By Scott Carlson-Eagle Radio News Director

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-There is no doubt that one of the industries that have been hit hardest by the outbreak of COVID-19 is the food and beverage industry.

Across the state of Nebraska, many restaurants have had to completely revamp the way they serve their customers with many offering curbside pickup, delivery, and takeout. But what about a little pick me up.

Until last week, Nebraska state law prohibited open alcoholic beverage containers in vehicles. But that all changed when Governor Pete Ricketts issued an executive order permitting mixed drinks to be served takeout, provided they were in a cup with a lid.

The responses to the Governor's order have been, well, mixed. 

Many Nebraskans feel that this will only increase the problem of driving under the influence and, in turn, lead to more alcohol-related accidents. Yet others, are elated that they can get takeout and include their favorite adult beverage with their order.&nbsp;

But how does law enforcement feel about this new temporary change to Nebraska's liquor laws?

The Post reached out to North Platte Chief of Police Daniel Hudson and asked him that very question.

"The department supports the Governor's move to support local business during this incredible time of hardship and uncertainty," said Hudson.

"The North Platte Police Department would like to remind the community that the Governor's policy allows individuals to purchase and transport a mixed drink in a container with a lid, however, it does not allow those alcoholic beverages to be consumed in a vehicle or a public place," Hudson added.

What it really comes down to is a responsibility and common sense.

"We ask that our community continues to support local businesses, but remind you that the North Platte Police Department will continue to enforce open container, public drinking and driving while intoxicated statutes," said Hudson.&nbsp;

So, whether you choose to take advantage of takeout mixed drinks or not, remember that a crisis does not exempt us from the laws of the land.&nbsp;

Stay safe, stay healthy and wash your hands...often.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585574995377.png" alt="North Platte Chief of Police Daniel Hudson" />
 <figcaption>North Platte Chief of Police Daniel Hudson</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-Eagle Radio News DirectorNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-There is no doubt that one of the industries that have been hit hardest by the outbreak of COVID-19 is the food and beverage industry.Across the state of Nebraska, many restaurants have had to completely revamp the way they serve their customers with many offering curbside pickup, delivery, and takeout. But what about a little pick me up.Until last week, Nebraska state law prohibited open alcoholic beverage containers in vehicles. But that all changed when Governor Pete Ricketts issued an executive order permitting mixed drinks to be served takeout, provided they were in a cup with a lid.The responses to the Governor's order have been, well, mixed. Many Nebraskans feel that this will only increase the problem of driving under the influence and, in turn, lead to more alcohol-related accidents. Yet others, are elated that they can get takeout and include their favorite adult beverage with their order.&nbsp;But how does law enforcement feel about this new temporary change to Nebraska's liquor laws?The Post reached out to North Platte Chief of Police Daniel Hudson and asked him that very question."The department supports the Governor's move to support local business during this incredible time of hardship and uncertainty," said Hudson."The North Platte Police Department would like to remind the community that the Governor's policy allows individuals to purchase and transport a mixed drink in a container with a lid, however, it does not allow those alcoholic beverages to be consumed in a vehicle or a public place," Hudson added.What it really comes down to is a responsibility and common sense."We ask that our community continues to support local businesses, but remind you that the North Platte Police Department will continue to enforce open container, public drinking and driving while intoxicated statutes," said Hudson.&nbsp;So, whether you choose to take advantage of takeout mixed drinks or not, remember that a crisis does not exempt us from the laws of the land.&nbsp;Stay safe, stay healthy and wash your hands...often.

North Platte Police Chief comments on takeout mixed-drinks

GERING, Neb. (AP) - The first confirmed case of COVID-19 has been reported in far western Nebraska's Scotts Bluff County, the state said.

The patient is a man in his 30s who has been in isolation at his home since Tuesday, local health officials said.

His case and 10 other newly reported cases brought the&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">state total</a>&nbsp;to 120, the Nebraska Health and Human Services Department said late Sunday. More than 2,200 people have tested negative.

For most people, COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The department said earlier Sunday that it was working with the operators of an assisted living center in Blair to empty it because several workers and residents had tested positive for COVID-19. A ninth confirmed case in Washington County has been related to the outbreak at the facility, Carter Place.

Residents who tested positive and those considered to have been exposed to the new virus have been moved out and are in isolation at other health care facilities, the department said. Staffers who tested positive are self-isolating. The center will be disinfected.

Also Sunday, Gov. Pete Ricketts' order limiting public gatherings to 10 people or fewer was extended to Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton counties. Fourteen other counties are already under the restrictions.

GERING, Neb. (AP) - The first confirmed case of COVID-19 has been reported in far western Nebraska's Scotts Bluff County, the state said.The patient is a man in his 30s who has been in isolation at his home since Tuesday, local health officials said.His case and 10 other newly reported cases brought the&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">state total</a>&nbsp;to 120, the Nebraska Health and Human Services Department said late Sunday. More than 2,200 people have tested negative.For most people, COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.The department said earlier Sunday that it was working with the operators of an assisted living center in Blair to empty it because several workers and residents had tested positive for COVID-19. A ninth confirmed case in Washington County has been related to the outbreak at the facility, Carter Place.Residents who tested positive and those considered to have been exposed to the new virus have been moved out and are in isolation at other health care facilities, the department said. Staffers who tested positive are self-isolating. The center will be disinfected.Also Sunday, Gov. Pete Ricketts' order limiting public gatherings to 10 people or fewer was extended to Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton counties. Fourteen other counties are already under the restrictions.

State says more cases brought Nebraska COVID-19 total to 120

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bracing the nation for a death toll that could exceed 100,000 people, President Donald Trump on Sunday extended restrictive social distancing guidelines through April, bowing to public-health experts who presented him with even more dire projections for the expanding coronavirus pandemic.

It was a stark shift in tone by the president, who only days ago mused about the country reopening in a few weeks. From the Rose Garden, he said his Easter revival hopes had only been “aspirational.”

The initial 15-day period of social distancing urged by the federal government expires Monday and Trump had expressed interest in relaxing the national guidelines at least in parts of the country less afflicted by the pandemic. He instead decided to extend them through April 30, a tacit acknowledgment he’d been too optimistic. Many states and local governments have stiffer controls in place on mobility and gatherings.

Trump’s impulse to reopen the country met a sober reality check Sunday from Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, who said the U.S. could experience more than 100,000 deaths and millions of infections from the pandemic. That warning hardened a recognition in Washington that the struggle against the coronavirus will not be resolved quickly even as Trump expressed a longing for normalcy.

“I want our life back again,” the president told reporters.

Trump, who has largely avoided talk of potential death and infection rates, cited projection models that said potentially 2.2 million people or more could have died had social distancing measures not been put in place. And he said the country would be doing well if it “can hold” the number of deaths “down to 100,000.” He said the best case for the country would be for the death rate to peak in about two weeks.

“It’s a horrible number,” Trump said, but added, “We all together have done a very good job.”

Brought forward by Trump at the outdoor briefing, Fauci said his projection of a potential 100,000 to 200,000 deaths is “entirely conceivable” if not enough is done to mitigate the crisis. He said that helped shape the extension of the guidelines, which he called “a wise and prudent decision.”

Americans are now being called on to prepare for another 30 days of severe economic and social disruption, as schools and businesses are closed and public life is upended. One in 3 Americans remain under state or local government orders to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus.

Trump acknowledged that he may be forced to extend the guidelines again at the end of April, but expressed hope that by June 1, “we should be well on our way to recovery.”

The federal guidelines recommend against group gatherings larger than 10 and urge older people and anyone with existing health problems to stay home. People are urged to work at home when possible and avoid restaurants, bars, non-essential travel and shopping trips.

For more than a week, Trump had been bombarded by calls from outside business leaders who urged him to begin re-opening the nation’s economy and warned of catastrophic consequences that could damage his re-election chances if it remained shuttered for much longer.

“The president is right. The cure can’t be worse than the disease, and we’re going to have to make some difficult trade-offs,” Trump’s top economic adviser Larry Kudlow had said last Monday, reflecting the thinking of his economic team.

That talk alarmed health experts, who urged Trump to keep encouraging people to stay home. The virus was still spreading, with the peak still weeks away, the experts warned.

In the end, Trump, in the face of dire projections and increasingly alarming images out of New York, sided with his health experts and backed off the idea of loosening recommended restrictions on less impacted parts of the country.

“They’re the best in the profession and they didn’t like that idea,” he said of Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, head of the White House coronavirus task force.

Trump was clearly moved by the scenes from New York, particularly hard-hit Elmhurst Hospital in his native Queens.

“I’ve been watching that for the last week on television,” he said. ”Body bags all over, in hallways. I’ve been watching them bring in trailer trucks — freezer trucks, they’re freezer trucks, because they can’t handle the bodies, there are so many of them. This is essentially in my community, in Queens, Queens, New York,” he continued. “I’ve seen things that I’ve never seen before.”

Phasing out the recommendations would have been a symbolic nod to business and an affront to public health experts, but may have had little practical impact. States across the country already have their own restrictions in place that, in many cases, are far stricter than the administration’s, and those would have remained in place.

Birx and Fauci said even those areas yet to face a significant outbreak must prepare for the eventuality that they will.

“This can happen anywhere,” Fauci said. “And that’s really one of the issues that we’re concerned about and why we were so reluctant to pull back at a time when we need to put our foot on the gas as opposed to on the brake.”

The U.S. had more than 139,000 COVID-19 cases reported by Sunday evening, with more than 2,400 deaths. During the course of the Rose Garden briefing, reported deaths grew by several dozen and the number of cases by several thousand.

Most people who contract COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms, which can include fever and cough but also milder cases of pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospitalization. The risk of death is greater for older adults and people with other health problems. Hospitals in the most afflicted areas are straining to handle patients and some are short of critical supplies.

Fauci’s prediction would take the death toll well past that of the average seasonal flu. Trump repeatedly cited the flu’s comparatively much higher cost in lives in playing down the severity of this pandemic.

