OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A second inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, Nebraska prison officials said Friday.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release that the inmate had been in close contact with the state's first inmate to test positive earlier this week at the Omaha Community Corrections Center.

The Omaha center is one of two work-release prisons in the state and houses 175 inmates. The community corrections facility remains under quarantine.

To date, 20 Nebraska inmates have been tested for the virus, officials said. Twelve have tested negative, two positive and other results are still pending.

"The majority of inmates currently undergoing testing are housed at the Community Corrections Center-Omaha and were determined to have close contact with the first inmate who went to the hospital," Nebraska prisons director Scott Frakes said.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A second inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, Nebraska prison officials said Friday.The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release that the inmate had been in close contact with the state's first inmate to test positive earlier this week at the Omaha Community Corrections Center.The Omaha center is one of two work-release prisons in the state and houses 175 inmates. The community corrections facility remains under quarantine.To date, 20 Nebraska inmates have been tested for the virus, officials said. Twelve have tested negative, two positive and other results are still pending."The majority of inmates currently undergoing testing are housed at the Community Corrections Center-Omaha and were determined to have close contact with the first inmate who went to the hospital," Nebraska prisons director Scott Frakes said.

2nd Nebraska prison inmate tests positive for COVID-19

Public Health Command Center update from North Platte on May 15, 2020.

Public Health Command Center update from North Platte on May 15, 2020.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwcdhd%2Fvideos%2F1117276451972041%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥 Public Health Command Center Update from North Platte (May 15, 2020)

LINCOLN –The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by six to 119 today, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard. To view county-specific data, click on the county within the Nebraska map.

In addition, DHHS recently updated its COVID-19 dashboard to include death data by county and added data related to hospital capacity -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time today, is 9,772. 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.

Today, at his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the state's support of long-term care (LTC) facilities during the pandemic.&nbsp;He previewed a new tool being developed by DHHS to help LTC facilities assess and improve their preparedness planning. Speaking at the briefing, Becky Wisell, interim deputy director of Health Licensure and Environmental Health for the Division of Public Health, said the COVID-19 response planning tool covers key areas that LTC facilities should consider in their planning, such as identification and management of ill residents; visitation policies, supplies and resources, infection control and disinfection protocols; and surge capacity for staffing. The state will be asking every LTC facility to complete a plan and will send out the new tool in the near future.

<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska</a>&nbsp;launched last week with mobile testing sites. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska 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. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

After 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, said Felicia Quintana-Zinn, deputy director within the Division of Public Health, at Gov. Ricketts' Thursday briefing. 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.

Governor Pete Ricketts earlier had announced changes to some of the state's&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">Directed Health Measures (DHM,</a>&nbsp;including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska.&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf">A map of local health departments is also available.&nbsp;</a>

DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;

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</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</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</a>.

LINCOLN –The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state increased by six to 119 today, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard. To view county-specific data, click on the county within the Nebraska map.In addition, DHHS recently updated its COVID-19 dashboard to include death data by county and added data related to hospital capacity -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time today, is 9,772. 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.Today, at his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the state's support of long-term care (LTC) facilities during the pandemic.&nbsp;He previewed a new tool being developed by DHHS to help LTC facilities assess and improve their preparedness planning. Speaking at the briefing, Becky Wisell, interim deputy director of Health Licensure and Environmental Health for the Division of Public Health, said the COVID-19 response planning tool covers key areas that LTC facilities should consider in their planning, such as identification and management of ill residents; visitation policies, supplies and resources, infection control and disinfection protocols; and surge capacity for staffing. The state will be asking every LTC facility to complete a plan and will send out the new tool in the near future.<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska</a>&nbsp;launched last week with mobile testing sites. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska 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. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.After 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, said Felicia Quintana-Zinn, deputy director within the Division of Public Health, at Gov. Ricketts' Thursday briefing. 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.Governor Pete Ricketts earlier had announced changes to some of the state's&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">Directed Health Measures (DHM,</a>&nbsp;including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska.&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf">A map of local health departments is also available.&nbsp;</a>DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging 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 ten-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</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</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</a>.

Officials attribute 119 deaths to COVID-19 in Nebraska, 6 new deaths reported Friday

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the State’s work to support long-term care (LTC) facilities during the pandemic. &nbsp;He previewed a new tool being developed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help LTC facilities assess and improve their preparedness planning.&nbsp;

Becky Wisell, Interim Deputy Director of Health Licensure and Environmental Health for the Division of Public Health at DHHS, joined the Governor today.&nbsp; She detailed the State’s ongoing efforts to assist LTC facilities in mitigating the spread of the virus.

Chris Mehaffey, Scout Executive of the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, gave an update on the Scouts’ activities to serve Nebraskans with food insecurity.&nbsp; He invited Nebraskans to participate in the “Scouting for Food” drive that is collecting supplies for food banks tomorrow (May 16th).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the [TestNebraska.com]TestNebraska.com assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, and Lexington are testing today.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, I want to remind people, scheduling for testing has been filling up quickly.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska testing is by appointment only. &nbsp;Don’t just show up to the testing site.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;You need to take the assessment at [TestNebraska.com]TestNebraska.com and then work to schedule a time.

Gov. Ricketts: Long-Term Care Facilities

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our seniors are one of our most vulnerable populations, and they have been hit especially hard during the pandemic.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have been asking Nebraskans not to visit long-term care facilities at this time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we work to get back to a more normal life, we are partnering with long-term care facilities to develop plans to protect their residents.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar to meat processing facilities, Shelly Schwedhelm and her team from UNMC are touring LTC facilities to help improve their social mitigation efforts.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State will be asking every LTC facility to submit a plan to protect their residents and keep their facility running. &nbsp;We are in the process of developing a template to help facilities create their plan. &nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We expect to deliver this template to LTC facilities in the next week or so.

Becky Wisell: Long-Term Care Facilities

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Care for residents in LTC facilities is a top priority for DHHS.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve been working closely with LTC facilities, Local Health Departments, and other partners so that they can continue to provide quality care to residents in their communities.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our role is as a resource to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS has developed a long-term care COVID-19 response planning tool.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a tool to assist nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in the development of a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool covers key areas that facilities should consider in their planning, such as:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Rapid identification and management of ill residents.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Infection control and disinfection protocols.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Surge capacity for staffing.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool also includes helpful information such as:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Mental health resources for residents and staff.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Guidance on how to request personal protective equipment (PPE) from the State.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool can be used to self-assess strengths and weaknesses of current preparedness efforts.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It can also provide guidance for circumstances that may not yet have occurred at every facility.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Every facility is expected to complete a plan. &nbsp;Once the plan is completed, facilities should send an email notification with the facility’s name and license number to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dhhs.healthcarefacilities@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">DHHS.HealthCareFacilities@nebraska.gov</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State will send out the long-term care COVID-19 response planning tool to LTC facilities in the near future.

