk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Hunter-Kraus-219x300.jpg" alt="Hunter Kraus" />
 <figcaption>Hunter Kraus</figcaption>
 </figure>“Being part of the football team, we’re used to always lifting in gyms and having our workouts given to us,” he said. “With everything going on, we’re unable to even get workouts from our coaches. It’s up to us to keep ourselves in shape so we don’t fall behind.”Kraus’ workout focuses on core muscles while he offers tips and words of encouragement for those watching on the internet.“It’s important for us to keep our bodies healthy and stay strong while we’re social distancing,” said Kraus, who called the video assignment a “great experience.”“This was definitely a fun one,” he said.Brown is equally pleased with the end result.“I can’t say enough about how impressed I am with the students,” the UNK professor said. “We have amazing students and they’ve done a great job with it.”The students’ home workout videos can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/UNKwellness">@UNKwellness Twitter account</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/UNKCommunityWellnessPrograms/">UNK Community Wellness Programs Facebook page.</a>

Working out the UNK way: Lopers create home fitness videos for class project

NEW YORK (AP) — The federal government’s relief program for small businesses is off to a slow start Friday, with only some businesses able to apply and several banks either not accepting applications or seeing long waits to do approvals.

Millions of small businesses are expected to apply for these desperately needed rescue loans from the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which was put in place to help them retain workers and pay bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 5,200 loans valued at $.8 billion have been processed so far, said Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration., on Friday afternoon.

The program is being overseen by the SBA but banks are handling the application process. Some large lenders like Wells Fargo, Huntington Bank and Bank of America were ready to go at the program’s outset. BofA said its gotten 28,000 applications so far. But JPMorgan Chase only started accepting applications Friday afternoon after saying earlier that it wouldn’t.

Ted Stein, who operates a small software business in West Virginia, filled out an online form Thursday through PNC Bank, saying he was interested in applying. On Friday, a bank representative told Stein he was unaware that the form was on its website. After Stein explained to him where to find it, the representative told Stein the bank wasn’t accepting applications and that he should keep checking his online account for guidance in the coming hours and days, Stein said.

“It was almost comical, but heartbreaking. It’s tragicomedy, I guess,” he said.

Even those banks accepting applications were limited in who they could accept. Bank of America said the loans were available to customers who had business deposit accounts and business loans with the bank.

The program is part of the $2 trillion relief package signed into law last week, which was billed as a way to help local businesses that often form the fabric of communities stay afloat. The program will give businesses low-interest loans of about 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The loans will be fully or partially forgiven if businesses show that the money was used to retain or rehire employees and pay some overhead expenses through June 30.

Despite the hiccups Friday, the loan program got praise from former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who served in the Obama administration.

“It is ok to make some mistakes here” because the key need is for speed, Lew said in an interview on CNBC.

“For these small businesses, it is a matter of life and death,” Lew said, adding that if the businesses can’t rehire workers it will impede the effort to get a recovery started once the virus is contained.

Going into the program’s launch Friday, the banking industry had been trying to temper expectations about how many businesses will get the cash they need on Friday. Banks large and small will have to process these loans as quickly as possible in order to get their customers a slice of the program.

The banks have moved employees into new departments — a logistical challenge given many employees are working remotely — just to potentially keep up with the flood of applications. Not only that, but thousands of their employees are either sick or quarantined because of the virus.

Although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said money could be disbursed as early as Friday, at least some banks seemed to be hedging any bets on being able to deliver cash that quickly. When Jordan Gurrieri submitted his application to Bank of America, the receipt he got said, “we will process your application as soon as possible.”

Gurrieri, co-founder of New York-based app developer Blue Label Labs, called the process “rough.” It took him more than 30 minutes to submit his application to Bank of America, more than three times what some other owners have reported.

While Congress could approve more money later on, the program as it stands is expected to run out quickly. That could mean applicants who have the financial and legal expertise of a larger organization might be able to maximize their benefits, not leaving much for smaller businesses, especially those who wait or have problems applying.

Congress made the program as wide as possible. An expansive definition of “small business” in the law means that it will be open to much more than just Main Street shops as lenders start processing applications. Bankers recommend applying for the loans through the bank they already have accounts with to speed along the process as quickly as possible.

Independent contractors and the self-employed are not eligible to apply until April 10 under guidance from the Treasury Department. By then, banks could be overwhelmed with applications.

“It’s hard for me to say this: There is only $350 billion in this fund. Every big restaurant and hotel chain is going to be going after this money. It’s not going to last,” said Ron Feldman, chief development officer at ApplePie Capital, which has been helping businesses get ready to apply.

“If you want to get this loan, speed is your friend,” Feldman told 2,000 franchise industry officials on a conference call this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585947450768.png" alt="Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The federal government’s relief program for small businesses is off to a slow start Friday, with only some businesses able to apply and several banks either not accepting applications or seeing long waits to do approvals.Millions of small businesses are expected to apply for these desperately needed rescue loans from the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which was put in place to help them retain workers and pay bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 5,200 loans valued at $.8 billion have been processed so far, said Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration., on Friday afternoon.The program is being overseen by the SBA but banks are handling the application process. Some large lenders like Wells Fargo, Huntington Bank and Bank of America were ready to go at the program’s outset. BofA said its gotten 28,000 applications so far. But JPMorgan Chase only started accepting applications Friday afternoon after saying earlier that it wouldn’t.Ted Stein, who operates a small software business in West Virginia, filled out an online form Thursday through PNC Bank, saying he was interested in applying. On Friday, a bank representative told Stein he was unaware that the form was on its website. After Stein explained to him where to find it, the representative told Stein the bank wasn’t accepting applications and that he should keep checking his online account for guidance in the coming hours and days, Stein said.“It was almost comical, but heartbreaking. It’s tragicomedy, I guess,” he said.Even those banks accepting applications were limited in who they could accept. Bank of America said the loans were available to customers who had business deposit accounts and business loans with the bank.The program is part of the $2 trillion relief package signed into law last week, which was billed as a way to help local businesses that often form the fabric of communities stay afloat. The program will give businesses low-interest loans of about 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The loans will be fully or partially forgiven if businesses show that the money was used to retain or rehire employees and pay some overhead expenses through June 30.Despite the hiccups Friday, the loan program got praise from former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who served in the Obama administration.“It is ok to make some mistakes here” because the key need is for speed, Lew said in an interview on CNBC.“For these small businesses, it is a matter of life and death,” Lew said, adding that if the businesses can’t rehire workers it will impede the effort to get a recovery started once the virus is contained.Going into the program’s launch Friday, the banking industry had been trying to temper expectations about how many businesses will get the cash they need on Friday. Banks large and small will have to process these loans as quickly as possible in order to get their customers a slice of the program.The banks have moved employees into new departments — a logistical challenge given many employees are working remotely — just to potentially keep up with the flood of applications. Not only that, but thousands of their employees are either sick or quarantined because of the virus.Although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said money could be disbursed as early as Friday, at least some banks seemed to be hedging any bets on being able to deliver cash that quickly. When Jordan Gurrieri submitted his application to Bank of America, the receipt he got said, “we will process your application as soon as possible.”Gurrieri, co-founder of New York-based app developer Blue Label Labs, called the process “rough.” It took him more than 30 minutes to submit his application to Bank of America, more than three times what some other owners have reported.While Congress could approve more money later on, the program as it stands is expected to run out quickly. That could mean applicants who have the financial and legal expertise of a larger organization might be able to maximize their benefits, not leaving much for smaller businesses, especially those who wait or have problems applying.Congress made the program as wide as possible. An expansive definition of “small business” in the law means that it will be open to much more than just Main Street shops as lenders start processing applications. Bankers recommend applying for the loans through the bank they already have accounts with to speed along the process as quickly as possible.Independent contractors and the self-employed are not eligible to apply until April 10 under guidance from the Treasury Department. By then, banks could be overwhelmed with applications.“It’s hard for me to say this: There is only $350 billion in this fund. Every big restaurant and hotel chain is going to be going after this money. It’s not going to last,” said Ron Feldman, chief development officer at ApplePie Capital, which has been helping businesses get ready to apply.“If you want to get this loan, speed is your friend,” Feldman told 2,000 franchise industry officials on a conference call this week.

Small biz rescue off to slow start; some banks not ready

(UNMC)-Worried you or your family member might have COVID-19? 

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has launched a groundbreaking mobile app to screen large groups of individuals who are concerned that they may have COVID-19 and to help first responders and other health care providers determine a person’s likelihood of carrying the disease. 

UNMC worked in concert with Apple and with assistance from students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) to fast-track development, repeatedly test and now distribute the app, which can be downloaded on the App Store. 

1-Check COVID was created using Apple’s ResearchKit and CareKit frameworks alongside UNMC medical and public health experts, who developed the appropriate clinical algorithms. The UNMC team was assisted by UNO’s Harnoor Singh, director of student development for the Scott Scholars Program, as well as a small group of UNO students in the Scott Scholars program.

1-Check COVID is a user-friendly app that enables people to answer a series of questions and assess their likelihood of having COVID-19. Based on the user’s input, the screening app will issue a "low-risk," "urgent risk" or "emergent risk" assessment and guide the individual toward possible next steps specific to their needs. The steps range from continued monitoring of symptoms, contacting one’s health care clinic or public health department to determine whether testing is needed, or going to the nearest emergency facility and/or calling "911." The app also helps the user, if they wish, to share their COVID current risk profile with their health care professionals, employers, families and others. 

"This will hopefully be lifesaving," said UNMC and UNO Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. "The screening app is an important contribution to help our Nebraska communities and beyond navigate important symptoms of the coronavirus. 1-Check COVID will help reassure the worried well, assist public safety teams responding to concerns and guide individuals who may have symptoms but are unsure what to do or how to share their concerns with others."

"Everyone’s situation is unique," said Rod Markin, M.D., Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for business development and director of UNeTech, who helped mature the project. "This tool will enable individuals to screen themselves based on their symptoms and decide if they’re experiencing situational anxiety or need to call their doctor’s office or something in-between." 

