NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted multiple religious faiths to change or cancel services as houses of worship try to help contain the disease. But some church leaders are also tackling another task: communicating a message that elevates both faith and science.

That goal is particularly challenging in a time of sharp political polarization, as partisan scuffles over religion’s influence on policymaking can caricature Christians as skeptical of science. For pastors across Christian denominations, however, rising public anxiety over coronavirus only reinforces the importance of believing in God while heeding the advice of public health experts.

“Science is a wonderful arena of truth and understanding truth. It is an amazing tool that can help human flourishing. We just believe it can’t address all truth that exists,” said D.J. Jenkins, pastor at Anthology Church in Studio City, Calif.

Jenkins, who got his undergraduate degree in biology, acknowledged that “for a lot of folks, it’s probably pretty strange to see” a Christian or other devout person “asking for divine help -- and then also trusting in science and health professionals and doctors. But it’s not strange for me.”

While past natural disasters have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/151633f83b7ed2452ca1c8ab7135af8e">found a few</a>&nbsp;high-profile Christians asserting a link to specific divine punishment, the coronavirus outbreak has generated little if any of that religious rhetoric. Instead, churches are rising to the moment with a mixture of spiritual aid and practical counsel that presents its own challenges, beyond the political tensions kicked up by the virus.

Scott Sauls, senior pastor at Nashville’s Christ Presbyterian Church, said he’s discussing ways to “move toward the pain rather than away from it,” acting on his faith’s edict to love one’s neighbor amid rising anxiety.

But that goal is complicated by the social distancing that’s been recommended as a best practice to slow down the disease, Sauls noted, since “Christians’ responsibility is to, No. 1, not send the irresponsible, unloving message” of downplaying the virus’ risk. He said conversations about how best to help have so far focused on assisting the high-risk elderly and health care workers overtaxed by the crisis.

National Association of Evangelicals President Walter Kim said his guidance to denominations is prioritizing the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and other experts, because “the sense of reassurance we want to give is coupled with prudence in seeking out the best information.”

Citing the high religiosity among early scientific pioneers such as Isaac Newton, Kim said that although friction between faith and science has occurred in the past, “the scientific community and people of faith really should serve as collaborators.”

Religious institutions from coast to coast have upended their service schedules to prevent close contact that could spread coronavirus, with Kentucky’s governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cf943036e5e71ae85c827a66f4adedf">encouraging&nbsp;</a>churches to cancel their services this week. While not every church in the state plans to fully close, pastors such as Steve Weaver, of Farmdale Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky., said they are keenly aware of both scientific and faith considerations.

“We want to take seriously the health challenges that experts are describing and their prescriptions to address those challenges,” Weaver said by email. “However, we have to balance that by our responsibility to continue our regular expressions of worshiping and gathering, which I believe is commanded of us as Christians.”

In Washington state’s King County, where the outbreak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e27307edc5b133a67f3ba2036a97dc27">has claimed</a>&nbsp;more than two dozen victims, pastors are already dealing with the spiritual struggles wrought by the pandemic.

“There’s a lot of fear right now, so we have an opportunity to be bearers of hope and peace,” said Andrew Fouché, pastor of Sunset Community Church in Renton, Wash. Fouché added that he resists “pat answers” about prayer providing complete protection.

Aaron Monts, pastor at United Church Seattle, said he’s seen “a tension of fear and faith” among congregants who are not yet directly affected by the virus but facing growing isolation. Last Sunday, Monts said, his church suggested a way for believers to blend worship with doctors’ advice: reciting a 20-second prayer while washing their hands.

“We taught, let’s do something a little more intentional with this space” than the increasingly popular advice to sing 20 seconds of “Happy Birthday,” Monts said.

Yet the act of prayer itself often proves fodder for political division over faith and science, and the government’s response to coronavirus is no exception. When Vice President Mike Pence tweeted a photo of a group prayer before a meeting of the Trump administration’s virus response task force that he leads, one commentator’s online pushback met with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkMeadows/status/1234526122014126081?s=20" target="_blank">condemnation from</a>&nbsp;prominent Republicans who accused progressives of maligning religion.

In fact, Pence’s photo sparked a complex reaction from Christians who said prayer is valuable but not the sole solution to a crisis, whether personal or pandemic.

Chris Green, professor of theology at Southeastern University, said he has seen “magical thinking” about the power of prayer among both conservative and liberal Christians, but “that is a minority, very clearly a quieter voice in the conversation.”

“Overwhelmingly, I think the groups I work with would say, pray and work” to solve problems, said Green, who’s also a teaching pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa.

Katelyn Beaty, a former veteran editor at Christianity Today, described the Pence photo as a politicized bid to court conservative Christian support. But she separated that critical response from her view of prayer itself -- as not incompatible with respect for scientific fact.

A majority of Americans pray at least daily, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/frequency-of-prayer/" target="_blank">2014 poll</a>&nbsp;by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Referring to Muslim and Jewish neighbors who communicate with God, Beaty said that she “would never ... assume that because they pray, they’re also distrustful of science.”

Beaty added that “the ‘divide’ between faith and science is much more about culture wars and the politicization of everything in our common life than it is about what people think and believe.”

Underscoring that point, Pew polling also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/10/22/science-and-religion/" target="_blank">has found</a>&nbsp;that while 59% of Americans view religion and science as often in conflict, only 30% said science conflicts with their own personal beliefs.

James Dew Jr., president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, acknowledged what he called the “warfare” theory of faith’s relationship to science but offered an alternate view of religion and science as “dialogue partners.”