Chris Mehaffey: Boy Scouts of America Food Drive

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Scouts’ Mid-America Council has put together a “Scouting for Food” drive.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a time of unprecedented need for food banks.&nbsp; For example, the Food Bank for the Heartland has seen its need go up more than 40%, on average, in recent weeks.&nbsp; Meanwhile, incoming donations have fallen dramatically.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s why Scouting for Food is especially important this spring.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On average, we collect more than 300,000 meals each year.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Boy Scouts canvassed communities last week to provide information about the food drive.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In those neighborhoods, we’re requesting that households do the following:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Put food in a plastic sack, knot it at the top, and leave it at the end of your driveway by tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Food should be non-perishable, such as canned goods, macaroni, peanut butter, and jelly.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not want to leave food outside, please visit a participating Hy-Vee or food bank to drop off your donation.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Drop-off locations are listed on our website (<a href="https://mac-bsa.org/scouting-tools/community-service/scouting-for-food/" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to view).

o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re unable to take part in tomorrow’s food drive, consider going to Food Bank for the Heartland’s website (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffoodbankheartland.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C64dae991f0154eb8fd2e08d7f913d425%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251735862104416&amp;sdata=yyiylR4L1TOJ30B8C7Velq2kIyUpyQl6chbl%2FbsjIIM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">foodbankheartland.org</a>)&nbsp;to make a monetary donation or to volunteer to pack meals.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: National Guard Flyover

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Air National Guard plans a flyover salute to healthcare professionals and all Nebraskans responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;Weather caused the postponement of the flyover originally planned for earlier this week, but it has been rescheduled for Monday, May 18th.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans are encouraged to view the flyovers from the safety of their homes or workplaces&nbsp;while practicing physical distancing. &nbsp;Anyone working in and living around these facilities should have no problem seeing or hearing the aircraft.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch the National Guard’s Facebook page for more information:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C64dae991f0154eb8fd2e08d7f913d425%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251735862104416&amp;sdata=IKwSA5c4F5V7wGiE68AqJRZCc7yKMsdRvUY1DFmtvWk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.

Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:30 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jibguxil57mbngd/AADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589598016909.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) speaks at this afternoon’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) speaks at this afternoon’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted the State’s work to support long-term care (LTC) facilities during the pandemic. &nbsp;He previewed a new tool being developed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help LTC facilities assess and improve their preparedness planning.&nbsp;Becky Wisell, Interim Deputy Director of Health Licensure and Environmental Health for the Division of Public Health at DHHS, joined the Governor today.&nbsp; She detailed the State’s ongoing efforts to assist LTC facilities in mitigating the spread of the virus.Chris Mehaffey, Scout Executive of the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, gave an update on the Scouts’ activities to serve Nebraskans with food insecurity.&nbsp; He invited Nebraskans to participate in the “Scouting for Food” drive that is collecting supplies for food banks tomorrow (May 16th).Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the [TestNebraska.com]TestNebraska.com assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, and Lexington are testing today.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, I want to remind people, scheduling for testing has been filling up quickly.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska testing is by appointment only. &nbsp;Don’t just show up to the testing site.o&nbsp;&nbsp;You need to take the assessment at [TestNebraska.com]TestNebraska.com and then work to schedule a time.Gov. Ricketts: Long-Term Care Facilities·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our seniors are one of our most vulnerable populations, and they have been hit especially hard during the pandemic.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have been asking Nebraskans not to visit long-term care facilities at this time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As we work to get back to a more normal life, we are partnering with long-term care facilities to develop plans to protect their residents.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Similar to meat processing facilities, Shelly Schwedhelm and her team from UNMC are touring LTC facilities to help improve their social mitigation efforts.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State will be asking every LTC facility to submit a plan to protect their residents and keep their facility running. &nbsp;We are in the process of developing a template to help facilities create their plan. &nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We expect to deliver this template to LTC facilities in the next week or so.Becky Wisell: Long-Term Care Facilities·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Care for residents in LTC facilities is a top priority for DHHS.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve been working closely with LTC facilities, Local Health Departments, and other partners so that they can continue to provide quality care to residents in their communities.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our role is as a resource to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS has developed a long-term care COVID-19 response planning tool.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a tool to assist nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in the development of a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool covers key areas that facilities should consider in their planning, such as:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Rapid identification and management of ill residents.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation policies.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Supplies and resources.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Infection control and disinfection protocols.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Surge capacity for staffing.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool also includes helpful information such as:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Mental health resources for residents and staff.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Guidance on how to request personal protective equipment (PPE) from the State.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tool can be used to self-assess strengths and weaknesses of current preparedness efforts.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It can also provide guidance for circumstances that may not yet have occurred at every facility.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Every facility is expected to complete a plan. &nbsp;Once the plan is completed, facilities should send an email notification with the facility’s name and license number to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dhhs.healthcarefacilities@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">DHHS.HealthCareFacilities@nebraska.gov</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State will send out the long-term care COVID-19 response planning tool to LTC facilities in the near future.Chris Mehaffey: Boy Scouts of America Food Drive·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Scouts’ Mid-America Council has put together a “Scouting for Food” drive.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a time of unprecedented need for food banks.&nbsp; For example, the Food Bank for the Heartland has seen its need go up more than 40%, on average, in recent weeks.&nbsp; Meanwhile, incoming donations have fallen dramatically.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s why Scouting for Food is especially important this spring.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On average, we collect more than 300,000 meals each year.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Boy Scouts canvassed communities last week to provide information about the food drive.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In those neighborhoods, we’re requesting that households do the following:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Put food in a plastic sack, knot it at the top, and leave it at the end of your driveway by tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Food should be non-perishable, such as canned goods, macaroni, peanut butter, and jelly.o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not want to leave food outside, please visit a participating Hy-Vee or food bank to drop off your donation.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Drop-off locations are listed on our website (<a href="https://mac-bsa.org/scouting-tools/community-service/scouting-for-food/" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;to view).o&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re unable to take part in tomorrow’s food drive, consider going to Food Bank for the Heartland’s website (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffoodbankheartland.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C64dae991f0154eb8fd2e08d7f913d425%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251735862104416&amp;sdata=yyiylR4L1TOJ30B8C7Velq2kIyUpyQl6chbl%2FbsjIIM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">foodbankheartland.org</a>)&nbsp;to make a monetary donation or to volunteer to pack meals.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts: National Guard Flyover·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Air National Guard plans a flyover salute to healthcare professionals and all Nebraskans responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;Weather caused the postponement of the flyover originally planned for earlier this week, but it has been rescheduled for Monday, May 18th.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans are encouraged to view the flyovers from the safety of their homes or workplaces&nbsp;while practicing physical distancing. &nbsp;Anyone working in and living around these facilities should have no problem seeing or hearing the aircraft.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch the National Guard’s Facebook page for more information:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C64dae991f0154eb8fd2e08d7f913d425%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251735862104416&amp;sdata=IKwSA5c4F5V7wGiE68AqJRZCc7yKMsdRvUY1DFmtvWk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:30 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jibguxil57mbngd/AADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts highlights state's work to promote well being at long-term care facilities

LINCOLN, Neb. – A 29-year-old Phelps County man was sentenced on May 13 to jail time in Phelps County Court after being convicted of multiple deer hunting violations.

