AccuWeather Global Weather Center – May 14, 2020 –&nbsp;The&nbsp;coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;has crushed U.S. airlines in ways so devastating, abrupt and potentially long term that a return to the recent normalcy of February could be years or more away.&nbsp;

There has been&nbsp;a 93 percent drop in passenger volume for U.S. airlines&nbsp;since February, after roughly 5 percent growth in January-February, according to Airlines for America. That has led airlines&nbsp;to idle 52 percent of the total of 6,100-plus U.S. passenger aircraft&nbsp;as of May 12. Just 5 percent were grounded on Feb. 29.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the CEO of plane maker Boeing predicted on NBC’s&nbsp;Today&nbsp;show that&nbsp;a major U.S. airline would go out of business by this fall. “Something will happen when September comes around,” said Boeing CEO David Calhoun.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The rest of May and all of June – the heart of tornado season – should be a more immediate concern for the airlines. Many of those idled planes are parked in areas prone to tornadoes or severe storms at this time of year.&nbsp;

“Airplanes are sitting ducks in this crisis,” said AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok.

“I was surprised to see the planes parked in places where things could be bad because of the weather,” said&nbsp;AccuWeather’s Geoff Knauth, a pilot with more than 41 years of flying experience.&nbsp;“The question is, if there is a tornado bearing down, how do you move things quickly enough?”

Airports have closed some runways and parked planes in Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Denver, as well as tornado-prone sites such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Kansas City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, among other locations.&nbsp;

AccuWeather Global Weather Center – May 14, 2020 –&nbsp;The&nbsp;coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;has crushed U.S. airlines in ways so devastating, abrupt and potentially long term that a return to the recent normalcy of February could be years or more away.&nbsp;There has been&nbsp;a 93 percent drop in passenger volume for U.S. airlines&nbsp;since February, after roughly 5 percent growth in January-February, according to Airlines for America. That has led airlines&nbsp;to idle 52 percent of the total of 6,100-plus U.S. passenger aircraft&nbsp;as of May 12. Just 5 percent were grounded on Feb. 29.&nbsp;On Tuesday, the CEO of plane maker Boeing predicted on NBC’s&nbsp;Today&nbsp;show that&nbsp;a major U.S. airline would go out of business by this fall. “Something will happen when September comes around,” said Boeing CEO David Calhoun.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rest of May and all of June – the heart of tornado season – should be a more immediate concern for the airlines. Many of those idled planes are parked in areas prone to tornadoes or severe storms at this time of year.&nbsp;“Airplanes are sitting ducks in this crisis,” said AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok.“I was surprised to see the planes parked in places where things could be bad because of the weather,” said&nbsp;AccuWeather’s Geoff Knauth, a pilot with more than 41 years of flying experience.&nbsp;“The question is, if there is a tornado bearing down, how do you move things quickly enough?”Airports have closed some runways and parked planes in Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Denver, as well as tornado-prone sites such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Kansas City and Tulsa, Oklahoma, among other locations.&nbsp;

Planes idled by the pandemic could be 'sitting ducks' in tornado-prone cities

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska saw four more deaths Wednesday from COVID-19, and local health department officials expressed growing concern over the high number of infection among minorities.

The state's total deaths from COVID-19 since the outbreak began earlier this year is now at 107, state health officials said. The state also saw a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">surge&nbsp;</a>of 383 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Wednesday, bringing the state's total number of cases to 9,075.

The new numbers were released as health department officials in Omaha and Lincoln said a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases are being seen among minority populations. In Douglas County, the health department says more than 40% of its cases have been confirmed in the Latino community. In Lincoln, the mayor's office said in a news release that nearly 70% of cases in Lancaster County are Asian, Latino or black.

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.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska saw four more deaths Wednesday from COVID-19, and local health department officials expressed growing concern over the high number of infection among minorities.The state's total deaths from COVID-19 since the outbreak began earlier this year is now at 107, state health officials said. The state also saw a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">surge&nbsp;</a>of 383 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Wednesday, bringing the state's total number of cases to 9,075.The new numbers were released as health department officials in Omaha and Lincoln said a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases are being seen among minority populations. In Douglas County, the health department says more than 40% of its cases have been confirmed in the Latino community. In Lincoln, the mayor's office said in a news release that nearly 70% of cases in Lancaster County are Asian, Latino or black.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 sees 4 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing total to 107

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589490130590.png" alt="This information provided by the North Platte Police Department." />
 <figcaption>This information provided by the North Platte Police Department.</figcaption>
 </figure>

North Platte Police Call Log (May 7-13, 2020)

Hirschfeld's in Downtown North Platte will be honoring healthcare workers with photos and light show at their store. Have a listen and support this cool event!