Trump’s change in tone was previewed Saturday, when the president suggested then backed away from instituting an “enforceable” quarantine of hard-hit New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Instead, the White House task force recommended a travel advisory for residents of those states to limit non-essential travel to slow the spread of the virus to other parts of the U.S.

The quarantine notion was strongly opposed by the governors of those states, who argued it would cause panic.

Even as he opted against the quarantine, Trump on Sunday suggested without evidence that hospitals and hospital systems were “hoarding” ventilators and other medical supplies that were needed in other areas of the state. He also encouraged the Food and Drug Administration to streamline approvals for companies seeking to sanitize badly needed respirators so they can be reused.

For weeks, Trump minimized the gravity of the pandemic, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday accused Trump of “denial” in the crisis and called it “deadly.”

Asked whether she believes that attitude cost American lives, Pelosi told CNN: “Yes, I am. I’m saying that.”

Former Vice President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, said he wouldn’t go so far as to lay the blame for deaths on the president. “I think that’s a little too harsh,” he told NBC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585564615489.png" alt="President Trump listens to Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Assistant Sec. for Health and Human Services during Sunday's outdoor Coronavirus Task Force briefing- image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump listens to Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Assistant Sec. for Health and Human Services during Sunday's outdoor Coronavirus Task Force briefing- image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Bracing the nation for a death toll that could exceed 100,000 people, President Donald Trump on Sunday extended restrictive social distancing guidelines through April, bowing to public-health experts who presented him with even more dire projections for the expanding coronavirus pandemic.It was a stark shift in tone by the president, who only days ago mused about the country reopening in a few weeks. From the Rose Garden, he said his Easter revival hopes had only been “aspirational.”The initial 15-day period of social distancing urged by the federal government expires Monday and Trump had expressed interest in relaxing the national guidelines at least in parts of the country less afflicted by the pandemic. He instead decided to extend them through April 30, a tacit acknowledgment he’d been too optimistic. Many states and local governments have stiffer controls in place on mobility and gatherings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585521942640.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci during Sunday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci during Sunday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump’s impulse to reopen the country met a sober reality check Sunday from Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, who said the U.S. could experience more than 100,000 deaths and millions of infections from the pandemic. That warning hardened a recognition in Washington that the struggle against the coronavirus will not be resolved quickly even as Trump expressed a longing for normalcy.“I want our life back again,” the president told reporters.Trump, who has largely avoided talk of potential death and infection rates, cited projection models that said potentially 2.2 million people or more could have died had social distancing measures not been put in place. And he said the country would be doing well if it “can hold” the number of deaths “down to 100,000.” He said the best case for the country would be for the death rate to peak in about two weeks.“It’s a horrible number,” Trump said, but added, “We all together have done a very good job.”Brought forward by Trump at the outdoor briefing, Fauci said his projection of a potential 100,000 to 200,000 deaths is “entirely conceivable” if not enough is done to mitigate the crisis. He said that helped shape the extension of the guidelines, which he called “a wise and prudent decision.”Americans are now being called on to prepare for another 30 days of severe economic and social disruption, as schools and businesses are closed and public life is upended. One in 3 Americans remain under state or local government orders to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus.Trump acknowledged that he may be forced to extend the guidelines again at the end of April, but expressed hope that by June 1, “we should be well on our way to recovery.”The federal guidelines recommend against group gatherings larger than 10 and urge older people and anyone with existing health problems to stay home. People are urged to work at home when possible and avoid restaurants, bars, non-essential travel and shopping trips.For more than a week, Trump had been bombarded by calls from outside business leaders who urged him to begin re-opening the nation’s economy and warned of catastrophic consequences that could damage his re-election chances if it remained shuttered for much longer.“The president is right. The cure can’t be worse than the disease, and we’re going to have to make some difficult trade-offs,” Trump’s top economic adviser Larry Kudlow had said last Monday, reflecting the thinking of his economic team.That talk alarmed health experts, who urged Trump to keep encouraging people to stay home. The virus was still spreading, with the peak still weeks away, the experts warned.In the end, Trump, in the face of dire projections and increasingly alarming images out of New York, sided with his health experts and backed off the idea of loosening recommended restrictions on less impacted parts of the country.“They’re the best in the profession and they didn’t like that idea,” he said of Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, head of the White House coronavirus task force.Trump was clearly moved by the scenes from New York, particularly hard-hit Elmhurst Hospital in his native Queens.“I’ve been watching that for the last week on television,” he said. ”Body bags all over, in hallways. I’ve been watching them bring in trailer trucks — freezer trucks, they’re freezer trucks, because they can’t handle the bodies, there are so many of them. This is essentially in my community, in Queens, Queens, New York,” he continued. “I’ve seen things that I’ve never seen before.”Phasing out the recommendations would have been a symbolic nod to business and an affront to public health experts, but may have had little practical impact. States across the country already have their own restrictions in place that, in many cases, are far stricter than the administration’s, and those would have remained in place.Birx and Fauci said even those areas yet to face a significant outbreak must prepare for the eventuality that they will.“This can happen anywhere,” Fauci said. “And that’s really one of the issues that we’re concerned about and why we were so reluctant to pull back at a time when we need to put our foot on the gas as opposed to on the brake.”The U.S. had more than 139,000 COVID-19 cases reported by Sunday evening, with more than 2,400 deaths. During the course of the Rose Garden briefing, reported deaths grew by several dozen and the number of cases by several thousand.Most people who contract COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms, which can include fever and cough but also milder cases of pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospitalization. The risk of death is greater for older adults and people with other health problems. Hospitals in the most afflicted areas are straining to handle patients and some are short of critical supplies.Fauci’s prediction would take the death toll well past that of the average seasonal flu. Trump repeatedly cited the flu’s comparatively much higher cost in lives in playing down the severity of this pandemic.Trump’s change in tone was previewed Saturday, when the president suggested then backed away from instituting an “enforceable” quarantine of hard-hit New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Instead, the White House task force recommended a travel advisory for residents of those states to limit non-essential travel to slow the spread of the virus to other parts of the U.S.The quarantine notion was strongly opposed by the governors of those states, who argued it would cause panic.Even as he opted against the quarantine, Trump on Sunday suggested without evidence that hospitals and hospital systems were “hoarding” ventilators and other medical supplies that were needed in other areas of the state. He also encouraged the Food and Drug Administration to streamline approvals for companies seeking to sanitize badly needed respirators so they can be reused.For weeks, Trump minimized the gravity of the pandemic, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday accused Trump of “denial” in the crisis and called it “deadly.”Asked whether she believes that attitude cost American lives, Pelosi told CNN: “Yes, I am. I’m saying that.”Former Vice President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, said he wouldn’t go so far as to lay the blame for deaths on the president. “I think that’s a little too harsh,” he told NBC.

Trump extends virus guidelines, braces US for big death toll

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RHD) has identified an additional case of COVID-19.&nbsp; The Washington County resident is a female in her 90s and is self-isolating at home. This case is related to the Carter House outbreak and has been identified through a contact investigation according to 3RHD. Carter House is an assisted living facility in Blair, NE. All residents and staff were tested today and results are expected in 48 hours.&nbsp; This is the 9th&nbsp;case in Washington County.&nbsp;

As part of the investigation it was found that several health care workers and patients tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility. On Wednesday, a press release from Three Rivers Health Department indicated that the facility was aggressively managing the cases and is working with local and state health officials to ensure the safety and care of all residents -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMzAuMTk0NjI2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3RocmVlcml2ZXJzcHVibGljaGVhbHRoLm9yZy9Db3JvbmF2aXJ1c1VwZGF0ZXMuYXNweCJ9.Bq0CXmZqKGLfDiUtjWv-uORxPiW2KP7j19BiVzfO__w%2Fbr%2F76772877810-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462356408&amp;sdata=l2CMG0jz6W9vfMKN4xNpFERSXV6X2zj%2B1xJXmgBPsDs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://threeriverspublichealth.org/CoronavirusUpdates.aspx</a>. As part of those efforts, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, Three Rivers and Carter House staff determined that the best course of action in light of recent developments was to move residents out of the facility temporarily. Residents who have tested positive will be in self-isolation at other healthcare facilities and residents who are considered to have been exposed but remain asymptomatic will also self-quarantine at another healthcare facility. Staff who tested positive for COVID-19 are self-isolating. A number of neighboring health care facilities and hospitals are assisting with this coordinated effort. While the Carter House is empty, a complete deep cleaning to disinfect the facility will occur.

Contact investigations are underway to identify people who came into close contact to help prevent further spread. All identified close contacts will self-quarantine and be actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms. The Three Rivers Public Health Department will continue to update its community as new information becomes available.&nbsp;

The state total as of today is 120. As Nebraska remains vigilant in its efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Nebraska, state and local health departments are testing and publicly reporting their cases. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (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=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DI%252BqMhXDuIS2RujNbavWSOKShOr7Ezi73JeGvxlkJ09Qb0kDpZZQFeNGWYZ%252BKClLjcHWs6bvn1CY2uMBnzgm9jpoTkYKaf1N9%252Fy%252Bto545uxbLGwWih48RGi546Fn77X%252BNouihQc2TgII%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fdhhs.ne.gov%252Fcoronavirus%26I%3D20200329024136.00000508a8e5%2540mail6-46-ussnn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlODAwYWQ0MTZiOThmZmZmMDA0YWFkNzs%253D%26S%3DOWKoYpNQt-PdHqXDs3t9sCGKsfwf4zoXmdKSceErz7k&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462366408&amp;sdata=11xvSzxpTqu8LzUFlOq%2FC5lG9JNvFxpti96R89tp0tE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

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.

Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, according to the CDC.

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.