Nebraska conservation officers had investigated Arthur Underwood, Jr. for multiple hunting violations during the 2019 hunting seasons. Underwood pled guilty to 12 counts, including five counts each of over-bagging deer and violation of deer regulations, and one count each of attempted tampering with evidence and false reporting.

The sentence included jail time of 300 days for each charge of tampering and false reporting – to be served consecutively, 30 days for regulation violations and 90 days for the over-bagging of deer – to be served concurrently.

Penalties of $22,000 in liquidated damages and a three-year suspension/revocation of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges also were assessed, plus court costs and fees.

Other persons in Underwood’s hunting party also were cited and had paid fines: Easton Kalb (two counts of violating hunting regulations, $100 fine for each count, $500 liquidated damages and court costs); Halley Helleberg (unlawfully taking/possessing game, $500 fine, $2,000 liquidated damages and court costs); Tristin Wood (violation of hunting regulations, $100 and court costs); and Johnathon Wood (hunting deer without a permit, $150 and court costs).

Game and Parks Commission&nbsp;LINCOLN, Neb. – A 29-year-old Phelps County man was sentenced on May 13 to jail time in Phelps County Court after being convicted of multiple deer hunting violations.Nebraska conservation officers had investigated Arthur Underwood, Jr. for multiple hunting violations during the 2019 hunting seasons. Underwood pled guilty to 12 counts, including five counts each of over-bagging deer and violation of deer regulations, and one count each of attempted tampering with evidence and false reporting.The sentence included jail time of 300 days for each charge of tampering and false reporting – to be served consecutively, 30 days for regulation violations and 90 days for the over-bagging of deer – to be served concurrently.Penalties of $22,000 in liquidated damages and a three-year suspension/revocation of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges also were assessed, plus court costs and fees.Other persons in Underwood’s hunting party also were cited and had paid fines: Easton Kalb (two counts of violating hunting regulations, $100 fine for each count, $500 liquidated damages and court costs); Halley Helleberg (unlawfully taking/possessing game, $500 fine, $2,000 liquidated damages and court costs); Tristin Wood (violation of hunting regulations, $100 and court costs); and Johnathon Wood (hunting deer without a permit, $150 and court costs).

Phelps County man sentenced to jail time for deer violations

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will require long-term care centers to develop formal plans outlining how they'll keep the coronavirus from spreading among the vulnerable residents who live in those facilities, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday.

Facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living centers will have to submit plans to state regulators explaining how they intend to identify ill people and deal with visitors for the rest of the year. They'll also have to discuss their disinfection protocols.

The announcement comes as state officials scramble to keep the virus from spreading among long-term care facilities, whose residents are generally older and have underlying health problems.

Long-term care residents are among the hardest-hit population groups in Nebraska, accounting for at least 75 of the state's 113 coronavirus deaths. At least 82 long-term care facilities have reported coronavirus cases in Nebraska, including 35 with cases among residents.

Nebraska health officials reported a one-day jump of six COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, as new cases were reported among police and several Omaha-area nursing homes.

Ricketts said state officials will consult with long-term care facilities on the project. The plans will also focus on residents' mental health needs, he said.

Six deaths from the coronavirus were reported Thursday, bringing the state's total to 113, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The state's total number of cases since the outbreak began jumped to nearly 9,500. Nebraska's hospitals still have a large number of beds, intensive-care unit space and ventilators if needed, according to the department's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online virus tracking portal</a>.

The numbers were reported as the Good Samaritan Society nursing, long-term and hospice care facility in Omaha reported 15 infected residents - including three residents who have died. The Omaha World-Herald also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/life-care-center-of-elkhorn-reports-68-cases-of-covid-19-among-residents-and-staff/article_9d5dbc76-2da2-522d-b846-6c8fe0d7a398.html" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Friday that 68 cases of the virus have been confirmed among residents and staff of Life Care Center in Omaha's Elkhorn community, while 10 residents and one staff member at the CountryHouse in neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa, had tested positive as of Friday.

The Omaha Police Department also reported a sixth officer testing positive for the virus.

State health officials said it's not practical to test all of Nebraska's long-term care residents because such testing would have to be repeated to ensure no new cases have emerged.

"A test just tells you whether you're positive or negative at that point in time," said Dr. Gary Anthone, the state's chief medical officer.

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-The Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will require long-term care centers to develop formal plans outlining how they'll keep the coronavirus from spreading among the vulnerable residents who live in those facilities, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday.Facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living centers will have to submit plans to state regulators explaining how they intend to identify ill people and deal with visitors for the rest of the year. They'll also have to discuss their disinfection protocols.The announcement comes as state officials scramble to keep the virus from spreading among long-term care facilities, whose residents are generally older and have underlying health problems.Long-term care residents are among the hardest-hit population groups in Nebraska, accounting for at least 75 of the state's 113 coronavirus deaths. At least 82 long-term care facilities have reported coronavirus cases in Nebraska, including 35 with cases among residents.Nebraska health officials reported a one-day jump of six COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, as new cases were reported among police and several Omaha-area nursing homes.Ricketts said state officials will consult with long-term care facilities on the project. The plans will also focus on residents' mental health needs, he said.Six deaths from the coronavirus were reported Thursday, bringing the state's total to 113, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The state's total number of cases since the outbreak began jumped to nearly 9,500. Nebraska's hospitals still have a large number of beds, intensive-care unit space and ventilators if needed, according to the department's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online virus tracking portal</a>.The numbers were reported as the Good Samaritan Society nursing, long-term and hospice care facility in Omaha reported 15 infected residents - including three residents who have died. The Omaha World-Herald also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.omaha.com/livewellnebraska/health/life-care-center-of-elkhorn-reports-68-cases-of-covid-19-among-residents-and-staff/article_9d5dbc76-2da2-522d-b846-6c8fe0d7a398.html" target="_blank">reported&nbsp;</a>Friday that 68 cases of the virus have been confirmed among residents and staff of Life Care Center in Omaha's Elkhorn community, while 10 residents and one staff member at the CountryHouse in neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa, had tested positive as of Friday.The Omaha Police Department also reported a sixth officer testing positive for the virus.State health officials said it's not practical to test all of Nebraska's long-term care residents because such testing would have to be repeated to ensure no new cases have emerged."A test just tells you whether you're positive or negative at that point in time," said Dr. Gary Anthone, the state's chief medical officer.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 to require coronavirus plans from nursing homes

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's tax collections came in far lower than expected in April as the coronavirus forced the closure of businesses throughout the state, officials said Friday.