Hirschfeld's in Downtown North Platte will be honoring healthcare workers with photos and light show at their store. Have a listen and support this cool event!<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/820418038&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe></div>

🎧 Post Podcast: Hirschfeld's to honor healthcare workers in Downtown North Platte

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The head of a Native American tribe says the tribe won’t comply with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's demand to remove coronavirus checkpoints it set up on federal and state highways that run through its reservation.

 The Republican governor says the checkpoints are illegal and that she asked the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe to restrict them to tribal roads only. 

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chairman Harold Frazier sent a letter to Noem saying his tribe would consider her points. But he made clear to The Associated Press that he believes the tribe is within its rights to operate checkpoints anywhere on its reservation. 

The Oglala Sioux Tribe didn't reply to a request for comment.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The head of a Native American tribe says the tribe won’t comply with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's demand to remove coronavirus checkpoints it set up on federal and state highways that run through its reservation. The Republican governor says the checkpoints are illegal and that she asked the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe to restrict them to tribal roads only. Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe chairman Harold Frazier sent a letter to Noem saying his tribe would consider her points. But he made clear to The Associated Press that he believes the tribe is within its rights to operate checkpoints anywhere on its reservation. The Oglala Sioux Tribe didn't reply to a request for comment.

Native American tribe says sovereignty allows checkpoints

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of Nebraskans filing new unemployment claims appears to be stabilizing but is still far higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released Thursday.

Nebraska state officials received 6,408 new jobless claims during the week that ended March 9, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Last week, the state reported 6,418 claims.

The number of claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d3d2181755cf0e0ac0f15c224682157f" target="_blank">surged to a record 26,788</a>&nbsp;in early April and has slowly trended downward since. Unemployment in Nebraska and nationally has surged as state governments imposed social distancing restrictions to try to keep the coronavirus from spreading and overwhelming local hospitals.

The increase overwhelmed the Nebraska Department of Labor, despite an increase in the number of workers to process claims. The department's original goal of processing 90% of claims in three weeks has been lowered to processing 75% of the claims in four weeks, forcing some unemployed residents to wait longer for their benefits.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The number of Nebraskans filing new unemployment claims appears to be stabilizing but is still far higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released Thursday.Nebraska state officials received 6,408 new jobless claims during the week that ended March 9, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Last week, the state reported 6,418 claims.The number of claims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d3d2181755cf0e0ac0f15c224682157f" target="_blank">surged to a record 26,788</a>&nbsp;in early April and has slowly trended downward since. Unemployment in Nebraska and nationally has surged as state governments imposed social distancing restrictions to try to keep the coronavirus from spreading and overwhelming local hospitals.The increase overwhelmed the Nebraska Department of Labor, despite an increase in the number of workers to process claims. The department's original goal of processing 90% of claims in three weeks has been lowered to processing 75% of the claims in four weeks, forcing some unemployed residents to wait longer for their benefits.

Nebraska unemployment claims stable but higher than normal

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that a dedicated hotline has been set up to answer questions about the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; The number is&nbsp;402-207-9377.&nbsp;&nbsp;Previously, the State’s general coronavirus hotline had been fielding calls related to Test Nebraska.&nbsp;

The Governor also thanked nurses and caregivers for their work to serve Nebraskans during the pandemic.&nbsp; He proclaimed May 10-16, 2020 as Skilled Nursing Care Week in Nebraska in recognition of their ongoing efforts.&nbsp; Heath Boddy, President &amp; CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association joined Gov. Ricketts at this afternoon’s briefing.&nbsp; He underscored the heroic work being done at&nbsp;skilled nursing and long-term care facilities across the state.

Additionally, First Lady Susanne Shore took part in today’s press event.&nbsp; She highlighted Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, overviewed its work to meet the needs of communities affected by the virus, and invited Nebraskans to join the relief efforts.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533861152&amp;sdata=9pTc1bkjblAGoG%2B1YqpSFitj9z8dA%2BVJmGc7JDzKX%2Bo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testing sites are operating in Lincoln and Omaha today.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, Test Nebraska will be in Norfolk.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, mobile testing teams will be in Lexington.