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

Here’s where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fdhhs.ne.gov%252Fcoronavirus%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DOWKoYpNQt-PdHqXDs3t9sCGKsfwf4zoXmdKSceErz7k&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462406377&amp;sdata=4FwrL3x1PYY5UIMW6oVb8mVl6TJhOQfEaXSBkgZduJM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC’s website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252F%253Furl%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%25252Flink.php%25253FDynEngagement%25253Dtrue%252526H%25253DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%2525252Bv%2525252FUt%2525252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%2525252BtQ9zJVd%2525252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%2525252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%2525252FFI%2525253D%252526G%25253D0%252526R%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.cdc.gov%2525252Fcovid19%252526I%25253D20200228212559.00000572228f%25252540mail6-42-usnbn1%252526X%25253DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%2525253D%252526S%25253DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE%2526data%253D02%25257C01%25257Ckhalilah.legrand%252540nebraska.gov%25257C7986f7edfcbd449e10e008d7bc94cf93%25257C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%25257C0%25257C0%25257C637185219636880975%2526sdata%253D9wCGyXgupbO8XHXIqlFLwoysbZB%25252BuB%25252B02JIhXlYFdLQ%25253D%2526reserved%253D0%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3Dr4S2IzklWREFo0qXx2X5JDVPUbfOPtatXzo8yeO_XgE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462406377&amp;sdata=htnGIKTGZW4gw%2BkDrOkNwobVN5zzEP5admksXa%2F5MgU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.&nbsp;

DHHS opened a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC’s website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252F%253Furl%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%25252Flink.php%25253FDynEngagement%25253Dtrue%252526H%25253DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%2525252Bv%2525252FUt%2525252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%2525252BtQ9zJVd%2525252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%2525252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%2525252FFI%2525253D%252526G%25253D0%252526R%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.cdc.gov%2525252Fcovid19%252526I%25253D20200228212559.00000572228f%25252540mail6-42-usnbn1%252526X%25253DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%2525253D%252526S%25253DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE%2526data%253D02%25257C01%25257Ckhalilah.legrand%252540nebraska.gov%25257C7986f7edfcbd449e10e008d7bc94cf93%25257C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%25257C0%25257C0%25257C637185219636880975%2526sdata%253D9wCGyXgupbO8XHXIqlFLwoysbZB%25252BuB%25252B02JIhXlYFdLQ%25253D%2526reserved%253D0%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3Dr4S2IzklWREFo0qXx2X5JDVPUbfOPtatXzo8yeO_XgE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462416375&amp;sdata=vYQi9aCk261DRns2LHHVk2X6G0xE3hfjtQLVz8oDNcY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RHD) has identified an additional case of COVID-19.&nbsp; The Washington County resident is a female in her 90s and is self-isolating at home. This case is related to the Carter House outbreak and has been identified through a contact investigation according to 3RHD. Carter House is an assisted living facility in Blair, NE. All residents and staff were tested today and results are expected in 48 hours.&nbsp; This is the 9th&nbsp;case in Washington County.&nbsp;As part of the investigation it was found that several health care workers and patients tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility. On Wednesday, a press release from Three Rivers Health Department indicated that the facility was aggressively managing the cases and is working with local and state health officials to ensure the safety and care of all residents -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMzAuMTk0NjI2NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3RocmVlcml2ZXJzcHVibGljaGVhbHRoLm9yZy9Db3JvbmF2aXJ1c1VwZGF0ZXMuYXNweCJ9.Bq0CXmZqKGLfDiUtjWv-uORxPiW2KP7j19BiVzfO__w%2Fbr%2F76772877810-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462356408&amp;sdata=l2CMG0jz6W9vfMKN4xNpFERSXV6X2zj%2B1xJXmgBPsDs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://threeriverspublichealth.org/CoronavirusUpdates.aspx</a>. As part of those efforts, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, Three Rivers and Carter House staff determined that the best course of action in light of recent developments was to move residents out of the facility temporarily. Residents who have tested positive will be in self-isolation at other healthcare facilities and residents who are considered to have been exposed but remain asymptomatic will also self-quarantine at another healthcare facility. Staff who tested positive for COVID-19 are self-isolating. A number of neighboring health care facilities and hospitals are assisting with this coordinated effort. While the Carter House is empty, a complete deep cleaning to disinfect the facility will occur.Contact investigations are underway to identify people who came into close contact to help prevent further spread. All identified close contacts will self-quarantine and be actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms. The Three Rivers Public Health Department will continue to update its community as new information becomes available.&nbsp;The state total as of today is 120. As Nebraska remains vigilant in its efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Nebraska, state and local health departments are testing and publicly reporting their cases. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (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=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DI%252BqMhXDuIS2RujNbavWSOKShOr7Ezi73JeGvxlkJ09Qb0kDpZZQFeNGWYZ%252BKClLjcHWs6bvn1CY2uMBnzgm9jpoTkYKaf1N9%252Fy%252Bto545uxbLGwWih48RGi546Fn77X%252BNouihQc2TgII%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fdhhs.ne.gov%252Fcoronavirus%26I%3D20200329024136.00000508a8e5%2540mail6-46-ussnn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlODAwYWQ0MTZiOThmZmZmMDA0YWFkNzs%253D%26S%3DOWKoYpNQt-PdHqXDs3t9sCGKsfwf4zoXmdKSceErz7k&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462366408&amp;sdata=11xvSzxpTqu8LzUFlOq%2FC5lG9JNvFxpti96R89tp0tE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.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.Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, according to the CDC.People in these higher-risk groups should:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcoronavirus%252F2019-ncov%252Fspecific-groups%252Fhigh-risk-complications.html%2523Have-supplies-on-hand%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3Dip8Sugu61fdoR3_ctcDwfNxCHFaDvy6DiQUXzw66ljY&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462376395&amp;sdata=T6XZAvjFP%2FAykZntosU6Eij9gYH3eTDmgdsyPzQn%2BLg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Stock up on supplies</a>, including extra necessary medications.</li><li>Take&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcoronavirus%252F2019-ncov%252Fspecific-groups%252Fhigh-risk-complications.html%2523take-everyday-precautions%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DaDIDsLdK1xHORdoVvnOclR953vTCfa0o-VFCHX2HR7c&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462376395&amp;sdata=NnejQntIT%2BEBFZRpOwZM01BEi5BEPuzx3DvfaPakT5Q%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">everyday precautions</a>&nbsp;to keep space between yourself and others.</li><li>When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcoronavirus%252F2019-ncov%252Fspecific-groups%252Fhigh-risk-complications.html%2523avoid-crowds%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3D430s9GZp-u_cCicwxuwTNRFqso8jlQQLpAbEE1sElZY&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462386394&amp;sdata=Jmy%2F0fftocpTkLYVukrmuDSgqY7KqAITOonQ5rsCvcw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Avoid crowds</a>&nbsp;as much as possible.</li><li>Avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwwwnc.cdc.gov%252Ftravel%252Fpage%252Fcovid-19-cruise-ship%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DLIiV4jvrAjF3-LvB-W4Fig9s8RisgM2TUJ4kkR0TAnA&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462386394&amp;sdata=6kOAgDOccHybBAlbcWcEt17bmLLfHZys0nV5wdrR00U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">cruise travel</a>&nbsp;and non-essential air travel.</li><li>If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcoronavirus%252F2019-ncov%252Fspecific-groups%252Fhigh-risk-complications.html%2523stay-home%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DM0n35neS-gR_rUKvB-nFbMa5ENMnuXRS-P6j8t8p62E&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462396386&amp;sdata=KbZKs7V9NFzPTPRLdFMO4Hq2Hg4Bwb2o7ei6zA0hNP4%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.Everyone can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Avoiding close contact with sick people and stay home if you are sick.</li><li>Washing hands often with soap and water&nbsp;for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.</li><li>Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth&nbsp;with unwashed hands.</li><li>Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or&nbsp;sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.</li><li>Cleaning and disinfecting frequently&nbsp;touched objects and surfaces.</li>
 </ol>Here’s where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fdhhs.ne.gov%252Fcoronavirus%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3DOWKoYpNQt-PdHqXDs3t9sCGKsfwf4zoXmdKSceErz7k&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462406377&amp;sdata=4FwrL3x1PYY5UIMW6oVb8mVl6TJhOQfEaXSBkgZduJM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC’s website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252F%253Furl%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%25252Flink.php%25253FDynEngagement%25253Dtrue%252526H%25253DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%2525252Bv%2525252FUt%2525252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%2525252BtQ9zJVd%2525252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%2525252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%2525252FFI%2525253D%252526G%25253D0%252526R%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.cdc.gov%2525252Fcovid19%252526I%25253D20200228212559.00000572228f%25252540mail6-42-usnbn1%252526X%25253DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%2525253D%252526S%25253DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE%2526data%253D02%25257C01%25257Ckhalilah.legrand%252540nebraska.gov%25257C7986f7edfcbd449e10e008d7bc94cf93%25257C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%25257C0%25257C0%25257C637185219636880975%2526sdata%253D9wCGyXgupbO8XHXIqlFLwoysbZB%25252BuB%25252B02JIhXlYFdLQ%25253D%2526reserved%253D0%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3Dr4S2IzklWREFo0qXx2X5JDVPUbfOPtatXzo8yeO_XgE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462406377&amp;sdata=htnGIKTGZW4gw%2BkDrOkNwobVN5zzEP5admksXa%2F5MgU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.&nbsp;DHHS opened a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC’s website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252F%253Furl%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%25252Flink.php%25253FDynEngagement%25253Dtrue%252526H%25253DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%2525252Bv%2525252FUt%2525252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%2525252BtQ9zJVd%2525252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%2525252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%2525252FFI%2525253D%252526G%25253D0%252526R%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.cdc.gov%2525252Fcovid19%252526I%25253D20200228212559.00000572228f%25252540mail6-42-usnbn1%252526X%25253DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%2525253D%252526S%25253DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE%2526data%253D02%25257C01%25257Ckhalilah.legrand%252540nebraska.gov%25257C7986f7edfcbd449e10e008d7bc94cf93%25257C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%25257C0%25257C0%25257C637185219636880975%2526sdata%253D9wCGyXgupbO8XHXIqlFLwoysbZB%25252BuB%25252B02JIhXlYFdLQ%25253D%2526reserved%253D0%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3Dr4S2IzklWREFo0qXx2X5JDVPUbfOPtatXzo8yeO_XgE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cc52cf4c02b9141966b4608d7d43e17a5%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637211235462416375&amp;sdata=vYQi9aCk261DRns2LHHVk2X6G0xE3hfjtQLVz8oDNcY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

DHHS , Three Rivers Public Health Department and Carter House work to move residents for COVID-19 mitigation; additional case identified

Following a dramatic expansion in testing, ten new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Douglas County. This preliminary data from the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) brings the total of cases in the county to 57.