The state's net tax receipts totaled $345 million, which is nearly 46% lower than the official forecast of $637 million, according to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

The downturn was driven by sharp declines in individual and corporate income taxes and miscellaneous taxes. Net sales-and-use taxes were down less than 1%.

Net tax collections for the current fiscal year are now roughly on par with projections. They were previously well ahead.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said the downturn is largely driven by state and federal officials who delayed the income tax filing deadline until July 15.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's tax collections came in far lower than expected in April as the coronavirus forced the closure of businesses throughout the state, officials said Friday.The state's net tax receipts totaled $345 million, which is nearly 46% lower than the official forecast of $637 million, according to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.The downturn was driven by sharp declines in individual and corporate income taxes and miscellaneous taxes. Net sales-and-use taxes were down less than 1%.Net tax collections for the current fiscal year are now roughly on par with projections. They were previously well ahead.Gov. Pete Ricketts said the downturn is largely driven by state and federal officials who delayed the income tax filing deadline until July 15.

Nebraska tax revenue sharply below projections in April

May 15, 2020 – North Platte, NE&nbsp;– Great Plains Health has received an allocation of the antiviral drug Remdesivir&nbsp;for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

On May 1, the FDA issued “emergency use approval” for Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients. The manufacturer, Gilead Sciences agreed to donate their current stock to be distributed through state health departments. Earlier this week, Governor Ricketts announced that the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services received an initial supply of 400 vials of Remdesivir to distribute as necessary, with the intent that the medication be limited to COVID-19 patients most severely impacted and ventilated.

Today, Great Plains Health received 18 vials, which is enough to treat three patients.

“We are extremely appreciative to receive the Remdesivir,” said Barb Petersen, chief quality officer. “We want to be able to provide the COVID-19 patients we are caring for every opportunity to overcome this disease. We appreciate the support that we have received from the state officials and every partner that helped us receive these vials.”

Jason North, Great Plains Health pharmacy director said, “Multiple people have been involved in the process for garnering this allocation for Great Plains Health including GPHealth infectious disease physician Dr. Eduardo Freitas; GPHealth CEO, Mel McNea; GPHealth chief quality officer, Barb Petersen; Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone; GPHealth radiation oncologist and current chairman of the Nebraska Medical Association, Dr. Todd Hlavaty; UNMC infectious diseases pharmacist, Scott Bergman; Nebraska Governor, Pete Ricketts and US Senator Ben Sasse.”

“It is vital to be able to have access to the same medications and resources that are available in other parts of the state and country,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “Our patients deserve that same level of care and we are proud to be able to provide it thanks to everyone working together that made this happen.”

May 15, 2020 – North Platte, NE&nbsp;– Great Plains Health has received an allocation of the antiviral drug Remdesivir&nbsp;for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.On May 1, the FDA issued “emergency use approval” for Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients. The manufacturer, Gilead Sciences agreed to donate their current stock to be distributed through state health departments. Earlier this week, Governor Ricketts announced that the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services received an initial supply of 400 vials of Remdesivir to distribute as necessary, with the intent that the medication be limited to COVID-19 patients most severely impacted and ventilated.Today, Great Plains Health received 18 vials, which is enough to treat three patients.“We are extremely appreciative to receive the Remdesivir,” said Barb Petersen, chief quality officer. “We want to be able to provide the COVID-19 patients we are caring for every opportunity to overcome this disease. We appreciate the support that we have received from the state officials and every partner that helped us receive these vials.”Jason North, Great Plains Health pharmacy director said, “Multiple people have been involved in the process for garnering this allocation for Great Plains Health including GPHealth infectious disease physician Dr. Eduardo Freitas; GPHealth CEO, Mel McNea; GPHealth chief quality officer, Barb Petersen; Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone; GPHealth radiation oncologist and current chairman of the Nebraska Medical Association, Dr. Todd Hlavaty; UNMC infectious diseases pharmacist, Scott Bergman; Nebraska Governor, Pete Ricketts and US Senator Ben Sasse.”“It is vital to be able to have access to the same medications and resources that are available in other parts of the state and country,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “Our patients deserve that same level of care and we are proud to be able to provide it thanks to everyone working together that made this happen.”

Great Plains Health receives Remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19

Michael W Davy, 29. North Platte and Erica G Lunkwitz, 24, North Platte

Tyson J Chromy, 25, North Platte and Kaylie M Purviance, 25, North Platte

Trevor S Entz, 21, North Platte and Rebekah L Singh, 21, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Published May 15, 2020Michael W Davy, 29. North Platte and Erica G Lunkwitz, 24, North PlatteTyson J Chromy, 25, North Platte and Kaylie M Purviance, 25, North PlatteTrevor S Entz, 21, North Platte and Rebekah L Singh, 21, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Lincoln County Marriage Licenses

LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-National Police Week concludes today with National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day in which law enforcement agencies across the country pay tribute to officers who have fallen in the line of duty. This week has also marked the official addition of Trooper Jerry Smith’s name to both the Nebraska and National Law Enforcement Memorials.

“This is a tough week for our entire NSP family, but it’s been made especially difficult because remembrance ceremonies have been cancelled due to COVID-19 circumstances,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “While we can’t gather together today to remember Jerry, we are united in appreciation for his life of service. We ask all Nebraskans to keep his family in your thoughts today.”

Today, on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, Troopers Smith’s name was to be officially enshrined on the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial during a ceremony in Grand Island. Trooper Smith’s family, several colleagues, and NSP Honor Guard members were also supposed to attend the national remembrance ceremonies on Wednesday, as Trooper Smith’s name was added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.

Engravings on both memorials are complete and the name Jerry L. Smith Jr. is now memorialized forever in both locations. Trooper Smith is the 12th&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol Trooper to be honored on both memorials.

Trooper Smith #373 was killed in the line of duty on June 20, 2019, when his cruiser was struck nearly head-on by another vehicle while he was patrolling on Highway 26 near Bridgeport. He is survived by his wife, three adult children, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589569146632.png" alt="Photo: NSP" />
 <figcaption>Photo: NSP</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (NSP)-National Police Week concludes today with National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day in which law enforcement agencies across the country pay tribute to officers who have fallen in the line of duty. This week has also marked the official addition of Trooper Jerry Smith’s name to both the Nebraska and National Law Enforcement Memorials.“This is a tough week for our entire NSP family, but it’s been made especially difficult because remembrance ceremonies have been cancelled due to COVID-19 circumstances,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “While we can’t gather together today to remember Jerry, we are united in appreciation for his life of service. We ask all Nebraskans to keep his family in your thoughts today.”Today, on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, Troopers Smith’s name was to be officially enshrined on the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial during a ceremony in Grand Island. Trooper Smith’s family, several colleagues, and NSP Honor Guard members were also supposed to attend the national remembrance ceremonies on Wednesday, as Trooper Smith’s name was added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.Engravings on both memorials are complete and the name Jerry L. Smith Jr. is now memorialized forever in both locations. Trooper Smith is the 12th&nbsp;Nebraska State Patrol Trooper to be honored on both memorials.Trooper Smith #373 was killed in the line of duty on June 20, 2019, when his cruiser was struck nearly head-on by another vehicle while he was patrolling on Highway 26 near Bridgeport. He is survived by his wife, three adult children, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Trooper Jerry Smith added to Nebraska, National Law Enforcement Memorials

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- The first 50 years of&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTUuMjE1ODk3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWFnYXppbmUub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.RjEHfEVOBdDkBHQyD3eSl63MAqKf45kNHf9jW8DUISo/br/78723494959-l" target="_blank">Nebraskaland</a>&nbsp;magazine are now available free in digital form online after a three-year collaboration between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Digital Research in the Humanities.