Broad distribution of the app will help guide the nation’s response and manage information for wide-scale lab testing, said James Lawler, M.D., of the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC. "It’s a tool to alleviate concerns, provide reasonable guidance and provide important information based on regional data." 

Although not a diagnostic tool, 1-Check COVID will provide appropriate advice based on the user’s symptoms, recent travel, geographic region (based on the ZIP code) and medical history. Developers say the screening app will enable individuals to make thoughtful decisions about when, or if, they should seek medical attention and allow them to immediately share the results only if they so choose. 

Here is the app link:&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1-check-covid/id1504328584" target="_blank">https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1-check-covid/id1504328584</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585944473492.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>(UNMC)-Worried you or your family member might have COVID-19? The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has launched a groundbreaking mobile app to screen large groups of individuals who are concerned that they may have COVID-19 and to help first responders and other health care providers determine a person’s likelihood of carrying the disease. UNMC worked in concert with Apple and with assistance from students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) to fast-track development, repeatedly test and now distribute the app, which can be downloaded on the App Store. 1-Check COVID was created using Apple’s ResearchKit and CareKit frameworks alongside UNMC medical and public health experts, who developed the appropriate clinical algorithms. The UNMC team was assisted by UNO’s Harnoor Singh, director of student development for the Scott Scholars Program, as well as a small group of UNO students in the Scott Scholars program.1-Check COVID is a user-friendly app that enables people to answer a series of questions and assess their likelihood of having COVID-19. Based on the user’s input, the screening app will issue a "low-risk," "urgent risk" or "emergent risk" assessment and guide the individual toward possible next steps specific to their needs. The steps range from continued monitoring of symptoms, contacting one’s health care clinic or public health department to determine whether testing is needed, or going to the nearest emergency facility and/or calling "911." The app also helps the user, if they wish, to share their COVID current risk profile with their health care professionals, employers, families and others. "This will hopefully be lifesaving," said UNMC and UNO Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. "The screening app is an important contribution to help our Nebraska communities and beyond navigate important symptoms of the coronavirus. 1-Check COVID will help reassure the worried well, assist public safety teams responding to concerns and guide individuals who may have symptoms but are unsure what to do or how to share their concerns with others.""Everyone’s situation is unique," said Rod Markin, M.D., Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for business development and director of UNeTech, who helped mature the project. "This tool will enable individuals to screen themselves based on their symptoms and decide if they’re experiencing situational anxiety or need to call their doctor’s office or something in-between." Broad distribution of the app will help guide the nation’s response and manage information for wide-scale lab testing, said James Lawler, M.D., of the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC. "It’s a tool to alleviate concerns, provide reasonable guidance and provide important information based on regional data." Although not a diagnostic tool, 1-Check COVID will provide appropriate advice based on the user’s symptoms, recent travel, geographic region (based on the ZIP code) and medical history. Developers say the screening app will enable individuals to make thoughtful decisions about when, or if, they should seek medical attention and allow them to immediately share the results only if they so choose. Here is the app link:&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1-check-covid/id1504328584" target="_blank">https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1-check-covid/id1504328584</a>

University of Nebraska devlops COVID-19 mobile screening app

🎥North Platte High School announces commencement date 

Due to
the current coronavirus pandemic, the June 11-13, 2020 Comstock
Festival has been postponed
until June 10-12, 2021.

The same musical acts that were already scheduled for 2020 will
appear at the 2021 festival event. 



Because it’s nearly
impossible to reschedule nine performers to another 2020 date, and
Comstock Festival event manager, Henry Nuxoll, did not want to
compete against other 2020 Nebraska summer/fall fairs and local
events and, as a result, the decision was made to postpone the festival to 2021.
&nbsp;



With the pandemic uncertainty, travel bans in most
states and job losses in Nebraska and across the U.S., organizers determined it was better
to reschedule now. 


News Release
Due to
the current coronavirus pandemic, the June 11-13, 2020 Comstock
Festival has been postponed
until June 10-12, 2021.
The same musical acts that were already scheduled for 2020 will
appear at the 2021 festival event. 

Because it’s nearly
impossible to reschedule nine performers to another 2020 date, and
Comstock Festival event manager, Henry Nuxoll, did not want to
compete against other 2020 Nebraska summer/fall fairs and local
events and, as a result, the decision was made to postpone the festival to 2021.
&nbsp;

With the pandemic uncertainty, travel bans in most
states and job losses in Nebraska and across the U.S., organizers determined it was better
to reschedule now.

2020 Comstock Windmill Festival postponed until 2021

(Lenexa, Kan., April 3, 2020) – This morning, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler hosted an interactive telephone call with U.S. retailers and third-party marketplace platforms to discuss imposter disinfectant products and those that falsely claim to be effective against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. Through tips, complaints, and research, the agency is learning of the availability of such products marketed with unsubstantiated and potentially dangerous claims of protection against the coronavirus and has enlisted the help of the retail community to prevent these products from coming to market.

“There is no higher priority for the Trump Administration than protecting the health and safety of Americans,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Our discussion this morning was both informative and productive, and together, we will work diligently to ensure that consumers have access to EPA-approved and verified surface disinfectant products; products that we know to be effective against the novel coronavirus. We are committed to doing our share to provide Americans with the information they need to protect their families.”

“Ensuring all Americans have access to safe and effective disinfectant products as we fight to flatten the curve of COVID-19 is a top priority for leading retailers,” said Michael Hanson, Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Retail Industry Leaders Association. “RILA members have robust compliance programs in place and work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure that all products that they sell meet or exceed all applicable U.S. safety standards and legal requirements. RILA is proud to partner with the EPA to raise consumer awareness over unvetted and unlawful COVID claims. Unscrupulous actors should not be allowed to dupe the American public during this crisis, and leading retailers are ready to work with the EPA to shine a light on false claims.”

“The retail industry is working hard to police and stop those who are trying to take advantage of this pandemic by selling fraudulent disinfectant products,” said David French, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Retail Federation. “This issue requires a collective effort to protect consumers and retailers, which is why the retail industry is working closely with EPA to remove fraudulent products from the marketplace as soon as possible.”

“It is very important to us to maintain customer trust in the products we offer in store and online, especially during this uncertain time when customers are focused on making choices to help keep their families and communities safe,” said Lance Lanciault, Walmart Senior Vice President and eCommerce Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer. “Customer trust is a major reason we have rigorous policies governing the products that can be sold on our website and we develop marketplace seller and item policies holding third party sellers accountable to only sell disinfecting products which meet required EPA guidelines.”

“We welcome Administrator Wheeler and the EPA’s collaboration and continued vigilance in this area, said Carletta Ooton, Vice President, Safety, Sustainability, Security &amp; Compliance at Amazon. “Amazon requires sellers provide accurate information on detail pages and we have processes in place to proactively block inaccurate claims about COVID-19. We have also developed specific tools for COVID-19 that run 24/7 and scan for any inaccurate claims our initial block may have missed. Together, our efforts have blocked or removed more than 6.5 million products and we fully support efforts by the EPA, DOJ, and other federal partners to prosecute bad actors.”

“Our priority at eBay remains ensuring the safety of our customers and employees around the world. We have been closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and have taken significant measures to block or quickly remove items from our marketplace that are unsafe, make false health claims or violate our price gouging policy,” said Mike Carson, Director, Global Policy and Regulatory Management at eBay. “We share the EPA’s concerns about protecting consumers and will continue to collaborate on this important issue.”

Based on tips, complaints, and research, the agency has identified products that have not gone through EPA’s robust registration process under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and are not legal for sale in the United States. These unregistered, illegal products are touting anti-viral, antibacterial, disinfectant, sterilizing, or sanitizing properties. EPA registration is an important process that ensures products work as claimed and users are provided directions that, when followed, achieve the intended functions, e.g., disinfection, while preventing unreasonable adverse health and environmental consequences.

EPA only registers disinfectants that can be used effectively against the novel coronavirus on surfaces. Non-registered products may not effectively eliminate the virus or reduce the spread of the virus and could even be harmful to consumers’ health. Consumers should refer to “<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUUj-2BMTyyMmYVvgX5f-2Fea6ZBAQ7nF3hwdrvvPEjxTQF5ildDx5hi909GuFhmkpbNaD0axtC1XbMOnnpaK8f12MJPCVpm6UfmeojI3X5zCWZGD7gCffTnXzHp3SxY4xOUu4TGHHR2-2BT-2F-2Bv52MK0FVxwLffuUD-2FeqqMMzWIWNY73BvFBT6uq-2F6WiDk2Hzqwyk-2FF1Eb-2F-2BAxmtS3iRRhcIc4xouMj9vwfww4bjqe75QKiRDkSs6etrDrhWWpO27vFl7h9Ozkob5tpKRJDHTa0m9ebxR8Bkmm7g0a05Knel0jNX5uIYT9aO8GpUexgxywXIg3NQvpc92LVurPG92tys7f-2BCJ4-3DwRK4_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhaX5zv-2FVlHrx48LLC8JSvpkSvmPrnx86MQN-2BgbbvaPx7VmR-2BZKF27iYA3RL8iRAPPELtXaSpsgdMxgdJmdNoPVoakQKfxZ7Z34KYrWEjIMxIIACYmlhSJ5MRrzgnBzP0d26yArTy-2FFgFcmz3DOrg1m91sGuyWHTMn2UpE02EXQ6TB-2B3LqOwnGGpuDTsI20aSUyTYI5tI87DZYKzV7taEaJjL6S-2FMekgrY59wzbC2-2BbiVutFIHJHhdybLjzy9-2B5sLU-3D">List N</a>” for EPA-registered disinfectants that the agency has determined to be safe and effective against the novel coronavirus.

Also discussed on the call were EPA’s efforts to work with retailers and third-party marketplaces to ensure that only safe, effective and approved disinfectant products are available for sale to the U.S. public. EPA is also coordinating with the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal partners to bring the full force of the law against those selling fraudulent or unregistered products.