“We have been anticipating this as testing has greatly expanded. Both Nebraska Medicine and the Nebraska Public Health Lab have increased testing,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “For the first time we received more than 100 test results from CHI and private labs outside the health systems are now providing test results. This knowledge will allow us to better respond to the outbreak.”

These latest cases involve two women and a man in their 30s, two women and two men in their 40s, two women in their 50s and a woman in her 70s. Four of the cases had direct contact with previously known COVID-19 cases, two are related to travel and the Health Department’s Epidemiology Team continues to investigate the other cases. No one is hospitalized.

The Health Department reminds everyone to take precautions throughout the community to avoid a COVID-19 infection. You also should consider that many people who are sick have mild symptoms. According to the CDC, four out of five people who have become ill acquired the disease from someone who didn’t know they had it, so there likely are many more people in the community who are infected with COVID-19 than have been reported.

Please increase your awareness of the symptoms, which include a fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or develop symptoms, contact your health care provider and tell them how you are feeling and any possible history of exposure, then call ahead before you go to the doctor’s office or an emergency room.

DCHD’s information line remains open to anyone with general questions about COVID-19. That number, (402) 444-3400, is answered seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nebraska DHHS has a COVID-19 information line open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily at (402) 552-6645. Any person who has questions outside those hours is asked to call the United Way’s 2-1-1 Resource Hotline.

News ReleaseFollowing a dramatic expansion in testing, ten new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Douglas County. This preliminary data from the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) brings the total of cases in the county to 57.“We have been anticipating this as testing has greatly expanded. Both Nebraska Medicine and the Nebraska Public Health Lab have increased testing,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “For the first time we received more than 100 test results from CHI and private labs outside the health systems are now providing test results. This knowledge will allow us to better respond to the outbreak.”These latest cases involve two women and a man in their 30s, two women and two men in their 40s, two women in their 50s and a woman in her 70s. Four of the cases had direct contact with previously known COVID-19 cases, two are related to travel and the Health Department’s Epidemiology Team continues to investigate the other cases. No one is hospitalized.The Health Department reminds everyone to take precautions throughout the community to avoid a COVID-19 infection. You also should consider that many people who are sick have mild symptoms. According to the CDC, four out of five people who have become ill acquired the disease from someone who didn’t know they had it, so there likely are many more people in the community who are infected with COVID-19 than have been reported.Please increase your awareness of the symptoms, which include a fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or develop symptoms, contact your health care provider and tell them how you are feeling and any possible history of exposure, then call ahead before you go to the doctor’s office or an emergency room.DCHD’s information line remains open to anyone with general questions about COVID-19. That number, (402) 444-3400, is answered seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nebraska DHHS has a COVID-19 information line open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily at (402) 552-6645. Any person who has questions outside those hours is asked to call the United Way’s 2-1-1 Resource Hotline.

More testing leads to 10 new confirmed cases in Douglas County

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Many of us have spent the last couple of months scrolling through social media and emails looking for the latest updates on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

The majority of us watch from afar, concerned for the welfare of our fellow Americans, but feeling pretty safe here in the middle of the country. Then the news broke that we had confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.

This is the point where a lot of us in Lincoln County began to view the pandemic with a little more seriousness, with a little more attentiveness.

Being in the radio and news business, we at Eagle Radio, like the rest of our colleagues in the media, immersed ourselves in the news, working sun up to sundown trying to keep the people in our area informed of what was going on. We never once stopped to think that this "unseen enemy" as it is being referred to would directly impact our Eagle family.

Then, on the morning of March 25, one of our employees contacted management and stated that they had awoken suffering from a sore throat, a fever, and a dry cough...the tell-tale symptoms of COVID-19.

The employee immediately self-quarantined and contacted their primary care physician (PCP) at the earliest convenience. The PCP recommended that the employee come to their office for further diagnosis.

Upon arrival, the employee informed their PCP that the symptoms came on fast and included dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath that would come and go.

After some preliminary testing, the employee was provided with a questionnaire which was then faxed to the West Central District Health Department.&nbsp;

Upon reviewing the information, officials at WCDHD and the PCP recommended the employee for testing, which was taking place behind Great Plains Health.

Upon arrival at the testing site, the employee was greeted by a nurse in full personal protective equipment and given some basic information regarding the test.&nbsp;

"The nurse shoved an extra-long Q-tip down my nose, far enough that I felt it in my throat," the employee said.

After completion, the employee was provided with "isolation instructions," which included disinfecting their household with bleach, washing hands up to the elbows, sleeping in a different room from the rest of their family, avoiding social contact and disinfecting after using the restroom each time.

The employee was told the results would take at least three days.

The employee stated that their symptoms, aside from a cough, persisted until Friday afternoon and, overall, they felt fine.

Finally, on Saturday, the employee received a call and was told the test had come back negative, much to the relief of the entire Eagle Radio family.

The employee was instructed to maintain good social distancing and hygiene practices and told they could return to work on Tuesday.

While we are all ecstatic with the negative result, this was definitely an eye-opening experience for us. 

We encourage everyone to practice social distancing, proper hygiene and to stay tuned to www.northplattepost.com for all of the latest news, weather, and sports.

This is also a reminder that numerous respiratory viruses are still highly active, including influenza and the common cold which is caused primarily by four different coronaviruses.&nbsp;

Thank you to all who voiced their concerns during this time.&nbsp;

By Scott Carlson-Eagle Radio News DirectorNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Many of us have spent the last couple of months scrolling through social media and emails looking for the latest updates on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.The majority of us watch from afar, concerned for the welfare of our fellow Americans, but feeling pretty safe here in the middle of the country. Then the news broke that we had confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.This is the point where a lot of us in Lincoln County began to view the pandemic with a little more seriousness, with a little more attentiveness.Being in the radio and news business, we at Eagle Radio, like the rest of our colleagues in the media, immersed ourselves in the news, working sun up to sundown trying to keep the people in our area informed of what was going on. We never once stopped to think that this "unseen enemy" as it is being referred to would directly impact our Eagle family.Then, on the morning of March 25, one of our employees contacted management and stated that they had awoken suffering from a sore throat, a fever, and a dry cough...the tell-tale symptoms of COVID-19.The employee immediately self-quarantined and contacted their primary care physician (PCP) at the earliest convenience. The PCP recommended that the employee come to their office for further diagnosis.Upon arrival, the employee informed their PCP that the symptoms came on fast and included dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath that would come and go.After some preliminary testing, the employee was provided with a questionnaire which was then faxed to the West Central District Health Department.&nbsp;Upon reviewing the information, officials at WCDHD and the PCP recommended the employee for testing, which was taking place behind Great Plains Health.Upon arrival at the testing site, the employee was greeted by a nurse in full personal protective equipment and given some basic information regarding the test.&nbsp;The experience was not a pleasant one."The nurse shoved an extra-long Q-tip down my nose, far enough that I felt it in my throat," the employee said.After completion, the employee was provided with "isolation instructions," which included disinfecting their household with bleach, washing hands up to the elbows, sleeping in a different room from the rest of their family, avoiding social contact and disinfecting after using the restroom each time.The employee was told the results would take at least three days.The employee stated that their symptoms, aside from a cough, persisted until Friday afternoon and, overall, they felt fine.Finally, on Saturday, the employee received a call and was told the test had come back negative, much to the relief of the entire Eagle Radio family.The employee was instructed to maintain good social distancing and hygiene practices and told they could return to work on Tuesday.While we are all ecstatic with the negative result, this was definitely an eye-opening experience for us. We encourage everyone to practice social distancing, proper hygiene and to stay tuned to www.northplattepost.com for all of the latest news, weather, and sports.This is also a reminder that numerous respiratory viruses are still highly active, including influenza and the common cold which is caused primarily by four different coronaviruses.&nbsp;Thank you to all who voiced their concerns during this time.&nbsp;

Eagle Radio North Platte employee tests negative for COVID-19

NEW YORK (AP) — Country singer Joe Diffie, who had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping ballads and honky-tonk singles like “Home” and “Pickup Man,” has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 61. He was to headline a performance at the Kansas State Fair with Logan Mize September 15.

Diffie on Friday announced he had contracted the coronavirus, becoming the first country star to go public with such a diagnosis. Diffie's publicist Scott Adkins said the singer died Sunday due to complications from the virus.

Diffie, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 25 years. His hits included “Honky Tonk Attitude," “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die," “Bigger Than the Beatles" and “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets).”

His mid-90s albums “Honkey Tonk Attitude” and “Third Rock From the Sun” went platinum. Eighteen of Diffie's singles landed in the top 10, with five going No. 1. In his 2013 single “1994,” Jason Aldean name-checked the '90s country mainstay.

Diffie is survived by his wife, Theresa Crump, and five children from his four marriages.

NEW YORK (AP) — Country singer Joe Diffie, who had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping ballads and honky-tonk singles like “Home” and “Pickup Man,” has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 61. He was to headline a performance at the Kansas State Fair with Logan Mize September 15.Diffie on Friday announced he had contracted the coronavirus, becoming the first country star to go public with such a diagnosis. Diffie's publicist Scott Adkins said the singer died Sunday due to complications from the virus.Diffie, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 25 years. His hits included “Honky Tonk Attitude," “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die," “Bigger Than the Beatles" and “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets).”His mid-90s albums “Honkey Tonk Attitude” and “Third Rock From the Sun” went platinum. Eighteen of Diffie's singles landed in the top 10, with five going No. 1. In his 2013 single “1994,” Jason Aldean name-checked the '90s country mainstay.Diffie is survived by his wife, Theresa Crump, and five children from his four marriages.

Country singer Joe Diffie dies of coronavirus complications

NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus outbreak could kill 100,000 to 200,000 Americans, the U.S. government’s top infectious-disease expert warned on Sunday as smoldering hot spots in nursing homes and a growing list of stricken cities heightened the sense of dread across the country.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, made the dire prediction of fatalities on CNN, adding that millions in the U.S. could become infected.