Readers can view, browse and search the editions between 1926 and 1976 at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTUuMjE1ODk3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL25lYnJhc2thbGFuZC51bmwuZWR1LyJ9.ZC7eee5qs8hpX9azLcAwAS7ygAZObn3PV8VtlQo1PII/br/78723494959-l" target="_blank">Nebraskaland.unl.edu</a>. The years made available capture changes in the magazine from its first iteration as Outdoor Nebraska, a publication created by the state’s first game warden, Frank B. O’Connell, to educate readers on current hunt and fish laws and the importance of conservation. Also captured is the introduction of full-color photo spreads that began in 1964, as well as the first special edition, “Portrait of the Plains,” printed in 1976.

“The magazine is a gold mine of our state’s outdoor heritage — both through engaging storytelling and outstanding photography,” said Jaclyn Cruikshank Vogt, Game and Parks photo librarian who spearheaded the project with the university.

“Whether you’re looking for information about the history of the Nebraska State Parks system; advice on how and where to hunt, fish or generally engage with the outdoors; want to learn more about the incredible diversity of plants, animals and eco-regions across our state as well as about the people who enjoy them,” she added, “the Nebraskaland Magazine Digital Archive is a good place to start.”

The online collection is available in two formats: one readable, transcribed text, and the other original images of the scanned pages. Both are mobile friendly.Some of those pages were 90 years old and crumbling when Cruikshank Vogt first started at Game and Parks in 2014. Recognizing that wasn’t sustainable, she reached out to former colleagues at the university center about developing a digital archive for the magazine.

“At the time we approached them, the CDRH wanted to grow their Nebraska Portal, their collection of digital projects specifically devoted to the history, art and people of Nebraska,” Cruikshank Vogt said.

And so, in March 2017, she packed up eight boxes of the magazine and dropped them off with the center, which spent the next three years using state-of-the-art equipment to scan the delicate print documents without damaging them. It took their team of five university faculty and staff, three graduate students, and seven undergraduate students two years to scan every issue, and three years to encode the text from the magazine pages into the files.

“We are very excited about the partnership with Game and Parks,” said Professor Katherine Walter, co-director of the CDRH. “Nebraskaland is an iconic publication, and we hope that readers of the digital edition gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Nebraska’s landscapes and wildlife.” She noted that the 50-year time span offers many opportunities for research.

More years of the magazine will be added to the archive as they become available, with the goal of having the entire run of the magazine archived. A one-year lag will be retained between what is in the archive and the current subscription year.

To learn more, or to search the archive, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTUuMjE1ODk3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL25lYnJhc2thbGFuZC51bmwuZWR1LyJ9.zTCA5RE_607u5C9_UfVBmolEkJz3EimXY8hZI8OQHhE/br/78723494959-l" target="_blank">Nebraskaland digital archive</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589562700638.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Nebraska -- The first 50 years of&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTUuMjE1ODk3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWFnYXppbmUub3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.RjEHfEVOBdDkBHQyD3eSl63MAqKf45kNHf9jW8DUISo/br/78723494959-l" target="_blank">Nebraskaland</a>&nbsp;magazine are now available free in digital form online after a three-year collaboration between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Digital Research in the Humanities.Readers can view, browse and search the editions between 1926 and 1976 at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTUuMjE1ODk3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL25lYnJhc2thbGFuZC51bmwuZWR1LyJ9.ZC7eee5qs8hpX9azLcAwAS7ygAZObn3PV8VtlQo1PII/br/78723494959-l" target="_blank">Nebraskaland.unl.edu</a>. The years made available capture changes in the magazine from its first iteration as Outdoor Nebraska, a publication created by the state’s first game warden, Frank B. O’Connell, to educate readers on current hunt and fish laws and the importance of conservation. Also captured is the introduction of full-color photo spreads that began in 1964, as well as the first special edition, “Portrait of the Plains,” printed in 1976.“The magazine is a gold mine of our state’s outdoor heritage — both through engaging storytelling and outstanding photography,” said Jaclyn Cruikshank Vogt, Game and Parks photo librarian who spearheaded the project with the university.“Whether you’re looking for information about the history of the Nebraska State Parks system; advice on how and where to hunt, fish or generally engage with the outdoors; want to learn more about the incredible diversity of plants, animals and eco-regions across our state as well as about the people who enjoy them,” she added, “the Nebraskaland Magazine Digital Archive is a good place to start.”The online collection is available in two formats: one readable, transcribed text, and the other original images of the scanned pages. Both are mobile friendly.Some of those pages were 90 years old and crumbling when Cruikshank Vogt first started at Game and Parks in 2014. Recognizing that wasn’t sustainable, she reached out to former colleagues at the university center about developing a digital archive for the magazine.“At the time we approached them, the CDRH wanted to grow their Nebraska Portal, their collection of digital projects specifically devoted to the history, art and people of Nebraska,” Cruikshank Vogt said.And so, in March 2017, she packed up eight boxes of the magazine and dropped them off with the center, which spent the next three years using state-of-the-art equipment to scan the delicate print documents without damaging them. It took their team of five university faculty and staff, three graduate students, and seven undergraduate students two years to scan every issue, and three years to encode the text from the magazine pages into the files.“We are very excited about the partnership with Game and Parks,” said Professor Katherine Walter, co-director of the CDRH. “Nebraskaland is an iconic publication, and we hope that readers of the digital edition gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Nebraska’s landscapes and wildlife.” She noted that the 50-year time span offers many opportunities for research.More years of the magazine will be added to the archive as they become available, with the goal of having the entire run of the magazine archived. A one-year lag will be retained between what is in the archive and the current subscription year.To learn more, or to search the archive, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTUuMjE1ODk3MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL25lYnJhc2thbGFuZC51bmwuZWR1LyJ9.zTCA5RE_607u5C9_UfVBmolEkJz3EimXY8hZI8OQHhE/br/78723494959-l" target="_blank">Nebraskaland digital archive</a>.

Digital archive features first 50 years of Nebraskaland magazine

That’s how Cynthia Huhman, of Merna, feels about finally earning a college degree.