“We need God’s grace more than ever before,” said Dew, who writes extensively on theology and philosophy. “We also need our medical community to do its best work right now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584278183206.png" alt="Trinity Episcopal in Lawrence, Kansas&nbsp; is among many churches not holding public worship Sunday in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Until after March 29, the church will not be hosting any ministry or group functions, according to it's website- Google image" />
 <figcaption>Trinity Episcopal in Lawrence, Kansas&nbsp; is among many churches not holding public worship Sunday in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Until after March 29, the church will not be hosting any ministry or group functions, according to it's website- Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted multiple religious faiths to change or cancel services as houses of worship try to help contain the disease. But some church leaders are also tackling another task: communicating a message that elevates both faith and science.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/kpaGEAzRZY">https://t.co/kpaGEAzRZY</a>&mdash; Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1239176998045519873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That goal is particularly challenging in a time of sharp political polarization, as partisan scuffles over religion’s influence on policymaking can caricature Christians as skeptical of science. For pastors across Christian denominations, however, rising public anxiety over coronavirus only reinforces the importance of believing in God while heeding the advice of public health experts.“Science is a wonderful arena of truth and understanding truth. It is an amazing tool that can help human flourishing. We just believe it can’t address all truth that exists,” said D.J. Jenkins, pastor at Anthology Church in Studio City, Calif.Jenkins, who got his undergraduate degree in biology, acknowledged that “for a lot of folks, it’s probably pretty strange to see” a Christian or other devout person “asking for divine help -- and then also trusting in science and health professionals and doctors. But it’s not strange for me.”While past natural disasters have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/151633f83b7ed2452ca1c8ab7135af8e">found a few</a>&nbsp;high-profile Christians asserting a link to specific divine punishment, the coronavirus outbreak has generated little if any of that religious rhetoric. Instead, churches are rising to the moment with a mixture of spiritual aid and practical counsel that presents its own challenges, beyond the political tensions kicked up by the virus.Scott Sauls, senior pastor at Nashville’s Christ Presbyterian Church, said he’s discussing ways to “move toward the pain rather than away from it,” acting on his faith’s edict to love one’s neighbor amid rising anxiety.But that goal is complicated by the social distancing that’s been recommended as a best practice to slow down the disease, Sauls noted, since “Christians’ responsibility is to, No. 1, not send the irresponsible, unloving message” of downplaying the virus’ risk. He said conversations about how best to help have so far focused on assisting the high-risk elderly and health care workers overtaxed by the crisis.National Association of Evangelicals President Walter Kim said his guidance to denominations is prioritizing the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and other experts, because “the sense of reassurance we want to give is coupled with prudence in seeking out the best information.”Citing the high religiosity among early scientific pioneers such as Isaac Newton, Kim said that although friction between faith and science has occurred in the past, “the scientific community and people of faith really should serve as collaborators.”Religious institutions from coast to coast have upended their service schedules to prevent close contact that could spread coronavirus, with Kentucky’s governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cf943036e5e71ae85c827a66f4adedf">encouraging&nbsp;</a>churches to cancel their services this week. While not every church in the state plans to fully close, pastors such as Steve Weaver, of Farmdale Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky., said they are keenly aware of both scientific and faith considerations.“We want to take seriously the health challenges that experts are describing and their prescriptions to address those challenges,” Weaver said by email. “However, we have to balance that by our responsibility to continue our regular expressions of worshiping and gathering, which I believe is commanded of us as Christians.”In Washington state’s King County, where the outbreak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e27307edc5b133a67f3ba2036a97dc27">has claimed</a>&nbsp;more than two dozen victims, pastors are already dealing with the spiritual struggles wrought by the pandemic.“There’s a lot of fear right now, so we have an opportunity to be bearers of hope and peace,” said Andrew Fouché, pastor of Sunset Community Church in Renton, Wash. Fouché added that he resists “pat answers” about prayer providing complete protection.Aaron Monts, pastor at United Church Seattle, said he’s seen “a tension of fear and faith” among congregants who are not yet directly affected by the virus but facing growing isolation. Last Sunday, Monts said, his church suggested a way for believers to blend worship with doctors’ advice: reciting a 20-second prayer while washing their hands.“We taught, let’s do something a little more intentional with this space” than the increasingly popular advice to sing 20 seconds of “Happy Birthday,” Monts said.Yet the act of prayer itself often proves fodder for political division over faith and science, and the government’s response to coronavirus is no exception. When Vice President Mike Pence tweeted a photo of a group prayer before a meeting of the Trump administration’s virus response task force that he leads, one commentator’s online pushback met with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkMeadows/status/1234526122014126081?s=20" target="_blank">condemnation from</a>&nbsp;prominent Republicans who accused progressives of maligning religion.In fact, Pence’s photo sparked a complex reaction from Christians who said prayer is valuable but not the sole solution to a crisis, whether personal or pandemic.Chris Green, professor of theology at Southeastern University, said he has seen “magical thinking” about the power of prayer among both conservative and liberal Christians, but “that is a minority, very clearly a quieter voice in the conversation.”“Overwhelmingly, I think the groups I work with would say, pray and work” to solve problems, said Green, who’s also a teaching pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa.Katelyn Beaty, a former veteran editor at Christianity Today, described the Pence photo as a politicized bid to court conservative Christian support. But she separated that critical response from her view of prayer itself -- as not incompatible with respect for scientific fact.A majority of Americans pray at least daily, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/frequency-of-prayer/" target="_blank">2014 poll</a>&nbsp;by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Referring to Muslim and Jewish neighbors who communicate with God, Beaty said that she “would never ... assume that because they pray, they’re also distrustful of science.”Beaty added that “the ‘divide’ between faith and science is much more about culture wars and the politicization of everything in our common life than it is about what people think and believe.”Underscoring that point, Pew polling also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/10/22/science-and-religion/" target="_blank">has found</a>&nbsp;that while 59% of Americans view religion and science as often in conflict, only 30% said science conflicts with their own personal beliefs.James Dew Jr., president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, acknowledged what he called the “warfare” theory of faith’s relationship to science but offered an alternate view of religion and science as “dialogue partners.”“We need God’s grace more than ever before,” said Dew, who writes extensively on theology and philosophy. “We also need our medical community to do its best work right now.”___

Pray and wash: Religion joins with science amid virus crisis

Effective immediately, University of Nebraska employees may take up to 80 hours of administrative paid leave in the event of self-quarantine, quarantine or care of an immediate family member, childcare resulting from school closures, or other related scenarios. The emergency leave is available to all employees, including temporary and student workers. Part-time employees will be eligible for a prorated amount of time.

This temporary administrative leave policy can be used during the current pandemic, and we will re-evaluate the program as well as other leave policies as needed in the coming weeks.

Campus leaders are strongly encouraged to use alternate work arrangements and telecommute options to keep the continuity of campus operations to the extent possible.

Letter from University of Nebraska President Ted Carter:

As the spread of the coronavirus continues to disrupt many of our personal and professional lives, we find ourselves in a period of unique challenge and uncertainty.

The chancellors and I, together with colleagues across the University of Nebraska system, are in daily communication about the impact of the virus on our community and what we can do to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

We hope to create as much stability as we can for members of our community through this rapidly changing situation. Many of us will face challenges in the days, weeks and months ahead, whether related to our own health, the health of a family member, or care for our children. I know the closings of Lincoln and Omaha schools, among others, has many of our families scrambling right now.

To provide you with greater flexibility to manage these challenges,&nbsp;I have created an emergency paid administrative leave policy related to COVID-19.&nbsp;Effective immediately and subject to supervisor approval, University of Nebraska employees may take up to 80 hours of administrative paid leave in the event of self-quarantine, quarantine or care of an immediate family member, childcare resulting from school closures, or other related scenarios. The emergency leave is available to all employees, including temporary and student workers; part-time employees will be eligible for a prorated amount of time.

I want to stress the University remains open and that flexible work arrangements remain our first line of defense. We expect supervisors to create as much flexibility as possible for their team members to continue to do their work, whether working remotely, working during non-business hours or other approaches.

However, we also know that not every job can be performed at home — and that unique challenges require unique solutions. My hope is that the option of emergency administrative leave gives you additional peace of mind as you care for your families, protect your health and continue to deliver on the vital mission of the University of Nebraska.

Our bottom line is that no employee should find themselves at a disadvantage because of this global pandemic.

Thank you again for all that you are doing to move our University forward even as we find our “new normal.” To witness your leadership and diligence during these times — and your care and concern for our 51,000 students — has reminded me yet again of the strength of our University system. There really is no place like Nebraska.