By evening, the U.S. had over 135,000 infections and 2,400 deaths, according to the running tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, though the true number of cases is thought to be considerably higher because of testing shortages and mild illnesses that have gone unreported.

Worldwide, more than 710,000 infections were reported, and deaths topped 33,000, half of them in Italy and Spain, where hospitals are swamped and the health system is at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ec91dc45d8d7c2ea86b0a97446a303a">breaking point</a>.

New York state — where the death toll closed in on 1,000, up by more than 200 from the day before — remained the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, with the vast majority of the deaths in New York City. But spikes in infections were recorded around the country, not only in metropolitan areas but in Midwestern towns and Rocky Mountain ski havens.

“This is not going to get better soon,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

The virus is moving fast through nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other places that house elderly or otherwise&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4310cabee8397f9af442660b37f430e4">vulnerable people</a>, spreading “like fire through dry grass,” Cuomo said.

Since the U.S. saw its first major outbreak of the coronavirus earlier this month — centered at a nursing home in Kirkland, Washington — a stream of facilities have battled infections among residents and staff.

A week ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 147 nursing homes in 27 states had patients with COVID-19. The problem has only worsened since.

In Woodbridge, New Jersey, an entire nursing home relocated its residents after two dozen were confirmed infected and the rest were presumed to be. In Louisiana, at least 11 nursing homes, largely in the New Orleans area, have reported cases. In Mount Airy, Maryland, a death linked to the virus was recorded in a home where 66 people were confirmed infected.

Residents’ loved ones are being kept away to try to slow the spread of the virus.

“I have a feeling that I very likely may never see my mother again,” said James Preller, whose 94-year-old mother, Ann Preller, is a resident at Peconic Landing, a retirement community near Greenport on New York’s Long Island where seven have died in the past two weeks.

Brian Lee of Families for Better Care, an advocacy group for those living in long-term care facilities, said in a nursing home, “when we see an outbreak that’s uncontrolled, it’s practically a death sentence.” But he also said the way residents are being walled off from the outside world is as much of a concern as the virus itself.

In New York, the virus is overwhelming some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods, with data showing high rates of infection in densely packed areas with big non-English-speaking populations.

Dr. Craig Smith, who heads the surgery department at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, said the hospital will probably be forced into “apocalyptic scenarios” in the coming weeks in which ventilators and intensive care unit beds will need to be rationed.

“Yesterday tried my soul,” he wrote in an online posting.

Worry for the poorest was being echoed around the world.

In India, a lockdown covering the country’s 1.3 billion people has put untold numbers out of work and left many families struggling to feed themselves. Tens of thousands in New Delhi were forced to flee their homes, with no way to pay the rent, journeying back to their native villages. Women in saris held babies on their hips. Others toted their belongings in bags normally used for cement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologized for the hardships that the lockdown brought but said, “These tough measures were needed to win this battle.”

Though the U.S. leads the world in reported cases, five other countries have higher death tolls: Italy, Spain, China, Iran and France.

Italy reported more than 750 new fatalities Sunday, bringing the country’s total to nearly 10,800. But the number of new infections showed signs of easing, with officials expressing cautious optimism that the most severe shutdown in the industrialized West is showing results.

Italy’s civil protection agency said more than 5,200 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, the lowest number in four days, for a total of almost 98,000 infections.

Spain moved to tighten its lockdown and ban all nonessential work as it hit another daily record of almost 840 dead. The country’s overall official toll was more than 6,500.

Spain’s health emergencies chief, Fernando Simón, said the number of people in intensive care units keeps rising and hospitals are at their limits in several regions.

“That is why we have to strictly apply the control measures,” he said.

Egypt shut its beaches as cases in the Mideast surpassed 50,000. Police in the Philippines stepped up arrests of quarantine violators, and more tourists were evacuated from Mount Everest and the Indonesian island of Bali.

Poland is considering delaying its May 10 presidential election. Russia ordered borders to close on Monday, Moscow all but confined its 12 million residents to their homes, and the head of the Russian Orthodox called on believers to stay away from churches and pray at home instead.

A prominent French politician with the virus died, the country’s first death of a senior official.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and lead to death.

About 150,000 people have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins.

President Donald Trump on Saturday backtracked on a proposal to quarantine New York and neighboring states amid criticism and questions about the legality of such a move. But the CDC issued a travel advisory urging all residents of New York City and others in New York state, New Jersey and Connecticut to avoid all nonessential travel for 14 days.

Shocking as that is, it stopped short of the restrictions imposed in Europe or elsewhere. Parisians are fined if they try to leave the city, South Africans can’t buy liquor, and Serbians are upset over a ban on walking their dogs. In Italy, burials are being held with only one family member.

Some U.S. states began to try to limit exposure from visitors from harder-hit areas. Rhode Island National Guard troops went door to door in coastal communities to find New Yorkers. Florida is setting up checkpoints to screen visitors from Louisiana.

As others tightened controls, China continued to ease its restrictions, following the ruling Communist Party’s declaration of victory over the coronavirus. Flights from Hubei province at the epicenter of the country’s outbreak resumed Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585496965542.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci visits with Vice President Mike Pence prior to Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci visits with Vice President Mike Pence prior to Wednesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus outbreak could kill 100,000 to 200,000 Americans, the U.S. government’s top infectious-disease expert warned on Sunday as smoldering hot spots in nursing homes and a growing list of stricken cities heightened the sense of dread across the country.Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, made the dire prediction of fatalities on CNN, adding that millions in the U.S. could become infected.By evening, the U.S. had over 135,000 infections and 2,400 deaths, according to the running tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, though the true number of cases is thought to be considerably higher because of testing shortages and mild illnesses that have gone unreported.Worldwide, more than 710,000 infections were reported, and deaths topped 33,000, half of them in Italy and Spain, where hospitals are swamped and the health system is at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ec91dc45d8d7c2ea86b0a97446a303a">breaking point</a>.New York state — where the death toll closed in on 1,000, up by more than 200 from the day before — remained the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, with the vast majority of the deaths in New York City. But spikes in infections were recorded around the country, not only in metropolitan areas but in Midwestern towns and Rocky Mountain ski havens.“This is not going to get better soon,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.The virus is moving fast through nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other places that house elderly or otherwise&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4310cabee8397f9af442660b37f430e4">vulnerable people</a>, spreading “like fire through dry grass,” Cuomo said.Since the U.S. saw its first major outbreak of the coronavirus earlier this month — centered at a nursing home in Kirkland, Washington — a stream of facilities have battled infections among residents and staff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585521942640.png" alt="Dr. Fauci during Sunday Coronavirus Task Force briefing -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Fauci during Sunday Coronavirus Task Force briefing -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>A week ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 147 nursing homes in 27 states had patients with COVID-19. The problem has only worsened since.In Woodbridge, New Jersey, an entire nursing home relocated its residents after two dozen were confirmed infected and the rest were presumed to be. In Louisiana, at least 11 nursing homes, largely in the New Orleans area, have reported cases. In Mount Airy, Maryland, a death linked to the virus was recorded in a home where 66 people were confirmed infected.Residents’ loved ones are being kept away to try to slow the spread of the virus.“I have a feeling that I very likely may never see my mother again,” said James Preller, whose 94-year-old mother, Ann Preller, is a resident at Peconic Landing, a retirement community near Greenport on New York’s Long Island where seven have died in the past two weeks.Brian Lee of Families for Better Care, an advocacy group for those living in long-term care facilities, said in a nursing home, “when we see an outbreak that’s uncontrolled, it’s practically a death sentence.” But he also said the way residents are being walled off from the outside world is as much of a concern as the virus itself.In New York, the virus is overwhelming some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods, with data showing high rates of infection in densely packed areas with big non-English-speaking populations.Dr. Craig Smith, who heads the surgery department at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, said the hospital will probably be forced into “apocalyptic scenarios” in the coming weeks in which ventilators and intensive care unit beds will need to be rationed.“Yesterday tried my soul,” he wrote in an online posting.Worry for the poorest was being echoed around the world.In India, a lockdown covering the country’s 1.3 billion people has put untold numbers out of work and left many families struggling to feed themselves. Tens of thousands in New Delhi were forced to flee their homes, with no way to pay the rent, journeying back to their native villages. Women in saris held babies on their hips. Others toted their belongings in bags normally used for cement.Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologized for the hardships that the lockdown brought but said, “These tough measures were needed to win this battle.”Though the U.S. leads the world in reported cases, five other countries have higher death tolls: Italy, Spain, China, Iran and France.Italy reported more than 750 new fatalities Sunday, bringing the country’s total to nearly 10,800. But the number of new infections showed signs of easing, with officials expressing cautious optimism that the most severe shutdown in the industrialized West is showing results.Italy’s civil protection agency said more than 5,200 new cases were recorded in the last 24 hours, the lowest number in four days, for a total of almost 98,000 infections.Spain moved to tighten its lockdown and ban all nonessential work as it hit another daily record of almost 840 dead. The country’s overall official toll was more than 6,500.Spain’s health emergencies chief, Fernando Simón, said the number of people in intensive care units keeps rising and hospitals are at their limits in several regions.“That is why we have to strictly apply the control measures,” he said.Egypt shut its beaches as cases in the Mideast surpassed 50,000. Police in the Philippines stepped up arrests of quarantine violators, and more tourists were evacuated from Mount Everest and the Indonesian island of Bali.Poland is considering delaying its May 10 presidential election. Russia ordered borders to close on Monday, Moscow all but confined its 12 million residents to their homes, and the head of the Russian Orthodox called on believers to stay away from churches and pray at home instead.A prominent French politician with the virus died, the country’s first death of a senior official.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and lead to death.About 150,000 people have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins.President Donald Trump on Saturday backtracked on a proposal to quarantine New York and neighboring states amid criticism and questions about the legality of such a move. But the CDC issued a travel advisory urging all residents of New York City and others in New York state, New Jersey and Connecticut to avoid all nonessential travel for 14 days.Shocking as that is, it stopped short of the restrictions imposed in Europe or elsewhere. Parisians are fined if they try to leave the city, South Africans can’t buy liquor, and Serbians are upset over a ban on walking their dogs. In Italy, burials are being held with only one family member.Some U.S. states began to try to limit exposure from visitors from harder-hit areas. Rhode Island National Guard troops went door to door in coastal communities to find New Yorkers. Florida is setting up checkpoints to screen visitors from Louisiana.As others tightened controls, China continued to ease its restrictions, following the ruling Communist Party’s declaration of victory over the coronavirus. Flights from Hubei province at the epicenter of the country’s outbreak resumed Sunday.___

Up to 200K US deaths foreseen as more cities stricken with virus

Omaha, Neb&nbsp;– A study by UNMC/Nebraska Medicine/NSRI researchers recently posted on the open pre-publication site BioRxiv, provides new evidence of SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in COVID-19 patient care areas. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus which causes COVID-19 disease, which is now a worldwide pandemic.