Huhman is the recipient of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business with emphases in Business Administration and Marketing, as well as a leadership certificate, from Mid-Plains Community College.

“It feels so amazing,” Huhman said. “If I can do it with all the obstacles I faced – anyone can.”

Huhman started out as a traditional college student. She began taking business classes from MPCC as soon as she graduated from Anselmo-Merna High School in 1986.

“Then life hit,” said Huhman. “I got married and started a family right away. I had a baby on Christmas Day of my first semester. I continued taking classes through the following spring, but it was just too hard. I decided I couldn’t do it and took some time off.”

By the age of 27, Huhman had two children and her marriage had ended in divorce.

“I still wanted that degree,” Huhman said. “I knew I needed to do something for myself.”

She began driving to MPCC’s campus in North Platte to take more classes.

“As a single mom with two little kids, it just didn’t work out,” Huhman said. “I quit again and just focused on raising my family.”

Two years later, she remarried and started over with two more children.

“That marriage ended in divorce as well,” Huhman said. “I decided I was going to try for a degree again so I would have something to fall back on. Over the next several years, I took one class at a time. I couldn’t travel back and forth to North Platte with the kids at home, so I attempted classes online with dial-up Internet. That, too, was unsuccessful.”

Over time, the Internet improved, but Huhman couldn’t always afford it. She would check her assignments at the radio station where she worked, then after work, would put the kids to bed and drive six blocks to her parents’ house to send assignments through her parent’s Internet.

“I would also take any classes I could at the Broken Bow Library,” Huhman said. “Thank goodness we now have a campus in Broken Bow. If not for that, I don’t think I ever would have finished my degree.”

Huhman started taking classes at the campus as soon as it opened in 2011.

“I was still in this mindset of not wanting to take out student loans,” Huhman said. “I didn’t want debt that I might not be able to pay off, and I couldn’t afford to take anything extra out of my paychecks. So, I would save my tax returns and use them for classes. My education was always based on how much I had saved up.”

Her course load consisted of one or two classes per year.

“I finally decided I could do two classes at a time and still care for my kids,” Huhman said. “Because my first attempts at college were a failure, my GPA was really low. But, as my GPA went up, and I saw how I could get those As and Bs, I was like, ‘Wow. I can do this’.”

It was her children who inspired her to pursue college full-time. Her oldest son has a master’s degree in education, and her oldest daughter has degrees in public relations and massage therapy.

“My oldest son has Tourette Syndrome,” said Huhman. “My oldest daughter had some learning disabilities, and my third child is developmentally disabled. They’ve had all these challenges, and yet, they’ve succeeded. I always told them to pick themselves up and keep going. I couldn’t preach to them and not do it myself.”

In January of 2019, Huhman’s daughter told her that she would take college classes with her.

“My daughter basically said, ‘That’s enough screwing around. Everyone else has student loans. You can, too’,” said Huhman.

Kaci Johnson, MPCC Broken Bow campus administrator, made sure Huhman was not only signed up for the classes she needed, but also registered for FAFSA and student loans.

“I knew that if I took classes full-time last spring and all of this year, I could be done,” Huhman said. “This semester, Kaci told me that with just one more class I could also get a leadership certificate. I was already at 15 hours, and I didn’t think I could do it. But, Kaci encouraged me and I signed up late. I carried 18 credit hours and got straight As.”

Now a mother of five, Huhman was simultaneously raising a family, working part-time jobs and managing her own social media marketing company, Bootstraps Marketing.

“I know there were people who thought I was just playing in pursuing a higher education,” Huhman said. “I wasn’t playing.”

Her accomplishments didn’t fully sink in until she read her name on the commencement list posted on MPCC’s social media channels.

“I saw that someone had shared the post, but it didn’t dawn on me that I could be on it until three hours later,” Huhman said. “I went back, looked at the list, found my name and bawled all afternoon.”

Now that she has an associate degree, Huhman is considering the possibility of earning a bachelor’s degree and maybe even more.

“I’m 52, I’m not dead,” Huhman said. “There are always things out there to learn. I now consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I will probably never stop.”

More than anything, she hopes she has served as an example for others, and especially her children, that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.

“I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me,” Huhman said. “This was just my path. I made some bad decisions in life, but I couldn’t give up because my kids were watching. Everything I did, I did for them, and education is never a bad decision.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589560200129.png" alt="Cynthia Huhman, of Merna, stands with her family who inspired her to earn two associate degrees through MPCC at age 52. Pictured left to right are: Huhman’s daughter-in-law JaLisa, son Ryan, grandson Ryker, son Timmy, Huhman, daughter Bethany, son Reece, daughter Brittany, granddaughter Delilah and Brittany’s fiancé Jesse Toof. (Photo courtesy of Hillary Williams Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Cynthia Huhman, of Merna, stands with her family who inspired her to earn two associate degrees through MPCC at age 52. Pictured left to right are: Huhman’s daughter-in-law JaLisa, son Ryan, grandson Ryker, son Timmy, Huhman, daughter Bethany, son Reece, daughter Brittany, granddaughter Delilah and Brittany’s fiancé Jesse Toof. (Photo courtesy of Hillary Williams Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Heather Johnson-MPCCSome dreams are worth the wait.That’s how Cynthia Huhman, of Merna, feels about finally earning a college degree.Huhman is the recipient of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business with emphases in Business Administration and Marketing, as well as a leadership certificate, from Mid-Plains Community College.“It feels so amazing,” Huhman said. “If I can do it with all the obstacles I faced – anyone can.”Huhman started out as a traditional college student. She began taking business classes from MPCC as soon as she graduated from Anselmo-Merna High School in 1986.“Then life hit,” said Huhman. “I got married and started a family right away. I had a baby on Christmas Day of my first semester. I continued taking classes through the following spring, but it was just too hard. I decided I couldn’t do it and took some time off.”By the age of 27, Huhman had two children and her marriage had ended in divorce.“I still wanted that degree,” Huhman said. “I knew I needed to do something for myself.”She began driving to MPCC’s campus in North Platte to take more classes.“As a single mom with two little kids, it just didn’t work out,” Huhman said. “I quit again and just focused on raising my family.”Two years later, she remarried and started over with two more children.“That marriage ended in divorce as well,” Huhman said. “I decided I was going to try for a degree again so I would have something to fall back on. Over the next several years, I took one class at a time. I couldn’t travel back and forth to North Platte with the kids at home, so I attempted classes online with dial-up Internet. That, too, was unsuccessful.”Over time, the Internet improved, but Huhman couldn’t always afford it. She would check her assignments at the radio station where she worked, then after work, would put the kids to bed and drive six blocks to her parents’ house to send assignments through her parent’s Internet.“I would also take any classes I could at the Broken Bow Library,” Huhman said. “Thank goodness we now have a campus in Broken Bow. If not for that, I don’t think I ever would have finished my degree.”Huhman started taking classes at the campus as soon as it opened in 2011.“I was still in this mindset of not wanting to take out student loans,” Huhman said. “I didn’t want debt that I might not be able to pay off, and I couldn’t afford to take anything extra out of my paychecks. So, I would save my tax returns and use them for classes. My education was always based on how much I had saved up.”Her course load consisted of one or two classes per year.“I finally decided I could do two classes at a time and still care for my kids,” Huhman said. “Because my first attempts at college were a failure, my GPA was really low. But, as my GPA went up, and I saw how I could get those As and Bs, I was like, ‘Wow. I can do this’.”It was her children who inspired her to pursue college full-time. Her oldest son has a master’s degree in education, and her oldest daughter has degrees in public relations and massage therapy.“My oldest son has Tourette Syndrome,” said Huhman. “My oldest daughter had some learning disabilities, and my third child is developmentally disabled. They’ve had all these challenges, and yet, they’ve succeeded. I always told them to pick themselves up and keep going. I couldn’t preach to them and not do it myself.”In January of 2019, Huhman’s daughter told her that she would take college classes with her.“My daughter basically said, ‘That’s enough screwing around. Everyone else has student loans. You can, too’,” said Huhman.Kaci Johnson, MPCC Broken Bow campus administrator, made sure Huhman was not only signed up for the classes she needed, but also registered for FAFSA and student loans.“I knew that if I took classes full-time last spring and all of this year, I could be done,” Huhman said. “This semester, Kaci told me that with just one more class I could also get a leadership certificate. I was already at 15 hours, and I didn’t think I could do it. But, Kaci encouraged me and I signed up late. I carried 18 credit hours and got straight As.”Now a mother of five, Huhman was simultaneously raising a family, working part-time jobs and managing her own social media marketing company, Bootstraps Marketing.“I know there were people who thought I was just playing in pursuing a higher education,” Huhman said. “I wasn’t playing.”Her accomplishments didn’t fully sink in until she read her name on the commencement list posted on MPCC’s social media channels.“I saw that someone had shared the post, but it didn’t dawn on me that I could be on it until three hours later,” Huhman said. “I went back, looked at the list, found my name and bawled all afternoon.”Now that she has an associate degree, Huhman is considering the possibility of earning a bachelor’s degree and maybe even more.“I’m 52, I’m not dead,” Huhman said. “There are always things out there to learn. I now consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I will probably never stop.”More than anything, she hopes she has served as an example for others, and especially her children, that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.“I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me,” Huhman said. “This was just my path. I made some bad decisions in life, but I couldn’t give up because my kids were watching. Everything I did, I did for them, and education is never a bad decision.”