The following is a list of some of the unregistered products that have been identified. EPA typically enforces FIFRA through stop-sale orders and penalty actions authorized under the Act. The agency cannot comment on any ongoing investigations but is providing the information below to ensure that Americans have as much information as possible to help them protect themselves from COVID-19.

Additional information: <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZ3WKHmsoJNcLZFX2PpSjMwpCLP5-2BxQuY3Fpc06nR-2B8Tn9fjmQWp6zjroLkUWvq8TqHhLBSjty31Pxfh8xDMI0n9XSgNdpEkN1LcG1P5UX0Q1iu93gl1SeoELvTEktDLQuXWgx5ojDau5qPsBwS61s7Pe1zDSFEBzF9hzk2ys-2BlnMbHdb3L-2FgRclTwPEpgwQNeExgpnQxBoDK4t-2FkErbMv02QeAaDxnOjl8Iok4-2F0jsKllc2hqm-2FpENfoNFH4qRpiA-3D-3Dd3z3_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhaX5zv-2FVlHrx48LLC8JSvpkSvmPrnx86MQN-2BgbbvaPx7VmR-2BZKF27iYA3RL8iRAPPELtXaSpsgdMxgdJmdNoPVoakQKfxZ7Z34KYrWEjIMxNTVNM72wQIocG694eSLBbLxGl1C6mi2q7pwUnKm9eyAv2G5-2BvKABMccScPao9kdVficnQQpCa5tLUbrEsgWNg-2BwF-2FogE1aLtFoLUAT2kWRf0h6qwNeGCanxahPGXsoae3ydw4GOUdLgsRSph4jI-2Fww-3D">www.epa.gov/coronavirus</a>

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA, products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or viruses on environmental surfaces are considered pesticides and must be registered by EPA prior to distribution or sale. Public health claims can only be made for products that have been properly tested and are registered with EPA. The agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the label directions. Products not registered by EPA may be harmful to human health, cause adverse health effects, and may not be effective against the spread of viruses or other pathogens.

(Lenexa, Kan., April 3, 2020) – This morning, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler hosted an interactive telephone call with U.S. retailers and third-party marketplace platforms to discuss imposter disinfectant products and those that falsely claim to be effective against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. Through tips, complaints, and research, the agency is learning of the availability of such products marketed with unsubstantiated and potentially dangerous claims of protection against the coronavirus and has enlisted the help of the retail community to prevent these products from coming to market.“There is no higher priority for the Trump Administration than protecting the health and safety of Americans,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Our discussion this morning was both informative and productive, and together, we will work diligently to ensure that consumers have access to EPA-approved and verified surface disinfectant products; products that we know to be effective against the novel coronavirus. We are committed to doing our share to provide Americans with the information they need to protect their families.”“Ensuring all Americans have access to safe and effective disinfectant products as we fight to flatten the curve of COVID-19 is a top priority for leading retailers,” said Michael Hanson, Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Retail Industry Leaders Association. “RILA members have robust compliance programs in place and work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure that all products that they sell meet or exceed all applicable U.S. safety standards and legal requirements. RILA is proud to partner with the EPA to raise consumer awareness over unvetted and unlawful COVID claims. Unscrupulous actors should not be allowed to dupe the American public during this crisis, and leading retailers are ready to work with the EPA to shine a light on false claims.”“The retail industry is working hard to police and stop those who are trying to take advantage of this pandemic by selling fraudulent disinfectant products,” said David French, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Retail Federation. “This issue requires a collective effort to protect consumers and retailers, which is why the retail industry is working closely with EPA to remove fraudulent products from the marketplace as soon as possible.”“It is very important to us to maintain customer trust in the products we offer in store and online, especially during this uncertain time when customers are focused on making choices to help keep their families and communities safe,” said Lance Lanciault, Walmart Senior Vice President and eCommerce Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer. “Customer trust is a major reason we have rigorous policies governing the products that can be sold on our website and we develop marketplace seller and item policies holding third party sellers accountable to only sell disinfecting products which meet required EPA guidelines.”“We welcome Administrator Wheeler and the EPA’s collaboration and continued vigilance in this area, said Carletta Ooton, Vice President, Safety, Sustainability, Security &amp; Compliance at Amazon. “Amazon requires sellers provide accurate information on detail pages and we have processes in place to proactively block inaccurate claims about COVID-19. We have also developed specific tools for COVID-19 that run 24/7 and scan for any inaccurate claims our initial block may have missed. Together, our efforts have blocked or removed more than 6.5 million products and we fully support efforts by the EPA, DOJ, and other federal partners to prosecute bad actors.”“Our priority at eBay remains ensuring the safety of our customers and employees around the world. We have been closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and have taken significant measures to block or quickly remove items from our marketplace that are unsafe, make false health claims or violate our price gouging policy,” said Mike Carson, Director, Global Policy and Regulatory Management at eBay. “We share the EPA’s concerns about protecting consumers and will continue to collaborate on this important issue.”Based on tips, complaints, and research, the agency has identified products that have not gone through EPA’s robust registration process under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and are not legal for sale in the United States. These unregistered, illegal products are touting anti-viral, antibacterial, disinfectant, sterilizing, or sanitizing properties. EPA registration is an important process that ensures products work as claimed and users are provided directions that, when followed, achieve the intended functions, e.g., disinfection, while preventing unreasonable adverse health and environmental consequences.EPA only registers disinfectants that can be used effectively against the novel coronavirus on surfaces. Non-registered products may not effectively eliminate the virus or reduce the spread of the virus and could even be harmful to consumers’ health. Consumers should refer to “<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUUj-2BMTyyMmYVvgX5f-2Fea6ZBAQ7nF3hwdrvvPEjxTQF5ildDx5hi909GuFhmkpbNaD0axtC1XbMOnnpaK8f12MJPCVpm6UfmeojI3X5zCWZGD7gCffTnXzHp3SxY4xOUu4TGHHR2-2BT-2F-2Bv52MK0FVxwLffuUD-2FeqqMMzWIWNY73BvFBT6uq-2F6WiDk2Hzqwyk-2FF1Eb-2F-2BAxmtS3iRRhcIc4xouMj9vwfww4bjqe75QKiRDkSs6etrDrhWWpO27vFl7h9Ozkob5tpKRJDHTa0m9ebxR8Bkmm7g0a05Knel0jNX5uIYT9aO8GpUexgxywXIg3NQvpc92LVurPG92tys7f-2BCJ4-3DwRK4_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhaX5zv-2FVlHrx48LLC8JSvpkSvmPrnx86MQN-2BgbbvaPx7VmR-2BZKF27iYA3RL8iRAPPELtXaSpsgdMxgdJmdNoPVoakQKfxZ7Z34KYrWEjIMxIIACYmlhSJ5MRrzgnBzP0d26yArTy-2FFgFcmz3DOrg1m91sGuyWHTMn2UpE02EXQ6TB-2B3LqOwnGGpuDTsI20aSUyTYI5tI87DZYKzV7taEaJjL6S-2FMekgrY59wzbC2-2BbiVutFIHJHhdybLjzy9-2B5sLU-3D">List N</a>” for EPA-registered disinfectants that the agency has determined to be safe and effective against the novel coronavirus.Also discussed on the call were EPA’s efforts to work with retailers and third-party marketplaces to ensure that only safe, effective and approved disinfectant products are available for sale to the U.S. public. EPA is also coordinating with the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal partners to bring the full force of the law against those selling fraudulent or unregistered products.The following is a list of some of the unregistered products that have been identified. EPA typically enforces FIFRA through stop-sale orders and penalty actions authorized under the Act. The agency cannot comment on any ongoing investigations but is providing the information below to ensure that Americans have as much information as possible to help them protect themselves from COVID-19.<ol>
 <li>Lanyards that claim to protect wearers from coronavirus</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATURUve7U4jy2ZpSWBsta9toggXdpriczBtdpe4vsjHIAJs1pLqKI2gutJNRhhpoHLivzUv6E08h-2Fz0MOed9Jg0-2BRsigAwTcYYhf2Y5unoaDka-2F34T3K7tol1LP5IVKIlKR6wxU5KRmZMSgzxk8Py63eyilvMcW840-2FVh3bbLDaZlPGQVXalFE-2BwBSDWEgB9JCbzC27zm2VSo173xSCEQsAd7rMY0v42Jmr7GED1WDsvmhUEK2VIskBBBoMhR2xeUnAcPzvSTlp54YZZ2rsf014RAV9qlC3oVbpTfCYJiI1fDalQMgbUj-2FoGInK4DCsHIqz2MNn9Fb51SI20yXFKY1i4D-2BF8N1ubJCt1-2FpeuzU2NzjJjCUUL4xg1wL4Asr7Jb4fd0FqAqwr2bA-2F-2BV5GUI8c4wdk4fVu7i88IbGWIS8ox8pqi2ecZM1aJfesucrEFZU3I8oOauJH0p4Nt1B9SZ3kk8-3D_egq_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhaX5zv-2FVlHrx48LLC8JSvpkSvmPrnx86MQN-2BgbbvaPx7VmR-2BZKF27iYA3RL8iRAPPELtXaSpsgdMxgdJmdNoPVoakQKfxZ7Z34KYrWEjIMxMQSZB-2BCAmnDHx2dteumZvKyY54KrhcD0VukevBoQOJSC6omU24v3ZDBQZIfccaICs8FqD3DXrfbs6l9gbEjkxyGNBhSKOzbVEEch4TavgfcqAQXQAX07Dm8wQMkbjolLykHxqSJaE1QEJvFUErc77k-3D">“</a><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUfjCOjrO6QdpZicz-2F-2FrXw81T9l-2BN1MeetYxRUjIWV0BR6WmWKnzz-2BcbLm-2FlsjVBqWoNfyD65cFrg8bnqcWVjJVo2ZRYKCVfwvNIr5zjcIDP0hFgB8hdLNbdY9dNHa0FfG1ahvhLumKt6PsUCfz3kfPLEGOVjit6fDdAQaBphpWqy8PBd9OVb1lk6aPI5vOgQF7TxthIH5hN-2Bmxu-2B4Oe8tJlmVYxL0mbPZKl2m-2B6DYNQ-2F81pIHuI5OWhZdfWpzsfD6mPi7nfTkWxtqRtq7wb8NT6j30tvwmXLrBp-2B1ROiT8SDjSwflTLS2-2BLOPkJsmZQgv2vbjrLQw2n3yXfp2TsbkWEv-2Fz-2FgZbyYT5beHZylvLPeizn-2FUixc5vIwGidc12OBPg-3D-3DWpg3_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhaX5zv-2FVlHrx48LLC8JSvpkSvmPrnx86MQN-2BgbbvaPx7VmR-2BZKF27iYA3RL8iRAPPELtXaSpsgdMxgdJmdNoPVoakQKfxZ7Z34KYrWEjIMxF0x0IYTauMKU-2F9gTBwrcM4jiCPFud1X34xTdnRR90UwaT200VE9-2Bv-2FH8VeL69nUKDzSKVYo1i4QOVpXSvraWewZHqp4rIkN8J2-2B3yJU2aMO8Kl-2F6EwNxxcmP7J6m2W1To-2FjqXRHuf9eSLv-2BEIfrJIQ-3D">Virus Shut Out-Portable Protection Card-Virus Protection and Personal Health (5 PCS)</a><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATURUve7U4jy2ZpSWBsta9toggXdpriczBtdpe4vsjHIAJs1pLqKI2gutJNRhhpoHLivzUv6E08h-2Fz0MOed9Jg0-2BRsigAwTcYYhf2Y5unoaDka-2F34T3K7tol1LP5IVKIlKR6wxU5KRmZMSgzxk8Py63eyilvMcW840-2FVh3bbLDaZlPGQVXalFE-2BwBSDWEgB9JCbzC27zm2VSo173xSCEQsAd7rMY0v42Jmr7GED1WDsvmhUEK2VIskBBBoMhR2xeUnAcPzvSTlp54YZZ2rsf014RAV9qlC3oVbpTfCYJiI1fDalQMgbUj-2FoGInK4DCsHIqz2MNn9Fb51SI20yXFKY1i4D-2BF8N1ubJCt1-2FpeuzU2NzjJjCUUL4xg1wL4Asr7Jb4fd0FqAqwr2bA-2F-2BV5GUI8c4wdk4fVu7i88IbGWIS8ox8pqi2ecZM1aJfesucrEFZU3I8oOauJH0p4Nt1B9SZ3kk8-3DMVW4_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhaX5zv-2FVlHrx48LLC8JSvpkSvmPrnx86MQN-2BgbbvaPx7VmR-2BZKF27iYA3RL8iRAPPELtXaSpsgdMxgdJmdNoPVoakQKfxZ7Z34KYrWEjIMxHAgPSyzxwNZ0XXuuuSQp-2FtqcgOEt7xPQANih3wJmF5blyjxqwiXmwM2J-2BWr-2BXagUcCfvN48k2XvAIG3G2CF3ENh-2FgzvCYlMW3Ku-2Bh9vnc2huu7NxtwoyGLYPIoLhw0ORczwelE7ky8-2FJ2XLR72gJfQ-3D">”</a></li><li>“Air Sterilization Card Disinfection Lanyard Protection Card Household Outdoor Antibacterial Sterilization Health Care”</li>
 </ol>Unregistered disinfectant tablets<ol>
 <li>“Epidemic prevention Chlorinating Tablets Disinfectant Chlorine Tablets Swimming Pool Instant Disinfection Tablets Chlorine Dioxide Effervescent Tablet Chlorine Disinfectant 100g Cozy apposite Fun Suit”</li><li>“The Flu Virus Buster, CLO2 Disinfection Sticker, Removable sterilize air purifier, Anti COVID-19, Stop Coronavirus disease infection /Influenza Buster Disinfectant 1 Box / 10 Tablets”</li><li>Unregistered disinfectant sprays</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>“Fullene silver antibacterial solution/24 Hour Defense Hand Sanitizer Disinfectant Spray Against Corona Virus COVID- 19 Kills 99.99% Of Germs Bacteria 24 Hours Of Lasting Protection Alcohol Free 50ml (1.7 fl. oz)”</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Unregistered disinfectant wipes</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>“99.9% Sterilization Wipes/16/32/48/64/96pcs Sterilization Rate of 99% Disinfection Wet Wipes and Paper Napkin Prevention of Coronavirus”</li>
 </ol>Additional information: <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZ3WKHmsoJNcLZFX2PpSjMwpCLP5-2BxQuY3Fpc06nR-2B8Tn9fjmQWp6zjroLkUWvq8TqHhLBSjty31Pxfh8xDMI0n9XSgNdpEkN1LcG1P5UX0Q1iu93gl1SeoELvTEktDLQuXWgx5ojDau5qPsBwS61s7Pe1zDSFEBzF9hzk2ys-2BlnMbHdb3L-2FgRclTwPEpgwQNeExgpnQxBoDK4t-2FkErbMv02QeAaDxnOjl8Iok4-2F0jsKllc2hqm-2FpENfoNFH4qRpiA-3D-3Dd3z3_f5CCQS0N95iO0XGkG5jjbwFPcyVdNsE7ynqorsRVxhOi2A2KVJqJgpwSdOopdwB9qVFiew9AKCljxqzSssGaaTwkDbyYb-2F6h-2FlGffwI9EOhaX5zv-2FVlHrx48LLC8JSvpkSvmPrnx86MQN-2BgbbvaPx7VmR-2BZKF27iYA3RL8iRAPPELtXaSpsgdMxgdJmdNoPVoakQKfxZ7Z34KYrWEjIMxNTVNM72wQIocG694eSLBbLxGl1C6mi2q7pwUnKm9eyAv2G5-2BvKABMccScPao9kdVficnQQpCa5tLUbrEsgWNg-2BwF-2FogE1aLtFoLUAT2kWRf0h6qwNeGCanxahPGXsoae3ydw4GOUdLgsRSph4jI-2Fww-3D">www.epa.gov/coronavirus</a>BackgroundUnder the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA, products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or viruses on environmental surfaces are considered pesticides and must be registered by EPA prior to distribution or sale. Public health claims can only be made for products that have been properly tested and are registered with EPA. The agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the label directions. Products not registered by EPA may be harmful to human health, cause adverse health effects, and may not be effective against the spread of viruses or other pathogens.

