OMAHA (UNMC)-Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center were part of a large national study that will change how physicians treat small abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms cause swelling or ballooning in the major blood vessel (aorta). They affect about 3% of older Americans, mostly men, and can cause fatal internal bleeding if the aneurysm grows large enough to burst.

Physicians typically monitor the growth of small aneurysms and sometimes have opted to prescribe doxycycline based on previous research suggesting that it reduces inflammation that contributes to aneurysm growth.

But researchers found doxycycline, a commonly used antibiotic, had no beneficial effect&nbsp;compared to a placebo in&nbsp;slowing growth&nbsp;of the aneurysms.

The major finding,&nbsp;published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association,&nbsp;was funded by a&nbsp;$10 million grant by the National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging.

“It is clear that doxycycline should not be used in patients with small aneurysms to inhibit growth,” said Timothy Baxter, M.D., professor and surgeon at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, who led the study at UNMC. “It’s important to know so we don’t subject patients to the side effects of doxycycline when it is not helpful.

“One of the more surprising findings of the study was that the aneurysms in both treatment groups grew at a slower rate than seen in previous studies. We aren’t sure why this is occurring, but it&nbsp;has important implications for how often we re-image&nbsp;abdominal aortic aneurysms for growth and provides a better estimate of when repair might be required.”

He said the study also answered the question on whether the side effects of doxycycline, significant for some patients, outweighed what was thought to&nbsp;slow growth of the aneurysm.

A team led by Dr. Baxter and&nbsp;LuAnn Larson, director of UNMC Clinical Research Operations,&nbsp;served as the&nbsp;clinical coordinating center which included setting up 21 clinical sites across the country to recruit patients.&nbsp;Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine&nbsp;also played a major role in the study as the data coordinating center.&nbsp;Other collaborating researchers included individuals from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine&nbsp;and Public Health&nbsp;and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

The JAMA study involved 254 patients with small aneurysms&nbsp;(men 3.5 to 5 cm) and women (3.5 to 4.5 cm)&nbsp;&nbsp;who were randomly assigned to take either 100 milligrams of doxycycline twice daily or a placebo for two years; CT scans were performed at the beginning of the study and on follow-up. Study participants predominately were white and male with an average age of 71 years.

The study can be read at&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2766422" target="_blank">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2766422</a>.

The National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging&nbsp;<a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01756833" target="_blank">Non-Invasive Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Clinical Trial (NTA3CT)</a>&nbsp;commended researchers for the organization and proficiency of the trial, said&nbsp;Timothy Baxter, M.D., who led the study at UNMC.

LuAnn Larson, director of UNMC Clinical Research Operations, said she is not aware of other large or involved studies where UNMC was the national coordinating center for the clinical sites.

“We tracked a lot of information,” Larson said. “We tracked the study drug, adverse events, licenses, training and other requirements for FDA compliance. It was fun to be a part of it and when I look back I am proud of the work that was accomplished. It was a good study with good data to base their conclusions on. It was an amazing team that worked well together from all across the country.”

OMAHA (UNMC)-Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center were part of a large national study that will change how physicians treat small abdominal aortic aneurysms.Abdominal aortic aneurysms cause swelling or ballooning in the major blood vessel (aorta). They affect about 3% of older Americans, mostly men, and can cause fatal internal bleeding if the aneurysm grows large enough to burst.Physicians typically monitor the growth of small aneurysms and sometimes have opted to prescribe doxycycline based on previous research suggesting that it reduces inflammation that contributes to aneurysm growth.But researchers found doxycycline, a commonly used antibiotic, had no beneficial effect&nbsp;compared to a placebo in&nbsp;slowing growth&nbsp;of the aneurysms.The major finding,&nbsp;published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association,&nbsp;was funded by a&nbsp;$10 million grant by the National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging.“It is clear that doxycycline should not be used in patients with small aneurysms to inhibit growth,” said Timothy Baxter, M.D., professor and surgeon at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, who led the study at UNMC. “It’s important to know so we don’t subject patients to the side effects of doxycycline when it is not helpful.“One of the more surprising findings of the study was that the aneurysms in both treatment groups grew at a slower rate than seen in previous studies. We aren’t sure why this is occurring, but it&nbsp;has important implications for how often we re-image&nbsp;abdominal aortic aneurysms for growth and provides a better estimate of when repair might be required.”He said the study also answered the question on whether the side effects of doxycycline, significant for some patients, outweighed what was thought to&nbsp;slow growth of the aneurysm.A team led by Dr. Baxter and&nbsp;LuAnn Larson, director of UNMC Clinical Research Operations,&nbsp;served as the&nbsp;clinical coordinating center which included setting up 21 clinical sites across the country to recruit patients.&nbsp;Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine&nbsp;also played a major role in the study as the data coordinating center.&nbsp;Other collaborating researchers included individuals from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine&nbsp;and Public Health&nbsp;and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.The JAMA study involved 254 patients with small aneurysms&nbsp;(men 3.5 to 5 cm) and women (3.5 to 4.5 cm)&nbsp;&nbsp;who were randomly assigned to take either 100 milligrams of doxycycline twice daily or a placebo for two years; CT scans were performed at the beginning of the study and on follow-up. Study participants predominately were white and male with an average age of 71 years.The study can be read at&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2766422" target="_blank">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2766422</a>.The National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging&nbsp;<a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01756833" target="_blank">Non-Invasive Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Clinical Trial (NTA3CT)</a>&nbsp;commended researchers for the organization and proficiency of the trial, said&nbsp;Timothy Baxter, M.D., who led the study at UNMC.LuAnn Larson, director of UNMC Clinical Research Operations, said she is not aware of other large or involved studies where UNMC was the national coordinating center for the clinical sites.“We tracked a lot of information,” Larson said. “We tracked the study drug, adverse events, licenses, training and other requirements for FDA compliance. It was fun to be a part of it and when I look back I am proud of the work that was accomplished. It was a good study with good data to base their conclusions on. It was an amazing team that worked well together from all across the country.”

UNMC: Landmark study shows no benefit of common drug used to slow growth of aneurysms

CRAWFORD, Neb. – Northwest Nebraska has regained a few fishing spots this spring.

Construction has been completed on the first phase of a $2.8 million renovation project to the ponds at Fort Robinson State Park. Improvements have occurred to all but one of the Grabel Ponds, Cherry Creek Pond, the Cherry Creek diversion pond, and the lower Ice House Pond. All but Cherry Creek Pond is stocked and ready for fishing.

The most obvious improvements to the ponds, each of which has less than three acres of surface area, are new structures such as fishing piers and ramps for launching kayaks and canoes.

Many other significant changes are below the water’s surface. Workers deepened the ponds, replaced water control structures, created fish habitat features, and developed access points for anglers.

The four Grabel Ponds became three as the two southernmost reservoirs were joined with a riprap-lined channel.

The renovations mean anglers now have more convenient places to wet a line, and the improved fish habitat will result in inviting targets to cast bait and lures.

The improvements are funded from the Game and Parks Commission’s Aquatic Habitat Program, which consists of money raised from the sale of fishing permits, and federal Sport Fish Restoration Program dollars generated from taxes collected from the sale of fishing equipment.

Mike Morava, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regional park superintendent, said the improvements are already proving to be popular and will serve park users for generations to come.

"Fort Robinson’s ponds have long been a destination for anglers. These improvements help make them accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and are sure to make the fishing even better," he said.

He said only minor dirt work remains between a couple of the Grabel Ponds. All of the ponds are at or near optimal water level and they are open to the public.

Al Hanson, Game and Parks Northwest District fisheries supervisor, said staff has been working on another final stage of the improvements – getting fish in the water. He said all but Cherry Creek Pond have received fish, and those will be stocked soon.