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

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer support for Test Nebraska.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are excited to announce today that a call center will be providing support for Test Nebraska. &nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;To date, our general coronavirus hotline has assisted with questions regarding Test Nebraska. &nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Going forward, a call center with experience supporting this system will be available to help our residents.&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;The number for the new Test Nebraska call center is 402-207-9377.

First Lady Shore: Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have worked in close collaboration with the Bring Up Nebraska Community Collaborative, which is a program of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, to identify areas of need across the state.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The majority of our funds, around $250,000, have gone to provide emergency food assistance in virus hotspots, including Colfax, Dakota, Dawson, Hall, Madison, and Platte counties.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have also worked with school administrators in Platte and Colfax counties to provide refurbished laptops and tablets to low-income students, as well as to youth who have aged out of the foster care system.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to do everything we can to help our non-profit partners across the state meet the needs of our citizens.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I have two requests.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;First, if you are able, please consider making a financial contribution to Nebraska Impact, the Food Bank of the Heartland, the Food Bank of Lincoln, or your local food pantry or non-profit.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;You can donate to Nebraska Impact online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533866130&amp;sdata=UY1ML0IPx7GmuQtNyAo6uvXfJEcq4x8sbGq1h5zZlhE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org</a>.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Second, please consider donating masks.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;I have heard from multiple sources this week, including food banks, that there are a lot of people who don’t have access to masks.&nbsp; This puts them at greater risk when they have to go out in public, such as to pick up food for their families.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Providing these masks to people in some of our hardest-hit communities is one way we can help keep Nebraskans safe.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I’m asking all of the wonderful, talented seamstresses—both expert and novice—to sew and donate cloth facemasks to those in need.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Information on how to donate masks, along with a tutorial on how to make facemasks, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2Fmasks&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533871100&amp;sdata=F9pQPOnqiAs6iC49s1IgubOS57UVqQ0obd%2FTdxCdLoY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org/masks</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I appreciate everyone’s strength, sense of community, and resilience.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will get through this difficult time by working together and lifting up those in need.

Gov. Ricketts: Skilled Nursing Care Week

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This week is Skilled Nursing Care Week. &nbsp;Facilities across the state are doing an excellent job of delivering care to our most vulnerable at an incredibly difficult time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to remind people not to visit skilled nursing or long-term care facilities at this time. &nbsp;We need to protect people from the virus.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I also want to thank all of our nurses who are making sacrifices and putting their health on the line at this time.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To recognize their work, I’m declaring this week as Skilled Nursing Week in Nebraska.