Merna woman earns college degree after 30 years

Authorities say the vehicle found submerged in Fire Lake was stolen.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says a Nebraska Public Power District helicopter on routine patrol spotted the submerged vehicle in the lake and contacted authorities.

The Lincoln County Dive Team was able to confirm the vehicle's license plate number which confirmed the vehicle had been stolen from North Platte over a month ago.

Scanner traffic indicates that the vehicle has now been removed from the lake and will be transported to a secure location for processing.&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A search is underway for a vehicle at Birdwood State Recreation Area, commonly known as Fire Lake.

Authorities say the Lincoln County Dive Team, with the assistance of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and North Platte Fire and Rescue, is working to locate and retrieve a vehicle from the lake.

Officials say no one is in the vehicle but did not provide any further details.

This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.&nbsp;

UPDATEAuthorities say the vehicle found submerged in Fire Lake was stolen.The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says a Nebraska Public Power District helicopter on routine patrol spotted the submerged vehicle in the lake and contacted authorities.The Lincoln County Dive Team was able to confirm the vehicle's license plate number which confirmed the vehicle had been stolen from North Platte over a month ago.Scanner traffic indicates that the vehicle has now been removed from the lake and will be transported to a secure location for processing.&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A search is underway for a vehicle at Birdwood State Recreation Area, commonly known as Fire Lake.Authorities say the Lincoln County Dive Team, with the assistance of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and North Platte Fire and Rescue, is working to locate and retrieve a vehicle from the lake.Officials say no one is in the vehicle but did not provide any further details.This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.&nbsp;

UPDATED Lincoln County Dive Team searching Fire Lake for vehicle

As we battle coronavirus as a state, we must work together to practice physical distancing as we reopen the parts of our society that were temporarily closed.&nbsp; This is a virus for which we have no immunity.&nbsp; We can’t stop it, but we can slow its spread to ensure that we preserve our healthcare system.

An analogy I use is that we could end almost all traffic fatalities in Nebraska by lowering the speed limit to five miles per hour.&nbsp; But we don’t do that.&nbsp; With regard to coronavirus, we have put measures in place that have essentially “reduced the speed” in society to five miles per hour.&nbsp; We’ve slowed everybody down to protect the healthcare system.&nbsp; These measures have worked, and we have flattened the curve in Nebraska.&nbsp; This has allowed us to succeed in our main goal of preventing our hospitals from being overwhelmed.&nbsp;

These restrictions have had difficult consequences, but they were necessary for a short time.&nbsp; Now that we’re confident in our ability to maintain our healthcare system, we can begin to find the right speed as we move forward.&nbsp;

As we return to a more normal way of life, we’re not going to floor the accelerator. &nbsp;We’ll proceed with caution, gradually picking up the pace while keeping a constant eye on public health data. &nbsp;The Test Nebraska initiative with its three-part strategy—1) Assess, 2) Test, 3) Trace—will help us to gather the data we need to make smart decisions about how fast to move forward.

The first step of our Test Nebraska strategy is to have Nebraskans fill out a simple, five-minute health assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C5128a05234624c5bd30a08d7f8e297ec%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251524396826045&amp;sdata=QceQqpfCSSW9D0HYA%2FLfXnmwjI3KEL2P51jqxRvK%2Bww%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.&nbsp; These assessments help us determine where to deploy our testing resources.&nbsp; Right now, anyone who takes the assessment will be prioritized for testing if they choose the response “yes, I have symptoms.”&nbsp; Additionally, anyone who selects health care, first responder, or food processing as their occupation will also be prioritized, even if they do not report any symptoms of illness on the assessment.

Everyone who signs up at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C5128a05234624c5bd30a08d7f8e297ec%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251524396836006&amp;sdata=2bGUicldLfH2JbQKPZ5eWVcTT93iXVP1Iz2G908iE7U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;will receive periodic follow-up emails requesting updates to their health assessment.&nbsp; Symptoms can develop quickly, and we ask people to update their assessment from time to time as requested.&nbsp; So far, about 140,000 Nebraskans have completed assessments. &nbsp;Please help us to increase that number by signing up and encouraging your friends and family to do the same.