In late April, the Grabel Ponds received stockings of about 2,500 10-inch rainbow and tiger trout. In addition, more than 500 5-inch brook trout were placed in the Cherry Creek diversion pond and upper Ice House pond in early May. The Ice House Ponds retained a population of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegills during the construction process.

Hanson said stockings of more trout, smallmouth bass and bluegill are on the schedule, and information will be added to Nebraska’s online stocking database when they are delivered: outdoornebraska.org/fishstockingreports.

In all, Fort Robinson has 10 ponds, along with fishing opportunities on coldwater streams in and near the park.

The second phase of the project will include renovations to the largest reservoir at the park, the 15-acre Carter P. Johnson Lake, and Crazy Horse Pond, a walk-in site downstream of Soldier Creek from there.

Hanson said phase two encountered early delays from the permitting process, but he expects construction to begin sometime next spring. Carter P. Johnson Lake also is receiving trout stockings this spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590538858457.png" alt="Fishermen cast from one of the new angler access features at the lower Ice House Pond.&nbsp;(Nebraskaland/Justin Haag)" />
 <figcaption>Fishermen cast from one of the new angler access features at the lower Ice House Pond.&nbsp;(Nebraskaland/Justin Haag)</figcaption>
 </figure>CRAWFORD, Neb. – Northwest Nebraska has regained a few fishing spots this spring.Construction has been completed on the first phase of a $2.8 million renovation project to the ponds at Fort Robinson State Park. Improvements have occurred to all but one of the Grabel Ponds, Cherry Creek Pond, the Cherry Creek diversion pond, and the lower Ice House Pond. All but Cherry Creek Pond is stocked and ready for fishing.The most obvious improvements to the ponds, each of which has less than three acres of surface area, are new structures such as fishing piers and ramps for launching kayaks and canoes.Many other significant changes are below the water’s surface. Workers deepened the ponds, replaced water control structures, created fish habitat features, and developed access points for anglers.The four Grabel Ponds became three as the two southernmost reservoirs were joined with a riprap-lined channel.The renovations mean anglers now have more convenient places to wet a line, and the improved fish habitat will result in inviting targets to cast bait and lures.The improvements are funded from the Game and Parks Commission’s Aquatic Habitat Program, which consists of money raised from the sale of fishing permits, and federal Sport Fish Restoration Program dollars generated from taxes collected from the sale of fishing equipment.Mike Morava, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regional park superintendent, said the improvements are already proving to be popular and will serve park users for generations to come."Fort Robinson’s ponds have long been a destination for anglers. These improvements help make them accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and are sure to make the fishing even better," he said.He said only minor dirt work remains between a couple of the Grabel Ponds. All of the ponds are at or near optimal water level and they are open to the public.Al Hanson, Game and Parks Northwest District fisheries supervisor, said staff has been working on another final stage of the improvements – getting fish in the water. He said all but Cherry Creek Pond have received fish, and those will be stocked soon.In late April, the Grabel Ponds received stockings of about 2,500 10-inch rainbow and tiger trout. In addition, more than 500 5-inch brook trout were placed in the Cherry Creek diversion pond and upper Ice House pond in early May. The Ice House Ponds retained a population of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegills during the construction process.Hanson said stockings of more trout, smallmouth bass and bluegill are on the schedule, and information will be added to Nebraska’s online stocking database when they are delivered: outdoornebraska.org/fishstockingreports.In all, Fort Robinson has 10 ponds, along with fishing opportunities on coldwater streams in and near the park.The second phase of the project will include renovations to the largest reservoir at the park, the 15-acre Carter P. Johnson Lake, and Crazy Horse Pond, a walk-in site downstream of Soldier Creek from there.Hanson said phase two encountered early delays from the permitting process, but he expects construction to begin sometime next spring. Carter P. Johnson Lake also is receiving trout stockings this spring.

Fort Robinson pond project boosts fishing opportunities

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Willow Street entrance to North Platte Community College’s South Campus is closed until further notice. 

The closure is due to the construction of a new driveway on the east side of campus. Visitors can still enter the campus from the south – off of State Farm Road.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Willow Street entrance to North Platte Community College’s South Campus is closed until further notice. The closure is due to the construction of a new driveway on the east side of campus. Visitors can still enter the campus from the south – off of State Farm Road.

NPCC temporarily closes Willow Street entrance

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Omaha-area hospitals have reported another uptick in coronavirus patients but local health officials are still managing the caseload without any issues, the state's top doctor said Tuesday.

Nebraska Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, said Douglas County's hospitals are treating 135 patients, up from 122 last week. But Anthone said the increase hasn't had much impact on the availability of hospital beds or ventilators.

"Everyone feels like they're able to handle the situation," he said at the governor's news conference.

Among the new coronavirus patients is state Sen. Mike Moser, of Columbus, who is receiving care at Nebraska Medical Center. Gov. Pete Ricketts said Tuesday that he was "praying for (Moser) and his family as he goes through this recovery process."

Moser, 68, was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018. The Columbus music store owner previously served as the city's mayor from 2004-2016. In an April letter to his constituents, Moser said he supported the "tough, but necessary" decision to postpone the legislative session because of the pandemic.

Lawmakers suspended their session in late March but are expected to return July 20 to finish the remaining scheduled days.

Another state lawmaker, Sen. Tony Vargas, of Omaha, announced last month that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8cca6fbcaab45563b53d1d2d14c38d74" target="_blank">his 72-year-old father had died</a>&nbsp;in New York after contracting the virus.

Nebraska reported 221 new cases as of Sunday night, bringing the statewide total to 12,355. The largest number is in Omaha's Douglas County, with 3,186 known cases. Among whose who tested positive for the coronavirus, 150 have died.

The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.

Statewide, 46% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 43% of intensive care unit beds and 77% of ventilators are available, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Those numbers drop in Douglas County. Anthone said 29% of hospital beds, 24% of intensive care unit beds and 59% of ventilators are available.

The numbers come as Ricketts prepares to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/30d46c434c6c7246be0720627e300d4d" target="_blank">further loosen Nebraska's social-distancing restrictions</a>&nbsp;in June, arguing that the state has kept the virus from overwhelming Nebraska's hospitals.

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

By GRANT SCHULTE Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Omaha-area hospitals have reported another uptick in coronavirus patients but local health officials are still managing the caseload without any issues, the state's top doctor said Tuesday.Nebraska Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, said Douglas County's hospitals are treating 135 patients, up from 122 last week. But Anthone said the increase hasn't had much impact on the availability of hospital beds or ventilators."Everyone feels like they're able to handle the situation," he said at the governor's news conference.Among the new coronavirus patients is state Sen. Mike Moser, of Columbus, who is receiving care at Nebraska Medical Center. Gov. Pete Ricketts said Tuesday that he was "praying for (Moser) and his family as he goes through this recovery process."Moser, 68, was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018. The Columbus music store owner previously served as the city's mayor from 2004-2016. In an April letter to his constituents, Moser said he supported the "tough, but necessary" decision to postpone the legislative session because of the pandemic.Lawmakers suspended their session in late March but are expected to return July 20 to finish the remaining scheduled days.Another state lawmaker, Sen. Tony Vargas, of Omaha, announced last month that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8cca6fbcaab45563b53d1d2d14c38d74" target="_blank">his 72-year-old father had died</a>&nbsp;in New York after contracting the virus.Nebraska reported 221 new cases as of Sunday night, bringing the statewide total to 12,355. The largest number is in Omaha's Douglas County, with 3,186 known cases. Among whose who tested positive for the coronavirus, 150 have died.The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.Statewide, 46% of Nebraska's hospital beds, 43% of intensive care unit beds and 77% of ventilators are available, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.Those numbers drop in Douglas County. Anthone said 29% of hospital beds, 24% of intensive care unit beds and 59% of ventilators are available.The numbers come as Ricketts prepares to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/30d46c434c6c7246be0720627e300d4d" target="_blank">further loosen Nebraska's social-distancing restrictions</a>&nbsp;in June, arguing that the state has kept the virus from overwhelming Nebraska's hospitals.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Omaha-area hospitals see another uptick in virus patients

(NSP)-Nebraska State Troopers have arrested four people following a pursuit and search of the Gibbon area that ended Monday evening.