EPA identifies fraudulent coronavirus disinfectant claims

North Platte Public School
District Food &amp; Nutrition Services Programs

BEGINNING
THE WEEK OF APRIL 6, 2020

Drive Through Breakfast &amp;
Lunch Pickup


NPPSD is providing pre-packed
breakfast and lunch to children 18 years old and younger.


Drive Through Location Madison
Middle School


1400 N Madison Ave, North
Platte, NE 69101

North Platte Public School
District Food &amp; Nutrition Services Programs
UPDATE
REGARDING MEAL PICK-UP
BEGINNING
THE WEEK OF APRIL 6, 2020
Drive Through Breakfast &amp;
Lunch Pickup
NPPSD is providing pre-packed
breakfast and lunch to children 18 years old and younger.
Monday
- Thursday
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Drive Through Location Madison
Middle School
1400 N Madison Ave, North
Platte, NE 69101Guidelines<ol>
 <li>Breakfast
	and lunch will be provided in pre-packaged bags for all community
	children ages 18 and younger Monday through Thursday until furthure
	notice.
	</li><li>Thursday
	pick-up, you have the option to receive breakfast and lunch meals
	for Thursday and also meals for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All
	meals are at no charge.
	</li><li>Pick-up
	times are from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
	</li><li>Children
	must be in the vehicle to receive their bag of food.
	</li><li>Enter
	from Jackson Avenue which is on the west side of Madison, through
	the alley, proceed to the loading dock, stop and pick-up bags, exit
	to 14th
	street. 
	
	</li><li>Please
	do not park and get out of your vehicle.
	</li><li><a></a>
	Please do not
	congregate or consume meals
	on-site.
</li>
 </ol>

North Platte Public Schools extends food programs

Central Dist. Health Dept. reports new cases of COVID-19, community spread

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as the president is aggressively defending his response to the public health crisis.

The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, were expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.

President Donald Trump, who was tested again for coronavirus Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated he would support such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they can,” he said.

“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had said earlier in the week.

The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”

Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus-related deaths to a minimum.

The discussions on face masks came as the White House moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical professionals.

Trump sent a politically tinged letter to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York objecting to his criticism of the administration’s response. “The Federal Government is merely a back-up for state governments,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, your state needed far more of a back-up than most others.”

Trump said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies before the pandemic.

Vice President Mike Pence also announced Thursday that the White House was considering direct payments to hospitals to cover COVID-19 treatment costs for uninsured Americans.

The emerging guidance on masks appeared to be more limited than a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance, which suggested the recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.

Officials were expected to limit its geographic scope to just those areas where the virus was spreading rapidly, the official said. The formal announcement was expected as soon as Friday.

Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.

On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the U.S.

In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.

The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.

U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.

But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.

Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.

The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.

The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.

The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.

“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.

That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”

Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.

Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585909675405.png" alt="President Trump during Thursday's Coronavirus Task force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Thursday's Coronavirus Task force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as the president is aggressively defending his response to the public health crisis.The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, were expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.President Donald Trump, who was tested again for coronavirus Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated he would support such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they can,” he said.“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had said earlier in the week.The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus-related deaths to a minimum.The discussions on face masks came as the White House moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical professionals.Trump sent a politically tinged letter to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York objecting to his criticism of the administration’s response. “The Federal Government is merely a back-up for state governments,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, your state needed far more of a back-up than most others.”Trump said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies before the pandemic.Vice President Mike Pence also announced Thursday that the White House was considering direct payments to hospitals to cover COVID-19 treatment costs for uninsured Americans.The emerging guidance on masks appeared to be more limited than a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance, which suggested the recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.Officials were expected to limit its geographic scope to just those areas where the virus was spreading rapidly, the official said. The formal announcement was expected as soon as Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the U.S.In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.