This rapid response research represents the mission of the Global Center for Health Security to advance efforts to respond SARS-CoV-2. The study found high levels of the virus contamination by PCR on commonly used surfaces and in the air of rooms of COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;Air samplers from hallways outside of rooms where staff were moving in and out of doors were also positive. The study suggests that COVID-19 patients, even those who are only mildly ill, may create aerosols of virus and contaminate surfaces that may pose a risk for transmission.

&nbsp;“Our findings show how important it is for health care workers providing direct care to these patients to take enhanced transmission precautions,” said John Lowe, PhD, vice chancellor for Inter-professional Health Security Training and Education. “That means wearing the proper personal protective equipment, using negative air pressure rooms for these patients whenever possible and being mindful about the&nbsp;method of entering and exiting these rooms.”

During the initial isolation of 13 people confirmed positive with COVID-19 infection, air and surface samples were collected in eleven isolation rooms to examine environmental contamination. Many commonly used items, toilet facilities, and air samples had evidence of the virus, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 is widely disseminated in the environment. These findings indicate that disease might be spread through both direct (droplet and person-to-person) as well as indirect contact (contaminated objects and airborne transmission) and suggests airborne isolation precautions could be appropriate.

“Our team was already taking airborne precautions with the initial patients we cared for,” said James Lawler, MD, infectious diseases expert and director of the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC. “This report reinforces our suspicions.&nbsp;It’s why we have maintained COVID patients in rooms equipped with negative air flow and will continue to make efforts to do so – even with an increase in the number of patients. Our health care workers providing care will be equipped with the appropriate level of personal protective equipment. Obviously, more research is required to be able to characterize environmental risk.”

“Studies like these are needed to understand proper precautions for healthcare workers, first responders and others who care for the ill and are needed to combat this pandemic,” said Joshua Santarpia, PhD, assoc. professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC and research director for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction at the National Strategic Research Institute. “This ongoing work will continue to improve our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and help identify ways to improve safety in the care of patients with this disease.”

The investigative team stresses that careful environmental cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, including those in the bathroom, is important. The CDC and the WHO recommend that appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, be utilized in the care of persons known or suspected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2.

&nbsp;A link to the full document is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.23.20039446v2" target="_blank">here</a>.

IMPORTANT context about this information: Our findings DO NOT confirm that this virus spreads in an airborne fashion. The identification of genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19 in air samples found in this study provides limited evidence that some potential for airborne transmission exists.&nbsp; More study is underway to determine if live culturable virus was captured in this study and additional evidence is needed to determine the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via the airborne route. PLEASE EMPHASIZE THIS in all stories generated from this release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585502022298.png" alt="<a rel="nofollow" href="http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/details.asp?pid=11162">CDC Public Health Image library ID 11162</a>" />
 <figcaption><a rel="nofollow" href="http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/details.asp?pid=11162">CDC Public Health Image library ID 11162</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Omaha, Neb&nbsp;– A study by UNMC/Nebraska Medicine/NSRI researchers recently posted on the open pre-publication site BioRxiv, provides new evidence of SARS-CoV-2 environmental contamination in COVID-19 patient care areas. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus which causes COVID-19 disease, which is now a worldwide pandemic.This rapid response research represents the mission of the Global Center for Health Security to advance efforts to respond SARS-CoV-2. The study found high levels of the virus contamination by PCR on commonly used surfaces and in the air of rooms of COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;Air samplers from hallways outside of rooms where staff were moving in and out of doors were also positive. The study suggests that COVID-19 patients, even those who are only mildly ill, may create aerosols of virus and contaminate surfaces that may pose a risk for transmission.&nbsp;“Our findings show how important it is for health care workers providing direct care to these patients to take enhanced transmission precautions,” said John Lowe, PhD, vice chancellor for Inter-professional Health Security Training and Education. “That means wearing the proper personal protective equipment, using negative air pressure rooms for these patients whenever possible and being mindful about the&nbsp;method of entering and exiting these rooms.”During the initial isolation of 13 people confirmed positive with COVID-19 infection, air and surface samples were collected in eleven isolation rooms to examine environmental contamination. Many commonly used items, toilet facilities, and air samples had evidence of the virus, indicating that SARS-CoV-2 is widely disseminated in the environment. These findings indicate that disease might be spread through both direct (droplet and person-to-person) as well as indirect contact (contaminated objects and airborne transmission) and suggests airborne isolation precautions could be appropriate.“Our team was already taking airborne precautions with the initial patients we cared for,” said James Lawler, MD, infectious diseases expert and director of the Global Center for Health Security at UNMC. “This report reinforces our suspicions.&nbsp;It’s why we have maintained COVID patients in rooms equipped with negative air flow and will continue to make efforts to do so – even with an increase in the number of patients. Our health care workers providing care will be equipped with the appropriate level of personal protective equipment. Obviously, more research is required to be able to characterize environmental risk.”“Studies like these are needed to understand proper precautions for healthcare workers, first responders and others who care for the ill and are needed to combat this pandemic,” said Joshua Santarpia, PhD, assoc. professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC and research director for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction at the National Strategic Research Institute. “This ongoing work will continue to improve our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and help identify ways to improve safety in the care of patients with this disease.”The investigative team stresses that careful environmental cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, including those in the bathroom, is important. The CDC and the WHO recommend that appropriate personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, be utilized in the care of persons known or suspected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2.&nbsp;A link to the full document is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.23.20039446v2" target="_blank">here</a>.From UNMC:IMPORTANT context about this information: Our findings DO NOT confirm that this virus spreads in an airborne fashion. The identification of genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19 in air samples found in this study provides limited evidence that some potential for airborne transmission exists.&nbsp; More study is underway to determine if live culturable virus was captured in this study and additional evidence is needed to determine the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via the airborne route. PLEASE EMPHASIZE THIS in all stories generated from this release.

UNMC study documents widespread contamination of the environment near patients with COVID-19

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585501612173.jpeg" alt="central district health release 3 29 20.jpg" />
 <figcaption>central district health release 3 29 20.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Central District Health Dept. reports 6 confirmed cases of COVID-19

New COVID-19 testing guidelines

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the state’s fourth COVID-19 related Directed Health Measure (DHM) includes Burt, Cuming, Madison, and Stanton counties, which will be in effect until May 6th&nbsp;unless renewed.

The first DHM, issued on March 18th, applies to Cass, Douglas, and Sarpy counties and is in effect until at least April 30th.

The second DHM, issued on March 25th, applies to Dodge, Lancaster, Saunders, and Washington counties and is in effect until at least May 6th.

The third DHM, issued on March 28th, applies to&nbsp;Butler, Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, Polk, Seward, and York counties and is in effect until May 6th&nbsp;unless renewed.

The DHM and quarantine directions covering all of these counties can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ryyx9aas2sxgcjq/DHM%203.29.2020.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

The DHM imposes an enforceable limit on public gatherings. &nbsp;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.&nbsp; Additionally, schools in these areas are directed to operate without students in their buildings.&nbsp; This restriction does not apply to school staff working in school buildings.&nbsp; 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 by&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%7Cd574bde17f324adae3f308d7d32cb27e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210061248409379&amp;sdata=%2BH9kda9y3Pbuzjmqiqkh%2FcQinFLXzpuoiOK9cCbaaV0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Counties other than those noted above remain under the guidance issued March 18th&nbsp;by the Governor’s Office.&nbsp; You can find it by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fxydt3l8je28fzox%2FDHHS%2520Guidance%25203.16.2020%25207.40pm.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cd574bde17f324adae3f308d7d32cb27e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210061248414344&amp;sdata=dkoOoV5syTMC3RAq2pm6fT9JvUEu%2BkbMRxukgXfeHzU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;If further community transmission cases of COVID-19 occur in other regions of the state, the Governor will announce DHMs covering the additional regions.

In addition to the DHMs issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Douglas County Public Health Director Dr. Adi M. Pour has issued an order covering Douglas County from March 18, 2020 through April 30, 2020.&nbsp; Full details of the order can be found on the Douglas County Health Department website&nbsp;(<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.douglascountyhealth.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cd574bde17f324adae3f308d7d32cb27e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210061248419334&amp;sdata=ZJ67WQ0XPRjziF57iTa3sqcc6d%2F9dU6Trgto4Kgvv%2FE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">douglascountyhealth.com</a>)&nbsp;or by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.douglascountyhealth.com%2Fimages%2FCOVID-19%2F2020_03_ORDER_AMENDED_3-20-2020.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cd574bde17f324adae3f308d7d32cb27e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210061248424312&amp;sdata=F4AE%2BBcaIpGnArherZkDu2x0a7u8iPoTbm2YWlICurM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Furthermore, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department also issued a DHM, which can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/pdf/directed-health-measure-20200325.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The order lasts until May 6, 2020.

UNDERSTANDING THE STATE’S DIRECTED HEALTH MEASURE

Who does the Directed Health Measure apply to?

It applies to places such as theaters, churches, houses of worship, gyms, social clubs, salons, and social gatherings, including weddings, funerals, concerts, and athletic events.&nbsp; This is not an exhaustive list, but illustrates the types of locations the DHM applies to.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Do I need to shut down my bar or restaurant?