The Sunday evening pursuit, in which the driver of a Chevrolet Camaro reached a speed of 174 miles per hour while attempting to flee a traffic stop, had ended in Gibbon. A trooper had been able to deploy spike strips during the pursuit, which led to the Camaro becoming disabled near Gibbon High School. All three occupants of the vehicle fled the scene on foot.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday, Troopers received information that a suspect being sought in relation to the pursuit was attempting to leave the area in a Jeep Patriot. Troopers performed a traffic stop on the vehicle as it was leaving Gibbon on Highway 30.

Inside the vehicle, troopers located the suspect, Tyler Liles, 22, of Creve Coeur, Illinois. The driver of the Jeep Patriot, Kyle Buss, 26, of Pekin, Illinois, had traveled to Gibbon in an attempt to transport Liles and the two others out of the area. Liles and Buss were both arrested.

Troopers then developed information that led to the location of the two other people who had been in the Camaro during the pursuit, Alexis Schurter, 19, of Hartsburg, Illinois, and Bradley Fulton, 20, of Pekin, Illinois. Troopers arrested Schurter and Fulton without further incident in Gibbon.

Liles was arrested for willful reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, felony flight to avoid arrest, obstructing a peace officer, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of money during a drug violation, accessory to a felony, and possession of multiple licenses.

Fulton and Schurter were both arrested for obstructing a peace officer, possession of money during a drug violation, and accessory to a felony. Buss was arrested for aiding consummation of a felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and possession of money during a drug violation. All four were lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

(NSP)-Nebraska State Troopers have arrested four people following a pursuit and search of the Gibbon area that ended Monday evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590461789284.png" alt="Tyler Liles" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Liles</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sunday evening pursuit, in which the driver of a Chevrolet Camaro reached a speed of 174 miles per hour while attempting to flee a traffic stop, had ended in Gibbon. A trooper had been able to deploy spike strips during the pursuit, which led to the Camaro becoming disabled near Gibbon High School. All three occupants of the vehicle fled the scene on foot.At approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday, Troopers received information that a suspect being sought in relation to the pursuit was attempting to leave the area in a Jeep Patriot. Troopers performed a traffic stop on the vehicle as it was leaving Gibbon on Highway 30.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590512314901.png" alt="Kyle Buss" />
 <figcaption>Kyle Buss</figcaption>
 </figure>Inside the vehicle, troopers located the suspect, Tyler Liles, 22, of Creve Coeur, Illinois. The driver of the Jeep Patriot, Kyle Buss, 26, of Pekin, Illinois, had traveled to Gibbon in an attempt to transport Liles and the two others out of the area. Liles and Buss were both arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590512338073.png" alt="Alexis Schurter" />
 <figcaption>Alexis Schurter</figcaption>
 </figure>Troopers then developed information that led to the location of the two other people who had been in the Camaro during the pursuit, Alexis Schurter, 19, of Hartsburg, Illinois, and Bradley Fulton, 20, of Pekin, Illinois. Troopers arrested Schurter and Fulton without further incident in Gibbon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590512358885.png" alt="Bradley Fulton" />
 <figcaption>Bradley Fulton</figcaption>
 </figure>Liles was arrested for willful reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, felony flight to avoid arrest, obstructing a peace officer, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of money during a drug violation, accessory to a felony, and possession of multiple licenses.Fulton and Schurter were both arrested for obstructing a peace officer, possession of money during a drug violation, and accessory to a felony. Buss was arrested for aiding consummation of a felony, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and possession of money during a drug violation. All four were lodged in Buffalo County Jail.

NSP makes more arrests following pursuit, search near Gibbon

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22LINDSEY%20TANNER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer</a>

(AP)-First came a high fever, drenching sweats and muscle aches. Then, almost a month later, a weird numbness that spread down the right side of her body.

Darlene Gildersleeve thought she had recovered from COVID-19. Doctors said she just needed rest. And for several days, no one suspected her worsening symptoms were related — until a May 4 video call, when her physician heard her slurred speech and consulted a specialist.

“You’ve had two strokes,’’ a neurologist told her at the hospital. The Hopkinton, New Hampshire, mother of three is only 43.

Blood clots that can cause strokes, heart attacks and dangerous blockages in the legs and lungs are increasingly being found in COVID-19 patients, including some children. Even tiny clots that can damage tissue throughout the body have been seen in hospitalized patients and in autopsies, confounding doctors’ understanding of what was once considered mainly a respiratory infection.

“I have to be humble and say I don’t know what’s going on there, but boy we need to find that out because unless you know what the pathogenic (disease-causing) mechanism is, it’s going to be tough to do intervention,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, remarked during a medical journal interview last month.

Doctors and scientists at dozens of hospitals and universities around the globe are seeking answers while trying to measure virus patients’ risks for clots and testing drugs to treat or prevent them.

Gildersleeve said health authorities “need to put out an urgent warning about strokes” and coronavirus. Not knowing the possible link “made me doubt myself” when symptoms appeared, she said.

Some conditions that make some COVID-19 patients vulnerable to severe complications, including obesity and diabetes, can increase clot risks. But many authorities believe how the virus attacks and the way the body responds both play a role.

“COVID-19 is the most thrombotic (clot-producing) disease we’ve ever seen in our lifetime,” said Dr. Alex Spyropoulos, a clot specialist and professor at Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, New York.

Clotting has been seen in other coronavirus infections, including SARS, but on a much smaller scale, he said.

Scientists believe the coronavirus enters the body through enzyme-receptors found throughout the body, including in cells lining the inside of blood vessels. Some theorize that it may promote clotting by somehow injuring those vessels as it spreads. That injury may cause a severe immune response as the body tries to fight the infection, resulting in inflammation that may also damage vessels and promote clotting, said Dr. Valentin Fuster, director of Mount Sinai Heart hospital in New York.

It's unclear how many COVID-19 patients develop clots. Studies from China, Europe and the United States suggest rates ranging from 3% to 70% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients; more rigorous research is needed to determine the true prevalence, the National Institutes of Health says.

Prevalence in patients with mild disease is unknown and the agency says there isn’t enough evidence to recommend routine clot screening for all virus patients without clotting symptoms, which may include swelling, pain or reddish discoloring in an arm or leg.

Some hospitals have found 40% of deaths in COVID-19 patients are from blood clots. Spyropoulos said that’s been true at his 23-hospital system in the New York City area, Northwell Health, which has treated over 11,000 COVID-19 patients.

Cases there have dropped by almost half in the past month, allowing more time for research before an expected second and maybe third wave of infections, he said, adding: “We’re racing against time to answer the key clinical questions.”

Patients hospitalized with any severe illness face increased risks for clots, partly from being bedridden and inactive. They commonly receive blood-thinning drugs for prevention. Some doctors are trying higher-than-usual doses for prevention in hospitalized coronavirus patients.

A few have used powerful clot-busting medicines typically used to treat strokes, with mixed results. In guidance issued May 12, the NIH said more research is needed to show whether that approach has any benefits.

Fuster was involved in preliminary research on nearly 2,800 COVID-19 patients at five hospitals in the Mount Sinai system. A look at their outcomes suggests slightly better survival chances for virus patients on ventilators who received blood thinners than among those who didn’t. Although the results are not conclusive, all COVID-19 patients at Mount Sinai receive blood thinners for clot prevention unless they are at risk for bleeding, a potential side effect, Fuster said.

