BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Major construction projects moving forward along the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico are raising fears that the coronavirus could race through temporary camps and workers could spread it to nearby rural communities that would not be able to handle an outbreak.

Despite a clampdown on people's movements in much of the country, groups of workers travel every day from camps in New Mexico to build President Donald Trump's border wall.

Along the northern border, a Canadian company says it will start work this month on the disputed Keystone XL oil pipeline, which could bring thousands of workers to rural communities in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Residents, tribal leaders and state officials have warned that the influx of outsiders could make problems worse in rural areas with little or no medical infrastructure capable of dealing with a surge of infections. Both the border wall and pipeline are exempt from stay-at-home restrictions intended to reduce the spread of the virus.

Faith Spotted Eagle, an environmental activist and member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, said she's reminded of her grandmother's stories about the tribe's struggles to survive smallpox and the Spanish flu.

"It's the 1800s again, the cavalry is coming in and they're going to set up their fort, whether it's justified or not," she said.

Cities have borne the brunt of the virus so far in the U.S., but rural areas are expected to be hit as well.

That's a fear in tiny Columbus, New Mexico, where residents worry about the influx of border wall workers who often gather outside the town's few restaurants while the rest of the community has been ordered to stay at home and keep their distance from others.

"My bottom line is nothing is worth thousands or hundreds or tens of people getting COVID," said resident July McClure, who manages a local RV park and volunteers with the fire department.

In the town of less than 1,500 people, about 30 construction workers are setting up camp in tightly packed trailers, residents say. Others are staying at two small hotels while they put up bollard-style fencing along the scrub desert - a small piece of about 200 miles (320 kilometers) of barriers being built along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Adriana Zizumbo, 32, who operates a cafe, said she's shocked to see dozens of people congregating when Columbus is on lockdown.

"It is kind of crazy because I thought they limited (gatherings) to five people or 10 people, and they're setting up some man camps out in Columbus, and there's about to be a lot of men in one (place," Zizumbo said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the contractors working on the southern border, said it follows guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but declined to share specifics on how it's protecting public health during construction.

Just south of the Canadian border, workers have begun arriving in the small Montana town of Glasgow to work on the 1,200-mile (1,930-kilometer) Keystone pipeline this month, according to the company and the governor's office. The new pipeline would tie into existing infrastructure at the Nebraska-Kansas line, where it would carry crude oil south to the Gulf of Mexico for possible export.

First proposed in 2008, the pipeline was stalled for years by legal challenges and rejected twice under President Barack Obama. Trump revived it by personally approving the line's border crossing permit, and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said Tuesday that the provincial government was investing more than $1 billion to get work going quickly.

Calgary-based TC Energy, the project's sponsor, said it's collaborating with health officials in northern Montana to minimize risks, including checking everyone entering work sites for fever and ensuring workers follow social distancing guidelines. The company says more than 10,000 construction jobs would be created by the $8 billion project, with about 100 workers initially at the border crossing.

"We're very cognizant of what's going on," spokesman Terry Cunha said. "We're talking about thousands of jobs. ... We want to make sure what they do will ensure the safety of everybody."

The company had planned to build 11 camps for workers along the pipeline's route - six in Montana, four in South Dakota and one in Nebraska, according a U.S. State Department review of the project. Those plans were being reviewed in light of the pandemic, but they will still be required eventually, Cunha said Wednesday.

The camps would be built on open land and house up to 1,000 people, according to the State Department review.

Several tribes whose land is skirted by the proposed pipeline route in South Dakota and Montana have enacted stricter measures than the state to protect tribal members from the coronavirus. Many tribal members worry what a widespread outbreak would do to a population already at risk for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Spotted Eagle said she did not believe any promised safety measures, such as quarantining workers or regular screenings, would be enough to keep communities safe. Many health clinics have just a few beds and even fewer ventilators.

Floyd Azure, chairman of the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes on Montana's Fort Peck Reservation, said an influx of pipeline workers to northeastern Montana could accelerate the spread of the virus that has so far spared the reservation. He worries about a repeat of the problems that accompanied an oil boom in the region last decade - from drugs to sex trafficking - now exacerbated by the virus.

The pipeline would run just outside the reservation's boundaries. Azure said he had no authority to stop the work and has been unable to convince state officials or federal lawmakers to intervene.

"We're worried sick about it. We have enough problems on this reservation without someone creating more for us," he said. "I don't know and I don't care where they're from. I don't think they should come here from somewhere else."

By MATTHEW BROWN-Associated PressBILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - Major construction projects moving forward along the U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico are raising fears that the coronavirus could race through temporary camps and workers could spread it to nearby rural communities that would not be able to handle an outbreak.Despite a clampdown on people's movements in much of the country, groups of workers travel every day from camps in New Mexico to build President Donald Trump's border wall.Along the northern border, a Canadian company says it will start work this month on the disputed Keystone XL oil pipeline, which could bring thousands of workers to rural communities in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska.Residents, tribal leaders and state officials have warned that the influx of outsiders could make problems worse in rural areas with little or no medical infrastructure capable of dealing with a surge of infections. Both the border wall and pipeline are exempt from stay-at-home restrictions intended to reduce the spread of the virus.Faith Spotted Eagle, an environmental activist and member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, said she's reminded of her grandmother's stories about the tribe's struggles to survive smallpox and the Spanish flu."It's the 1800s again, the cavalry is coming in and they're going to set up their fort, whether it's justified or not," she said.Cities have borne the brunt of the virus so far in the U.S., but rural areas are expected to be hit as well.That's a fear in tiny Columbus, New Mexico, where residents worry about the influx of border wall workers who often gather outside the town's few restaurants while the rest of the community has been ordered to stay at home and keep their distance from others."My bottom line is nothing is worth thousands or hundreds or tens of people getting COVID," said resident July McClure, who manages a local RV park and volunteers with the fire department.In the town of less than 1,500 people, about 30 construction workers are setting up camp in tightly packed trailers, residents say. Others are staying at two small hotels while they put up bollard-style fencing along the scrub desert - a small piece of about 200 miles (320 kilometers) of barriers being built along the U.S.-Mexico border.Adriana Zizumbo, 32, who operates a cafe, said she's shocked to see dozens of people congregating when Columbus is on lockdown."It is kind of crazy because I thought they limited (gatherings) to five people or 10 people, and they're setting up some man camps out in Columbus, and there's about to be a lot of men in one (place," Zizumbo said.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the contractors working on the southern border, said it follows guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but declined to share specifics on how it's protecting public health during construction.Just south of the Canadian border, workers have begun arriving in the small Montana town of Glasgow to work on the 1,200-mile (1,930-kilometer) Keystone pipeline this month, according to the company and the governor's office. The new pipeline would tie into existing infrastructure at the Nebraska-Kansas line, where it would carry crude oil south to the Gulf of Mexico for possible export.First proposed in 2008, the pipeline was stalled for years by legal challenges and rejected twice under President Barack Obama. Trump revived it by personally approving the line's border crossing permit, and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said Tuesday that the provincial government was investing more than $1 billion to get work going quickly.Calgary-based TC Energy, the project's sponsor, said it's collaborating with health officials in northern Montana to minimize risks, including checking everyone entering work sites for fever and ensuring workers follow social distancing guidelines. The company says more than 10,000 construction jobs would be created by the $8 billion project, with about 100 workers initially at the border crossing."We're very cognizant of what's going on," spokesman Terry Cunha said. "We're talking about thousands of jobs. ... We want to make sure what they do will ensure the safety of everybody."The company had planned to build 11 camps for workers along the pipeline's route - six in Montana, four in South Dakota and one in Nebraska, according a U.S. State Department review of the project. Those plans were being reviewed in light of the pandemic, but they will still be required eventually, Cunha said Wednesday.The camps would be built on open land and house up to 1,000 people, according to the State Department review.Several tribes whose land is skirted by the proposed pipeline route in South Dakota and Montana have enacted stricter measures than the state to protect tribal members from the coronavirus. Many tribal members worry what a widespread outbreak would do to a population already at risk for diabetes and high blood pressure.Spotted Eagle said she did not believe any promised safety measures, such as quarantining workers or regular screenings, would be enough to keep communities safe. Many health clinics have just a few beds and even fewer ventilators.Floyd Azure, chairman of the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes on Montana's Fort Peck Reservation, said an influx of pipeline workers to northeastern Montana could accelerate the spread of the virus that has so far spared the reservation. He worries about a repeat of the problems that accompanied an oil boom in the region last decade - from drugs to sex trafficking - now exacerbated by the virus.The pipeline would run just outside the reservation's boundaries. Azure said he had no authority to stop the work and has been unable to convince state officials or federal lawmakers to intervene."We're worried sick about it. We have enough problems on this reservation without someone creating more for us," he said. "I don't know and I don't care where they're from. I don't think they should come here from somewhere else."