Ted CarterPresident, University of Nebraska

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559943379816.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By University of NebraskaEffective immediately, University of Nebraska employees may take up to 80 hours of administrative paid leave in the event of self-quarantine, quarantine or care of an immediate family member, childcare resulting from school closures, or other related scenarios. The emergency leave is available to all employees, including temporary and student workers. Part-time employees will be eligible for a prorated amount of time.This temporary administrative leave policy can be used during the current pandemic, and we will re-evaluate the program as well as other leave policies as needed in the coming weeks.Campus leaders are strongly encouraged to use alternate work arrangements and telecommute options to keep the continuity of campus operations to the extent possible.Letter from University of Nebraska President Ted Carter:March 14, 2020Dear Colleagues,As the spread of the coronavirus continues to disrupt many of our personal and professional lives, we find ourselves in a period of unique challenge and uncertainty.The chancellors and I, together with colleagues across the University of Nebraska system, are in daily communication about the impact of the virus on our community and what we can do to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.We hope to create as much stability as we can for members of our community through this rapidly changing situation. Many of us will face challenges in the days, weeks and months ahead, whether related to our own health, the health of a family member, or care for our children. I know the closings of Lincoln and Omaha schools, among others, has many of our families scrambling right now.To provide you with greater flexibility to manage these challenges,&nbsp;I have created an emergency paid administrative leave policy related to COVID-19.&nbsp;Effective immediately and subject to supervisor approval, University of Nebraska employees may take up to 80 hours of administrative paid leave in the event of self-quarantine, quarantine or care of an immediate family member, childcare resulting from school closures, or other related scenarios. The emergency leave is available to all employees, including temporary and student workers; part-time employees will be eligible for a prorated amount of time.This temporary administrative leave policy can be used during the current pandemic, and we will re-evaluate the program as well as other leave policies as needed in the coming weeks.I want to stress the University remains open and that flexible work arrangements remain our first line of defense. We expect supervisors to create as much flexibility as possible for their team members to continue to do their work, whether working remotely, working during non-business hours or other approaches.However, we also know that not every job can be performed at home — and that unique challenges require unique solutions. My hope is that the option of emergency administrative leave gives you additional peace of mind as you care for your families, protect your health and continue to deliver on the vital mission of the University of Nebraska.Our bottom line is that no employee should find themselves at a disadvantage because of this global pandemic.Thank you again for all that you are doing to move our University forward even as we find our “new normal.” To witness your leadership and diligence during these times — and your care and concern for our 51,000 students — has reminded me yet again of the strength of our University system. There really is no place like Nebraska.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraska.edu/emails/2020-3-14_COVID-19_Employees/carter-signature-first.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ted CarterPresident, University of Nebraska

Univ. of Nebraska offers employees 80 hours of paid administrative leave amid COVID-19 concerns

With the coronavirus causing school to be canceled, my son brought his schoolwork home.&nbsp;He shared with us a Greek mythology worksheet about Pandora’s Box. If you aren’t familiar, the Greek god Zeus gave a wedding present to beautiful Pandora but instructed her not to open it.&nbsp;Like many of us, impatience and curiosity got the best of her and she opened it anyway which caused a lot of new problems.

1Similarly, with Covid-19, this new virus is already out of the box. This is a global pandemic and we are being asked to be patient and conform to social distancing to help slow down the spread. This is our current challenge.&nbsp;Every day we hear about sporting events, concerts, schools, and travel plans being cancelled. This is the best-known method to slow the spread of Covid-19.&nbsp;The less we are mixing and mingling, the less the virus is spreading.&nbsp;

When we slow the spread, we give our healthcare systems the best chance at having the resources on hand to keep up with the number of people who need help at any given time. In areas of the world where cases of Covid-19 were allowed to spike, the healthcare systems are overwhelmed.&nbsp;Some hospitals don’t have enough beds, enough ventilators, enough medicine to treat everyone that needs help.&nbsp;They don’t have enough masks and gowns to protect their staff. In these situations, doctors are having to decide who gets treatment, and who doesn’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thankfully, of those who become infected, possibly 80 percent will have only mild symptoms. Some may not have symptoms at all. However, we need to understand that some will become very sick and some will die.&nbsp;Unlike influenza, Covid-19 is a new virus. Therefore, none of us have immunity from the past or from immunizations.&nbsp;There is no herd immunity.&nbsp;

1That is why events are cancelled.&nbsp;That is why social distancing is urged. Since most people will only have mild symptoms and some people may not have symptoms at all, the virus can be spread easily without us realizing it.&nbsp;We all need to be patient and follow the instructions from health officials. By doing so, we can hopefully prevent a large spike of a lot of sick people at once and avoid a worst-case scenario.

My son’s main impression from his school lesson was that despite the sickness and problems that were released, Pandora closed the lid and held hope inside the box.&nbsp;I have hope that together we will contain this virus and, in the end, this, too, shall pass.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrew Ellsworth, MD is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairiedoc.org/">www.prairiedoc.org</a>&nbsp;and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streamed most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584291986998.jpeg" alt="Andrew Ellsworth, MD" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Ellsworth, MD</figcaption>
 </figure>By Andrew Ellsworth, MDWith the coronavirus causing school to be canceled, my son brought his schoolwork home.&nbsp;He shared with us a Greek mythology worksheet about Pandora’s Box. If you aren’t familiar, the Greek god Zeus gave a wedding present to beautiful Pandora but instructed her not to open it.&nbsp;Like many of us, impatience and curiosity got the best of her and she opened it anyway which caused a lot of new problems.1Similarly, with Covid-19, this new virus is already out of the box. This is a global pandemic and we are being asked to be patient and conform to social distancing to help slow down the spread. This is our current challenge.&nbsp;Every day we hear about sporting events, concerts, schools, and travel plans being cancelled. This is the best-known method to slow the spread of Covid-19.&nbsp;The less we are mixing and mingling, the less the virus is spreading.&nbsp;When we slow the spread, we give our healthcare systems the best chance at having the resources on hand to keep up with the number of people who need help at any given time. In areas of the world where cases of Covid-19 were allowed to spike, the healthcare systems are overwhelmed.&nbsp;Some hospitals don’t have enough beds, enough ventilators, enough medicine to treat everyone that needs help.&nbsp;They don’t have enough masks and gowns to protect their staff. In these situations, doctors are having to decide who gets treatment, and who doesn’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully, of those who become infected, possibly 80 percent will have only mild symptoms. Some may not have symptoms at all. However, we need to understand that some will become very sick and some will die.&nbsp;Unlike influenza, Covid-19 is a new virus. Therefore, none of us have immunity from the past or from immunizations.&nbsp;There is no herd immunity.&nbsp;1That is why events are cancelled.&nbsp;That is why social distancing is urged. Since most people will only have mild symptoms and some people may not have symptoms at all, the virus can be spread easily without us realizing it.&nbsp;We all need to be patient and follow the instructions from health officials. By doing so, we can hopefully prevent a large spike of a lot of sick people at once and avoid a worst-case scenario.My son’s main impression from his school lesson was that despite the sickness and problems that were released, Pandora closed the lid and held hope inside the box.&nbsp;I have hope that together we will contain this virus and, in the end, this, too, shall pass.&nbsp;&nbsp;Andrew Ellsworth, MD is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairiedoc.org/">www.prairiedoc.org</a>&nbsp;and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streamed most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Prairie Doc® Perspectives: Work Together to Contain COVID-19



The Chadron State College High School Invitational track and field meet, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 21, has been canceled. No makeup date is set at this time.

The CSC track and field coaching staff will be in touch with high school coaches regarding any further details.

Chadron State's current Mid-Term Break was extended on Friday until March 22, in light of public health recommendations regarding the COVID-19 virus, and the NCAA placed a mandatory dead period on recruiting that extends through April 15.



Courtesy: CSC Athletics

The Chadron State College High School Invitational track and field meet, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 21, has been canceled. No makeup date is set at this time.The CSC track and field coaching staff will be in touch with high school coaches regarding any further details.Chadron State's current Mid-Term Break was extended on Friday until March 22, in light of public health recommendations regarding the COVID-19 virus, and the NCAA placed a mandatory dead period on recruiting that extends through April 15.

CSC High School Track-&-Field Invite canceled

The Latest on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">world's coronavirus pandemic</a>, which has infected more than 156,000 people and killed more than 5,800. The disease for most people causes only mild or moderate symptoms but for some, especially the elderly or people with underlying health conditions, it can cause more severe illness. Nearly 74,000 people have recovered from it so far, mostly in China.

A top member of the White House task force on combating the spread of coronavirus says the administration has “not seriously discussed” restricting travel within the United States.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, said on ABC’s “This Week” that the idea of domestic travel restrictions have come up during administration deliberations but such action is unlikely “right now or in the immediate future.”