Some COVID-19 patients, like Gildersleeve, develop dangerous clots when their infections seem to have subsided, Spyropoulos said. Patients treated at Northwell for severe disease are sent home with a once-a-day blood thinner and a soon to be published study will detail their experiences. Spyropoulos has been a paid consultant to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, makers of Xarelto, the drug’s brand name.

In addition, Northwell is taking part in a multi-center study that will test using blood thinners for clot prevention in COVID-19 patients not sick enough to require hospitalization.

In a small study published May 15, University of Colorado doctors found that combined scores on two tests measuring clotting markers in the blood can help determine which patients will develop large dangerous clots. One test measures a protein fragment called D-dimer, a remnant of dissolved clots. High levels sometimes indicate dangerous clots that form deep in leg veins and travel to the lungs or other organs.

Dr. Behnood Bikdeli of Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center, said D-dimer levels in many of his COVID-19 patients have been alarmingly high, as much as 50 times higher than normal.

Concerns about blood clots in COVID-19 patients prompted a recent 30-page consensus statement from an international group of physicians and researchers. Bikdeli is the lead author.

It says that testing to find clots that require treatment includes X-rays or ultrasound exams, but poses a risk for health care workers because the virus is so contagious. Bikdeli said he fears when protective gear was more scarce, some dangerous clots were undiagnosed and untreated.

Social distancing may make people more sedentary and more vulnerable to clots, particularly older adults, so doctors should encourage activity or exercises that can be done in the home as a preventive measure, the statement says.

Warnell Vega got that advice after collapsing at home April 19 from a large clot blocking a lung artery. Doctors at Mount Sinai Morningside think it was coronavirus-related. Vega, 33, a lunch maker for New York City school children, spent a week in intensive care on oxygen and blood thinners, which he's been told to continue taking for three months.

“I just have to watch out for any bleeding, and have to be careful not to cut myself,” Vega said.

Gildersleeve, the New Hampshire stroke patient, was also sent home with a blood thinner. She gets physical therapy to improve strength and balance. She still has some numbness and vision problems that mean driving is out, for now.

Doctors are unable to predict when or whether she’ll regain all her abilities.

’’I’m trying to remain positive about recovering,” she said. ’’I just have to be patient and listen to my body and not push too hard.”

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22LINDSEY%20TANNER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer</a>(AP)-First came a high fever, drenching sweats and muscle aches. Then, almost a month later, a weird numbness that spread down the right side of her body.Darlene Gildersleeve thought she had recovered from COVID-19. Doctors said she just needed rest. And for several days, no one suspected her worsening symptoms were related — until a May 4 video call, when her physician heard her slurred speech and consulted a specialist.“You’ve had two strokes,’’ a neurologist told her at the hospital. The Hopkinton, New Hampshire, mother of three is only 43.Blood clots that can cause strokes, heart attacks and dangerous blockages in the legs and lungs are increasingly being found in COVID-19 patients, including some children. Even tiny clots that can damage tissue throughout the body have been seen in hospitalized patients and in autopsies, confounding doctors’ understanding of what was once considered mainly a respiratory infection.“I have to be humble and say I don’t know what’s going on there, but boy we need to find that out because unless you know what the pathogenic (disease-causing) mechanism is, it’s going to be tough to do intervention,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, remarked during a medical journal interview last month.Doctors and scientists at dozens of hospitals and universities around the globe are seeking answers while trying to measure virus patients’ risks for clots and testing drugs to treat or prevent them.Gildersleeve said health authorities “need to put out an urgent warning about strokes” and coronavirus. Not knowing the possible link “made me doubt myself” when symptoms appeared, she said.Some conditions that make some COVID-19 patients vulnerable to severe complications, including obesity and diabetes, can increase clot risks. But many authorities believe how the virus attacks and the way the body responds both play a role.“COVID-19 is the most thrombotic (clot-producing) disease we’ve ever seen in our lifetime,” said Dr. Alex Spyropoulos, a clot specialist and professor at Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, New York.Clotting has been seen in other coronavirus infections, including SARS, but on a much smaller scale, he said.Scientists believe the coronavirus enters the body through enzyme-receptors found throughout the body, including in cells lining the inside of blood vessels. Some theorize that it may promote clotting by somehow injuring those vessels as it spreads. That injury may cause a severe immune response as the body tries to fight the infection, resulting in inflammation that may also damage vessels and promote clotting, said Dr. Valentin Fuster, director of Mount Sinai Heart hospital in New York.It's unclear how many COVID-19 patients develop clots. Studies from China, Europe and the United States suggest rates ranging from 3% to 70% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients; more rigorous research is needed to determine the true prevalence, the National Institutes of Health says.Prevalence in patients with mild disease is unknown and the agency says there isn’t enough evidence to recommend routine clot screening for all virus patients without clotting symptoms, which may include swelling, pain or reddish discoloring in an arm or leg.Some hospitals have found 40% of deaths in COVID-19 patients are from blood clots. Spyropoulos said that’s been true at his 23-hospital system in the New York City area, Northwell Health, which has treated over 11,000 COVID-19 patients.Cases there have dropped by almost half in the past month, allowing more time for research before an expected second and maybe third wave of infections, he said, adding: “We’re racing against time to answer the key clinical questions.”Patients hospitalized with any severe illness face increased risks for clots, partly from being bedridden and inactive. They commonly receive blood-thinning drugs for prevention. Some doctors are trying higher-than-usual doses for prevention in hospitalized coronavirus patients.A few have used powerful clot-busting medicines typically used to treat strokes, with mixed results. In guidance issued May 12, the NIH said more research is needed to show whether that approach has any benefits.Fuster was involved in preliminary research on nearly 2,800 COVID-19 patients at five hospitals in the Mount Sinai system. A look at their outcomes suggests slightly better survival chances for virus patients on ventilators who received blood thinners than among those who didn’t. Although the results are not conclusive, all COVID-19 patients at Mount Sinai receive blood thinners for clot prevention unless they are at risk for bleeding, a potential side effect, Fuster said.Some COVID-19 patients, like Gildersleeve, develop dangerous clots when their infections seem to have subsided, Spyropoulos said. Patients treated at Northwell for severe disease are sent home with a once-a-day blood thinner and a soon to be published study will detail their experiences. Spyropoulos has been a paid consultant to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, makers of Xarelto, the drug’s brand name.In addition, Northwell is taking part in a multi-center study that will test using blood thinners for clot prevention in COVID-19 patients not sick enough to require hospitalization.In a small study published May 15, University of Colorado doctors found that combined scores on two tests measuring clotting markers in the blood can help determine which patients will develop large dangerous clots. One test measures a protein fragment called D-dimer, a remnant of dissolved clots. High levels sometimes indicate dangerous clots that form deep in leg veins and travel to the lungs or other organs.Dr. Behnood Bikdeli of Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center, said D-dimer levels in many of his COVID-19 patients have been alarmingly high, as much as 50 times higher than normal.Concerns about blood clots in COVID-19 patients prompted a recent 30-page consensus statement from an international group of physicians and researchers. Bikdeli is the lead author.It says that testing to find clots that require treatment includes X-rays or ultrasound exams, but poses a risk for health care workers because the virus is so contagious. Bikdeli said he fears when protective gear was more scarce, some dangerous clots were undiagnosed and untreated.Social distancing may make people more sedentary and more vulnerable to clots, particularly older adults, so doctors should encourage activity or exercises that can be done in the home as a preventive measure, the statement says.Warnell Vega got that advice after collapsing at home April 19 from a large clot blocking a lung artery. Doctors at Mount Sinai Morningside think it was coronavirus-related. Vega, 33, a lunch maker for New York City school children, spent a week in intensive care on oxygen and blood thinners, which he's been told to continue taking for three months.“I just have to watch out for any bleeding, and have to be careful not to cut myself,” Vega said.Gildersleeve, the New Hampshire stroke patient, was also sent home with a blood thinner. She gets physical therapy to improve strength and balance. She still has some numbness and vision problems that mean driving is out, for now.Doctors are unable to predict when or whether she’ll regain all her abilities.’’I’m trying to remain positive about recovering,” she said. ’’I just have to be patient and listen to my body and not push too hard.”