At bars and restaurants, it applies to patrons, not to your workforce. &nbsp;Restaurants and bars are encouraged to ask their patrons if they can prepare their order for takeout upon arrival. &nbsp;Restaurants will play a key part in feeding people throughout the pandemic.

Do I need to shut down my daycare?

No. &nbsp;DHHS has issued new guidance that daycares need to follow. &nbsp;You can find it by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19%20Schools%20and%20Childcare.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

No. &nbsp;The Directed Health Measure does not apply to places such as office buildings, grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, court houses, court rooms, banks, car dealerships, auto repair shops, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, small shops, golf courses, big box stores, gas stations, convenience stores, shopping malls, manufacturing facilities, packing facilities, construction jobs, and other traditional office settings.&nbsp; This is not an exhaustive list, but illustrates the types of locations the DHM does not apply to.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Furthermore, we do not expect these facilities to be impacted by additional limits at this time.

Do I need to cancel a wedding or a funeral?

Weddings and funerals are also subject to the 10-person limit. &nbsp;Event planners and facilities are encouraged to be flexible with people who are rearranging their plans.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the state’s fourth COVID-19 related Directed Health Measure (DHM) includes Burt, Cuming, Madison, and Stanton counties, which will be in effect until May 6th&nbsp;unless renewed.The first DHM, issued on March 18th, applies to Cass, Douglas, and Sarpy counties and is in effect until at least April 30th.The second DHM, issued on March 25th, applies to Dodge, Lancaster, Saunders, and Washington counties and is in effect until at least May 6th.The third DHM, issued on March 28th, applies to&nbsp;Butler, Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, Polk, Seward, and York counties and is in effect until May 6th&nbsp;unless renewed.The DHM and quarantine directions covering all of these counties can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ryyx9aas2sxgcjq/DHM%203.29.2020.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;The DHM imposes an enforceable limit on public gatherings. &nbsp;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.&nbsp; Additionally, schools in these areas are directed to operate without students in their buildings.&nbsp; This restriction does not apply to school staff working in school buildings.&nbsp; 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 by&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%7Cd574bde17f324adae3f308d7d32cb27e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210061248409379&amp;sdata=%2BH9kda9y3Pbuzjmqiqkh%2FcQinFLXzpuoiOK9cCbaaV0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Counties other than those noted above remain under the guidance issued March 18th&nbsp;by the Governor’s Office.&nbsp; You can find it by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fxydt3l8je28fzox%2FDHHS%2520Guidance%25203.16.2020%25207.40pm.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cd574bde17f324adae3f308d7d32cb27e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210061248414344&amp;sdata=dkoOoV5syTMC3RAq2pm6fT9JvUEu%2BkbMRxukgXfeHzU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;If further community transmission cases of COVID-19 occur in other regions of the state, the Governor will announce DHMs covering the additional regions.In addition to the DHMs issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Douglas County Public Health Director Dr. Adi M. Pour has issued an order covering Douglas County from March 18, 2020 through April 30, 2020.&nbsp; Full details of the order can be found on the Douglas County Health Department website&nbsp;(<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.douglascountyhealth.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cd574bde17f324adae3f308d7d32cb27e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210061248419334&amp;sdata=ZJ67WQ0XPRjziF57iTa3sqcc6d%2F9dU6Trgto4Kgvv%2FE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">douglascountyhealth.com</a>)&nbsp;or by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.douglascountyhealth.com%2Fimages%2FCOVID-19%2F2020_03_ORDER_AMENDED_3-20-2020.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cd574bde17f324adae3f308d7d32cb27e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210061248424312&amp;sdata=F4AE%2BBcaIpGnArherZkDu2x0a7u8iPoTbm2YWlICurM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Furthermore, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department also issued a DHM, which can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/pdf/directed-health-measure-20200325.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The order lasts until May 6, 2020.UNDERSTANDING THE STATE’S DIRECTED HEALTH MEASUREWho does the Directed Health Measure apply to?It applies to places such as theaters, churches, houses of worship, gyms, social clubs, salons, and social gatherings, including weddings, funerals, concerts, and athletic events.&nbsp; This is not an exhaustive list, but illustrates the types of locations the DHM applies to.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do I need to shut down my bar or restaurant?At bars and restaurants, it applies to patrons, not to your workforce. &nbsp;Restaurants and bars are encouraged to ask their patrons if they can prepare their order for takeout upon arrival. &nbsp;Restaurants will play a key part in feeding people throughout the pandemic.Do I need to shut down my daycare?No. &nbsp;DHHS has issued new guidance that daycares need to follow. &nbsp;You can find it by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19%20Schools%20and%20Childcare.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Do I need to shut down my office?No. &nbsp;The Directed Health Measure does not apply to places such as office buildings, grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, court houses, court rooms, banks, car dealerships, auto repair shops, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, small shops, golf courses, big box stores, gas stations, convenience stores, shopping malls, manufacturing facilities, packing facilities, construction jobs, and other traditional office settings.&nbsp; This is not an exhaustive list, but illustrates the types of locations the DHM does not apply to.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, we do not expect these facilities to be impacted by additional limits at this time.Do I need to cancel a wedding or a funeral?Weddings and funerals are also subject to the 10-person limit. &nbsp;Event planners and facilities are encouraged to be flexible with people who are rearranging their plans.

Governor Ricketts issues Directed Health Measure for 4 more counties

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-West Central District Health Department (WCDHD)
has identified two hospitalized patients who have tested positive for
COVID-19.
While it is still
early in the investigation, WCDHD will continue to aggressively work
to determine the COVID-19 exposure source. This brings the total to
five confirmed positive cases in Lincoln County. 


The
first case is a male in his 90s who is currently hospitalized and the
second individual is a female in her 80s who is currently
hospitalized. 


“All
of us have a role to play in this response. It’s critical that we
continue to work together and focus on social distancing,
self-isolation when ill and quarantining with high-risk exposure to
help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Shannon Vanderheiden
executive director of WCDHD. 


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

News ReleaseNORTH PLATTE, Neb.-West Central District Health Department (WCDHD)
has identified two hospitalized patients who have tested positive for
COVID-19.
While it is still
early in the investigation, WCDHD will continue to aggressively work
to determine the COVID-19 exposure source. This brings the total to
five confirmed positive cases in Lincoln County. 
The
first case is a male in his 90s who is currently hospitalized and the
second individual is a female in her 80s who is currently
hospitalized. 
“All
of us have a role to play in this response. It’s critical that we
continue to work together and focus on social distancing,
self-isolation when ill and quarantining with high-risk exposure to
help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Shannon Vanderheiden
executive director of WCDHD. 
Public
health officials would like to remind everyone that if you have
symptoms of respiratory illness, please IMMEDIATLEY self-isolate and
contact your healthcare provider or your local health department.

WCDHD: 2 hospitalized patients test positive for COVID-19

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Madison County reported a new case of COVID-19, which has been identified as community transmitted. It’s a man in his 70s who currently resides at a long-term care facility in Norfolk. He is self-isolating. 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VsdnBoZC5vcmcvIn0.WkxPKlg0UpkblyJCjWB0Dk2Y53-XtX75oQ1Syg1pG4E%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976425989&amp;sdata=0oQEox9QHtA7i%2B5sUIebvTkViu5hZ8idGelya99NLqY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://elvphd.org/</a>.

A state Directed Health Measure (DHM) will be issued and go into effect Sunday, March 29 at 9:00 a.m. for Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton Counties.

The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Gosper and Platte Counties -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50cnBoZC5vcmcvIn0.vejb9k_fv27LO1on2JBtzDDQLpmmUavRWfJ5p3uhS1s%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976435941&amp;sdata=OgWPGuCixyC2KTAlIBbwj7ofFDc%2FQwnAqqN8AVUJ4RE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.trphd.org/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VjZGhkLm5lLmdvdi8ifQ.er41TwOLBP_fHeptN0X1c_1_F1eezdOzbsDYfV7z7dY%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976435941&amp;sdata=9TEyZCXyhBJOLJVbIT2db1eFUg5wkT38i6tbksjZr7k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ecdhd.ne.gov/</a>.

Tonight’s state case total is 109. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.G6WL0Qkk4fidiAqBhrnB4s0nHyJ0uUiVMSxeHSFZMPs%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976445904&amp;sdata=5qg7W58TruDfspWYUxfkED1v8n9jp2jZvui2R%2Fxc56o%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, according to the CDC. People in these higher-risk groups should:&nbsp;

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.

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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ._KOP6eVOv7bt8VNQDu-LZUZPQil-rbc7LeQUdcerVNM%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976465817&amp;sdata=yrvtFdK%2F0274YEYAw1A8rRqGVIV5NmcOHK2vtyUcBBI%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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.JwfE2WY5DhGGh8BoXiR-gNkRKVk9D5TRSyGApMJl34w%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976475770&amp;sdata=Sw6AmSb1%2FtrnP0vSoBRzyojhfnUjq95bvywV24vGAbY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.&nbsp;