Fauci’s comments come a day after President Donald Trump told reporters that he was considering imposing restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The president said Saturday he was also adding the United Kingdom and Ireland to a list of countries that would face sweeping travel restrictions over the next 30 days. Last week, Trump announced a temporary suspension of travel into the U.S. for foreigners who had recently spent time in the 26-nation Schengen area, the European Union's border-free travel zone.

The government’s top official on infectious diseases says he’s worried about the health risks of long lines and crowding at U.S. airports amid new coronavirus travel restrictions.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, told “Fox News Sunday” that “we’d like to not see crowds like that” as Americans and other travelers return from Europe. He cited the aim of social distancing to prevent spread of COVID-19.

Fauci says it’s understandable with a travel ban, people would immediately feel they want to “hunker and get home,” but if you’re an American citizen, you can get back “there is no need to rush back.”

Weary travelers returning to the U.S. amid coronavirus-related travel restrictions have been greeted by long lines and hourslong waits for required medical screenings at airports.

Health authorities in Spain say deaths from the coronavirus have more than doubled in 24 hours, while total infections approached 8,000.

The Health Ministry said Spain has recorded 288 deaths since the start of the pandemic, up from 136 on Saturday. The European Union nation has 7,753 infections, up from 5,700 on Saturday, with around half of them concentrated in the capital of Madrid.

The jump comes a day after Spain’s government declared a state of emergency and took extraordinary measures to limit movement to commuting to work and necessary errands. It has also closed restaurants, bars, most retail shops and reduced public transport.

The Vatican says all Holy Week ceremonies will take place without the “physical presence of the faithful” because of the health emergency over the coronavirus.

The Vatican tweeted Sunday citing an announcement by the office of the pontifical household said that until April 12, when Easter Sunday is celebrated this year, all the general audiences on Wednesday as well as Pope Francis weekly Sunday noon prayer will be streamed by the Vatican.

Among popular Holy Week ceremonies is the Good Friday Way of the Cross torchlit procession at Rome's Colosseum.

Holy Week ceremonies usually draw tens of thousands of people to Rome, but with Italy the European center of the COVID-19 outbreak, tourism in the country has vanished.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo is undergoing a test for COVID-19 on Sunday afternoon after his transportation minister, Budi Karya Sumadi, was tested positive with coronavirus on Friday. In an official video released by the presidential office, Widodo said that his cabinet ministers have taken the same test.

Britain’s top health official says the government plans to set out emergency powers this week to deal with the viral outbreak, including requiring the elderly to self-isolate and banning mass gatherings.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday the government’s bill laying out its emergency action plan would be unveiled on Tuesday and published Thursday.

Britain has taken a different approach and hasn’t yet heavily restricted everyday activities in the same way other countries across Europe have done, but Hancock’s comments suggested the government was ready to escalate its efforts. Britain has 1,140 confirmed virus cases and 21 deaths.

Pope Francis has praised people for their continuing efforts to help vulnerable communities, including the poor and the homeless, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Francis for a second Sunday delivered noon remarks and the spoken blessing from inside the Apostolic Library instead of from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

As he did a week earlier, he later waved from the window and gave a silent blessing with his arm, but this time there were no members of the public in the square.

Italians are being left even more isolated Sunday amid a national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Italy’s transport minister signed a decree Saturday banning passengers from taking ferries to Sardinia, a large Mediterranean island.

Sardinia’s governor had asked for the ban to stop travelers from bringing possible infection from the mainland peninsula. Cargo can still go by ferry to the island, but every day people will need special permission from the governor to hop aboard.

The minister also banned overnight train trips, which many in the north had been taking to reach homes and families in the south. Italy has the largest outbreak outside of China, with 21,000 infections and 1,441 deaths.

Spain awoke to its first day of a nationwide quarantine on Sunday after the government declared a two-week state of emergency.

The government imposed the special measures including the confinement of people to their homes unless shopping for food and medicine, going to and from work, and to meet other basic needs.

Restaurants and hotels are closed and public transport reduced.

In Barcelona, people who ventured out on quiet streets to buy bread at one bakery formed long lines with a meter (about three feet) in between each person as recommended by authorities to reduce the risk of contagion. Police patrolled parks and told people who weren't taking their dog on a quick walk to go home.

The state of emergency declared by the government of Pedro Sánchez includes the temporary centralization of Spain’s health care system which is run by regional authorities.

Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau said Sunday that "if we show solidarity and think about one another we can get through this.

Austria’s leader says his government is limiting people’s movement nationwide.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told the Austria Press Agency Sunday that there should be only three reasons for people to leave home: essential work, essential purchases such as food, and helping other people.

He said people will be able to go out “only alone or with the people they live in their apartment."

Kurz’s comments came shortly after the governor of Tyrol province had announced a lockdown for his Alpine region. Austria, a country of some 8 million people, has confirmed 800 infections with the new coronavirus.

More and more countries are taking border measures and restricting movement to try to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

Norway is set to close its airports and harbors due as of Monday, Prime Erna Solberg told Norwegian media. By midday Sunday, Norway has confirmed 1,133 cases of the virus.

Slovenia’s government has announced the closure of all public transport, including buses and trains in the small Alpine state. Authorities also plan to order the closure of all shopping malls, restaurants and bars. Only food shops and pharmacies will remain open. The country of about 2 million people that borders Italy has 181 officially confirmed COVID-19 cases and one death.

Uzbekistan announced that international air and highway connections will be cut beginning Monday and all mass events, including observations of the holiday of Nowruz, are canceled.

Kazakhstan has declared a state of emergency that closes the borders to all forms of transport and closes shopping malls, theaters and other places of mass gatherings.

Austria’s Tyrol province is ordering a lockdown to fight the coronavirus, initially for a one-week period.

The provincial governor, Guenther Platter, announced Sunday that people will be allowed to leave their homes only for reasons such as buying food and medicine, visiting the doctor, getting cash or walking the dog.

Tyrol, an Alpine region that is popular with skiers, borders northern Italy and is one of the worst-hit areas of Austria, which already has largely shut down public life.

The lockdown measures mirror those already taken by Italy and Spain. Austria has confirmed 758 cases of the new coronavirus and one death.

Singapore has announced that all travelers arriving from Southeast Asian countries, Japan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom or with a travel history to these countries within 14 days upon arrival will have to self-isolate under new efforts to battle the coronavirus.

The health ministry said the measure, starting Sunday, will also apply to Singapore residents. Southeast Asian visitors will also be required to submit information on their health for approval before their travel, it said.

The city-state, which has recorded 212 virus cases, has already banned visitors from China, Iran, Italy, France, Germany, South Korea and Spain. The new measure will not apply to sea and land crossings with Malaysia due to high inter-dependency between the neighbors.

Sri Lanka has closed all of its national parks, zoos and botanical gardens as a part of measures to combat the spreading of the coronavirus.

The Indian Ocean island nation's government says the country's 26 national wildlife parks, two zoos and two botanical gardens will be closed for visitors for two weeks starting Sunday.

Sri Lanka has confirmed 11 cases of the coronavirus.

The Republic of Congo, which is home to the World Health Organization’s regional Africa headquarters, has reported its first case of the coronavirus. The new case means 25 of Africa’s 54 countries now have cases of the virus.

Turkey has set up quarantine locations for more than 10,300 people returning from pilgrimages to Islam’s holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

The Youth and Sport Ministry said Sunday that beds had been made available in university dormitories in the capital, Ankara, and the central Anatolian city of Konya for those returning from Umrah, a pilgrimage that can be made at any time of the year. Returnees will be quarantined for 14 days.