Dangerous blood clots pose a perplexing coronavirus threat

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — As Yellowstone and other national parks end a two-month shutdown due to the coronavirus, park officials want visitors to take precautions, such as washing their hands, keeping a safe distance from other people and wearing masks in public. 

It's unclear whether tourists who often disobey park rules will comply. 

If not, popular national parks known for drawing shoulder-to-shoulder summer crowds could become the next U.S. hot spots. 

Park officials say they plan is to let folks guard themselves against COVID-19, just as they do for the usual national park dangers that range from altitude sickness to grizzly bears.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — As Yellowstone and other national parks end a two-month shutdown due to the coronavirus, park officials want visitors to take precautions, such as washing their hands, keeping a safe distance from other people and wearing masks in public. It's unclear whether tourists who often disobey park rules will comply. If not, popular national parks known for drawing shoulder-to-shoulder summer crowds could become the next U.S. hot spots. Park officials say they plan is to let folks guard themselves against COVID-19, just as they do for the usual national park dangers that range from altitude sickness to grizzly bears.

National parks hope visitors comply with virus measures

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The meat and poultry industry has historically relied on immigrant labor to do some of the most dangerous jobs in America, from employing refugees to a notorious record of hiring immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

 Now that reliance and uncertainty about the pandemic is fueling concerns about possible labor shortages to meet demands for beef, pork and chicken. 

Companies struggling to hire are spending millions on fresh incentives. Whether there’ll be long-lasting difficulties hinge on if employees feel safe, unemployment, industry reforms and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The meat and poultry industry has historically relied on immigrant labor to do some of the most dangerous jobs in America, from employing refugees to a notorious record of hiring immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Now that reliance and uncertainty about the pandemic is fueling concerns about possible labor shortages to meet demands for beef, pork and chicken. Companies struggling to hire are spending millions on fresh incentives. Whether there’ll be long-lasting difficulties hinge on if employees feel safe, unemployment, industry reforms and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Worker shortage concerns loom in immigrant-heavy meatpacking

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Another Nebraska prisons employee has tested positive for COVID-19, according to state officials.

A staff member at the Lincoln Correctional Center recently tested positive for the virus and is self-isolating at home, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said Monday afternoon in a news release. The department will be notifying employees and inmates at the facility of the development and is directing anyone who had close contact with the staffer to self-quarantine until they are medically cleared to come out of quarantine, the release said.

The staffer is the 11th state prisons employee to test positive for the virus.

The state has not reported any additional inmates testing positive for the virus since announcing 10 days ago that three inmates had so far tested positive for COVID-19.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Another Nebraska prisons employee has tested positive for COVID-19, according to state officials.A staff member at the Lincoln Correctional Center recently tested positive for the virus and is self-isolating at home, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said Monday afternoon in a news release. The department will be notifying employees and inmates at the facility of the development and is directing anyone who had close contact with the staffer to self-quarantine until they are medically cleared to come out of quarantine, the release said.The staffer is the 11th state prisons employee to test positive for the virus.The state has not reported any additional inmates testing positive for the virus since announcing 10 days ago that three inmates had so far tested positive for COVID-19.

11th Nebraska prison employee tests positive for COVID-19

GIBBON, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a man who was being sought following a pursuit in central Nebraska Sunday night.

The incident began Sunday evening when NSP dispatchers received multiple reports of a westbound Chevrolet Camaro driving dangerously on Interstate 80 near York. Troopers located the vehicle near Aurora and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed. Troopers initiated a pursuit.

The suspect vehicle accelerated to speeds of approximately 145 miles per hour as the trooper started pursuing. As the vehicle approached Grand Island, a trooper clocked the suspect’s speed in excess of 170 miles per hour. Near mile marker 288, a trooper was able to successfully deploy spike strips to slow the vehicle, which then exited I-80 at the Gibbon interchange, near mile marker 285. Troopers found the vehicle abandoned at Gibbon High School.

Troopers began searching the area. The search continued into Monday as NSP developed information that the suspect, Tyler Liles, 22, of Creve Coeur, Illinois was still in the area.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday, troopers performed a traffic stop on a Jeep Patriot on Highway 30 near Gibbon. Tyler Liles was a passenger in the Jeep and was arrested.

Charges are pending. Additional details will be released when possible.

Liles had taunted Troopers earlier on Twitter:&nbsp;

GIBBON, Neb.-Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) have arrested a man who was being sought following a pursuit in central Nebraska Sunday night.The incident began Sunday evening when NSP dispatchers received multiple reports of a westbound Chevrolet Camaro driving dangerously on Interstate 80 near York. Troopers located the vehicle near Aurora and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed. Troopers initiated a pursuit.The suspect vehicle accelerated to speeds of approximately 145 miles per hour as the trooper started pursuing. As the vehicle approached Grand Island, a trooper clocked the suspect’s speed in excess of 170 miles per hour. Near mile marker 288, a trooper was able to successfully deploy spike strips to slow the vehicle, which then exited I-80 at the Gibbon interchange, near mile marker 285. Troopers found the vehicle abandoned at Gibbon High School.Troopers began searching the area. The search continued into Monday as NSP developed information that the suspect, Tyler Liles, 22, of Creve Coeur, Illinois was still in the area.At approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday, troopers performed a traffic stop on a Jeep Patriot on Highway 30 near Gibbon. Tyler Liles was a passenger in the Jeep and was arrested.Charges are pending. Additional details will be released when possible.Liles had taunted Troopers earlier on Twitter:&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Troopers are in the Gibbon area this morning attempting to locate this man, Tyler Liles, 22, of Illinois. He is believed to have been involved in a pursuit last night and fled his vehicle on foot near Gibbon High School. If you see him, please call NSP Dispatch at 402-479-4921. <a href="https://t.co/tOZbkZiqPo">pic.twitter.com/tOZbkZiqPo</a>&mdash; Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) <a href="https://twitter.com/NEStatePatrol/status/1264917878698061824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
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Troopers arrest suspect in pursuit near Gibbon

The Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center focuses on helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Eagle is excited to announce The Bridge of Hope with Eagle Match&nbsp;Fundraiser, where we can turn five thousand dollars into TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS or more!

Eagle Radio North Platte and The Schmidt Foundation are teaming up to support another vital nonprofit, the Bridge of Hope, after helping the North Platte Salvation Army raise $16,000 to assist with their food pantry.

Let's do it again! All you need to do is send your donation and make checks payable to the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center and earmark in the memo "Eagle Match". Send checks to 410 West 5th Street in North Platte, 69101.

Let's take this challenge together North Platte and the surrounding area helping the great staff at the North Platte Bridge of Hope Advocacy Center. Eagle Communications, keeping our Community Connected.

Bob Schmidt, the longtime owner of Eagle Communications, was determined to continue to be a major contributor to projects important to Kansas and Nebraska through the Bob and Pat Schmidt Foundation. Fort Hays State University, Hays Medical Center, numerous civic groups, and industry groups have received his generous philanthropic support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590412373498.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center focuses on helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Eagle is excited to announce The Bridge of Hope with Eagle Match&nbsp;Fundraiser, where we can turn five thousand dollars into TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS or more!Eagle Radio North Platte and The Schmidt Foundation are teaming up to support another vital nonprofit, the Bridge of Hope, after helping the North Platte Salvation Army raise $16,000 to assist with their food pantry.Let's do it again! All you need to do is send your donation and make checks payable to the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center and earmark in the memo "Eagle Match". Send checks to 410 West 5th Street in North Platte, 69101.Let's take this challenge together North Platte and the surrounding area helping the great staff at the North Platte Bridge of Hope Advocacy Center. Eagle Communications, keeping our Community Connected.Bob Schmidt, the longtime owner of Eagle Communications, was determined to continue to be a major contributor to projects important to Kansas and Nebraska through the Bob and Pat Schmidt Foundation. Fort Hays State University, Hays Medical Center, numerous civic groups, and industry groups have received his generous philanthropic support.