We’re using information from the assessments to decide where to set up mobile testing sites across Nebraska. &nbsp;The Nebraska National Guard is overseeing the test sites to ensure that they run as smoothly as possible.&nbsp; We’ve tested at sites in Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, and Schuyler.&nbsp; We are moving to Lexington and Norfolk as well.&nbsp; We have set up our laboratory at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln to serve as the central site to analyze the samples collected at our Test Nebraska locations.&nbsp; At capacity, we expect the lab to process 3,000 tests per day once testing is fully ramped up.&nbsp;

Testing helps us identify positive cases so that we can isolate individuals with coronavirus and quarantine the members of their household.&nbsp; This serves the dual purpose of helping affected individuals monitor their health and of reducing exposure in the community.&nbsp; Whenever someone tests positive, public health teams interview them to learn more about the people and places they’ve recently visited.&nbsp; We then ask additional folks to quarantine if there’s a significant risk that they’ve been exposed to the virus. &nbsp;We’re continuing to mobilize and equip teammates within our Department of Health and Human Services to perform contact tracing.&nbsp; Our goal is to have 1,000 additional contact tracers at the State that can support our Local Health Departments.

Nebraskans should expect to see our cumulative number of coronavirus cases rise as we expand testing. &nbsp;This does not necessarily indicate an increased rate of infection.&nbsp; In part, it reflects our enhanced ability to trace the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Throughout May, we are continuing to ask everyone to follow our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home.&nbsp; Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limit.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week.&nbsp; Do not take family with you.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing.&nbsp; Play at home.&nbsp; No group sports or playgrounds.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term care facilities.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.

As we relax restrictions, Nebraskans will still need to be mindful of maintaining physical distance from one another. &nbsp;Physical distancing combined with testing and contact tracing will help us continue to protect our healthcare system.&nbsp; These measures are especially important for Nebraskans with health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, a compromised immune system, diabetes, or respiratory illness.&nbsp;

For the latest information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.Governor.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and subscribe to the coronavirus updates.&nbsp; You can also visit&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp; Additionally, we’ve set up a Test Nebraska hotline at 402-207-9377 to answer questions about the testing initiative.&nbsp;

We will get through this as we have always done in Nebraska—by working together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579024294426.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Governor's Weekly ColumnBy Governor Pete RickettsAs we battle coronavirus as a state, we must work together to practice physical distancing as we reopen the parts of our society that were temporarily closed.&nbsp; This is a virus for which we have no immunity.&nbsp; We can’t stop it, but we can slow its spread to ensure that we preserve our healthcare system.An analogy I use is that we could end almost all traffic fatalities in Nebraska by lowering the speed limit to five miles per hour.&nbsp; But we don’t do that.&nbsp; With regard to coronavirus, we have put measures in place that have essentially “reduced the speed” in society to five miles per hour.&nbsp; We’ve slowed everybody down to protect the healthcare system.&nbsp; These measures have worked, and we have flattened the curve in Nebraska.&nbsp; This has allowed us to succeed in our main goal of preventing our hospitals from being overwhelmed.&nbsp;These restrictions have had difficult consequences, but they were necessary for a short time.&nbsp; Now that we’re confident in our ability to maintain our healthcare system, we can begin to find the right speed as we move forward.&nbsp;As we return to a more normal way of life, we’re not going to floor the accelerator. &nbsp;We’ll proceed with caution, gradually picking up the pace while keeping a constant eye on public health data. &nbsp;The Test Nebraska initiative with its three-part strategy—1) Assess, 2) Test, 3) Trace—will help us to gather the data we need to make smart decisions about how fast to move forward.Test Nebraska: AssessThe first step of our Test Nebraska strategy is to have Nebraskans fill out a simple, five-minute health assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C5128a05234624c5bd30a08d7f8e297ec%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251524396826045&amp;sdata=QceQqpfCSSW9D0HYA%2FLfXnmwjI3KEL2P51jqxRvK%2Bww%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>.&nbsp; These assessments help us determine where to deploy our testing resources.&nbsp; Right now, anyone who takes the assessment will be prioritized for testing if they choose the response “yes, I have symptoms.”&nbsp; Additionally, anyone who selects health care, first responder, or food processing as their occupation will also be prioritized, even if they do not report any symptoms of illness on the assessment.Everyone who signs up at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C5128a05234624c5bd30a08d7f8e297ec%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637251524396836006&amp;sdata=2bGUicldLfH2JbQKPZ5eWVcTT93iXVP1Iz2G908iE7U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;will receive periodic follow-up emails requesting updates to their health assessment.&nbsp; Symptoms can develop quickly, and we ask people to update their assessment from time to time as requested.&nbsp; So far, about 140,000 Nebraskans have completed assessments. &nbsp;Please help us to increase that number by signing up and encouraging your friends and family to do the same.Test Nebraska: TestWe’re using information from the assessments to decide where to set up mobile testing sites across Nebraska. &nbsp;The Nebraska National Guard is overseeing the test sites to ensure that they run as smoothly as possible.&nbsp; We’ve tested at sites in Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, and Schuyler.&nbsp; We are moving to Lexington and Norfolk as well.&nbsp; We have set up our laboratory at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln to serve as the central site to analyze the samples collected at our Test Nebraska locations.&nbsp; At capacity, we expect the lab to process 3,000 tests per day once testing is fully ramped up.&nbsp;Test Nebraska: TraceTesting helps us identify positive cases so that we can isolate individuals with coronavirus and quarantine the members of their household.&nbsp; This serves the dual purpose of helping affected individuals monitor their health and of reducing exposure in the community.&nbsp; Whenever someone tests positive, public health teams interview them to learn more about the people and places they’ve recently visited.&nbsp; We then ask additional folks to quarantine if there’s a significant risk that they’ve been exposed to the virus. &nbsp;We’re continuing to mobilize and equip teammates within our Department of Health and Human Services to perform contact tracing.&nbsp; Our goal is to have 1,000 additional contact tracers at the State that can support our Local Health Departments.Nebraskans should expect to see our cumulative number of coronavirus cases rise as we expand testing. &nbsp;This does not necessarily indicate an increased rate of infection.&nbsp; In part, it reflects our enhanced ability to trace the spread of the virus.&nbsp;Throughout May, we are continuing to ask everyone to follow our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home.&nbsp; Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limit.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week.&nbsp; Do not take family with you.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing.&nbsp; Play at home.&nbsp; No group sports or playgrounds.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term care facilities.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.As we relax restrictions, Nebraskans will still need to be mindful of maintaining physical distance from one another. &nbsp;Physical distancing combined with testing and contact tracing will help us continue to protect our healthcare system.&nbsp; These measures are especially important for Nebraskans with health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, a compromised immune system, diabetes, or respiratory illness.&nbsp;For the latest information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">www.Governor.Nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and subscribe to the coronavirus updates.&nbsp; You can also visit&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp; Additionally, we’ve set up a Test Nebraska hotline at 402-207-9377 to answer questions about the testing initiative.&nbsp;We will get through this as we have always done in Nebraska—by working together.