Austria is further tightening restrictions on public life, closing restaurants and sports facilities and halting flights to a number of countries in an effort to fight the coronavirus.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the new measures in a parliamentary session on Sunday. The Austria Press Agency reported that he announced flight bans for Britain, Ukraine and Russia.

Restaurants will now have to close entirely starting on Tuesday.

Austria has confirmed 758 cases of the new coronavirus, including one death.

Travelers returning to the U.S. from Europe have been greeted with hourslong waits for required medical screenings at airports.

While American citizens, green card holders and some others are allowed to return to the U.S. amid new European travel restrictions, they're being funneled to 13 U.S. airports where they're subject to health screenings and quarantine orders.

Acting Secretary Chad Wolf says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is trying to add additional screening capacity and work with airlines to expedite the process.

Videos and photos posted to social media showed packed, winding lines of returning travelers. On Twitter, airports like Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare acknowledged the delays and asked for patience. But local politicians were incensed.

South Korea’s president has declared southeastern parts of the country hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak as “special disasters zones,” a designation that makes residents there eligible for emergency relief, tax benefits and other state financial support.

President Moon Jae-in’s office says he on Sunday approved a proposal by his prime minister to declare the Daegu city and some areas in the southeastern Gyeongsang province as such disaster zones.

It’s the first time for South Korea to declare any area a special disaster zone due to an infectious disease.

South Korea has so far reported 8,162 coronavirus cases, about 88% of them in the southeastern region. More than 830 people have recovered.

Australia's prime minister says all travelers arriving in the country will have to self-isolate for 14 days to try and stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement Sunday after a phone hookup with the leaders of Australian states and territories leaders under a new national cabinet meeting.

Morrison told reporters in Sydney that the measures are indefinite and will be reviewed periodically.

Morrison also banned all cruise ships from docking in Australian ports for at least 30 days. The measures are similar to what New Zealand announced on Saturday.

Just across the Hudson River from New York City, a New Jersey city is imposing a curfew on residents amid the virus outbreak.

Hoboken residents must stay in their homes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Monday, a daily curfew that's among the first and most far-reaching such measures taken in the U.S.

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced Saturday night that exceptions will be made for emergencies and people required to work. He also said bars and restaurants can only offer takeout and delivery services. Bars that don't serve food will shut down altogether Sunday.

New Jersey has 69 virus cases statewide and two virus-related deaths.

In New Zealand, passengers aboard a cruise ship in the South Island tourist town of Akaroa are not being allowed off the vessel while three passengers are tested for the new coronavirus.

Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said Sunday that one of the passengers on the Golden Princess is being treated as a suspected case.

The news came just one day after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the country was banning cruise ships from entering its waters as it took a more aggressive approach to COVID-19. The Golden Princess was already in New Zealand at the time Ardern spoke.