Eagle Radio, Schmidt Foundation to match donations made to Bridge of Hope

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska food pantries can apply for a grant to help purchase refrigerators and freezers to store more perishable items.

The grant program, which will provide up to $4,000 to food pantries, is sponsored by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska, the state Agriculture Department and several commodity groups.

Kris Bousquet with Midwest Dairy says the program will help food pantries expand their ability to store dairy, meat and produce items to hand out to their clients.

State Agriculture Director Steve Wellman says the program will provide benefits for several years.

More details about the grants is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.becomeafan.org/" target="_blank">www.becomeafan.org</a>. Donations are being accepted to support the program.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska food pantries can apply for a grant to help purchase refrigerators and freezers to store more perishable items.The grant program, which will provide up to $4,000 to food pantries, is sponsored by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska, the state Agriculture Department and several commodity groups.Kris Bousquet with Midwest Dairy says the program will help food pantries expand their ability to store dairy, meat and produce items to hand out to their clients.State Agriculture Director Steve Wellman says the program will provide benefits for several years.More details about the grants is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.becomeafan.org/" target="_blank">www.becomeafan.org</a>. Donations are being accepted to support the program.

Grants to help Nebraska food pantries buy refrigerators

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's economy has been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak and unemployment has surged, but the state has fared better than most of the rest of the nation.

The state's unemployment rate for April registered 8.3%, which remains well below the national rate of 14.7%. Nebraska's unemployment rate was the third-lowest in the country in those latest figures because the state relies heavily on industries that haven't been affected as much by the virus and related government restrictions, such as food processing and insurance. The state also doesn't have as many jobs tied to the hard-hit tourism and oil industries.

"When you think about it, Nebraska's economy produces a lot of necessities," University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist Eric Thompson said to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/money/pandemic-hits-state-economy-hard-but-nebraska-once-again-better-off-than-most/article_19da3b15-dd9f-5a76-8975-e724fe90ac49.html#1" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald</a>. "Food production is essential, and the demand will be there even as people have to cut back."

The insurance, banking and government sectors have largely been spared job losses. Unemployment figures show that only about one in every 50 workers in those sectors have lost their jobs. In contrast, the downturn from the virus outbreak contributed to the loss of roughly one in every four service jobs.

James Blackledge, CEO of Mutual of Omaha said his insurance company has not had to lay off any workers so far, and it still expects to add roughly 300 employees by the end of the year.

Blackledge said the fact that the company could be adding jobs during the pandemic "is remarkable when you think about it."

It also helped that Mutual of Omaha has been able to shift most of its employees to working from home instead of coming into the office. Only about 150 of the company's more than 5,000 employees are currently going into the office.

Officials say Nebraska's economy may have also fared better overall during the downturn because the state's social distancing measures weren't as strict as most states imposed.

Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts was one of only seven governors who never issued a statewide stay-at-home order shutting down all nonessential businesses. Instead, he imposed restrictions on a regional basis throughout the state based on the number of infections and hospitalizations in each area.

"The idea of shutting down businesses deemed to be nonessential arbitrarily created unemployment in other states," said Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "I think Nebraska did that better."

Nebraska has begun to loosen restrictions across the state, which is helping businesses begin to recover.

Krysette Long, who owns two men's hair salons in Omaha, said business has been so good since she was able to reopen on May 4 that she is employing a few more people than she did before the virus outbreak began.

"We are rebuilding and starting over - that's what it feels like again," she said. "We are all super happy to be back at work and taking care of everyone."

State officials said Sunday that Nebraska has had 11,989 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 147 deaths since the outbreak began. The state Department of Health and Human Services also said that 38% of the state's intensive care beds and 77% of its ventilators remained available on Sunday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's economy has been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak and unemployment has surged, but the state has fared better than most of the rest of the nation.The state's unemployment rate for April registered 8.3%, which remains well below the national rate of 14.7%. Nebraska's unemployment rate was the third-lowest in the country in those latest figures because the state relies heavily on industries that haven't been affected as much by the virus and related government restrictions, such as food processing and insurance. The state also doesn't have as many jobs tied to the hard-hit tourism and oil industries."When you think about it, Nebraska's economy produces a lot of necessities," University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist Eric Thompson said to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/money/pandemic-hits-state-economy-hard-but-nebraska-once-again-better-off-than-most/article_19da3b15-dd9f-5a76-8975-e724fe90ac49.html#1" target="_blank">the Omaha World-Herald</a>. "Food production is essential, and the demand will be there even as people have to cut back."The insurance, banking and government sectors have largely been spared job losses. Unemployment figures show that only about one in every 50 workers in those sectors have lost their jobs. In contrast, the downturn from the virus outbreak contributed to the loss of roughly one in every four service jobs.James Blackledge, CEO of Mutual of Omaha said his insurance company has not had to lay off any workers so far, and it still expects to add roughly 300 employees by the end of the year.Blackledge said the fact that the company could be adding jobs during the pandemic "is remarkable when you think about it."It also helped that Mutual of Omaha has been able to shift most of its employees to working from home instead of coming into the office. Only about 150 of the company's more than 5,000 employees are currently going into the office.Officials say Nebraska's economy may have also fared better overall during the downturn because the state's social distancing measures weren't as strict as most states imposed.Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts was one of only seven governors who never issued a statewide stay-at-home order shutting down all nonessential businesses. Instead, he imposed restrictions on a regional basis throughout the state based on the number of infections and hospitalizations in each area."The idea of shutting down businesses deemed to be nonessential arbitrarily created unemployment in other states," said Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "I think Nebraska did that better."Nebraska has begun to loosen restrictions across the state, which is helping businesses begin to recover.Krysette Long, who owns two men's hair salons in Omaha, said business has been so good since she was able to reopen on May 4 that she is employing a few more people than she did before the virus outbreak began."We are rebuilding and starting over - that's what it feels like again," she said. "We are all super happy to be back at work and taking care of everyone."State officials said Sunday that Nebraska has had 11,989 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 147 deaths since the outbreak began. The state Department of Health and Human Services also said that 38% of the state's intensive care beds and 77% of its ventilators remained available on Sunday.For some infected people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe illness or death. But for most people, it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

Nebraska economy fares better than most states amid pandemic

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State College System will pay $900,000 to settle two lawsuits alleging Chadron State College failed to prevent dating violence that led to a softball player's 2015 suicide.

Chadron State also will conduct suicide training, review its policies, establish a scholarship in honor of Fatima Lissette Larios and maintain a memorial on campus commemorating her life, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/chadron-state-to-pay-900-000-in-settlement-of-title-ix-lawsuit/article_c41b20d0-bfd3-5b5a-88b4-a8d692fc4df3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>.

According to the lawsuits, Larios was beaten and emotionally abused by her then-boyfriend for months, including during violent arguments in an on-campus dorm room that could be heard by others. The lawsuit said Larios' coaches also observed "suspicious bruising" and informed Chadron State's athletic director, who notified the campus Title IX office responsible for investigating instances of sexual and dating violence.

While the Title IX coordinator emailed Larios a copy of the college's policy on sexual violence and harassment and Larios discussed the situation with coaches, her parents' complaint alleged the college failed "to respond to reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment and attend to the needs of the student involved."

An attorney for the state college system, George Martin, said the school was confident that no wrongdoing would be proven in court but wanted to avoid costly attorneys' fees and court courts. He said another goal was to "bring closure to the family, employees of Chadron State College, and her classmates."