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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.hQhGq2NJ3BhocIykRXMQV2mtl9FJoL9i5l4pq-lExuU%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976475770&amp;sdata=ceuIMppbX7a9XnA6nHmDaCe2rH7Fbxi2IjbW3I3bVtg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Madison County reported a new case of COVID-19, which has been identified as community transmitted. It’s a man in his 70s who currently resides at a long-term care facility in Norfolk. He is self-isolating. 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VsdnBoZC5vcmcvIn0.WkxPKlg0UpkblyJCjWB0Dk2Y53-XtX75oQ1Syg1pG4E%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976425989&amp;sdata=0oQEox9QHtA7i%2B5sUIebvTkViu5hZ8idGelya99NLqY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://elvphd.org/</a>.A state Directed Health Measure (DHM) will be issued and go into effect Sunday, March 29 at 9:00 a.m. for Burt, Cuming, Madison and Stanton Counties.The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Gosper and Platte Counties -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50cnBoZC5vcmcvIn0.vejb9k_fv27LO1on2JBtzDDQLpmmUavRWfJ5p3uhS1s%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976435941&amp;sdata=OgWPGuCixyC2KTAlIBbwj7ofFDc%2FQwnAqqN8AVUJ4RE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.trphd.org/</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VjZGhkLm5lLmdvdi8ifQ.er41TwOLBP_fHeptN0X1c_1_F1eezdOzbsDYfV7z7dY%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976435941&amp;sdata=9TEyZCXyhBJOLJVbIT2db1eFUg5wkT38i6tbksjZr7k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://ecdhd.ne.gov/</a>.Tonight’s state case total is 109. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.G6WL0Qkk4fidiAqBhrnB4s0nHyJ0uUiVMSxeHSFZMPs%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976445904&amp;sdata=5qg7W58TruDfspWYUxfkED1v8n9jp2jZvui2R%2Fxc56o%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, according to the CDC. 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNIYXZlLXN1cHBsaWVzLW9uLWhhbmQifQ.O78jQYGCnUVKgqVj1GqKVLOVeal5jvmdXgD6PiWeiIo%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976445904&amp;sdata=G2abFkvBEDf2C0CHA9jZCeBhef6JbWjSs%2BJY6C6k5R4%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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCN0YWtlLWV2ZXJ5ZGF5LXByZWNhdXRpb25zIn0.cm1ozR4jPSfZzaaB-UUtcpJBC4VUlQZgy5G0I277tTA%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976455857&amp;sdata=%2Bv3CY%2BTThhavn6fAVWCFavrwTJ2B6Kem4ZzZ4Ttry4Q%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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNhdm9pZC1jcm93ZHMifQ.09QPClId4SiMAUodwdRNuh5ws-1gUGg8pn3MpvERQY4%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976455857&amp;sdata=nIw%2FUdSh6151hvQPLjd2qoXnmtpXOb2JMZ%2FoO1eD%2BKs%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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3d25jLmNkYy5nb3YvdHJhdmVsL25vdGljZXMvd2FybmluZy9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1jcnVpc2Utc2hpcCJ9.5oBFo-r9ce-4ZwckR-BU0oeADeW_uloitk6rQjyHxZc%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976465817&amp;sdata=Gu86fBFpu5OQSN9ZJ4%2B6sZRwnzG5HY9X5FhAvKiYZQ8%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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNzdGF5LWhvbWUifQ.YavaKdovIoKexgpFpFp5yqWDYJJOvCACWJ8EwhhvEu0%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976465817&amp;sdata=M3K6ZRupFMd1FqogDou15Pk8Js73v5WlAWeSCa05E%2Bg%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 stay 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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ._KOP6eVOv7bt8VNQDu-LZUZPQil-rbc7LeQUdcerVNM%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976465817&amp;sdata=yrvtFdK%2F0274YEYAw1A8rRqGVIV5NmcOHK2vtyUcBBI%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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.JwfE2WY5DhGGh8BoXiR-gNkRKVk9D5TRSyGApMJl34w%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976475770&amp;sdata=Sw6AmSb1%2FtrnP0vSoBRzyojhfnUjq95bvywV24vGAbY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.&nbsp;DHHS opened a statewide coronavirus (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.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMjkuMTk0NTA4NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.hQhGq2NJ3BhocIykRXMQV2mtl9FJoL9i5l4pq-lExuU%2Fbr%2F76766502384-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C2615ccafa0254ad9e13d08d7d38ccb1e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637210473976475770&amp;sdata=ceuIMppbX7a9XnA6nHmDaCe2rH7Fbxi2IjbW3I3bVtg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

Community-spread case of COVID-19 identified in Madison County

Attorney General William Barr says the Justice Department has already launched investigations into people who are hoarding supplies and price gouging.&nbsp;&nbsp;Barr says, “If you are sitting on a warehouse with surgical masks, you will be hearing a knock on your door."

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thieves steal surgical masks. A clinic sells fake COVID-19 tests. Hate groups encourage sick members to infect law enforcement officers. Imposters pose as public health officials. Con artists peddle fake cures and financial scams.

As the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;</a>spreads, so too do the crimes related to it — transgressions that capitalize on fear, panic and the urge to lay blame, and add to the burden on law enforcement agencies trying to protect vulnerable citizens.

“It is really disheartening in a time like this that someone would take advantage of the community and take them in a time of need,” Tucson, Arizona, Police Sgt. Pete Dugan said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585143176510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Attorney General William Barr says the Justice Department has already launched investigations into people who are hoarding supplies and price gouging.&nbsp;&nbsp;Barr says, “If you are sitting on a warehouse with surgical masks, you will be hearing a knock on your door."WASHINGTON (AP) — Thieves steal surgical masks. A clinic sells fake COVID-19 tests. Hate groups encourage sick members to infect law enforcement officers. Imposters pose as public health officials. Con artists peddle fake cures and financial scams.As the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;</a>spreads, so too do the crimes related to it — transgressions that capitalize on fear, panic and the urge to lay blame, and add to the burden on law enforcement agencies trying to protect vulnerable citizens.“It is really disheartening in a time like this that someone would take advantage of the community and take them in a time of need,” Tucson, Arizona, Police Sgt. Pete Dugan said.Everyday life has essentially stopped in many countries in a bid to slow the virus, and some crimes have been declining. But reports of virus-related fraud are on the rise, along with concerns about hate crimes.U.S. President Donald Trump and others have taken to calling the virus the “Chinese coronavirus,” even as scientists say the disease has nothing to do with Asian ethnicity. But the president dismissed the idea that his comments could fuel hate crimes.<a href="https://apnews.com/a7c233f0b3bcdb72c06cca6271ba6713">“It’s not racist at all,”</a>&nbsp;Trump has said.In Los Angeles, a 16-year-old boy of Asian descent said other students bullied him and accused him of carrying the virus. In New York, a man on the subway sprayed an Asian passenger with Febreze and verbally abused him. State Attorney General Letitia James set up a hotline for New Yorkers to report hate crimes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/86ca5e1f6032314115176190c380818d">country’s outbreak epicenter</a>.The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks hate groups, blames the virus for elevating racist and anti-Semitic messages, including suggesting that Jews are somehow responsible for the pandemic. Some hate groups have suggested tainting doorknobs or other surfaces with the virus so FBI and police officers fall ill.“If any of you get this, I expect you to spend as much time as possible with our enemies,” one wrote.Hundreds of masks have been stolen in Portland, Oregon, amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6d9382c1e8ee36f9ed1a4dfe7815ceb1">shortages for health care workers</a>. A Missouri man who was coughing told two store clerks he had a high fever. He was arrested after police said he threatened to give the employees coronavirus. People in Pennsylvania and Illinois were accused of similar crimes. Texas prosecutors brought charges against someone who falsely claimed on social media to have tested positive for COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585145128626.png" alt="Counterfeit COVID-19 test kits intercepted at Los Angeles International airport -photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection" />
 <figcaption>Counterfeit COVID-19 test kits intercepted at Los Angeles International airport -photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection</figcaption>
 </figure>In a memo issued Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen told prosecutors they could charge people who threaten to spread the new coronavirus under U.S. terrorism statutes because the Justice Department considers it a “biological agent” under the law. In such cases, suspects could be charged with a number of offenses, including possessing or developing a biological agent as a weapon, he said.“Threats or attempt to use COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans will not be tolerated,” Rosen wrote in the memo to U.S. attorneys across the country and the heads of all Justice Department agencies, including the FBI.Meanwhile, police in Bowie, Maryland, are investigating reports of a man wearing an orange vest and blue surgical mask who approached people at two homes claiming to be inspecting for coronavirus. He actually entered one home before a resident confronted him. A similar scam was sweeping through Germany.The World Health Organization and other authorities are also working to debunk spurious claims about possible cures. They include false assertions that silver, bleach, and garlic could protect against the coronavirus, or that bananas prevent it.In Uganda, the parliament speaker endorsed a businessman who said he had discovered a chemical that “instantly kills” the virus. Speaker Rebecca Kadaga announced that the businessman had offered to produce the “treatment” in Uganda and it would go on the market shortly.Kadaga’s comments were widely mocked because the product is actually a disinfectant, according to the Ugandan firm that will produce the chemical, not to be ingested.New York officials recently ordered the Jim Bakker television show to stop marketing colloidal silver products. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1428c4f6bbc336f446bdb89af51bdad1">himself falsely suggested&nbsp;</a>a drug typically used to treat malaria patients had been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the coronavirus.Fraudsters purport to collect contaminated banknotes in South Africa. And police busted a clinic selling false testing kits in Kenya.The United Kingdom’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has received more than 100 reports of virus-related scams, with losses totaling more than $1.1 million (970,000 pounds).“We have already seen fraudsters using the COVID-19 pandemic to scam people looking to buy medical supplies online ... and targeting people who may be vulnerable or increasingly isolated at home,” Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Economic Crime Center in the U.K., said in a statement.In the U.S., the Justice Department created a central fraud hotline (1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov) and has ordered U.S. attorneys to appoint special coronavirus fraud coordinators.Meanwhile, marketing schemers have quickly pivoted to offering “senior care packages” that include hand sanitizer or even a purported vaccine, which doesn’t exist. Some falsely claim that Trump has ordered that seniors get tested.It’s all a trick to get personal information that can be used to bill federal and state health programs, health officials said.“It’s a straight-up ruse to get your Medicare number or your Social Security number under the guise of having a test kit or a sanitary kit sent to you,” Christian Schrank, assistant inspector general for investigations at Health and Human Services.The worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 350,000 people and left more than 15,000 people dead. For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.The World Health Organization says criminals are increasingly posing as WHO officials in calls and phishing emails to swipe information or money. The United Nations also set up a website to help prevent fraud.But the warning came too late for an 83-year-old woman in Mannheim, Germany, who was convinced by scammers to hand over a five-figure sum, claiming it was for a relative who had fallen ill. Police, who would not give an exact figure on the stolen euros, said the woman was told that a driver would pick up the money from outside her front door, to avoid possible infection.By the time she got suspicious, the money was gone.___

Coronavirus Update