By The Associated PressThe Latest on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">world's coronavirus pandemic</a>, which has infected more than 156,000 people and killed more than 5,800. The disease for most people causes only mild or moderate symptoms but for some, especially the elderly or people with underlying health conditions, it can cause more severe illness. Nearly 74,000 people have recovered from it so far, mostly in China.A top member of the White House task force on combating the spread of coronavirus says the administration has “not seriously discussed” restricting travel within the United States.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, said on ABC’s “This Week” that the idea of domestic travel restrictions have come up during administration deliberations but such action is unlikely “right now or in the immediate future.”Fauci’s comments come a day after President Donald Trump told reporters that he was considering imposing restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.The president said Saturday he was also adding the United Kingdom and Ireland to a list of countries that would face sweeping travel restrictions over the next 30 days. Last week, Trump announced a temporary suspension of travel into the U.S. for foreigners who had recently spent time in the 26-nation Schengen area, the European Union's border-free travel zone.___The government’s top official on infectious diseases says he’s worried about the health risks of long lines and crowding at U.S. airports amid new coronavirus travel restrictions.Dr. Anthony Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, told “Fox News Sunday” that “we’d like to not see crowds like that” as Americans and other travelers return from Europe. He cited the aim of social distancing to prevent spread of COVID-19.Fauci says it’s understandable with a travel ban, people would immediately feel they want to “hunker and get home,” but if you’re an American citizen, you can get back “there is no need to rush back.”Weary travelers returning to the U.S. amid coronavirus-related travel restrictions have been greeted by long lines and hourslong waits for required medical screenings at airports.___Health authorities in Spain say deaths from the coronavirus have more than doubled in 24 hours, while total infections approached 8,000.The Health Ministry said Spain has recorded 288 deaths since the start of the pandemic, up from 136 on Saturday. The European Union nation has 7,753 infections, up from 5,700 on Saturday, with around half of them concentrated in the capital of Madrid.The jump comes a day after Spain’s government declared a state of emergency and took extraordinary measures to limit movement to commuting to work and necessary errands. It has also closed restaurants, bars, most retail shops and reduced public transport.___The Vatican says all Holy Week ceremonies will take place without the “physical presence of the faithful” because of the health emergency over the coronavirus.The Vatican tweeted Sunday citing an announcement by the office of the pontifical household said that until April 12, when Easter Sunday is celebrated this year, all the general audiences on Wednesday as well as Pope Francis weekly Sunday noon prayer will be streamed by the Vatican.Among popular Holy Week ceremonies is the Good Friday Way of the Cross torchlit procession at Rome's Colosseum.Holy Week ceremonies usually draw tens of thousands of people to Rome, but with Italy the European center of the COVID-19 outbreak, tourism in the country has vanished.__Indonesian President Joko Widodo is undergoing a test for COVID-19 on Sunday afternoon after his transportation minister, Budi Karya Sumadi, was tested positive with coronavirus on Friday. In an official video released by the presidential office, Widodo said that his cabinet ministers have taken the same test.___Britain’s top health official says the government plans to set out emergency powers this week to deal with the viral outbreak, including requiring the elderly to self-isolate and banning mass gatherings.Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday the government’s bill laying out its emergency action plan would be unveiled on Tuesday and published Thursday.Britain has taken a different approach and hasn’t yet heavily restricted everyday activities in the same way other countries across Europe have done, but Hancock’s comments suggested the government was ready to escalate its efforts. Britain has 1,140 confirmed virus cases and 21 deaths.___Pope Francis has praised people for their continuing efforts to help vulnerable communities, including the poor and the homeless, amid the coronavirus pandemic.Francis for a second Sunday delivered noon remarks and the spoken blessing from inside the Apostolic Library instead of from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.As he did a week earlier, he later waved from the window and gave a silent blessing with his arm, but this time there were no members of the public in the square.___Italians are being left even more isolated Sunday amid a national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus.Italy’s transport minister signed a decree Saturday banning passengers from taking ferries to Sardinia, a large Mediterranean island.Sardinia’s governor had asked for the ban to stop travelers from bringing possible infection from the mainland peninsula. Cargo can still go by ferry to the island, but every day people will need special permission from the governor to hop aboard.The minister also banned overnight train trips, which many in the north had been taking to reach homes and families in the south. Italy has the largest outbreak outside of China, with 21,000 infections and 1,441 deaths.___Spain awoke to its first day of a nationwide quarantine on Sunday after the government declared a two-week state of emergency.The government imposed the special measures including the confinement of people to their homes unless shopping for food and medicine, going to and from work, and to meet other basic needs.Restaurants and hotels are closed and public transport reduced.In Barcelona, people who ventured out on quiet streets to buy bread at one bakery formed long lines with a meter (about three feet) in between each person as recommended by authorities to reduce the risk of contagion. Police patrolled parks and told people who weren't taking their dog on a quick walk to go home.The state of emergency declared by the government of Pedro Sánchez includes the temporary centralization of Spain’s health care system which is run by regional authorities.Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau said Sunday that "if we show solidarity and think about one another we can get through this.___Austria’s leader says his government is limiting people’s movement nationwide.Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told the Austria Press Agency Sunday that there should be only three reasons for people to leave home: essential work, essential purchases such as food, and helping other people.He said people will be able to go out “only alone or with the people they live in their apartment."Kurz’s comments came shortly after the governor of Tyrol province had announced a lockdown for his Alpine region. Austria, a country of some 8 million people, has confirmed 800 infections with the new coronavirus.___More and more countries are taking border measures and restricting movement to try to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.Norway is set to close its airports and harbors due as of Monday, Prime Erna Solberg told Norwegian media. By midday Sunday, Norway has confirmed 1,133 cases of the virus.Slovenia’s government has announced the closure of all public transport, including buses and trains in the small Alpine state. Authorities also plan to order the closure of all shopping malls, restaurants and bars. Only food shops and pharmacies will remain open. The country of about 2 million people that borders Italy has 181 officially confirmed COVID-19 cases and one death.Uzbekistan announced that international air and highway connections will be cut beginning Monday and all mass events, including observations of the holiday of Nowruz, are canceled.Kazakhstan has declared a state of emergency that closes the borders to all forms of transport and closes shopping malls, theaters and other places of mass gatherings.___Austria’s Tyrol province is ordering a lockdown to fight the coronavirus, initially for a one-week period.The provincial governor, Guenther Platter, announced Sunday that people will be allowed to leave their homes only for reasons such as buying food and medicine, visiting the doctor, getting cash or walking the dog.Tyrol, an Alpine region that is popular with skiers, borders northern Italy and is one of the worst-hit areas of Austria, which already has largely shut down public life.The lockdown measures mirror those already taken by Italy and Spain. Austria has confirmed 758 cases of the new coronavirus and one death.___Singapore has announced that all travelers arriving from Southeast Asian countries, Japan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom or with a travel history to these countries within 14 days upon arrival will have to self-isolate under new efforts to battle the coronavirus.The health ministry said the measure, starting Sunday, will also apply to Singapore residents. Southeast Asian visitors will also be required to submit information on their health for approval before their travel, it said.The city-state, which has recorded 212 virus cases, has already banned visitors from China, Iran, Italy, France, Germany, South Korea and Spain. The new measure will not apply to sea and land crossings with Malaysia due to high inter-dependency between the neighbors.___Sri Lanka has closed all of its national parks, zoos and botanical gardens as a part of measures to combat the spreading of the coronavirus.The Indian Ocean island nation's government says the country's 26 national wildlife parks, two zoos and two botanical gardens will be closed for visitors for two weeks starting Sunday.Sri Lanka has confirmed 11 cases of the coronavirus.___The Republic of Congo, which is home to the World Health Organization’s regional Africa headquarters, has reported its first case of the coronavirus. The new case means 25 of Africa’s 54 countries now have cases of the virus.___Turkey has set up quarantine locations for more than 10,300 people returning from pilgrimages to Islam’s holy sites in Saudi Arabia.The Youth and Sport Ministry said Sunday that beds had been made available in university dormitories in the capital, Ankara, and the central Anatolian city of Konya for those returning from Umrah, a pilgrimage that can be made at any time of the year. Returnees will be quarantined for 14 days.___Austria is further tightening restrictions on public life, closing restaurants and sports facilities and halting flights to a number of countries in an effort to fight the coronavirus.Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the new measures in a parliamentary session on Sunday. The Austria Press Agency reported that he announced flight bans for Britain, Ukraine and Russia.Restaurants will now have to close entirely starting on Tuesday.Austria has confirmed 758 cases of the new coronavirus, including one death.___Travelers returning to the U.S. from Europe have been greeted with hourslong waits for required medical screenings at airports.While American citizens, green card holders and some others are allowed to return to the U.S. amid new European travel restrictions, they're being funneled to 13 U.S. airports where they're subject to health screenings and quarantine orders.Acting Secretary Chad Wolf says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is trying to add additional screening capacity and work with airlines to expedite the process.Videos and photos posted to social media showed packed, winding lines of returning travelers. On Twitter, airports like Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare acknowledged the delays and asked for patience. But local politicians were incensed.___South Korea’s president has declared southeastern parts of the country hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak as “special disasters zones,” a designation that makes residents there eligible for emergency relief, tax benefits and other state financial support.President Moon Jae-in’s office says he on Sunday approved a proposal by his prime minister to declare the Daegu city and some areas in the southeastern Gyeongsang province as such disaster zones.It’s the first time for South Korea to declare any area a special disaster zone due to an infectious disease.South Korea has so far reported 8,162 coronavirus cases, about 88% of them in the southeastern region. More than 830 people have recovered.___Australia's prime minister says all travelers arriving in the country will have to self-isolate for 14 days to try and stem the spread of the new coronavirus.Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement Sunday after a phone hookup with the leaders of Australian states and territories leaders under a new national cabinet meeting.Morrison told reporters in Sydney that the measures are indefinite and will be reviewed periodically.Morrison also banned all cruise ships from docking in Australian ports for at least 30 days. The measures are similar to what New Zealand announced on Saturday.___Just across the Hudson River from New York City, a New Jersey city is imposing a curfew on residents amid the virus outbreak.Hoboken residents must stay in their homes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Monday, a daily curfew that's among the first and most far-reaching such measures taken in the U.S.Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced Saturday night that exceptions will be made for emergencies and people required to work. He also said bars and restaurants can only offer takeout and delivery services. Bars that don't serve food will shut down altogether Sunday.New Jersey has 69 virus cases statewide and two virus-related deaths.___In New Zealand, passengers aboard a cruise ship in the South Island tourist town of Akaroa are not being allowed off the vessel while three passengers are tested for the new coronavirus.Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said Sunday that one of the passengers on the Golden Princess is being treated as a suspected case.The news came just one day after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the country was banning cruise ships from entering its waters as it took a more aggressive approach to COVID-19. The Golden Princess was already in New Zealand at the time Ardern spoke.The cruise ship departed from Melbourne, Australia.

The Latest: Fauci: US not eyeing restricting domestic travel

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584233051480.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584233073224.png" alt="banks covid 2.PNG" />
 <figcaption>banks covid 2.PNG</figcaption>
 </figure>

Nebraska Bankers Association: Nebraska banks proactively addressing COVID-19 impacts

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Your favorite 24-hour superstore will be operating with limited hours, at least during the COVID-19 outbreak.

A sign at the store read as follows:&nbsp;

"Effective March 15, our temporary hours of operation will be 6am-11pm daily. Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

These temporary hours will affect all Walmart stores that are normally open 24-hours a day.

Walmart announced earlier this week that they were giving store managers the ability to limit store hours and limit purchases on essential items.

*****************************************************

By Dacona Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Walmart U.S.

I could not be prouder of our associates and what they continue to accomplish for our customers. I don’t think any of us have been through an experience like this, and we continue to be amazed at what our people, whether in the stores or in the supply chain, are doing to make sure customers have what they need.

To better support our associates and serve our customers, we will adjust our operating hours beginning Sunday, March 15. Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing. Stores currently operating under more reduced hours (for example they regularly close at 10 p.m. or open at 7 a.m.) will keep their current hours of operation.

As we make this change, associates will continue to work the hours and shifts they are scheduled, and our supply chain and trucking fleet will continue to move products and deliver to stores on their regular schedules. As a reminder, we have a temporary COVID-19 emergency leave&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/10/new-covid-19-policy-to-support-the-health-of-our-associates">policy</a>&nbsp;to support associates at this unprecedented time.