Heath Boddy: Skilled Nursing Care Week

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our long-term care providers continue to be in a war against this virus.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They’re providing high-quality care while also helping our elderly residents connect with their family members in new, physically distanced ways so that they can stay engaged.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Courageous caregivers get up each morning to serve well, care well, and keep people as safe as they can be.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Nebraskans, I encourage you to rally around the skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in your area.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Find ways to show support of the elderly residents who cannot physically be close to their loved ones right now.&nbsp; And give encouragement to the team members who bring their passion and dedication to the job each day to serve some of our most vulnerable residents.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fczkcswmjcqwq6n2%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.13.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533871100&amp;sdata=SBnNIAacALxG%2BNPNiWEitgWujV2NVqtAxJpigU%2FolDI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589451198431.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, President &amp; CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association&nbsp;Heath Boddy (standing, far left, and First Lady Susanne Shore (standing, second from left)&nbsp;at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, President &amp; CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association&nbsp;Heath Boddy (standing, far left, and First Lady Susanne Shore (standing, second from left)&nbsp;at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that a dedicated hotline has been set up to answer questions about the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; The number is&nbsp;402-207-9377.&nbsp;&nbsp;Previously, the State’s general coronavirus hotline had been fielding calls related to Test Nebraska.&nbsp;The Governor also thanked nurses and caregivers for their work to serve Nebraskans during the pandemic.&nbsp; He proclaimed May 10-16, 2020 as Skilled Nursing Care Week in Nebraska in recognition of their ongoing efforts.&nbsp; Heath Boddy, President &amp; CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association joined Gov. Ricketts at this afternoon’s briefing.&nbsp; He underscored the heroic work being done at&nbsp;skilled nursing and long-term care facilities across the state.Additionally, First Lady Susanne Shore took part in today’s press event.&nbsp; She highlighted Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, overviewed its work to meet the needs of communities affected by the virus, and invited Nebraskans to join the relief efforts.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533861152&amp;sdata=9pTc1bkjblAGoG%2B1YqpSFitj9z8dA%2BVJmGc7JDzKX%2Bo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testing sites are operating in Lincoln and Omaha today.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, Test Nebraska will be in Norfolk.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, mobile testing teams will be in Lexington.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More sites will be announced in the near future.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customer support for Test Nebraska.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are excited to announce today that a call center will be providing support for Test Nebraska. &nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;To date, our general coronavirus hotline has assisted with questions regarding Test Nebraska. &nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;Going forward, a call center with experience supporting this system will be available to help our residents.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;The number for the new Test Nebraska call center is 402-207-9377.First Lady Shore: Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 Relief Fund·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have worked in close collaboration with the Bring Up Nebraska Community Collaborative, which is a program of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, to identify areas of need across the state.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The majority of our funds, around $250,000, have gone to provide emergency food assistance in virus hotspots, including Colfax, Dakota, Dawson, Hall, Madison, and Platte counties.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have also worked with school administrators in Platte and Colfax counties to provide refurbished laptops and tablets to low-income students, as well as to youth who have aged out of the foster care system.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to do everything we can to help our non-profit partners across the state meet the needs of our citizens.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I have two requests.o&nbsp;&nbsp;First, if you are able, please consider making a financial contribution to Nebraska Impact, the Food Bank of the Heartland, the Food Bank of Lincoln, or your local food pantry or non-profit.§&nbsp;&nbsp;You can donate to Nebraska Impact online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533866130&amp;sdata=UY1ML0IPx7GmuQtNyAo6uvXfJEcq4x8sbGq1h5zZlhE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org</a>.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Second, please consider donating masks.§&nbsp;&nbsp;I have heard from multiple sources this week, including food banks, that there are a lot of people who don’t have access to masks.&nbsp; This puts them at greater risk when they have to go out in public, such as to pick up food for their families.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Providing these masks to people in some of our hardest-hit communities is one way we can help keep Nebraskans safe.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, I’m asking all of the wonderful, talented seamstresses—both expert and novice—to sew and donate cloth facemasks to those in need.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Information on how to donate masks, along with a tutorial on how to make facemasks, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimpact.org%2Fmasks&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533871100&amp;sdata=F9pQPOnqiAs6iC49s1IgubOS57UVqQ0obd%2FTdxCdLoY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.neimpact.org/masks</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I appreciate everyone’s strength, sense of community, and resilience.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will get through this difficult time by working together and lifting up those in need.Gov. Ricketts: Skilled Nursing Care Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This week is Skilled Nursing Care Week. &nbsp;Facilities across the state are doing an excellent job of delivering care to our most vulnerable at an incredibly difficult time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to remind people not to visit skilled nursing or long-term care facilities at this time. &nbsp;We need to protect people from the virus.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I also want to thank all of our nurses who are making sacrifices and putting their health on the line at this time.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To recognize their work, I’m declaring this week as Skilled Nursing Week in Nebraska.Heath Boddy: Skilled Nursing Care Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our long-term care providers continue to be in a war against this virus.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They’re providing high-quality care while also helping our elderly residents connect with their family members in new, physically distanced ways so that they can stay engaged.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Courageous caregivers get up each morning to serve well, care well, and keep people as safe as they can be.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Nebraskans, I encourage you to rally around the skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in your area.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Find ways to show support of the elderly residents who cannot physically be close to their loved ones right now.&nbsp; And give encouragement to the team members who bring their passion and dedication to the job each day to serve some of our most vulnerable residents.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fczkcswmjcqwq6n2%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.13.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C2eb5abbccefe4242cf6f08d7f78d0ffa%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637250057533871100&amp;sdata=SBnNIAacALxG%2BNPNiWEitgWujV2NVqtAxJpigU%2FolDI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts highlights new Test Nebraska hotline, proclaims 'Skilled Nursing Care Week' 

LINCOLN (DHHS) –&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (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 total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 107, according to the DHHS data dashboard.

To view county-specific data, just click on the county within the Nebraska map.