With US border work on track, rural towns fear an outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order to stem the spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the new coronavirus</a>&nbsp;despite his administration’s projections that tens of thousands of Americans are likely to be killed by the disease. One by one, though, states are increasingly pushing shutdown orders of their own.

Trump said Wednesday he wants to give governors’ “flexibility” on whether a stay-at-home policy is the best option for their constituents but acknowledged that he’s looking at limiting air and rail travel between hot spots within the United States. The Republican president remains hesitant to press a unified policy even after the White House released “sobering”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c8a9da5569b191ae278e60fffcc855f7">new projections&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans will likely succumb to the coronavirus even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Wednesday the nation’s federalist system leaves much of the authority on how to properly respond to catastrophes to state governors and local officials.

On Wednesday alone, five more states — Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada and Pennsylvania — added or expanded their stay-at-home orders.

But the invocation of federalism in the midst of a crisis that threatens a nationwide body count on par with some of the deadliest American wars suggests that Trump and his advisers are cognizant of the political ramifications of their response. Republican governors in states like Florida, Texas and Nebraska have questioned the necessity of applying strong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing rules</a>&nbsp;to rural or exurban areas that haven’t reported much evidence of the virus.

The lack of a unified, 50-state response also collides with evidence emerging that coronavirus infections are being spread by people who have no clear symptoms, complicating efforts to gain control of the pandemic. A study conducted by researchers in Singapore and published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday is the latest to estimate that around 10% of new coronavirus infections may be spread by people who were infected with the virus but not experiencing symptom

Even while deferring to governors. the Trump administration has issued guidelines that have urged Americans to work from home if possible, cancel on-site instruction at schools and avoid large gatherings. The resistance to a more robust response comes even as Vice President Mike Pence said White House models for the coronavirus toll show the country on a trajectory akin to hard-hit Italy.

Speaking to CNN, Pence said, “We think Italy may be the most comparable area to the United States at this point.” Italy, which has already recorded more than 13,000 deaths, has issued a nationwide quarantine, shutting down almost all industrial production and offices and largely prohibiting residents from leaving their homes. The U.S. has recorded more than 5,000 deaths, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

The White House’s best-case projection for loss of life assumes statewide stay-at-home orders, according to a senior administration official familiar with Trump’s thinking. Trump, the official said, is a believer in federalism and that it is up to governors to set restrictions for their states. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions.

More than 285 million people live in the 40 states where governors have declared statewide shelter-in-place orders or have recommended that residents stay home. In other states — places like Iowa and Nebraska, among others — governors have resisted state-level decisions, but some localities have declared residents should stay at home.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1a7c1f7f226c6d04fa7ca380998a7e9a">a poll published Wednesday</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 78% of U.S. adults, including 84% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans, favor requiring Americans to stay in their homes except for essential errands. Americans in states that already had stay-at-home orders in place when the survey began are more likely than those in states that did not to approve of their state’s response, 63% to 51%.

Still, Trump — who has conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969eafc8f5cb01e9b3e8fe941b3264eb">long, near-daily briefings</a>&nbsp;on his administration’s response to the virus outbreak over the last three weeks — has been reluctant to use his bully pulpit to urge governors to issue orders that would help effectively create a national quarantine.

“There are some states that are different,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “There are some states that don’t have much of a problem.”

But there are signs that Trump administration officials are pushing behind the scenes for holdout governors to issue statewide quarantines.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had resisted issuing a statewide order but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e5bac343ca91824ecd6c7699bf371183">reversed course and issued one</a>&nbsp;Wednesday as federal and local pressure mounted for him to abandon the county-by-county approach he had implemented.

DeSantis, a Republican, told reporters that he decided to issue the order after consulting with Trump and White House advisers.

Rep. Donna Shalala, a Florida Democrat, said earlier Wednesday that Trump should be pressing governors for a unified approach to help stem the spread of the disease, calling his response so far “fragmented, weak and uneven.”

“He hasn’t made a national plea to say we’re all in this together, and he hasn’t even talked to the governors about all doing the same thing,” Shalala, who was secretary of health and human services under President Bill Clinton, said in an interview.

Authority to order quarantines inside states rests almost entirely with states under provisions in the U.S. Constitution ceding power not explicitly delegated to the federal government to states, courts have ruled consistently for years. While the federal government itself can’t order nationwide quarantines or impose quarantines on states, courts have said it has clear power under constitutional clauses regulating commerce to quarantine international travelers or those traveling state to state who might be carriers of deadly diseases.

A few legal scholars have argued that the Constitution’s Commerce Clause may vest Trump with powers to impose a multiple state or national lockdown with or without states’ approval, though any such move under that minority interpretation would almost certainly be challenged immediately as unconstitutional.

Pence told CNN that leaders and residents of states that haven’t been hard hit are already taking action to slow the virus’ spread.

In Nebraska, Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts has said he’s basing his decisions on the advice he gets from public health experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which has dealt extensively with outbreaks and served as a quarantine space for Ebola patients. In Iowa, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has resisted a mandatory shelter-in- place order, saying the data she looks at doesn’t yet justify it in her state.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, another Republican, said her voluntary guidance had helped slow the infection rate. “The calls to apply a one-size-fits-all approach is herd mentality, it’s not leadership,” she said.

Ricketts, a vocal Trump supporter, has repeatedly said he won’t impose a stay-at-home order in Nebraska but has ordered restaurants either to close their dining areas or allow no more than 10 people inside at once, depending on their location in the state.

In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered schools to stay closed through at least May and imposed restrictions that doctors and even his critics say are tantamount to a stay-at-home order for the state. Still, Abbott refused to call it that.