Larios' parents said in a statement that the memorial was "a fitting tribute to someone who lived life with passion, purpose and unyielding faith in the power of every person to have a positive impact on those around them."

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State College System will pay $900,000 to settle two lawsuits alleging Chadron State College failed to prevent dating violence that led to a softball player's 2015 suicide.Chadron State also will conduct suicide training, review its policies, establish a scholarship in honor of Fatima Lissette Larios and maintain a memorial on campus commemorating her life, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/chadron-state-to-pay-900-000-in-settlement-of-title-ix-lawsuit/article_c41b20d0-bfd3-5b5a-88b4-a8d692fc4df3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>.According to the lawsuits, Larios was beaten and emotionally abused by her then-boyfriend for months, including during violent arguments in an on-campus dorm room that could be heard by others. The lawsuit said Larios' coaches also observed "suspicious bruising" and informed Chadron State's athletic director, who notified the campus Title IX office responsible for investigating instances of sexual and dating violence.While the Title IX coordinator emailed Larios a copy of the college's policy on sexual violence and harassment and Larios discussed the situation with coaches, her parents' complaint alleged the college failed "to respond to reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment and attend to the needs of the student involved."An attorney for the state college system, George Martin, said the school was confident that no wrongdoing would be proven in court but wanted to avoid costly attorneys' fees and court courts. He said another goal was to "bring closure to the family, employees of Chadron State College, and her classmates."Larios' parents said in a statement that the memorial was "a fitting tribute to someone who lived life with passion, purpose and unyielding faith in the power of every person to have a positive impact on those around them."

Chadron State to pay $900K in settlement of Title IX lawsuit

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska schools are preparing for a range of possibilities for the next academic year as the coronavirus pandemic continues to claims lives and disrupt daily life.

The Nebraska Department of Education already had an effort called Launch Nebraska to help school systems with preparations before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f81096a5cf4a4e98a3c72a7cb3b9cc3f" target="_blank">released&nbsp;</a>guidelines calling for masks, daily temperature checks, more space between desks and changes in how students eat lunch.

State Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said said he's seen huge progress the last two weeks. He cited discussions in the Omaha area, in Lincoln and Lancaster County, and with Nebraska's rural schools association, which has some 100 superintendents in eight working groups discussing scenarios, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/education/what-will-school-look-like-in-august-nebraskas-educators-break-down-cdcs-guidelines/article_3a85234e-1321-55e3-9d02-b882f83eb4d9.html#2" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Blomstedt said decision-makers will need to rely on their understanding of what makes people safe, then work to address those items.

As of Saturday, Nebraska has 11,700 cases of the COVID-19 virus and 147 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Maddie Fennell, executive director of the Nebraska State Education Association, said the return to school will take creativity and some discussions with teachers that have not happened yet.

"We're going to have to think way outside the box," she said.

Omaha Public Schools has a team preparing for a range of possible scenarios for next school year, said district spokesman Jeremy Maske. But as the pandemic is evolving rapidly, it's too early to say specifically what school operations might look like, he said.

Likewise, Mike Lucas, superintendent of the Westside Community Schools, said the district doesn't yet know "what August and beyond could look like." He said Westside, like Omaha, is planning on multiple scenarios.

"Providing a safe learning and working environment is of extreme importance as we forge ahead," he said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska schools are preparing for a range of possibilities for the next academic year as the coronavirus pandemic continues to claims lives and disrupt daily life.The Nebraska Department of Education already had an effort called Launch Nebraska to help school systems with preparations before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f81096a5cf4a4e98a3c72a7cb3b9cc3f" target="_blank">released&nbsp;</a>guidelines calling for masks, daily temperature checks, more space between desks and changes in how students eat lunch.State Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said said he's seen huge progress the last two weeks. He cited discussions in the Omaha area, in Lincoln and Lancaster County, and with Nebraska's rural schools association, which has some 100 superintendents in eight working groups discussing scenarios, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/news/education/what-will-school-look-like-in-august-nebraskas-educators-break-down-cdcs-guidelines/article_3a85234e-1321-55e3-9d02-b882f83eb4d9.html#2" target="_blank">reported.</a>Blomstedt said decision-makers will need to rely on their understanding of what makes people safe, then work to address those items."There are no grand answers," he said.As of Saturday, Nebraska has 11,700 cases of the COVID-19 virus and 147 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.Maddie Fennell, executive director of the Nebraska State Education Association, said the return to school will take creativity and some discussions with teachers that have not happened yet."We're going to have to think way outside the box," she said.Omaha Public Schools has a team preparing for a range of possible scenarios for next school year, said district spokesman Jeremy Maske. But as the pandemic is evolving rapidly, it's too early to say specifically what school operations might look like, he said.Likewise, Mike Lucas, superintendent of the Westside Community Schools, said the district doesn't yet know "what August and beyond could look like." He said Westside, like Omaha, is planning on multiple scenarios."Providing a safe learning and working environment is of extreme importance as we forge ahead," he said.

Nebraska schools prepare for fall amid pandemic uncertainty

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -Health officials have reported a new confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.

The new positive case in Lincoln County. This individual is a female in her 60s, actively isolating at home. This case is still under investigation.

WCDHD local dashboard: https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Dashboard1?publish=yes

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -Health officials have reported a new confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.The new positive case in Lincoln County. This individual is a female in her 60s, actively isolating at home. This case is still under investigation.WCDHD local dashboard: https://public.tableau.com/profile/sydney.keller5172#!/vizhome/WestCentralDistrictHealthDepartmentCOVID-19Dashboard/Dashboard1?publish=yes<figure>
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New case of COVID-19 reported in Lincoln County on Saturday

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP, working with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Legal Aid of Nebraska, has completed a study commissioned under LB 154 of the Nebraska Legislature. LB 154, passed in 2019, charged NSP with studying the issue of missing Native American women and children in Nebraska.

Through an exhaustive process spanning more than a year, the team analyzed information from multiple missing persons reporting systems and conducted listening sessions in tribal areas to gauge the scope of the issue and develop recommendations to address concerns raised.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“NSP has been able to develop new partnerships through this effort that are already working to benefit Nebraska’s Native American citizens,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “The most common points raised during the listening sessions illustrated a need to revitalize connections between tribal residents and law enforcement. That work can have a substantial impact on multiple facets of public safety, including missing persons cases.”

During this effort, the team discovered that a disproportionate number of Nebraska’s reported missing persons were Black (3.9 times population percentage) and Native American (3.1 times population percentage). The research also revealed that the greatest percentage of Native American missing persons are boys age 17 years or younger, accounting for 73.3% of all Native American missing persons in Nebraska. Among all racial demographics, 59.6% of Nebraska missing persons are boys age 17 years or younger.