Trump tested again for virus; new face mask guidelines expected

LINCOLN –&nbsp;The sixth death related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today. The person was a Gage County resident in her 90s with underlying health conditions. She was also the county’s first case -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vcGhzbmViLm9yZy8ifQ.KT8l839_BHDAlPqDlFqIOwE8TfHeXJ06H2WYgUqybm8%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604794756&amp;sdata=gjwQJ35OguWyZxXrMBQjYN%2BRCkVsRQkCAuyHPLPi9yo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://phsneb.org/</a>.

“Every loss is sobering for all of us,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. “COVID-19 is going to get worse before it gets better and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to fight this virus.”

Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick and Otoe Counties also recently reported first cases of COVID-19 -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vZWNkaGQvIn0.6ATsBcw3ylk3eu9uD2_xsZkfcvj2oTuMB4HjKjnddqc%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604794756&amp;sdata=y48JCUB2rycnSg3XkbsuA4j53qOm%2B2oRiyH%2BA5K%2BzXo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ecdhd/</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NkaGQubmUuZ292LyJ9.d3-2Fi9bQH0ooJEmI-nQnkjDWzrqLd7kKbhn7aypSAk%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604804757&amp;sdata=jdr3f7LDT54sFBPfSKxpcczlKRKPGnIuzUjG2ca16JA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://cdhd.ne.gov/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNlZGhkLm9yZy8ifQ.XJ7RaLTnyqfY9FoD2mmgM9ePTBg8rzwPSKU1pSxawGQ%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604804757&amp;sdata=lupejAMszOJmvS%2BMFk%2BjX42US54xBxR7Wc%2Fm%2F1T1f3A%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.sedhd.org/</a>.

Tonight’s state case total is 255. DHHS launched a new data dashboard that provides daily updates to the state’s COVID-19 case totals. You can find it at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.2YP9Hs_nDNjCX7bu5YWCYW5fT5WR6x4EHEw9tq4AtQ0%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604814750&amp;sdata=sodMhkM21fwHTqtVDWfjuqM7vdISlciv%2F0grXNBExVg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Certain people are at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. People in these higher-risk groups should:&nbsp;

Recent data shows that the virus is also affecting younger people. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report said 20% of those hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. were 20-44 years old.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. People who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should self-isolate and call ahead to their primary care provider to be screened over the phone.

Everyone can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:&nbsp;

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="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%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fdhhs.ne.gov%252Fcoronavirus%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DOWKoYpNQt-PdHqXDs3t9sCGKsfwf4zoXmdKSceErz7k&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604844727&amp;sdata=24qDvGWcFPfdqDb6EDV%2BvAfkqo6bgJJbULr5uf%2BCJC0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC’s website –&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%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604854725&amp;sdata=HrjPguU%2BNSGKCA2mrD4ugdYB3qX3FlKYCL%2F7UpNgBH8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.&nbsp;

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. CST, 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://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%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604864715&amp;sdata=4T4UmChzvPLrLoq%2FjmZX0B2vwDkZp0NAVeVaOJONCI8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

Follow DHHS on&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%252Fwww.facebook.com%252FNEDHHS%252F%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DjAmsa7f-sSNLfdhIK-j9Ff2b9ZTVny00ARF2cGhGOgA&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604864715&amp;sdata=h3FQ6IPLEyYTrS9qUHf8c4wDDHvCvNKVSQwLmMh1%2BAE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&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%252Ftwitter.com%252FNEDHHS%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DHghj_aVjMYCiCo3uvsdsfl7MrjsZbfAEHO79OrgH9VE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604874709&amp;sdata=oYY%2FIE6w2FqgtWDgq5dDBYgWRuc%2Bb6Ph%2FdM4wYGH8XY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the health of Nebraskans.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;The sixth death related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today. The person was a Gage County resident in her 90s with underlying health conditions. She was also the county’s first case -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vcGhzbmViLm9yZy8ifQ.KT8l839_BHDAlPqDlFqIOwE8TfHeXJ06H2WYgUqybm8%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604794756&amp;sdata=gjwQJ35OguWyZxXrMBQjYN%2BRCkVsRQkCAuyHPLPi9yo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://phsneb.org/</a>.“Every loss is sobering for all of us,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. “COVID-19 is going to get worse before it gets better and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to fight this virus.”Colfax, Hamilton, Merrick and Otoe Counties also recently reported first cases of COVID-19 -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vZWNkaGQvIn0.6ATsBcw3ylk3eu9uD2_xsZkfcvj2oTuMB4HjKjnddqc%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604794756&amp;sdata=y48JCUB2rycnSg3XkbsuA4j53qOm%2B2oRiyH%2BA5K%2BzXo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ecdhd/</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NkaGQubmUuZ292LyJ9.d3-2Fi9bQH0ooJEmI-nQnkjDWzrqLd7kKbhn7aypSAk%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604804757&amp;sdata=jdr3f7LDT54sFBPfSKxpcczlKRKPGnIuzUjG2ca16JA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://cdhd.ne.gov/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNlZGhkLm9yZy8ifQ.XJ7RaLTnyqfY9FoD2mmgM9ePTBg8rzwPSKU1pSxawGQ%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604804757&amp;sdata=lupejAMszOJmvS%2BMFk%2BjX42US54xBxR7Wc%2Fm%2F1T1f3A%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.sedhd.org/</a>.Tonight’s state case total is 255. DHHS launched a new data dashboard that provides daily updates to the state’s COVID-19 case totals. You can find it at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDMuMTk2ODg2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.2YP9Hs_nDNjCX7bu5YWCYW5fT5WR6x4EHEw9tq4AtQ0%2Fbr%2F76992084009-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604814750&amp;sdata=sodMhkM21fwHTqtVDWfjuqM7vdISlciv%2F0grXNBExVg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.Certain people are at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. People in these higher-risk groups should:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li><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%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcoronavirus%252F2019-ncov%252Fspecific-groups%252Fhigh-risk-complications.html%2523Have-supplies-on-hand%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3Dip8Sugu61fdoR3_ctcDwfNxCHFaDvy6DiQUXzw66ljY&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604814750&amp;sdata=KpV2Wvsr7I6B64NaPWKxKfQ6IDWfBqKtoLNzp9uTH3c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Stock up on supplies</a>, including extra necessary medications.</li><li>Take&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%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcoronavirus%252F2019-ncov%252Fspecific-groups%252Fhigh-risk-complications.html%2523take-everyday-precautions%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DaDIDsLdK1xHORdoVvnOclR953vTCfa0o-VFCHX2HR7c&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604824740&amp;sdata=23C0QPber%2BjbXpxC6ahJPkOkPRu09LrFKU2zAba9pB0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">everyday precautions</a>&nbsp;to keep space between yourself and others.</li><li>When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.</li><li><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%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcoronavirus%252F2019-ncov%252Fspecific-groups%252Fhigh-risk-complications.html%2523avoid-crowds%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3D430s9GZp-u_cCicwxuwTNRFqso8jlQQLpAbEE1sElZY&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604834734&amp;sdata=3KlSZCD87Q1nDLAcxDyyGX4j85fMOipsZRd%2Fyp91q7Q%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Avoid crowds</a>&nbsp;as much as possible.</li><li>Avoid&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%252Fwwwnc.cdc.gov%252Ftravel%252Fpage%252Fcovid-19-cruise-ship%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DLIiV4jvrAjF3-LvB-W4Fig9s8RisgM2TUJ4kkR0TAnA&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604834734&amp;sdata=iRZM4CBOgyInDK1xUS34GMC88iRDnJNEusPk%2B7UZYTM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">cruise travel</a>&nbsp;and non-essential air travel.</li><li>If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community,&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%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcoronavirus%252F2019-ncov%252Fspecific-groups%252Fhigh-risk-complications.html%2523stay-home%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DM0n35neS-gR_rUKvB-nFbMa5ENMnuXRS-P6j8t8p62E&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604844727&amp;sdata=ddxEMzLzbIAjipbg3oeBGoo6GqZZmvLDaOyCF1PrEA4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">stay home</a>&nbsp;as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.</li>
 </ol>Recent data shows that the virus is also affecting younger people. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report said 20% of those hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. were 20-44 years old.The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. People who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should self-isolate and call ahead to their primary care provider to be screened over the phone.Everyone can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Avoiding close contact with sick people and staying home if you are sick.</li><li>Washing hands often with soap and water&nbsp;for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.</li><li>Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth&nbsp;with unwashed hands.</li><li>Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or&nbsp;sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.</li><li>Cleaning and disinfecting frequently&nbsp;touched objects and surfaces.</li>
 </ol>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="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%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fdhhs.ne.gov%252Fcoronavirus%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DOWKoYpNQt-PdHqXDs3t9sCGKsfwf4zoXmdKSceErz7k&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604844727&amp;sdata=24qDvGWcFPfdqDb6EDV%2BvAfkqo6bgJJbULr5uf%2BCJC0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC’s website –&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%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604854725&amp;sdata=HrjPguU%2BNSGKCA2mrD4ugdYB3qX3FlKYCL%2F7UpNgBH8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.&nbsp;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. CST, 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://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%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604864715&amp;sdata=4T4UmChzvPLrLoq%2FjmZX0B2vwDkZp0NAVeVaOJONCI8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.Follow DHHS on&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%252Fwww.facebook.com%252FNEDHHS%252F%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DjAmsa7f-sSNLfdhIK-j9Ff2b9ZTVny00ARF2cGhGOgA&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604864715&amp;sdata=h3FQ6IPLEyYTrS9qUHf8c4wDDHvCvNKVSQwLmMh1%2BAE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&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%252Ftwitter.com%252FNEDHHS%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DHghj_aVjMYCiCo3uvsdsfl7MrjsZbfAEHO79OrgH9VE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cb7e9449b3b7b4242e6e608d7d76fd3d4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214747604874709&amp;sdata=oYY%2FIE6w2FqgtWDgq5dDBYgWRuc%2Bb6Ph%2FdM4wYGH8XY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the health of Nebraskans.