“This is not a stay-at-home strategy. A stay-at-home strategy would mean that you have to stay home,” Abbott said. “This is a standard based upon essential services and essential activities.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is resisting calls to issue a national stay-at-home order to stem the spread of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the new coronavirus</a>&nbsp;despite his administration’s projections that tens of thousands of Americans are likely to be killed by the disease. One by one, though, states are increasingly pushing shutdown orders of their own.Trump said Wednesday he wants to give governors’ “flexibility” on whether a stay-at-home policy is the best option for their constituents but acknowledged that he’s looking at limiting air and rail travel between hot spots within the United States. The Republican president remains hesitant to press a unified policy even after the White House released “sobering”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c8a9da5569b191ae278e60fffcc855f7">new projections&nbsp;</a>on Tuesday that 100,000 to 240,000 Americans will likely succumb to the coronavirus even if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584976508622.png" alt="Surgeon General Jerome Adams-photo courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Surgeon General Jerome Adams-photo courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Surgeon General Jerome Adams said Wednesday the nation’s federalist system leaves much of the authority on how to properly respond to catastrophes to state governors and local officials.On Wednesday alone, five more states — Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada and Pennsylvania — added or expanded their stay-at-home orders.But the invocation of federalism in the midst of a crisis that threatens a nationwide body count on par with some of the deadliest American wars suggests that Trump and his advisers are cognizant of the political ramifications of their response. Republican governors in states like Florida, Texas and Nebraska have questioned the necessity of applying strong&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fa1fda126fe191425abc20ab461dfbe7">social distancing rules</a>&nbsp;to rural or exurban areas that haven’t reported much evidence of the virus.The lack of a unified, 50-state response also collides with evidence emerging that coronavirus infections are being spread by people who have no clear symptoms, complicating efforts to gain control of the pandemic. A study conducted by researchers in Singapore and published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday is the latest to estimate that around 10% of new coronavirus infections may be spread by people who were infected with the virus but not experiencing symptom<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="White House" />
 <figcaption>White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Even while deferring to governors. the Trump administration has issued guidelines that have urged Americans to work from home if possible, cancel on-site instruction at schools and avoid large gatherings. The resistance to a more robust response comes even as Vice President Mike Pence said White House models for the coronavirus toll show the country on a trajectory akin to hard-hit Italy.Speaking to CNN, Pence said, “We think Italy may be the most comparable area to the United States at this point.” Italy, which has already recorded more than 13,000 deaths, has issued a nationwide quarantine, shutting down almost all industrial production and offices and largely prohibiting residents from leaving their homes. The U.S. has recorded more than 5,000 deaths, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.The White House’s best-case projection for loss of life assumes statewide stay-at-home orders, according to a senior administration official familiar with Trump’s thinking. Trump, the official said, is a believer in federalism and that it is up to governors to set restrictions for their states. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions.More than 285 million people live in the 40 states where governors have declared statewide shelter-in-place orders or have recommended that residents stay home. In other states — places like Iowa and Nebraska, among others — governors have resisted state-level decisions, but some localities have declared residents should stay at home.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1a7c1f7f226c6d04fa7ca380998a7e9a">a poll published Wednesday</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 78% of U.S. adults, including 84% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans, favor requiring Americans to stay in their homes except for essential errands. Americans in states that already had stay-at-home orders in place when the survey began are more likely than those in states that did not to approve of their state’s response, 63% to 51%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585690758211.png" alt="President Trump answers questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answers questions during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>Still, Trump — who has conducted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/969eafc8f5cb01e9b3e8fe941b3264eb">long, near-daily briefings</a>&nbsp;on his administration’s response to the virus outbreak over the last three weeks — has been reluctant to use his bully pulpit to urge governors to issue orders that would help effectively create a national quarantine.“There are some states that are different,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “There are some states that don’t have much of a problem.”But there are signs that Trump administration officials are pushing behind the scenes for holdout governors to issue statewide quarantines.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had resisted issuing a statewide order but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e5bac343ca91824ecd6c7699bf371183">reversed course and issued one</a>&nbsp;Wednesday as federal and local pressure mounted for him to abandon the county-by-county approach he had implemented.DeSantis, a Republican, told reporters that he decided to issue the order after consulting with Trump and White House advisers.Rep. Donna Shalala, a Florida Democrat, said earlier Wednesday that Trump should be pressing governors for a unified approach to help stem the spread of the disease, calling his response so far “fragmented, weak and uneven.”“He hasn’t made a national plea to say we’re all in this together, and he hasn’t even talked to the governors about all doing the same thing,” Shalala, who was secretary of health and human services under President Bill Clinton, said in an interview.Authority to order quarantines inside states rests almost entirely with states under provisions in the U.S. Constitution ceding power not explicitly delegated to the federal government to states, courts have ruled consistently for years. While the federal government itself can’t order nationwide quarantines or impose quarantines on states, courts have said it has clear power under constitutional clauses regulating commerce to quarantine international travelers or those traveling state to state who might be carriers of deadly diseases.A few legal scholars have argued that the Constitution’s Commerce Clause may vest Trump with powers to impose a multiple state or national lockdown with or without states’ approval, though any such move under that minority interpretation would almost certainly be challenged immediately as unconstitutional.Pence told CNN that leaders and residents of states that haven’t been hard hit are already taking action to slow the virus’ spread.In Nebraska, Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts has said he’s basing his decisions on the advice he gets from public health experts at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which has dealt extensively with outbreaks and served as a quarantine space for Ebola patients. In Iowa, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has resisted a mandatory shelter-in- place order, saying the data she looks at doesn’t yet justify it in her state.South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, another Republican, said her voluntary guidance had helped slow the infection rate. “The calls to apply a one-size-fits-all approach is herd mentality, it’s not leadership,” she said.Ricketts, a vocal Trump supporter, has repeatedly said he won’t impose a stay-at-home order in Nebraska but has ordered restaurants either to close their dining areas or allow no more than 10 people inside at once, depending on their location in the state.In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered schools to stay closed through at least May and imposed restrictions that doctors and even his critics say are tantamount to a stay-at-home order for the state. Still, Abbott refused to call it that.“This is not a stay-at-home strategy. A stay-at-home strategy would mean that you have to stay home,” Abbott said. “This is a standard based upon essential services and essential activities.”___

Trump resists national shutdown, leaving it up to states

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The governor has 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. Gov. Pete Ricketts' order, issued Wednesday, ensures the children won't be returning this school year to the close quarters of their classrooms.

The governor also canceled school extracurricular activities but said the closures don't apply to staff members working in school buildings.

The Nebraska Health and Human Services Department reported Wednesday night that the latest COVID-19 death was a Madison County woman in her 70s who had underlying health conditions.

The state's total number of confirmed cases has risen to 214, the department said. Nearly 3,600 people have tested negative.

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.

Earlier Wednesday, Ricketts warned Nebraskans that they must help keep COVID-19 from spreading, but he reiterated that he won't impose a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4c60a12dfff86c612b1b126b5fbcbede" target="_blank">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;as many other states have done.

It appears social distancing rules are preventing even larger case increases, Ricketts said, but "we have to do more" to avoid overloading the state's hospitals.

Statewide, officials have urged residents not to have any social gathering larger than 10 people, but that request isn't legally enforceable.

However, Ricketts has ordered more restrictive "directed health measures" to dozens of Nebraska's 93 counties, including 15 more he added Wednesday. The directed health measures impose the same 10-person limit, but people who refuse to comply can be charged with misdemeanors. The orders also require restaurants and bars in those areas to close their dining areas, but they can still offer takeout and delivery.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The governor has 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. Gov. Pete Ricketts' order, issued Wednesday, ensures the children won't be returning this school year to the close quarters of their classrooms.The governor also canceled school extracurricular activities but said the closures don't apply to staff members working in school buildings.The Nebraska Health and Human Services Department reported Wednesday night that the latest COVID-19 death was a Madison County woman in her 70s who had underlying health conditions.The state's total number of confirmed cases has risen to 214, the department said. Nearly 3,600 people have tested negative.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.Earlier Wednesday, Ricketts warned Nebraskans that they must help keep COVID-19 from spreading, but he reiterated that he won't impose a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4c60a12dfff86c612b1b126b5fbcbede" target="_blank">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;as many other states have done.It appears social distancing rules are preventing even larger case increases, Ricketts said, but "we have to do more" to avoid overloading the state's hospitals.Statewide, officials have urged residents not to have any social gathering larger than 10 people, but that request isn't legally enforceable.However, Ricketts has ordered more restrictive "directed health measures" to dozens of Nebraska's 93 counties, including 15 more he added Wednesday. The directed health measures impose the same 10-person limit, but people who refuse to comply can be charged with misdemeanors. The orders also require restaurants and bars in those areas to close their dining areas, but they can still offer takeout and delivery.

Governor orders Nebraska schools to remain closed to kids

LINCOLN –&nbsp;The fifth 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 Madison County resident in her 70s with underlying health conditions -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VsdnBoZC5vcmcvIn0.1oPk5pFE1Qao6fSu4SWQiRSq_XUSTiZfqt-DDNAj0FI%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118852259&amp;sdata=ro%2Bx4TMdLa2SuFeSzD%2FpKamVNh%2BQZpY6o0JBAWxotmQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://elvphd.org/</a>.

“We extend our sympathy to the family,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. “As we see COVID-19 cases increase in Nebraska, we will see more severe illness and sadly, more deaths.”

Community transmission was identified in Antelope and Lincoln Counties. Community transmission is when people have COVID-19 but public health officials are unable to identify how or where they became infected -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL25jZGhkbmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8ifQ.y58D47bEtLYA3s45Sr9GDL20VtLZvswDfnVCekyo8g8%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118862210&amp;sdata=QdZYgripR3z%2Be1HsEP5Nz0p4uBdxCFtoYZTUlNXivxE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ncdhdne.wordpress.com/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3djZGhkLm9yZy8ifQ.Yv1U7_9TEubOYAJo3UqtJ3q44OKEbpBy32XOMuTMQz4%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118862210&amp;sdata=BSDc78X2Sxf6tt%2BuLOGdeDvbC3B%2BPENoujg391trsHI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://wcdhd.org/</a>. &nbsp;

State Directed Health Measures (DHMs) were issued tonight for the following 15 counties: Antelope, Arthur, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Pierce, Rock, and Thomas -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kcm9wYm94LmNvbS9zLzI1M29oenRwOXc5Nmh6bC9ESE0lMjA0LjAxLjIwMjAucGRmP2RsPTAifQ.CPaWQTWZ5uxda7-y12TCKGGY75cqMBBWSzRGboGN-4U%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118872172&amp;sdata=oZX0f3GHcegUwk%2FX%2BRpP8KJlKLwr6ChcW2Z1kfDngpc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.dropbox.com/s/253ohztp9w96hzl/DHM%204.01.2020.pdf?dl=0</a>.