To our associates, thank you for your incredible work during this time. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but your entire Walmart family is so proud of what you are doing and the important difference you are making, both for your neighbors and for your country.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-Your favorite 24-hour superstore will be operating with limited hours, at least during the COVID-19 outbreak.A sign at the store read as follows:&nbsp;"Effective March 15, our temporary hours of operation will be 6am-11pm daily. Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."These temporary hours will affect all Walmart stores that are normally open 24-hours a day.Walmart announced earlier this week that they were giving store managers the ability to limit store hours and limit purchases on essential items.*****************************************************Official Walmart Statement:By Dacona Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Walmart U.S.I could not be prouder of our associates and what they continue to accomplish for our customers. I don’t think any of us have been through an experience like this, and we continue to be amazed at what our people, whether in the stores or in the supply chain, are doing to make sure customers have what they need.To better support our associates and serve our customers, we will adjust our operating hours beginning Sunday, March 15. Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing. Stores currently operating under more reduced hours (for example they regularly close at 10 p.m. or open at 7 a.m.) will keep their current hours of operation.As we make this change, associates will continue to work the hours and shifts they are scheduled, and our supply chain and trucking fleet will continue to move products and deliver to stores on their regular schedules. As a reminder, we have a temporary COVID-19 emergency leave&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/10/new-covid-19-policy-to-support-the-health-of-our-associates">policy</a>&nbsp;to support associates at this unprecedented time.To our associates, thank you for your incredible work during this time. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but your entire Walmart family is so proud of what you are doing and the important difference you are making, both for your neighbors and for your country.

Walmart in North Platte to be open limited hours during coronavirus outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's doctor says the president has tested negative for the new coronavirus. 

The White House released the test results Saturday night, hours after Trump told reporters that he had taken the coronavirus test. 

For days Trump resisted being screened despite the fact that he had been in recent contact with three people who have tested positive for the virus.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's doctor says the president has tested negative for the new coronavirus. The White House released the test results Saturday night, hours after Trump told reporters that he had taken the coronavirus test. For days Trump resisted being screened despite the fact that he had been in recent contact with three people who have tested positive for the virus.

Doctor says Trump tests negative for coronavirus

OMAHA-The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) is reporting the first local COVID-19 case caused by community spread.

This individual is a woman in her 60s who was reported on Friday, March 13, as a travel-related case. DCHBD’s continuing investigation determined her symptoms appeared before she traveled.

Two additional travel cases have been confirmed in Douglas County. Those are a man in his 50s who traveled to and from Spain, and a man in his 30s who came to this community from Singapore. Both are in isolation but neither man is hospitalized.

The Health Department Community also is advising the public of an additional potential low-level community exposure. A confirmed travel case that was first reported on Friday, March 13, was at The Athletic Club, 200 South 31st Avenue between 5:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. This is a low-risk exposure. Anyone who may have been there at that time is asked to self-monitor for 14 days. That means take your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms.

Symptoms of the disease 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. Please notify them of any potential exposure to a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus. We ask that you call ahead before you go to the doctor’s office or an emergency room.

DCHD epidemiologists will continue contact investigations with everyone who is a confirmed COVID-19 case. The county now has 16 confirmed cases, not including anyone brought to Nebraska Medicine’s Quarantine or Biocontainment Units.

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

OMAHA-The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) is reporting the first local COVID-19 case caused by community spread.This individual is a woman in her 60s who was reported on Friday, March 13, as a travel-related case. DCHBD’s continuing investigation determined her symptoms appeared before she traveled.Two additional travel cases have been confirmed in Douglas County. Those are a man in his 50s who traveled to and from Spain, and a man in his 30s who came to this community from Singapore. Both are in isolation but neither man is hospitalized.The Health Department Community also is advising the public of an additional potential low-level community exposure. A confirmed travel case that was first reported on Friday, March 13, was at The Athletic Club, 200 South 31st Avenue between 5:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. This is a low-risk exposure. Anyone who may have been there at that time is asked to self-monitor for 14 days. That means take your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms.Symptoms of the disease 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. Please notify them of any potential exposure to a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus. We ask that you call ahead before you go to the doctor’s office or an emergency room.DCHD epidemiologists will continue contact investigations with everyone who is a confirmed COVID-19 case. The county now has 16 confirmed cases, not including anyone brought to Nebraska Medicine’s Quarantine or Biocontainment Units.DCHD’s information line remains open to anyone with general questions about COVID-19. That number, (402) 444-3400, is answered weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Any person who has questions outside those hours is asked to call the United Way’s 2-1-1 Resource Hotline

Douglas County Health Department reports first community spread COVID-19 case

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Jerry Moritz has been attending horse races at Fonner Park regularly since 1970 and almost every day in recent years.

The track in central Nebraska was one of the few sporting venues in the country open to fans Saturday, and the 73-year-old from Grand Island wasn't going to let concerns over the new coronavirus stop him from going.

"If we had a dozen people in the hospital here and two or three died, then I would probably back off," Moritz said, sipping beer out of a plastic cup. "I feel like some people probably got it and don't even know it and are already over it."

No cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Hall County, where Fonner Park is located, and that was part of the reason track CEO Chris Kotulak decided to allow fans for the weekend racing programs.

Kotulak said the clubhouse and other viewing areas are being cleaned with increased frequency. Leaflets reminding employees and guests to practice good hygiene were distributed on counters and tabletops in the clubhouse and other viewing areas. As an added precaution, Kotulak visited the jockeys' room Saturday morning to make sure none of the riders was experiencing any symptoms associated with the new coronavirus.

Later, jockeys voted not to race because of dangerous track conditions caused by a snowstorm that moved through the area. After it was announced that racing was canceled, about 50 people stayed at Fonner Park to wager on races simulcast from other tracks.

Fonner has been a major economic driver in Grand Island, population 40,000, since opening in 1954. The track employs 60 full-time workers and more than 200 seasonal part-timers.

Kotulak said he would have no problem with closing the races to fans if advised to do so by health officials.

Joe Brown of Grand Island, at a table in the enclosed grandstand doing some handicapping with a friend, said he wasn't overly concerned about getting sick even though he's 63 and has underlying health issues.

For most people, the new coronavirus 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 vast majority of people recover from the virus.

"I'm that part of the population that wants to worry about it," he said. "But I kind of figured I haven't heard of anything around Grand Island yet, so maybe now will be the last time we get out in a group like this and have some fun."

His friend, Ron Tenski, said his wife encouraged him to enjoy a day at the races, and he also got the green light from his doctor.

"I had my physical yesterday," said Tenski, 68, of Grand Island, "and he said don't be afraid to be out and about."

Other tracks across the country continued running races with no fans in the stands, including Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the $1 million Rebel Stakes - a major Kentucky Derby prep - was set for later Saturday. Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, hosted another prep, the Jeff Ruby Steaks.

Fan could wager online and watch the Derby preps shown on national television.

At Santa Anita in Arcadia, California, bugler Jay Cohen blew his horn to the empty grandstand, with only trainers, jockeys and those working directly with the horses on hand to hear.

The scent of the track's famed carved sandwiches - turkey, corned beef and prime rib - wasn't wafting through the air. The food stands were shut down. There was no one manning the admission gates, selling programs and Daily Racing Forms or operating the elevators or gift shop, and no mutual clerks to sell and cash tickets.

Without fans yelling for their favorites, the sounds of jockeys chirping to their mounts and horses' hooves pounding the dirt track as they flew toward the finish line were easily heard.