Gage County woman in her 90s is 6th COVID-19 related death in Nebraska

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference to announce that the State has entered into an agreement with the University of Nebraska System to provide quarantine housing.&nbsp; He also gave an update on coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) testing in Nebraska and reviewed the State’s social distancing strategy to combat COVID-19.&nbsp;

First Lady Susanne Shore joined the Governor to share information about Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 relief fund.&nbsp; Additionally, Labor Commissioner John Albin overviewed the State’s work to process unemployment claims during the pandemic.

Gov. Ricketts: Nebraska’s Newest Directed Health Measure (DHM)

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

Labor Commissioner Albin: Unemployment Benefits

Gov. Ricketts: Nebraska’s Social Distancing Strategy

Read the Governor’s executive order regarding unemployment by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F9gdndz0g0nsjbmv%2FEO%252020-14%2520Emergency%2520Unemployment%2520Insurance%2520Benefit%2520Relief%2520-%2520Part%25202.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdf7f92de77334db6f66408d7d767931e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214712163718352&amp;sdata=hfTudXUfQvUsy0JktvHFgGZlE5lC8b%2BerlG%2FBS%2B2z%2FU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

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%2Ft3j2jg7intmamqv%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.02.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdf7f92de77334db6f66408d7d767931e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214712163718352&amp;sdata=pQF5hDC72C4o%2BokJiXA%2F575Y2%2F%2BX3cMh4YU8qy1ZlpE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference to announce that the State has entered into an agreement with the University of Nebraska System to provide quarantine housing.&nbsp; He also gave an update on coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) testing in Nebraska and reviewed the State’s social distancing strategy to combat COVID-19.&nbsp;First Lady Susanne Shore joined the Governor to share information about Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 relief fund.&nbsp; Additionally, Labor Commissioner John Albin overviewed the State’s work to process unemployment claims during the pandemic.Gov. Ricketts: Quarantine Housing<ol>
 <li>The State of Nebraska has signed contracts with the University of Nebraska to create bed space for three purposes:Quarantining individuals who need monitoring.People in isolation while waiting for testing results.Discharging patients who are convalescing.</li><li>Quarantining individuals who need monitoring.</li><li>People in isolation while waiting for testing results.</li><li>Discharging patients who are convalescing.</li><li>The contracts will provide about 2,100 beds with food and janitorial services.</li><li>The State and the federal government will cover the costs of these beds.</li><li>Our teammates are working to pull together the staffing for these facilities if they’re needed.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: Nebraska’s Newest Directed Health Measure (DHM)<ol>
 <li>Last night, the State issued a new DHM covering 15 new counties in North and Central Nebraska.New counties include Antelope, Arthur, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Pierce, Rock, and Thomas.</li><li>New counties include Antelope, Arthur, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Pierce, Rock, and Thomas.</li><li>Overall, 56 counties are now covered by the State’s DHM (as of April 2, 2020).&nbsp; For these counties, the DHM...Imposes an enforceable 10-person limit on social gatherings.Requires restaurants and bars to close their dining areas and move to takeout, delivery, and/or curbside service only.&nbsp;Prohibits medical and dental elective surgeries and procedures.Cancels veterinary procedures. &nbsp;Veterinarians are urged to donate unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to local health departments and hospitals.</li><li>Imposes an enforceable 10-person limit on social gatherings.</li><li>Requires restaurants and bars to close their dining areas and move to takeout, delivery, and/or curbside service only.&nbsp;</li><li>Prohibits medical and dental elective surgeries and procedures.</li><li>Cancels veterinary procedures. &nbsp;Veterinarians are urged to donate unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to local health departments and hospitals.</li><li>The State’s latest DHM also orders all schools&nbsp;statewide&nbsp;to…Operate without students in their buildings through May 31st.Cancel extracurricular activities through May 31st.</li><li>Operate without students in their buildings through May 31st.</li><li>Cancel extracurricular activities through May 31st.</li>
 </ol>First Lady Shore: Nebraka Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund<ol>
 <li>Nebraska Impact is a nonprofit whose mission is to connect Nebraskans with one another, bridge communities, and enhance state pride by initiating statewide programming that encourages volunteerism and economic development.</li><li>During this unprecedented time, Nebraska Impact is leveraging its statewide connections to assist Nebraskans in need.</li><li>The Nebraska Impact COVID-19 Relief Fund will be directed through statewide Community Collaboratives that are part of Bring Up Nebraska, a program administered by the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF).</li><li>Funds will help individual communities meet their local needs, which may include financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utilities payments; provisions for food pantries; or supplies for students from low-income families now studying from home.&nbsp;</li><li>Tapping into Bring Up Nebraska’s Community Collaboratives assures that funds are used in a targeted, strategic way to meet specific needs.</li><li>The collaborations bring together critical community players, including civic leaders, service providers, educators, health care professionals, law enforcement, and local businesses.</li><li>With the assistance and support of NCFF and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, each Community Collaborative has an intimate understanding of its community's needs, challenges, and strengths. &nbsp;Collaborations are also situated on the frontlines where they can readily solve the problems of area residents.&nbsp;</li><li>Nebraska Impact and NCFF are also working with the Nebraska Department of Education and the Nebraska’s ESUs to identify technology needs for students from low-income families who are now studying from home.</li><li>To learn more about the relief fund, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdf7f92de77334db6f66408d7d767931e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214712163708397&amp;sdata=RAbrAMsXWn%2FhikY9oJeByRFhRzLXjo2KNVu6zZ8G%2F6M%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org</a>. &nbsp;You can donate online, via mail, or over the phone.</li>
 </ol>Labor Commissioner Albin: Unemployment Benefits<ol>
 <li>Nebraskans should not walk away from their jobs in the hopes of collecting unemployment benefits.&nbsp; If you quit your job, you will be ineligible for unemployment benefits.</li><li>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.Self-employed Nebraskans who have been affected by the pandemic should go ahead and file for unemployment.&nbsp; NDOL will automatically review every claim that comes in for eligibility.By applying this week, Nebraskans will be eligible to receive benefits for this week.</li><li>Self-employed Nebraskans who have been affected by the pandemic should go ahead and file for unemployment.&nbsp; NDOL will automatically review every claim that comes in for eligibility.</li><li>By applying this week, Nebraskans will be eligible to receive benefits for this week.</li><li>The CARES Act also increases the amount an individual will receive by $600 for every week an individual is unemployed.Once NDOL receives guidance from the federal government, all individuals who qualify will receive $600 in additional benefits for each eligible week of unemployment, including prior weeks.Regular unemployment claims will start to be processed today. &nbsp;NDOL will pay at the current rate and then make up additional payments once the federal government issues guidance related to the CARES Act.</li><li>Once NDOL receives guidance from the federal government, all individuals who qualify will receive $600 in additional benefits for each eligible week of unemployment, including prior weeks.</li><li>Regular unemployment claims will start to be processed today. &nbsp;NDOL will pay at the current rate and then make up additional payments once the federal government issues guidance related to the CARES Act.</li><li>The volume of unemployment claims in the past three weeks in Nebraska has been roughly equal to the total volume for 2019.NDOL has doubled the number of teammates processing claims in order to expedite payments.The Department’s goal is to make 80% of initial payments within 3-4 weeks of a new claim being filed.</li><li>NDOL has doubled the number of teammates processing claims in order to expedite payments.</li><li>The Department’s goal is to make 80% of initial payments within 3-4 weeks of a new claim being filed.</li><li>Nationally, the number of unemployment claims doubled last week (an increase of 100%). &nbsp;In Nebraska, they only increased 56%, which is a sign of the state’s economic strength.</li><li>The State has taken action to provide unemployment relief.Making the first week of eligibility payable rather than an unpaid waiting week.Waiving the requirement to look for work.Waiving benefit charges incurred by employers.</li><li>Making the first week of eligibility payable rather than an unpaid waiting week.</li><li>Waiving the requirement to look for work.</li><li>Waiving benefit charges incurred by employers.</li><li>Also, declining an employer’s request to come back to work will also be treated as a “quit,” making a person ineligible for benefits.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: Nebraska’s Social Distancing Strategy<ol>
 <li>The State developed its plan in consultation with world-renowned experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and our public health agencies.</li><li>Since the virus will spread to different places at different times, and with varying rate, Nebraska has adopted a regional approach to social distancing.</li><li>The key to slowing the virus is to limit large social gatherings, which Nebraska has done.</li><li>Social distancing can take place without having to close down businesses.</li><li>A shelter-at-home order is not part of the State’s plan.</li><li>Nebraskans are encouraged to heed federal guidance to remain home. &nbsp;Most people in Nebraska are already doing so in compliance with the State’s limitations on social gatherings. &nbsp;</li><li>We started our social distancing measures early, and this is helping us stay ahead of the curve.</li>
 </ol>Gov. Ricketts: COVID-19 Testing<ol>
 <li>The number of daily test results jumped over 50% day-over-day between March 31st&nbsp;and April 1st.We saw 696 results on April 1st, an improvement from 404 on March 31st.</li><li>We saw 696 results on April 1st, an improvement from 404 on March 31st.</li><li>DHHS is prioritizing the following persons for COVID-19 testing:Hospitalized patients with a clinical presentation consistent with COVID-19.Outpatients who are in high-risk or vulnerable populations.Residents and staff at 24-hour facilities.Health care workers.Public safety workers and first responders.Individuals older than 65 years old.Anyone with underlying conditions where a COVID-19 infection could result in severe illness or death.&nbsp;</li><li>Hospitalized patients with a clinical presentation consistent with COVID-19.</li><li>Outpatients who are in high-risk or vulnerable populations.</li><li>Residents and staff at 24-hour facilities.</li><li>Health care workers.</li><li>Public safety workers and first responders.</li><li>Individuals older than 65 years old.</li><li>Anyone with underlying conditions where a COVID-19 infection could result in severe illness or death.&nbsp;</li><li>The State is continuing to work every day to expand testing capacity and materials.</li>
 </ol>Read the Governor’s executive order regarding unemployment by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F9gdndz0g0nsjbmv%2FEO%252020-14%2520Emergency%2520Unemployment%2520Insurance%2520Benefit%2520Relief%2520-%2520Part%25202.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdf7f92de77334db6f66408d7d767931e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214712163718352&amp;sdata=hfTudXUfQvUsy0JktvHFgGZlE5lC8b%2BerlG%2FBS%2B2z%2FU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.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%2Ft3j2jg7intmamqv%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.02.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdf7f92de77334db6f66408d7d767931e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214712163718352&amp;sdata=pQF5hDC72C4o%2BokJiXA%2F575Y2%2F%2BX3cMh4YU8qy1ZlpE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts announces partnership with Univ. of Nebraska on quarantine housing, First Lady Shore launches COVID-19 relief fund

Lincoln&nbsp;—&nbsp;A teammate at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC) in Kearney has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).&nbsp; The individual contacted the facility as per DHHS guidance to make them aware of his symptoms and has not returned to work.&nbsp; A contact investigation is underway.