The quarantine measures included in the State DHMs are for individuals who are COVID-19 positive or develop fever, sudden onset of a dry cough, or sudden onset of shortness of breath without provocation (such as walking up stairs, running, choking, etc.). &nbsp;This excludes those with seasonal allergies, COPD, or other diagnoses that may produce respiratory symptoms.&nbsp; Additionally, the directive doesn’t apply to patients who have an alternative non-COVID-19 diagnosis from a healthcare provider. These patients should follow the treatment and guidance provided by their healthcare provider for such conditions.

Cuming County’s first case of COVID-19 was also reported.

Tonight’s state case total is 214. 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.LfnaUF6jm7UDBxZ1csfyZeacRJbS8cmCOegAqyIRqMk%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118872172&amp;sdata=BfFFeu%2FOSMEbhWDFEB%2BIzMMX7NYZpP4ScWyJdwSlNP4%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.zl4N2QIKeQrrft_-phcFcTPo0GESxjPbdvfsCLhkL7c%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118902038&amp;sdata=Bby8LhE7yRir75BQDCXy8xtERXjzdEcj5us44cXJewk%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.A0uIHL-Ec_7Zea0q4zljwzHan8_xyTsKqTjOgUUDpkE%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118911993&amp;sdata=eWcau3VgjxSWmkZRzl2M7bNLNgY8ZpNmPQuC9YfxPHk%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.SUfYDpui4_EA-c8tlXPW38p40F9sDXe25prd_HsPUFA%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118911993&amp;sdata=gbf96HnfWR4GB1FhtM7se4DxHUlI32ZWrWyuKKhgGZw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;The fifth 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 Madison County resident in her 70s with underlying health conditions -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VsdnBoZC5vcmcvIn0.1oPk5pFE1Qao6fSu4SWQiRSq_XUSTiZfqt-DDNAj0FI%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118852259&amp;sdata=ro%2Bx4TMdLa2SuFeSzD%2FpKamVNh%2BQZpY6o0JBAWxotmQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://elvphd.org/</a>.“We extend our sympathy to the family,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS. “As we see COVID-19 cases increase in Nebraska, we will see more severe illness and sadly, more deaths.”Community transmission was identified in Antelope and Lincoln Counties. Community transmission is when people have COVID-19 but public health officials are unable to identify how or where they became infected -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL25jZGhkbmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8ifQ.y58D47bEtLYA3s45Sr9GDL20VtLZvswDfnVCekyo8g8%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118862210&amp;sdata=QdZYgripR3z%2Be1HsEP5Nz0p4uBdxCFtoYZTUlNXivxE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ncdhdne.wordpress.com/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3djZGhkLm9yZy8ifQ.Yv1U7_9TEubOYAJo3UqtJ3q44OKEbpBy32XOMuTMQz4%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118862210&amp;sdata=BSDc78X2Sxf6tt%2BuLOGdeDvbC3B%2BPENoujg391trsHI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://wcdhd.org/</a>. &nbsp;State Directed Health Measures (DHMs) were issued tonight for the following 15 counties: Antelope, Arthur, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Pierce, Rock, and Thomas -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kcm9wYm94LmNvbS9zLzI1M29oenRwOXc5Nmh6bC9ESE0lMjA0LjAxLjIwMjAucGRmP2RsPTAifQ.CPaWQTWZ5uxda7-y12TCKGGY75cqMBBWSzRGboGN-4U%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118872172&amp;sdata=oZX0f3GHcegUwk%2FX%2BRpP8KJlKLwr6ChcW2Z1kfDngpc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.dropbox.com/s/253ohztp9w96hzl/DHM%204.01.2020.pdf?dl=0</a>.The quarantine measures included in the State DHMs are for individuals who are COVID-19 positive or develop fever, sudden onset of a dry cough, or sudden onset of shortness of breath without provocation (such as walking up stairs, running, choking, etc.). &nbsp;This excludes those with seasonal allergies, COPD, or other diagnoses that may produce respiratory symptoms.&nbsp; Additionally, the directive doesn’t apply to patients who have an alternative non-COVID-19 diagnosis from a healthcare provider. These patients should follow the treatment and guidance provided by their healthcare provider for such conditions.Cuming County’s first case of COVID-19 was also reported.Tonight’s state case total is 214. 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.LfnaUF6jm7UDBxZ1csfyZeacRJbS8cmCOegAqyIRqMk%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118872172&amp;sdata=BfFFeu%2FOSMEbhWDFEB%2BIzMMX7NYZpP4ScWyJdwSlNP4%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNIYXZlLXN1cHBsaWVzLW9uLWhhbmQifQ.csYf4wgFwGSXS0KDg3m7da9YdLy-1viqdyW85y9nAz0%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118882124&amp;sdata=0TsChFV2M1dx%2FgPjBoFZCbaCqBqPFxXcC5BacB32MUU%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCN0YWtlLWV2ZXJ5ZGF5LXByZWNhdXRpb25zIn0.UibzYRAMFMWy3_OF7LOB41e3ImDf7hl2AtGNwunYNbA%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118882124&amp;sdata=If0FgovpTxCpJ9KSrZ%2FR2Du%2F9bPBwJxgzc0VDlivDSA%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNhdm9pZC1jcm93ZHMifQ.cOZ1p1wzTmgSdDcmGFd3w5amgSM2mo5JPFw8fZr1Ar8%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118892081&amp;sdata=Ba7uzOZKAoVbEzoHgqTGp0cfbU4eX17WTy7o6%2FmuUyo%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3d25jLmNkYy5nb3YvdHJhdmVsL25vdGljZXMvd2FybmluZy9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1jcnVpc2Utc2hpcCJ9.ZxQhhk8QLjub1gSM0CkekDPRD1QETIr_6rebf-tCsqc%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118892081&amp;sdata=U7z1JCEp%2FDL8y%2BywrpSuuF9z0jf%2FhepNB4Fp2jnO5Lg%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNzdGF5LWhvbWUifQ.gr6xOSd8vR-_0VFw-4wBnCVk64sH_9_0ME37mCY3bCU%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118902038&amp;sdata=beTEGesMiFYkOHdUf76IXtHWtc%2F4Z1UwRBHDgKLFZRI%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.zl4N2QIKeQrrft_-phcFcTPo0GESxjPbdvfsCLhkL7c%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118902038&amp;sdata=Bby8LhE7yRir75BQDCXy8xtERXjzdEcj5us44cXJewk%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.A0uIHL-Ec_7Zea0q4zljwzHan8_xyTsKqTjOgUUDpkE%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118911993&amp;sdata=eWcau3VgjxSWmkZRzl2M7bNLNgY8ZpNmPQuC9YfxPHk%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=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MDIuMTk2MzExMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.SUfYDpui4_EA-c8tlXPW38p40F9sDXe25prd_HsPUFA%2Fbr%2F76939717360-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cec3a09d6b74049a795bb08d7d6aa7f95%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213900118911993&amp;sdata=gbf96HnfWR4GB1FhtM7se4DxHUlI32ZWrWyuKKhgGZw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

Nebraska reports 5th COVID-19 death, community spread identified in Lincoln, Antelope counties

K-State child development specialist offers tips to help families during COVID-19 outbreak

MANHATTAN – In this most uncertain of times, many of us are experiencing anxiety for a number of reasons. Who will take care of the children if I don’t get home before my spouse goes to work? How quickly will my unemployment benefits kick in? What if a family member gets sick?

A Kansas State University child development specialist says it’s understandable for you and your children to have anxiety right now, but there are steps you can take to manage it, for yourself and for your children.

“When it comes to managing anxiety, the most important component is taking care of one’s self. Just like when we’re on an airplane, you should put your own mask on before you put someone else’s mask on,” said Bradford Wiles, a K-State associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

“None of us are going to be perfectly calm and easy going during difficult times,” he said. “But as we’re working through things with our children, making sure we can respond in intentional and kind and compassionate ways, is really critical.”&nbsp;

He encourages parents to be honest to the extent appropriate for their age: “The most authentic thing is to be honest. Now, obviously, you’re not going to talk about disease transmission with your two-year-old. But you can say ‘Mommy and Daddy or Grandma and Grandpa don’t want to get anyone sick.’”