Rain began falling again as the afternoon wore on with fog nearly obscuring the view of the San Gabriel Mountains. Workers could be seen cleaning various public areas of Santa Anita.

Laurel Park in Maryland was business as usual in the paddock and on the track, and announcer Dave Rodman's calls echoed off the empty building.

Someone could be overheard in the paddock saying, "It's so weird when they're running and nobody's cheering."

Jockey Forest Boyd, who won the day's second race, said she didn't notice horses handling the situation any differently. She was able to keep her focus as a rider.

"It's a little eerie," Boyd said. "But luckily we're all out here doing our job and keeping the economy going."

Instead of the roar of fans, individual owners and trainers could be heard yelling for their horses while races were underway. Trainer Lacey Gaudet slammed the rail in joy after jockey Alex Cintron rode Jefazo to a victory.

"It's very weird not having fans out here," Gaudet said. "I think it's going to be a learning curve, I guess. I don't really know. It's the first time that we've really had to deal with this."

By ERIC OLSON-AP Sports WriterGRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Jerry Moritz has been attending horse races at Fonner Park regularly since 1970 and almost every day in recent years.The track in central Nebraska was one of the few sporting venues in the country open to fans Saturday, and the 73-year-old from Grand Island wasn't going to let concerns over the new coronavirus stop him from going."If we had a dozen people in the hospital here and two or three died, then I would probably back off," Moritz said, sipping beer out of a plastic cup. "I feel like some people probably got it and don't even know it and are already over it."No cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Hall County, where Fonner Park is located, and that was part of the reason track CEO Chris Kotulak decided to allow fans for the weekend racing programs.Kotulak said the clubhouse and other viewing areas are being cleaned with increased frequency. Leaflets reminding employees and guests to practice good hygiene were distributed on counters and tabletops in the clubhouse and other viewing areas. As an added precaution, Kotulak visited the jockeys' room Saturday morning to make sure none of the riders was experiencing any symptoms associated with the new coronavirus.Later, jockeys voted not to race because of dangerous track conditions caused by a snowstorm that moved through the area. After it was announced that racing was canceled, about 50 people stayed at Fonner Park to wager on races simulcast from other tracks.Fonner has been a major economic driver in Grand Island, population 40,000, since opening in 1954. The track employs 60 full-time workers and more than 200 seasonal part-timers.Kotulak said he would have no problem with closing the races to fans if advised to do so by health officials.Joe Brown of Grand Island, at a table in the enclosed grandstand doing some handicapping with a friend, said he wasn't overly concerned about getting sick even though he's 63 and has underlying health issues.For most people, the new coronavirus 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 vast majority of people recover from the virus."I'm that part of the population that wants to worry about it," he said. "But I kind of figured I haven't heard of anything around Grand Island yet, so maybe now will be the last time we get out in a group like this and have some fun."His friend, Ron Tenski, said his wife encouraged him to enjoy a day at the races, and he also got the green light from his doctor."I had my physical yesterday," said Tenski, 68, of Grand Island, "and he said don't be afraid to be out and about."Other tracks across the country continued running races with no fans in the stands, including Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the $1 million Rebel Stakes - a major Kentucky Derby prep - was set for later Saturday. Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, hosted another prep, the Jeff Ruby Steaks.Fan could wager online and watch the Derby preps shown on national television.At Santa Anita in Arcadia, California, bugler Jay Cohen blew his horn to the empty grandstand, with only trainers, jockeys and those working directly with the horses on hand to hear.The scent of the track's famed carved sandwiches - turkey, corned beef and prime rib - wasn't wafting through the air. The food stands were shut down. There was no one manning the admission gates, selling programs and Daily Racing Forms or operating the elevators or gift shop, and no mutual clerks to sell and cash tickets.Without fans yelling for their favorites, the sounds of jockeys chirping to their mounts and horses' hooves pounding the dirt track as they flew toward the finish line were easily heard.Rain began falling again as the afternoon wore on with fog nearly obscuring the view of the San Gabriel Mountains. Workers could be seen cleaning various public areas of Santa Anita.Laurel Park in Maryland was business as usual in the paddock and on the track, and announcer Dave Rodman's calls echoed off the empty building.Someone could be overheard in the paddock saying, "It's so weird when they're running and nobody's cheering."Jockey Forest Boyd, who won the day's second race, said she didn't notice horses handling the situation any differently. She was able to keep her focus as a rider."It's a little eerie," Boyd said. "But luckily we're all out here doing our job and keeping the economy going."Instead of the roar of fans, individual owners and trainers could be heard yelling for their horses while races were underway. Trainer Lacey Gaudet slammed the rail in joy after jockey Alex Cintron rode Jefazo to a victory."It's very weird not having fans out here," Gaudet said. "I think it's going to be a learning curve, I guess. I don't really know. It's the first time that we've really had to deal with this."

Coronavirus can't keep fans from going to Nebraska racetrack

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Courts in Nebraska and Iowa have laid out plans on how to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, including a move by federal courts in Nebraska to nix all jury trials and grand juries for the remainder of March.

In Nebraska, Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican issued an order requiring all courts to remain open, while putting some restrictions in place. Anyone with an elevated risk of transmitting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;must inform the court and opposing counsel so that hearings, depositions and other meetings can be rescheduled. Those at elevated risk are also barred from attending trials, hearings and other court-related functions.

The Iowa Supreme Court has implemented similar restrictions, adding that courts may conduct meetings and hearings remotely via video or phone conferencing in an effort to curtail the spread of the virus.

"All such efforts must be consistent with keeping courts open to the fullest possible extent while protecting public safety by mitigating the impact of coronavirus/COVID-19," the Iowa high court said in its order.

In his order, Chief U.S. District Judge John Gerard said that Nebraska's federal courts have "a robust capacity for conducting business remotely" and that most operations will continue unimpeded.

"But obviously, not all of the court's work can be completed at a distance," Gerard wrote. "In particular, the need for in-court hearings must be balanced against the risk associated with such contact, and jury proceedings are inadvisable in the current environment."

For most people, the coronavirus 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.

According to the World Health Organization, people with mild case recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe cases may take three to six weeks to get better. The vast majority of people recover from the virus, which has infected more than 153,500 people worldwide and has killed more than 5,700.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Courts in Nebraska and Iowa have laid out plans on how to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, including a move by federal courts in Nebraska to nix all jury trials and grand juries for the remainder of March.In Nebraska, Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican issued an order requiring all courts to remain open, while putting some restrictions in place. Anyone with an elevated risk of transmitting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak" target="_blank">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;must inform the court and opposing counsel so that hearings, depositions and other meetings can be rescheduled. Those at elevated risk are also barred from attending trials, hearings and other court-related functions.The Iowa Supreme Court has implemented similar restrictions, adding that courts may conduct meetings and hearings remotely via video or phone conferencing in an effort to curtail the spread of the virus."All such efforts must be consistent with keeping courts open to the fullest possible extent while protecting public safety by mitigating the impact of coronavirus/COVID-19," the Iowa high court said in its order.In his order, Chief U.S. District Judge John Gerard said that Nebraska's federal courts have "a robust capacity for conducting business remotely" and that most operations will continue unimpeded."But obviously, not all of the court's work can be completed at a distance," Gerard wrote. "In particular, the need for in-court hearings must be balanced against the risk associated with such contact, and jury proceedings are inadvisable in the current environment."For most people, the coronavirus 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.According to the World Health Organization, people with mild case recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe cases may take three to six weeks to get better. The vast majority of people recover from the virus, which has infected more than 153,500 people worldwide and has killed more than 5,700.

Coronavirus Update