The Department of Health and Human Services was and continues to be proactive in its efforts to deal with this pandemic.&nbsp; Each of our youth and adult care facilities developed a pandemic plan that outlines preparations and actions the facility will take to detect and contain COVID-19 while maintaining operations and meeting the basic needs of the facility. The plans include spaces identified for potential quarantine or isolation areas for residents as needed. &nbsp;Additionally, the facility staff began to log daily temperature checks for all staff on March 19, 2020, and residents beginning March 25, 2020. Visitors were monitored as well starting March 14 through March 23, 2020, when physical visitation was suspended until further notice and virtual visitation commenced. All staff are checked before entering the facility and not allowed to work if they are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.

Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our residents. Physical preparations to mitigate or reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 began in mid-February at the facility, such as deep cleaning and posting signage as reminders to practice good hygiene. All 24-hour facility staff received a letter on March 20, 2020, explaining how the facility would manage a potential exposure and what was occurring to reduce the chances for exposure as a follow-up to a number of communications in the preceding weeks, that included messages from the CEO and FAQs designed for teammates to address preparedness efforts across DHHS.

CEO, Dannette R. Smith stated, “We have continued to assess the needs of our YRTCs and other 24-hour facilities in anticipation of possible community spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; We did not take suspending physical visitation lightly, but we know that we must protect our youth in our care.&nbsp; I am pleased that proactive measures were in place and that the daily temperature log was recorded, as it has helped our epidemiological team to conduct a swift and thorough investigation.&nbsp; I wish for a speedy recovery of our teammate.”&nbsp;

The teammate has been off work for five days and will not return until a full recovery is documented by a medical professional. DHHS is working closely with the local county health department to determine next steps for screening staff and the youth at the program.

Lincoln&nbsp;—&nbsp;A teammate at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC) in Kearney has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).&nbsp; The individual contacted the facility as per DHHS guidance to make them aware of his symptoms and has not returned to work.&nbsp; A contact investigation is underway.The Department of Health and Human Services was and continues to be proactive in its efforts to deal with this pandemic.&nbsp; Each of our youth and adult care facilities developed a pandemic plan that outlines preparations and actions the facility will take to detect and contain COVID-19 while maintaining operations and meeting the basic needs of the facility. The plans include spaces identified for potential quarantine or isolation areas for residents as needed. &nbsp;Additionally, the facility staff began to log daily temperature checks for all staff on March 19, 2020, and residents beginning March 25, 2020. Visitors were monitored as well starting March 14 through March 23, 2020, when physical visitation was suspended until further notice and virtual visitation commenced. All staff are checked before entering the facility and not allowed to work if they are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our residents. Physical preparations to mitigate or reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 began in mid-February at the facility, such as deep cleaning and posting signage as reminders to practice good hygiene. All 24-hour facility staff received a letter on March 20, 2020, explaining how the facility would manage a potential exposure and what was occurring to reduce the chances for exposure as a follow-up to a number of communications in the preceding weeks, that included messages from the CEO and FAQs designed for teammates to address preparedness efforts across DHHS.CEO, Dannette R. Smith stated, “We have continued to assess the needs of our YRTCs and other 24-hour facilities in anticipation of possible community spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; We did not take suspending physical visitation lightly, but we know that we must protect our youth in our care.&nbsp; I am pleased that proactive measures were in place and that the daily temperature log was recorded, as it has helped our epidemiological team to conduct a swift and thorough investigation.&nbsp; I wish for a speedy recovery of our teammate.”&nbsp;The teammate has been off work for five days and will not return until a full recovery is documented by a medical professional. DHHS is working closely with the local county health department to determine next steps for screening staff and the youth at the program.

Kearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center teammate tests positive for COVID-19

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Public health officials, health care providers, and laboratories are working daily to increase Nebraska’s capacity to test more people for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

”As a state, we are making progress increasing COVID-19 testing availability,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “As resources grow, we are expanding those patients recommended for COVID-19 testing and we will continue to prioritize testing of first responders and health care workers.”

DHHS emphasizes that current testing guidance for health care providers prioritizes the following patients for COVID-19 testing:

People who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should self-isolate and call ahead to their primary care provider to be screened over the phone. An order from a physician or public health is needed to receive a test.

As testing availability continues to increase, DHHS will provide additional information on where Nebraskans can receive testing at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2ODM3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRoaHMubmUuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzIn0.mJENaUZhxh2KSTEKg_yGDMiXpc9zv5qrDdRq6vYjHss%2Fbr%2F76988678328-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cfff61d5089a0450567a908d7d7569665%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214639206166652&amp;sdata=4W41FlNrVGGL%2B5TPnuYIEPYy9pQYaWrn%2B%2Ftdrg0kOME%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as it has new information. The CDC’s website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%252Bv%252FUt%252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%252BtQ9zJVd%252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%252FFI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcovid19%26I%3D20200228212559.00000572228f%2540mail6-42-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%253D%26S%3DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cfff61d5089a0450567a908d7d7569665%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214639206166652&amp;sdata=TMgEW6pIqyp6q0xWXuG7%2F9p%2FwYTlN17Ksoup1cnq39k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Public health officials, health care providers, and laboratories are working daily to increase Nebraska’s capacity to test more people for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).”As a state, we are making progress increasing COVID-19 testing availability,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “As resources grow, we are expanding those patients recommended for COVID-19 testing and we will continue to prioritize testing of first responders and health care workers.”DHHS emphasizes that current testing guidance for health care providers prioritizes the following patients for COVID-19 testing:<ol>
 <li>Hospitalized patients with a clinical presentation consistent with COVID-19</li><li>Health care workers</li><li>Public Safety/First Responders (EMS, law enforcement, firefighters)</li><li>Residents and staff at nursing homes</li><li>Residents and staff at group homes, homeless shelters, and child care facilities</li><li>People over 65 years old</li><li>Anyone with underlying conditions where a COVID-19 infection could result in severe illness or death</li>
 </ol>People who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should self-isolate and call ahead to their primary care provider to be screened over the phone. An order from a physician or public health is needed to receive a test.As testing availability continues to increase, DHHS will provide additional information on where Nebraskans can receive testing at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2ODM3NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRoaHMubmUuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzIn0.mJENaUZhxh2KSTEKg_yGDMiXpc9zv5qrDdRq6vYjHss%2Fbr%2F76988678328-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cfff61d5089a0450567a908d7d7569665%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214639206166652&amp;sdata=4W41FlNrVGGL%2B5TPnuYIEPYy9pQYaWrn%2B%2Ftdrg0kOME%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as it has new information. The CDC’s website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%252Bv%252FUt%252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%252BtQ9zJVd%252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%252FFI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcovid19%26I%3D20200228212559.00000572228f%2540mail6-42-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%253D%26S%3DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cfff61d5089a0450567a908d7d7569665%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214639206166652&amp;sdata=TMgEW6pIqyp6q0xWXuG7%2F9p%2FwYTlN17Ksoup1cnq39k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

Updated COVID-19 testing information for people and providers

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Thursday defended his refusal to issue a stay-at-home order for residents, arguing that it isn't necessary for Nebraska even though 40 other governors have done so to try to keep the new coronavirus from spreading.

Ricketts said he doesn't plan to deviate from his current approach, which includes a statewide, non-enforceable recommendation that residents avoid gatherings with more than 10 people.

The governor has taken&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4c60a12dfff86c612b1b126b5fbcbede" target="_blank">a regional approach as well</a>, ordering bans on 10-person gatherings and forcing restaurants to close their dining rooms in areas where confirmed cases of the virus can't be traced. Those bans are now in place in 56 of Nebraska's 93 counties, accounting for well over two-thirds of the state's population and virtually all of its population centers.

Similar restrictions had commonly been in place in states that have issued stay-at-home orders.

At his weekday news briefing, Ricketts pushed back against arguments that Nebraska should join 40 other states with official shelter-in-place orders, saying it doesn't make sense to compare states with different needs and populations.

"These things aren't all apples to apples," he said.

Ricketts said some of Nebraska's rules are stricter than other states that have full shelter-in-place orders. He pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e5bac343ca91824ecd6c7699bf371183" target="_blank">Florida's statewide order, announced Wednesday</a>, which exempts religious services. Nebraska's 10-person limit doesn't include any such exemption, he said.

Ricketts, a former executive at TD Ameritrade, said forcing businesses to shutter when they can still safely operate won't necessarily keep the virus from spreading, particularly if companies are able to keep their workers separated. He said he expects confirmed cases to increase over the next several weeks as more people are tested, but he doesn't anticipate the same sharp jumps as other states.

He also argued that Nebraska has had more time to prepare because the virus was likely spreading in hard-hit states like Washington and New York long before officials realized it. Nebraska officials approved their plan in early March, before officials found the first case of the virus that couldn't be traced to an outside source.