The idea isn’t to scare them, rather be positive, using words they can understand.

“Little ones won’t understand words like ‘pandemic’ or ‘coronavirus.’ But they’ll understand that by staying home right now, we’re helping keep our neighborhood and community safe,” Wiles said.

With the closure of Kansas schools through the end of the school year, districts are scrambling to take the learning online so teachers can teach and students can learn at a distance. That means parents or other family members are playing a much greater role in the day-to-day teaching.

“One thing I have learned is that schoolteachers don’t get paid nearly enough,” said Wiles, who added that he himself had been home with his own children for several days at the time of this interview. “I should be as equipped as anyone to be able to homeschool my children. It’s very difficult.”

“There’s a lot of anxiety. There’s a lot of restlessness. There’s a lot of sleeplessness. Things that wouldn’t normally get to us, get to us,” Wiles said. “It’s not anything that any of us want. I don’t want to be Pollyanna-ish at all, but making the best of it is no joke.”&nbsp;

He encourages parents to consider this time an opportunity to learn what their children are learning.

“During these long school days, when we want our children to keep learning, and this is so critical, we need to honor that people are paid full time, day in and day out, five days a week (to teach) our children, and so to try to take on all that, and keep our normal routines is just simply undoable. Something has to give.”

Parents can’t expect to teach children everything they would normally learn in school in the next six weeks, “but what you can do is teach them how to handle things and learn from their activities, and also learn what it’s like to be a strong, helpful, and competent human beings.”

Wiles said physical activity is important, not only for children but also their parents. Get the energy out. Take a walk. Go fishing.

Striking the right balance with how much screen time children can have is always a challenge, but Wiles believes it’s better to let children have a little more screen time than for adults to be on edge and unable to handle the parent and educator role. He encourages parents to check out online educational programming by zoos, museums and aquariums.

“Yeah, they’re on a screen, but they’re walking you through the life of a hippopotamus or some of the great works of art, so those can be useful tools,” Wiles said. “What we don’t want is some of the mindless programming on screen time. It’s when we just plop our kids in front of it and hope for the best that things go quite wrong.”

Wiles said he’s dealing with the same challenges other parents with young children are facing: “There are so many worrying things that are going on, but I can promise you that I will likely never in my lifetime have an opportunity to spend this much time with my family all at once. And they grow up fast. Everyone who has kids knows it. Blink and you’ll miss it.”

“It’s not easy. None of this is easy. Parenting itself isn’t easy,” he added. “It’s very hard, but it’s a really good time to recognize and take stock in how beautiful our families are and how important they are to us and just how much we’ll do to help them and make everybody feel a little bit safer, a little happier and stay healthy.”

Cover photo by Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Alexas_Fotos-686414/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=3582986">Alexas_Fotos</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=3582986">Pixabay</a>

K-State Research and Extension<h2>K-State child development specialist offers tips to help families during COVID-19 outbreak</h2>MANHATTAN – In this most uncertain of times, many of us are experiencing anxiety for a number of reasons. Who will take care of the children if I don’t get home before my spouse goes to work? How quickly will my unemployment benefits kick in? What if a family member gets sick?A Kansas State University child development specialist says it’s understandable for you and your children to have anxiety right now, but there are steps you can take to manage it, for yourself and for your children.“When it comes to managing anxiety, the most important component is taking care of one’s self. Just like when we’re on an airplane, you should put your own mask on before you put someone else’s mask on,” said Bradford Wiles, a K-State associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences.“None of us are going to be perfectly calm and easy going during difficult times,” he said. “But as we’re working through things with our children, making sure we can respond in intentional and kind and compassionate ways, is really critical.”&nbsp;He encourages parents to be honest to the extent appropriate for their age: “The most authentic thing is to be honest. Now, obviously, you’re not going to talk about disease transmission with your two-year-old. But you can say ‘Mommy and Daddy or Grandma and Grandpa don’t want to get anyone sick.’”The idea isn’t to scare them, rather be positive, using words they can understand.“Little ones won’t understand words like ‘pandemic’ or ‘coronavirus.’ But they’ll understand that by staying home right now, we’re helping keep our neighborhood and community safe,” Wiles said.With the closure of Kansas schools through the end of the school year, districts are scrambling to take the learning online so teachers can teach and students can learn at a distance. That means parents or other family members are playing a much greater role in the day-to-day teaching.“One thing I have learned is that schoolteachers don’t get paid nearly enough,” said Wiles, who added that he himself had been home with his own children for several days at the time of this interview. “I should be as equipped as anyone to be able to homeschool my children. It’s very difficult.”He suggests parents:<ol>
 <li>Lay out a lesson plan that’s reasonable. You don’t have to always get to everything, but know what you’re going to learn. Children, as with everyone, like to know what to expect.</li><li>Take advantage of help. Some resources can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/about-us/covid-19-extension.html">online</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Cooking and baking are not just to keep our bodies nourished, they can be ways to incorporate chemistry, math and reading skills.</li><li>Have meals together and make them social science lessons. Even talk (and listen to what your kids think) about the benefits of having meals together.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Give yourself a break. Children and adults both need them. None of us right now under these conditions are at our optimal performance, Wiles said.</li>
 </ol>“There’s a lot of anxiety. There’s a lot of restlessness. There’s a lot of sleeplessness. Things that wouldn’t normally get to us, get to us,” Wiles said. “It’s not anything that any of us want. I don’t want to be Pollyanna-ish at all, but making the best of it is no joke.”&nbsp;He encourages parents to consider this time an opportunity to learn what their children are learning.“During these long school days, when we want our children to keep learning, and this is so critical, we need to honor that people are paid full time, day in and day out, five days a week (to teach) our children, and so to try to take on all that, and keep our normal routines is just simply undoable. Something has to give.”Parents can’t expect to teach children everything they would normally learn in school in the next six weeks, “but what you can do is teach them how to handle things and learn from their activities, and also learn what it’s like to be a strong, helpful, and competent human beings.”Wiles said physical activity is important, not only for children but also their parents. Get the energy out. Take a walk. Go fishing.Striking the right balance with how much screen time children can have is always a challenge, but Wiles believes it’s better to let children have a little more screen time than for adults to be on edge and unable to handle the parent and educator role. He encourages parents to check out online educational programming by zoos, museums and aquariums.“Yeah, they’re on a screen, but they’re walking you through the life of a hippopotamus or some of the great works of art, so those can be useful tools,” Wiles said. “What we don’t want is some of the mindless programming on screen time. It’s when we just plop our kids in front of it and hope for the best that things go quite wrong.”Wiles said he’s dealing with the same challenges other parents with young children are facing: “There are so many worrying things that are going on, but I can promise you that I will likely never in my lifetime have an opportunity to spend this much time with my family all at once. And they grow up fast. Everyone who has kids knows it. Blink and you’ll miss it.”“It’s not easy. None of this is easy. Parenting itself isn’t easy,” he added. “It’s very hard, but it’s a really good time to recognize and take stock in how beautiful our families are and how important they are to us and just how much we’ll do to help them and make everybody feel a little bit safer, a little happier and stay healthy.”Cover photo by Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/Alexas_Fotos-686414/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=3582986">Alexas_Fotos</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=3582986">Pixabay</a>

Manage your own anxiety to help your kids’ stress, too


The
West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) emphasizes the need
for everyone to practice social distancing and stay home as much as
possible, while new cases of COVID-19 continue to be found in the
community. WCDHD has received preliminary results on seven new cases
of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.

The
new cases involve one woman in her 40s and one in her 60s, plus three
men in their 40s, one man in his 50s and one man in his 60s. Four of
the cases are linked to known positive travel cases, four are direct
contacts to travels and there are four individuals linked to two
incidents of community transmission in the county. This brings the
total lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 12. The Health Department’s
trained staff is investigating all cases and will communicate with
anyone whom they are aware of that may have been exposed.&nbsp;


“Community
spread means we don’t know the source or contact of the disease,”
said Shannon Vanderheiden, WCDHD executive director. “A case with
an unknown source of infection is defined as community spread.&nbsp; 


“Our
focus right now is to complete the contact investigations and to
protect the health of the community,” said Vanderheiden.&nbsp; “We
want to continue to remind everyone that the best way to stop the
spread of this virus is to stay at home if you are experiencing any
symptoms of COVID-19 infection.”