NSP also found that many law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska do not currently have a policy for reporting missing persons to centralized databases. Among the recommendations detailed in the report, NSP will work with the Nebraska Crime Commission to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for handling missing persons cases to be provided to other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Throughout the research and requests for information at listening sessions, the team did not learn of any unreported Native American missing persons cases in Nebraska.&nbsp;<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/lb154_report_-_5.22.20_final.pdf" target="_blank">The full NSP LB 154 report can be viewed here.</a>

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP, working with the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Legal Aid of Nebraska, has completed a study commissioned under LB 154 of the Nebraska Legislature. LB 154, passed in 2019, charged NSP with studying the issue of missing Native American women and children in Nebraska.Through an exhaustive process spanning more than a year, the team analyzed information from multiple missing persons reporting systems and conducted listening sessions in tribal areas to gauge the scope of the issue and develop recommendations to address concerns raised.&nbsp;&nbsp;“NSP has been able to develop new partnerships through this effort that are already working to benefit Nebraska’s Native American citizens,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “The most common points raised during the listening sessions illustrated a need to revitalize connections between tribal residents and law enforcement. That work can have a substantial impact on multiple facets of public safety, including missing persons cases.”During this effort, the team discovered that a disproportionate number of Nebraska’s reported missing persons were Black (3.9 times population percentage) and Native American (3.1 times population percentage). The research also revealed that the greatest percentage of Native American missing persons are boys age 17 years or younger, accounting for 73.3% of all Native American missing persons in Nebraska. Among all racial demographics, 59.6% of Nebraska missing persons are boys age 17 years or younger.NSP also found that many law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska do not currently have a policy for reporting missing persons to centralized databases. Among the recommendations detailed in the report, NSP will work with the Nebraska Crime Commission to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for handling missing persons cases to be provided to other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.Throughout the research and requests for information at listening sessions, the team did not learn of any unreported Native American missing persons cases in Nebraska.&nbsp;<a href="https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/lb154_report_-_5.22.20_final.pdf" target="_blank">The full NSP LB 154 report can be viewed here.</a>

NSP delivers LB 154 study on missing Native American women and children to Legislature

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Lobbyists in Nebraska raked in more cash than ever last year and more people joined their ranks to try to influence public officials, according to a new report.

Lobbyists collected $19.4 million in gross earnings in 2019, according to Common Cause Nebraska. The government watchdog group said the total is a record, up from $17.8 million in 2018.

The number of paid, registered lobbyists also increased to 405 last year, up from 378 in 2018, according to Common Cause Nebraska's annual lobbyist spending report.

The report also notes the ongoing lobbying by taxpayer-funded government organizations, including local school boards and the University of Nebraska.

Jack Gould, the group's issues chairman, said lobbyists are getting more involved in campaign contributions as well, "which everyone should be concerned about."

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Lobbyists in Nebraska raked in more cash than ever last year and more people joined their ranks to try to influence public officials, according to a new report.Lobbyists collected $19.4 million in gross earnings in 2019, according to Common Cause Nebraska. The government watchdog group said the total is a record, up from $17.8 million in 2018.The number of paid, registered lobbyists also increased to 405 last year, up from 378 in 2018, according to Common Cause Nebraska's annual lobbyist spending report.The report also notes the ongoing lobbying by taxpayer-funded government organizations, including local school boards and the University of Nebraska.Jack Gould, the group's issues chairman, said lobbyists are getting more involved in campaign contributions as well, "which everyone should be concerned about."

Nebraska sees increase in lobbyists, spending on lobbyists

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-As Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season, Nebraska State Troopers will be on the road working day and night to keep Nebraska roads safe.

“Troopers have been working diligently throughout the pandemic, and that will continue as traffic is expected to increase during the summer months,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Travel plans may have changed for many people this summer, but for those who hit the road, it’s important to drive safely whether the trip is across the country or just across town.”

Throughout the “100 Days of Summer” campaign, troopers across the state will be conducting traffic enforcement initiatives and providing education on safe driving practices. The campaign runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

“Let’s start the summer with a safe Memorial Day Weekend,” said Colonel Bolduc. “If your Memorial Day celebrations include alcohol, plan ahead and have a sober driver ready.”

NSP will provide updates on specific initiatives as they occur throughout the summer. The public can also follow NSP on social media at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NEStatePatrol/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NEStatePatrol" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nestatepatrol/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for information on those efforts and other summer travel information.

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-As Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season, Nebraska State Troopers will be on the road working day and night to keep Nebraska roads safe.“Troopers have been working diligently throughout the pandemic, and that will continue as traffic is expected to increase during the summer months,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Travel plans may have changed for many people this summer, but for those who hit the road, it’s important to drive safely whether the trip is across the country or just across town.”Throughout the “100 Days of Summer” campaign, troopers across the state will be conducting traffic enforcement initiatives and providing education on safe driving practices. The campaign runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.“Let’s start the summer with a safe Memorial Day Weekend,” said Colonel Bolduc. “If your Memorial Day celebrations include alcohol, plan ahead and have a sober driver ready.”NSP will provide updates on specific initiatives as they occur throughout the summer. The public can also follow NSP on social media at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NEStatePatrol/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NEStatePatrol" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nestatepatrol/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for information on those efforts and other summer travel information.

Memorial Day weekend kicks off '100 Days of Summer' for NSP

LINCOLN –&nbsp;During the past seven days, the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by 28 to 147, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard.

The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time today, is 11,662, marking an increase of 1,890 from last Friday. Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.

Less restrictive Directed Health Measures (DHMs) took effect Monday in the South Heartland, Public Health Solutions, and Two Rivers districts. A&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">map of local health departments&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is available on the DHHS website. These relaxed measures allow for the limited reopening of dine-in services at restaurants and of salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy services and increase the per room/space childcare limits from 10 to 15 kids (subject to the usual child-to-staff ratios). The relaxed measures were announced May 11 by Governor Pete Ricketts at his daily coronavirus press briefing.&nbsp; Today, the State posted&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-June-1-Statewide-Sports-Reopening-Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">reopening guidance for sports&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;under Guidance Documents on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;During the past seven days, the total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by 28 to 147, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard.The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time today, is 11,662, marking an increase of 1,890 from last Friday. Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.Less restrictive Directed Health Measures (DHMs) took effect Monday in the South Heartland, Public Health Solutions, and Two Rivers districts. A&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">map of local health departments&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;is available on the DHHS website. These relaxed measures allow for the limited reopening of dine-in services at restaurants and of salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy services and increase the per room/space childcare limits from 10 to 15 kids (subject to the usual child-to-staff ratios). The relaxed measures were announced May 11 by Governor Pete Ricketts at his daily coronavirus press briefing.&nbsp; Today, the State posted&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-June-1-Statewide-Sports-Reopening-Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">reopening guidance for sports&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;under Guidance Documents on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.At the coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, May 20, Gov. Ricketts was joined by Sheri Dawson, director of the DHHS Division of Behavioral Health. Dawson was present to accept the official proclamation of May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. She also emphasized the mental health challenges of the ongoing pandemic and gave advice for prioritizing mental well-being. She noted that a number of hotlines stand ready to help.At that briefing, the Governor said some additional restrictions would ease June 1, when the 14-day quarantine upon returning home would only apply to international travelers.He continues to urge all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the state. After taking the assessment, participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.Next week, testing will occur in the following cities:Omaha&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/23, 5/26 and 5/30; 8am-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHI Health Center, 455 N 10 St.Lincoln&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/23, 5/26 and 5/30; 8am-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N 84 St.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kearney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/29-5/30; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Buffalo County Fairgrounds, 3807 N Ave.York&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/26: 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holthus convention center, 3130 Holen Ave.Seward&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/27; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seward County Fairgrounds, 400 N 14th St.Beatrice&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/29-5/30; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gage County Fairgrounds 900 West Scott St.Hastings&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5/26-5/27; 8-11 am, 3-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S Baltimore Ave.Clay Center&nbsp;&nbsp;5/27; 3pm-6pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clay County Fairgrounds, 701 N MartinAfter someone tests positive, a contact tracer with the local or state public health team will reach out to them with information on safely self-isolating. The contact tracer will also ask questions about where the person has recently been, and with whom they have been in close contact. The information gathered by contact tracers helps to identify other persons who have been exposed to the virus and may be at risk.The Governor continues to urge Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Stay home.&nbsp; No non-essential errands and no social gatherings.&nbsp; Respect the 10-person limits.</li><li>Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.&nbsp;</li><li>Shop alone.&nbsp; Do this only once a week and do not take your family with you.</li><li>Help kids social distance. Play at home, no group sports and no playgrounds.</li><li>Help seniors stay at home.&nbsp; This can be done by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term facilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Exercise daily.&nbsp; Do your best to stay as healthy and safe as you can.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html&nbsp;</a>.Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645 or toll-free at (833) 998-2275; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.