Ricketts said the plan was developed with experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, one of three national biocontainment units that have cared for American citizens infected with Ebola and one of the national locations where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0528b9431f28b3416401baeb2f973ab6" target="_blank">cruise ship passengers</a>&nbsp;were treated for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

"Our plan is right for Nebraska," he said.

His comments came as the U.S. Department of Labor reported another record-setting surge in the number of unemployment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5fefb4142083cb5f0ee9e532ea583ad6" target="_blank">claims filed in Nebraska</a>&nbsp;and nationally. More than 40,000 people in Nebraska have filed claims in the last two weeks as businesses have closed and laid off workers.

Nebraska Labor Commissioner John Albin said his office has received calls from businesses that workers are threatening to quit because they can get better pay under the expanded unemployment benefits signed by President Donald Trump. Albin said many workers mistakenly believe they can qualify for benefits if they quit, which isn't true.

The governor's comments also came as the Douglas County Health Department, which serves the state's largest city of Omaha, announced 13 new positive cases of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Ricketts ordered Nebraska schools to remain closed to students through May 31 as officials reported that the state's COVID-19 death toll has risen to five.

Students have been taking their lessons at home via online classes since schools began closing last month as the coronavirus pandemic spread through Nebraska. Ricketts' order, issued Wednesday, ensures the children won't be returning this school year to the close quarters of their classrooms.

For most people, COVID-19, the disease caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak" target="_blank">the coronavirus</a>, causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts on Thursday defended his refusal to issue a stay-at-home order for residents, arguing that it isn't necessary for Nebraska even though 40 other governors have done so to try to keep the new coronavirus from spreading.Ricketts said he doesn't plan to deviate from his current approach, which includes a statewide, non-enforceable recommendation that residents avoid gatherings with more than 10 people.The governor has taken&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4c60a12dfff86c612b1b126b5fbcbede" target="_blank">a regional approach as well</a>, ordering bans on 10-person gatherings and forcing restaurants to close their dining rooms in areas where confirmed cases of the virus can't be traced. Those bans are now in place in 56 of Nebraska's 93 counties, accounting for well over two-thirds of the state's population and virtually all of its population centers.Similar restrictions had commonly been in place in states that have issued stay-at-home orders.At his weekday news briefing, Ricketts pushed back against arguments that Nebraska should join 40 other states with official shelter-in-place orders, saying it doesn't make sense to compare states with different needs and populations."These things aren't all apples to apples," he said.Ricketts said some of Nebraska's rules are stricter than other states that have full shelter-in-place orders. He pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e5bac343ca91824ecd6c7699bf371183" target="_blank">Florida's statewide order, announced Wednesday</a>, which exempts religious services. Nebraska's 10-person limit doesn't include any such exemption, he said.Ricketts, a former executive at TD Ameritrade, said forcing businesses to shutter when they can still safely operate won't necessarily keep the virus from spreading, particularly if companies are able to keep their workers separated. He said he expects confirmed cases to increase over the next several weeks as more people are tested, but he doesn't anticipate the same sharp jumps as other states.He also argued that Nebraska has had more time to prepare because the virus was likely spreading in hard-hit states like Washington and New York long before officials realized it. Nebraska officials approved their plan in early March, before officials found the first case of the virus that couldn't be traced to an outside source.Ricketts said the plan was developed with experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, one of three national biocontainment units that have cared for American citizens infected with Ebola and one of the national locations where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0528b9431f28b3416401baeb2f973ab6" target="_blank">cruise ship passengers</a>&nbsp;were treated for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus."Our plan is right for Nebraska," he said.His comments came as the U.S. Department of Labor reported another record-setting surge in the number of unemployment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5fefb4142083cb5f0ee9e532ea583ad6" target="_blank">claims filed in Nebraska</a>&nbsp;and nationally. More than 40,000 people in Nebraska have filed claims in the last two weeks as businesses have closed and laid off workers.Nebraska Labor Commissioner John Albin said his office has received calls from businesses that workers are threatening to quit because they can get better pay under the expanded unemployment benefits signed by President Donald Trump. Albin said many workers mistakenly believe they can qualify for benefits if they quit, which isn't true."That's not a valid plan," he said.The governor's comments also came as the Douglas County Health Department, which serves the state's largest city of Omaha, announced 13 new positive cases of COVID-19.Meanwhile, Ricketts ordered Nebraska schools to remain closed to students through May 31 as officials reported that the state's COVID-19 death toll has risen to five.Students have been taking their lessons at home via online classes since schools began closing last month as the coronavirus pandemic spread through Nebraska. Ricketts' order, issued Wednesday, ensures the children won't be returning this school year to the close quarters of their classrooms.For most people, COVID-19, the disease caused by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak" target="_blank">the coronavirus</a>, causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Ricketts defends not ordering shelter-in-place in Nebraska

According to the 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%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575875651&amp;sdata=boOnGRr4jfxO49rVVXFYwQlI%2Fx1OPikTT8LtRaEF9CU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">website</a>, there are&nbsp;213,144&nbsp;COVID-19 cases in the United States and&nbsp;4,513&nbsp;deaths (Updated 4/1/2020). Cases have been reported in all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These statistics include both confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19.

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

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At his daily news conference, Gov. Ricketts emphasized that all schools in Nebraska will be operating without students through the rest of this school year. Extra-curricular activities for the spring season have been cancelled. In addition, Gov. Ricketts asked parents not to send their children to any club sports.

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp; The State of Nebraska has signed an agreement with the University of Nebraska System to provide rooms for people who need to quarantine or people who are recovering from COVID-19. The Governor thanked the university of Nebraska system for its great cooperation,

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts announced an update to his&nbsp;Executive Order that extends unemployment insurance. He reminded people to not quit their jobs in order to get unemployment. “If you quit your job, you are not eligible of unemployment benefits,” Ricketts said.

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;First Lady&nbsp;Susanne Shore,&nbsp;president of Nebraska Impact, gave an update on the&nbsp;Nebraska Impact COVID-19 Relief Fund&nbsp;which is&nbsp;a relief fund that will be directed to provide statewide assistance in communities across the state. The fund is&nbsp;a partnership between Nebraska impact, the Nebraska&nbsp;Children and Families Foundation and the Office of Gov. Pete Ricketts. The fund will provide direct aid to communities and organizations working to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak across Nebraska.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fneimpact.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575875651&amp;sdata=mdct6MpA9iP6NYmkBBHTBXBfzFG8FPXgCpZfAyMSsAo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">neimpact.org</a>&nbsp;to donate or for more information.

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts thanked telecommunications companies for stepping up in response to the COVID-19.

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The state’s eighth directed health measure was issued yesterday and include 15 additional counties in north and central Nebraska:&nbsp;Antelope, Arthur, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Pierce, Rock&nbsp;and&nbsp;Thomas&nbsp;counties. It will be in effect until May 11 unless renewed.&nbsp;There are now 56 counties the state’s directed a health care measure.

An alphabetical list of all counties under a DHM is available online&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink1" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;If you have concerns about a directed health measure contact your local health department or the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

TONIGHT&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts will answer questions from Nebraskans during another one-hour NET News town hall meeting about COVID-19 and the state’s response tonight at 8:30 p.m. CDT during&nbsp;Speaking of Nebraska: COVID-19 Town Hall with Governor Ricketts. The program is carried on television and radio by NET, Nebraska’s PBS and NPR Stations. It will also be streamed on the NET website, the NET Nebraska app and on Facebook. Viewers and listeners may ask questions during the town hall program by calling 1-800-676-5446 or 402-472-1212. Both before and during the broadcast, questions can be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:news@netNebraska.org" target="_blank">news@netNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;or submitted to the Facebook pages for&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FnetNebraska&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575885605&amp;sdata=qRia5VKVoHfx%2BP4W6ZCoGSx1ScyXow4RiEMazppODZI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">NET Nebraska</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2FnetnewsNebraska&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575885605&amp;sdata=m%2FYPKrz4QWyeoGOAJ8uk%2FnezKcdxi%2FzS9q%2BnPfj5iew%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">NET News</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNET-Radio-58056117013%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575895568&amp;sdata=Q7BSzijb1q5If7iWB%2FtJl6kQ4MSJtOPOZN%2FnnBXffxI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">NET Radio</a>.&nbsp;Questions can also be submitted via Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #COVID19Nebraska.

Department of Health and Human Services&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>

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp; DHHS&nbsp;.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard provides daily updates to the state’s COVID-19 case totals and is online at&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%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575895568&amp;sdata=y6xUR4yE21YTA3DgvIpvjMBDKVeOcyXh9jTm24gTeP8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>

As of April 2 at noon, the current case numbers for Nebraska are:

Numbers now include negative results from NPHL and commercial labs. Both state and local health departments are testing and publicly reporting their cases. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS cases and cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up-to-date.

DHHS now provide daily updates to the state’s COVID-19 case totals, visit the new data dashboard at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjcuMTkzNzE3OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.1JmASbHz1FZKzyf6-vc-susjHOz4en8cGpV8NbQKSeY%2Fbr%2F76692668907-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575905518&amp;sdata=xNKJ3y1YcYRl4vkGAXk%2FIOkJ23IwRoDVjO0OmNTe5aU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus</a>.

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

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

·&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%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575905518&amp;sdata=gt45wQaHDuVR3SBUVM8haL%2Bdxk8c6Gr4f1GDNCLRDz4%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%7C3ea4855590ca4c18bcfa08d7d74c3296%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637214594575915472&amp;sdata=b5bCoZj5rOMlHY3N%2BfeEcS0%2BJDzu8ufejvlMssdMQdk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">En Español</a>

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Health Care Provider Information&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Health-Alert-Network.aspx" target="_blank">(HAN)</a>

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;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.

NEMA continues to operate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) with daily conference calls among the emergency support function coordinators and public information officers. NEMA also is working to support DHHS as the lead agency in the COVID-19 response in Nebraska.

Coronavirus Update