If
you visited any of the following locations at any of the dates and
times listed below and are not showing symptoms, please
self-quarantine and monitor your symptoms for 14 days from your most
recent visit to one of the locations below.

If
you are showing symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of
breath, please contact your healthcare provider or public health.
Please call before going to any healthcare facility.&nbsp; Visit
<a href="https://wcdhd.org/">https://wcdhd.org/</a>
for self-quarantine guidance.

Public
health officials would like to remind everyone that if you have a
fever of over 100.4 or symptoms of respiratory illness, please
self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider or your local
health department.

WCDHD
is
in communication with state officials in regard to issuing a state
Directed Health Measure;
more information to follow.

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

The
West Central District Health Department (WCDHD) emphasizes the need
for everyone to practice social distancing and stay home as much as
possible, while new cases of COVID-19 continue to be found in the
community. WCDHD has received preliminary results on seven new cases
of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.The
new cases involve one woman in her 40s and one in her 60s, plus three
men in their 40s, one man in his 50s and one man in his 60s. Four of
the cases are linked to known positive travel cases, four are direct
contacts to travels and there are four individuals linked to two
incidents of community transmission in the county. This brings the
total lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 to 12. The Health Department’s
trained staff is investigating all cases and will communicate with
anyone whom they are aware of that may have been exposed.&nbsp;
“Community
spread means we don’t know the source or contact of the disease,”
said Shannon Vanderheiden, WCDHD executive director. “A case with
an unknown source of infection is defined as community spread.&nbsp; 
“Our
focus right now is to complete the contact investigations and to
protect the health of the community,” said Vanderheiden.&nbsp; “We
want to continue to remind everyone that the best way to stop the
spread of this virus is to stay at home if you are experiencing any
symptoms of COVID-19 infection.”
If
you visited any of the following locations at any of the dates and
times listed below and are not showing symptoms, please
self-quarantine and monitor your symptoms for 14 days from your most
recent visit to one of the locations below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585788362960.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
If
you are showing symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of
breath, please contact your healthcare provider or public health.
Please call before going to any healthcare facility.&nbsp; Visit
<a href="https://wcdhd.org/">https://wcdhd.org/</a>
for self-quarantine guidance.Public
health officials would like to remind everyone that if you have a
fever of over 100.4 or symptoms of respiratory illness, please
self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider or your local
health department.WCDHD
is
in communication with state officials in regard to issuing a state
Directed Health Measure;
more information to follow.For
the most up to date information from the CDC, visit:
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html</a>.

WCDHD: 7 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County, possible public exposure locations announced

From NPPSD Superintendent Dr. Ron Hanson

As we have continued to monitor the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and changes, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 NPHS Prom.&nbsp; As of this morning, April 1, 2020, our President, Governor, and Health Officials are extending social and physical distancing guidelines.&nbsp; These guidelines include an extension in the peak of the virus to May.

We encourage our families to continue social and physical distancing by,

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remaining 6 foot apart

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do not gather in groups of 10 or more

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

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Practice good hygiene by bathing regularly, washing your clothes, and eating healthy

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Set a routine of healthy behaviors such as sleeping, eating, studying, family time, and time outside each day

Again, NPPS continues to be dedicated to providing a healthy and safe learning environment for each of our students, staff, and the families we serve.&nbsp; While we know this decision will be disappointing to some of you, please keep in mind, we are doing what we feel is best for all involved, given the information we currently have.&nbsp; Thank you for your support and understanding during these very trying times for us all.

From NPPSD Superintendent Dr. Ron HansonAs we have continued to monitor the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and changes, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 NPHS Prom.&nbsp; As of this morning, April 1, 2020, our President, Governor, and Health Officials are extending social and physical distancing guidelines.&nbsp; These guidelines include an extension in the peak of the virus to May.We encourage our families to continue social and physical distancing by,1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remaining 6 foot apart2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do not gather in groups of 10 or more3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Practice good hygiene by bathing regularly, washing your clothes, and eating healthy5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Set a routine of healthy behaviors such as sleeping, eating, studying, family time, and time outside each dayAgain, NPPS continues to be dedicated to providing a healthy and safe learning environment for each of our students, staff, and the families we serve.&nbsp; While we know this decision will be disappointing to some of you, please keep in mind, we are doing what we feel is best for all involved, given the information we currently have.&nbsp; Thank you for your support and understanding during these very trying times for us all.

North Platte Public Schools make 'difficult decision' to cancel prom

WASHINGTON (AP) – If you’re not sick with the new coronavirus, should you wear a mask in public? Global health authorities say no. Amid a shortage of masks, the United States is sticking with that advice but Tuesday, President Donald Trump suggested people who are worried wear a scarf.

That shortage is so severe that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jointcommission.org/covid-19">Joint Commission</a>, which accredits U.S. hospitals, said Tuesday that if facilities can’t provide proper masks, health workers are allowed to bring their own from home.

Front-line health workers have the greatest need for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jhsph.edu/covid-19/articles/the-right-mask-for-the-task.html">masks</a>. And when people are sick, wearing a mask helps lessen the chances of infecting others. In places where relatives care for the sick at home, the World Health Organization also has recommended they wear a mask.

But “there is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” Dr. Mike Ryan, the WHO’s epidemics chief, told reporters Monday.

“In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or touching the face while taking it off or putting it on.

For months as the COVID-19 crisis grew and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials have agreed. The virus is believed to spread mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, and thus the main advice has been to keep your distance – staying 6 feet away – in addition to frequent hand-washing and not touching your face. Health workers who may be doing procedures that generate tinier particles are supposed to get high priority for tight-fitting filtering masks.

“Seriously people – STOP BUYING MASKS!” Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a February 29 tweet. “They are not effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk.”

But mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia. As questions grow about whether people sometimes can spread the virus before realizing they’re sick – which social distancing is supposed to address – increasingly people ask what it would hurt to wear some form of mask in public.

Trump said Tuesday that his scientific advisers made clear the general public shouldn’t be competing with hospitals and health workers for scarce masks of any type.

His solution: “Use a scarf if you want,” Trump said at the daily White House briefing. “It doesn’t have to be a mask. It’s not a bad idea at least for a period of time.”

Earlier in the day, Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, had told CNN that once there are enough masks, there might be “some very serious consideration” about broadening the mask recommendations.

For now, the advice posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html">website</a>: “If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask).”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584894001370.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) – If you’re not sick with the new coronavirus, should you wear a mask in public? Global health authorities say no. Amid a shortage of masks, the United States is sticking with that advice but Tuesday, President Donald Trump suggested people who are worried wear a scarf.That shortage is so severe that the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jointcommission.org/covid-19">Joint Commission</a>, which accredits U.S. hospitals, said Tuesday that if facilities can’t provide proper masks, health workers are allowed to bring their own from home.Front-line health workers have the greatest need for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jhsph.edu/covid-19/articles/the-right-mask-for-the-task.html">masks</a>. And when people are sick, wearing a mask helps lessen the chances of infecting others. In places where relatives care for the sick at home, the World Health Organization also has recommended they wear a mask.But “there is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” Dr. Mike Ryan, the WHO’s epidemics chief, told reporters Monday.“In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or touching the face while taking it off or putting it on.For months as the COVID-19 crisis grew and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials have agreed. The virus is believed to spread mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, and thus the main advice has been to keep your distance – staying 6 feet away – in addition to frequent hand-washing and not touching your face. Health workers who may be doing procedures that generate tinier particles are supposed to get high priority for tight-fitting filtering masks.“Seriously people – STOP BUYING MASKS!” Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a February 29 tweet. “They are not effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk.”But mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia. As questions grow about whether people sometimes can spread the virus before realizing they’re sick – which social distancing is supposed to address – increasingly people ask what it would hurt to wear some form of mask in public.Trump said Tuesday that his scientific advisers made clear the general public shouldn’t be competing with hospitals and health workers for scarce masks of any type.His solution: “Use a scarf if you want,” Trump said at the daily White House briefing. “It doesn’t have to be a mask. It’s not a bad idea at least for a period of time.”Earlier in the day, Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, had told CNN that once there are enough masks, there might be “some very serious consideration” about broadening the mask recommendations.For now, the advice posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html">website</a>: “If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask).”

Should you wear mask in public if not sick with coronavirus?

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued an executive order to allow online notary services to take place immediately and to provide regulatory flexibility to banks.&nbsp; He also talked about the critical need for Nebraskans to practice social distancing in April.

Gov. Ricketts’ Comments on the Executive Order

Read the executive order by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fzrjvm0zb957yn10%2FEO%252020-13%2520-%2520COVID-19%2520-%2520Accelerating%2520Online%2520Notary%2520%2526%2520Financial%2520Institutions%2520Regulatory%2520Flexibility%2520.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C4442de135d3540557a0608d7d68dacde%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213776300032672&amp;sdata=31jfPeX1IqtgcqajPLVmtdAhA%2FBg1ZvNEn3ewZeSxW4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Director of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance, Mark Quandahl, joined the Governor to talk about the much-needed regulatory flexibility included in the Governor’s executive order.

Director Quandahl’s Comments on the Executive Order

Kathy Siefken, Executive Director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, also took part in today’s press conference.&nbsp; She reinforced the importance of social distancing while shopping for groceries and gave advice to shoppers.

The Governor also reminded Nebraskans of social distancing guidelines and of the need to practice good hygiene.

Other Comments from Gov. Ricketts on COVID-19

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%2F88xquthybo2sojr%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.01.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C4442de135d3540557a0608d7d68dacde%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213776300037651&amp;sdata=iFbhUfbsWvKPEFliTkU3pqXpePkNyDFGyZoMcxxSlPc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585781664926.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance Director Mark Quandahl (far left, and Executive Director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association Kathy Siefken (far right) at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance Director Mark Quandahl (far left, and Executive Director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association Kathy Siefken (far right) at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued an executive order to allow online notary services to take place immediately and to provide regulatory flexibility to banks.&nbsp; He also talked about the critical need for Nebraskans to practice social distancing in April.Gov. Ricketts’ Comments on the Executive Order<ol>
 <li>Many real estate, mortgage, insurance, and banking financial documents require notarized signatures to validate them.</li><li>Online notary services use audio/visual and automated software to verify the identity of the person who needs to obtain a notarized signature.&nbsp;</li><li>Today’s executive order allows online notarization to take place immediately in Nebraska.&nbsp;</li><li>This will enable Nebraskans to have documents notarized without in-person contact.</li>
 </ol>Read the executive order by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fzrjvm0zb957yn10%2FEO%252020-13%2520-%2520COVID-19%2520-%2520Accelerating%2520Online%2520Notary%2520%2526%2520Financial%2520Institutions%2520Regulatory%2520Flexibility%2520.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C4442de135d3540557a0608d7d68dacde%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213776300032672&amp;sdata=31jfPeX1IqtgcqajPLVmtdAhA%2FBg1ZvNEn3ewZeSxW4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Director of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance, Mark Quandahl, joined the Governor to talk about the much-needed regulatory flexibility included in the Governor’s executive order.Director Quandahl’s Comments on the Executive Order<ol>
 <li>The Department of Banking and Finance requires banks and credit unions to file reports within 90 days of their formal financial examinations.&nbsp;&nbsp;To help financial institutions adhere to social distancing requirements, these deadlines are being waived until 30 days after the lifting of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) emergency.&nbsp;</li><li>To help financial institutions adhere to social distancing requirements, these deadlines are being waived until 30 days after the lifting of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) emergency.&nbsp;</li><li>Companies licensed under the Installment Loan Act must have their books and records examined annually by the Department of Banking and Finance.&nbsp;The executive order waives the requirements for these examinations to take place within one calendar year. &nbsp;It directs the Department of Banking and Finance to accomplish the examination as soon as is practicable to maintain the integrity of the annual calendar year requirement.</li><li>The executive order waives the requirements for these examinations to take place within one calendar year. &nbsp;</li><li>It directs the Department of Banking and Finance to accomplish the examination as soon as is practicable to maintain the integrity of the annual calendar year requirement.</li><li>The Department of Banking and Finance requires some applications to be filed at its main office.&nbsp;The executive order authorizes electronic versions of these documents to be submitted and allows associated payments to be made via check or electronic ACH debit transactions.&nbsp; These changes are effective until 30 days after the lifting of the COVID-19 state of emergency.</li><li>The executive order authorizes electronic versions of these documents to be submitted and allows associated payments to be made via check or electronic ACH debit transactions.&nbsp; These changes are effective until 30 days after the lifting of the COVID-19 state of emergency.</li>
 </ol>Kathy Siefken, Executive Director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, also took part in today’s press conference.&nbsp; She reinforced the importance of social distancing while shopping for groceries and gave advice to shoppers.Health Tips for Shoppers<ol>
 <li>If stores appear busy or crowded, delay shopping until a later time.</li><li>Shop alone. &nbsp;Do not run errands with your family or a group of friends.</li><li>Make a list of what to buy in advance of your shopping trip to reduce time spent in the store.</li><li>Buy a week’s worth of groceries in a single visit to limit your number of trips to the store.</li><li>Shop with your eyes. &nbsp;Only touch products that you intend to purchase.</li><li>Maintain a minimum distance of six feet from other customers and store workers whenever possible.</li><li>Do not shop while sick.&nbsp; Contact friends, neighbors, and your church, synagogue, or faith community to ask for help getting essential supplies.</li><li>Do not bring reusable bags or backpacks into stores during the pandemic.</li><li>Do not hoard goods.&nbsp; The supply chain is working well, and items will be replenished in short order.&nbsp; In particular, manufacturers have ramped up production of in-demand goods like toilet paper.&nbsp;</li><li>Wash / sanitize your hands often.</li>
 </ol>The Governor also reminded Nebraskans of social distancing guidelines and of the need to practice good hygiene.The Governor’s Health Reminders<ol>
 <li>Remember to practice social distancing by keeping six feet from others.This applies in the workplace, when exercising outdoors, or when running errands.</li><li>This applies in the workplace, when exercising outdoors, or when running errands.</li><li>Don’t shop if you don’t feel well.</li><li>Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze with a tissue or use your elbow.</li><li>Wash and sanitize your hands before and after shopping.</li><li>Whenever possible, shop online for curbside pickup or home delivery.</li>
 </ol>Other Comments from Gov. Ricketts on COVID-19<ol>
 <li>Companies with spare masks are encouraged to donate them to hospitals, medical clinics, or first responders.</li><li>The State’s guidance is that out-of-state travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to Nebraska.</li><li>The State of Nebraska is hiring, including the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the State’s veterans’ homes.</li><li>Nebraskans can visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s website&nbsp;<a href="https://nda.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for guidance on livestock gatherings taking place during the coronavirus emergency.</li>
 </ol>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%2F88xquthybo2sojr%2FPress%2520Conf%25204.01.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C4442de135d3540557a0608d7d68dacde%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213776300037651&amp;sdata=iFbhUfbsWvKPEFliTkU3pqXpePkNyDFGyZoMcxxSlPc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts authorizes online notary services, stresses importance of social distancing in stores

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A former Omaha TV weatherman and spokesman for a former mayor has been accused of emailing death threats to the director of Douglas County Health Department over her handling of the new coronavirus outbreak.

The Douglas County Sheriff's office said Wednesday that Ronald Gerrard Penzkowski, 57, was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of making terroristic threats and stalking. Investigators say he sent at least 15 messages starting March 20 to Dr. Adi Pour, threatening to "lynch" her and to cut her throat. Sheriff's Capt. Wayne Hudson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/crime/former-omaha-tv-meteorologist-arrested-accused-of-threatening-county-health-director/article_f3d06438-5856-542f-8174-46ebacf7f90d.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald that the emails made reference to public health measures, such as stay-at-home orders intended to slow the spread of the virus. Officials did not specify whether the messages indicated the sender believed that the measures went too far or not far enough.

Authorities said Penzkowski tried to disguise the origin of the emails, but a forensics team was able to trace them to Penzkowski. A search of his home turned up evidence consistent with the emails sent, Hudson said.

Penzkowski served director of communications for then-Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle a decade ago. Before that, he worked as a meteorologist at two different Omaha television stations.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A former Omaha TV weatherman and spokesman for a former mayor has been accused of emailing death threats to the director of Douglas County Health Department over her handling of the new coronavirus outbreak.The Douglas County Sheriff's office said Wednesday that Ronald Gerrard Penzkowski, 57, was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of making terroristic threats and stalking. Investigators say he sent at least 15 messages starting March 20 to Dr. Adi Pour, threatening to "lynch" her and to cut her throat. Sheriff's Capt. Wayne Hudson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/crime/former-omaha-tv-meteorologist-arrested-accused-of-threatening-county-health-director/article_f3d06438-5856-542f-8174-46ebacf7f90d.html" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald that the emails made reference to public health measures, such as stay-at-home orders intended to slow the spread of the virus. Officials did not specify whether the messages indicated the sender believed that the measures went too far or not far enough.Authorities said Penzkowski tried to disguise the origin of the emails, but a forensics team was able to trace them to Penzkowski. A search of his home turned up evidence consistent with the emails sent, Hudson said.Penzkowski served director of communications for then-Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle a decade ago. Before that, he worked as a meteorologist at two different Omaha television stations.

Ex-Omaha weatherman accused of targeting health director

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%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010357600&amp;sdata=LzTz3HknVQcZvD%2BiLede2usqo7wS5JrWqlqA3rmjR04%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">website</a>, there are 186,101 COVID-19 cases in the United States and 3,603 deaths (Updated 4/1/2020). Cases have been reported in 50 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;Gov. Pete Ricketts will answer questions from Nebraskans during another one-hour NET News town hall meeting about COVID-19 and the state’s response at 8:30 p.m. CDT, Thursday, April 2. “Speaking of Nebraska: COVID-19 Town Hall with Governor Ricketts” will be carried on television and radio by NET, Nebraska’s PBS &amp; 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%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010357600&amp;sdata=jHI7xZJQmv%2BidjVj7AzzU%2BZ0whMGXS%2FToNsAhDp%2Fy5Q%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%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010367556&amp;sdata=BFXA905pthc78UzV1OurtBqPC9qrbaMabi6smtk3ogE%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%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010367556&amp;sdata=8QBueCwtYMi7Gm0w%2Fa4Ad42a62Y%2FZVHc5SLQyiyS7PA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">NET Radio</a>. Questions can also be submitted via Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #COVID19Nebraska.

NEW&nbsp;At his daily news conference, Gov. Ricketts said his days are totally focused on the COVID-19 response in Nebraska. He said his team at the State of Nebraska is working on the availability of personal protective equipment, testing capacity and hospital capacity.

NEW&nbsp; Gov. Ricketts said social distancing measures remain extremely important.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep six feet away from others.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do not gather in groups of 10 or more.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are an employer and someone shows up sick, send them home.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are one of those people with a fever, shortness of breath and a cough…stay home.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are in one of the areas where there is a directed health care measure in place, ALL MEMBERS of your household need to self-quarantine for 14 days as well.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do not go into a clinic unless you have called ahead.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Social distancing measures are so important.”

NEW&nbsp; Gov. Ricketts reminded people to make sure to practice social distancing (six feet or more) when going to grocery stores. Limiting contact with other people will help stop the spread of COVID-19. Other advice shared at the daily news conference included:

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Travelers coming back to Nebraska from out of state should self-quarantine for 14 days. This includes snowbirds returning to Nebraska after having spent the winter in places like Arizona, Florida or Texas or those visiting secondary residences within Nebraska. However, the guidance to self-quarantine does not apply to commuters or workers in the transportation industry.

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The seventh Directed Health Measure was issued yesterday and applies to&nbsp;Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Gosper, Harlan, Kearney&nbsp;and&nbsp;Phelps&nbsp;counties and is in effect until May 11 unless renewed.

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>.

The DHM imposes an enforceable limit on public gatherings. Among other steps, the DHM requires restaurants and bars in these areas to close their dining areas immediately and move to takeout service, delivery and/or curbside service only until further notice. Additionally, schools in these areas are directed to operate without students in their buildings. This restriction does not apply to school staff working in school buildings. It also does not apply to daycares that may be operated at a school per the governor’s executive order regarding childcare, which you can access&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2F519dprxk19cogx2%2FEO%252020-08%2520-%2520Expanding%2520Access%2520to%2520Child%2520Care%2520Options.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010377511&amp;sdata=WxTmuIwBh40OS7WuZoq%2Fx9Vb%2FQ7y40vzLbBo%2FbmV2rs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.

If you have concerns about a directed health measure contact your local health department or the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/press/gov-ricketts-signs-executive-order-giving-flexibility-healthcare-facilities-announces-safety" target="_blank">Executive Order</a>&nbsp;gives healthcare facilities greater flexibility to respond to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).&nbsp;The purpose of the order is to enable healthcare facilities to expand capacity as the need arises. The Governor’s news release, which outlines the changes, is available&nbsp;[give%20healthcare%20facilities%20greater%20flexibility%20to%20respond%20to%20coronavirus%202019%20(COVID-19).]here.&nbsp;

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;Gov. Pete Ricketts signed an executive order to allow people to get online notary services. This will allow customers of banks, realtors and financial institutions to get work done while allowing for better social distancing.

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 held a Facebook Live about #COVID19, featuring&nbsp;Dr. Gary Anthone, chief medical officer and director of Public Health for DHHS and&nbsp;Dr. Tom Safranek, state epidemiologist for DHHS. Watch it here:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNEDHHS%2Fvideos%2F877383759401308%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010377511&amp;sdata=BJefaxi7CWiLbE9WsAciL6mDQ24B0HJL5IEdHhWvsCY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/NEDHHS/videos/877383759401308/</a>

DHHS has developed an&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19%20Homeless%20Shelters%20and%20Their%20Guests%20FAQ.pdf" target="_blank">FAQ for Homeless Shelters and Their Guests</a>.

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%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010387467&amp;sdata=Tp7ivURXemZm1zhdjnj2uPr%2BwRRaCq5m5fnNAFluuQs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>

As of April 1 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%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010387467&amp;sdata=Jw04U57LxdB73Y2VwTz4vUySp8EgpU%2FBsx3ker8opJA%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%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010397425&amp;sdata=9MX3LjfQ7roOmG7XjzIb2bsR95eJzTl0MwIxLemNCOw%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%7Cfabfa7561bb74d620a1208d7d6896cd4%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637213759010397425&amp;sdata=1p76B05cbE3NknFl12ix1uO96nfJJjSJVvcEM61grrQ%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>

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

Nebraska Attorney General’s Office&nbsp;<a href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/coronavirus-consumer-protection" target="_blank">COVID-19 Information</a>

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scammers and others may use COVID-19 as an opportunity to defraud Nebraskans. Learn more about potential&nbsp;<a href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/coronavirus-consumer-protection" target="_blank">COVID-19 scams</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.Gov</a>. If you suspect fraud, file a&nbsp;<a href="https://protectthegoodlife.nebraska.gov/file-consumer-complaint" target="_blank">consumer complaint</a>&nbsp;or send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ago.consumer@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">ago.consumer@nebraska.gov</a>.

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

NEW&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA has a COVID-19 webpage available to the public with information pertaining to agricultural producers. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19</a>&nbsp;for more information.

<a href="https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/about/covid-19-consumer-and-industry-guidance" target="_blank">https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/about/covid-19-consumer-and-industry-guidance</a>

Department of Corrections&nbsp;<a href="file://stn/stnedfs$/NEMAHome$/jodie.fawl/~Documents/COVID-19/corrections.nebraska.gov" target="_blank">corrections.nebraska.gov</a>

NDCS has a COVID-19 webpage available to the public with information pertaining to the agency’s response to the virus. Go to&nbsp;<a href="file://stn/stnedfs$/NEMAHome$/jodie.fawl/~Documents/COVID-19/corrections.nebraska.gov" target="_blank">corrections.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;for more information.

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

DED is working to inform and assist businesses during Nebraska’s ongoing response to COVID-19. Information for businesses is available on the DED website. DED is committed to serving Nebraskans facing financial challenges during this time, and understands that local economic leaders will play an important role in creating regional solutions for businesses and their workforce. The department’s Field Services Team is working with business leaders in these regions to address ongoing COVID-19 challenges.&nbsp;

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

NDEE has developed a COVID-19 information webpage that includes a message from the Director, links to state and federal resources, and NDEE-related issues.&nbsp; Webpage address is:&nbsp;<a href="http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/onWeb/COVID" target="_blank">http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/onWeb/COVID</a>

Coronavirus Update