Additional hospital data was also added to the dashboard. On the hospital capacity tab, there is now the number of Nebraska hospital beds available and total hospital beds, the number of ICU beds available and the total number of ICU beds, and the number of ventilators available and the total number of ventilators in the state.

Richardson County reported its first case of COVID-19 today. DHHS also reported the first case in Garfield County yesterday. That case was erroneously entered as a Garfield County case and belongs to another county. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 9,075. 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.

Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state's Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</a>.

Governor Ricketts announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska 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/&nbsp;</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

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&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>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589449813123.png" alt="Click <a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1oOl5f7dhwIvJFr62_xDTXgWd76n-6apa11hBs-IX1CI4vOp0U7oGqC3M#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3">HERE</a> to view the dashboard." />
 <figcaption>Click <a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1oOl5f7dhwIvJFr62_xDTXgWd76n-6apa11hBs-IX1CI4vOp0U7oGqC3M#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3">HERE</a> to view the dashboard.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN (DHHS) –&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (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 total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 107, according to the DHHS data dashboard. To view county-specific data, just click on the county within the Nebraska map.Additional hospital data was also added to the dashboard. On the hospital capacity tab, there is now the number of Nebraska hospital beds available and total hospital beds, the number of ICU beds available and the total number of ICU beds, and the number of ventilators available and the total number of ventilators in the state.Richardson County reported its first case of COVID-19 today. DHHS also reported the first case in Garfield County yesterday. That case was erroneously entered as a Garfield County case and belongs to another county. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 9,075. 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.Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state's Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</a>.Governor Ricketts announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska 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/&nbsp;</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.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&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>.

DHHS COVID-19 dashboard now includes death data, hospital capacity


The
North Platte Public Schools Foundation in conjunction with North
Platte Public&nbsp;Schools is excited to announce that we are
honoring Stevie Reed as the NPPS Bulldog Staff Member of the Month
for&nbsp;May.&nbsp;  Mrs.
Reed is a Second Grade Teacher at Cody Elementary.  Reed, a graduate
of St. Patrick’s High School, received her bachelor's in education
at Chadron and dual Masters Degrees from Doane.  She has taught at
both Jefferson and Cody as well as coached high school softball and
middle school track.  At Cody, she is a co-leader of the CIP team and
on the Teaching and Learning advisory team.  



Her
Principal Dr. Tami Eshleman said.  “Stevie
has a fun, engaging, and caring classroom.  She has stepped into many
roles here at Cody and we are glad she became part of our team.”&nbsp;

<a></a>
The
May business sponsor was Tim Malkar~American Family Insurance Agency.
 Monthly Sponsors give honorees a gift basket. The Foundation
provides balloons and a gift card to the Bulldog Store at NPHS, and
Prairie Friends and Flowers delivers a bouquet.&nbsp;

The
North Platte Public Schools Foundation facilitates the program and
takes nominations from principals and administration.&nbsp; Staff
members are awarded monthly throughout the school year and will be
recognized at Education after Hours.  The Foundation is seeking
sponsors for the 2020-2021 Staff Persons of the month for NPPS. 
Interested
business sponsors can contact the North Platte Public Schools
Foundation at 696-3325.  


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589424453354.png" alt="Stevie Reed" />
 <figcaption>Stevie Reed</figcaption>
 </figure>News Release
The
North Platte Public Schools Foundation in conjunction with North
Platte Public&nbsp;Schools is excited to announce that we are
honoring Stevie Reed as the NPPS Bulldog Staff Member of the Month
for&nbsp;May.&nbsp; Mrs.
Reed is a Second Grade Teacher at Cody Elementary. Reed, a graduate
of St. Patrick’s High School, received her bachelor's in education
at Chadron and dual Masters Degrees from Doane. She has taught at
both Jefferson and Cody as well as coached high school softball and
middle school track. At Cody, she is a co-leader of the CIP team and
on the Teaching and Learning advisory team. 

Her
Principal Dr. Tami Eshleman said. “Stevie
has a fun, engaging, and caring classroom. She has stepped into many
roles here at Cody and we are glad she became part of our team.”&nbsp;<a></a>
The
May business sponsor was Tim Malkar~American Family Insurance Agency.
 Monthly Sponsors give honorees a gift basket. The Foundation
provides balloons and a gift card to the Bulldog Store at NPHS, and
Prairie Friends and Flowers delivers a bouquet.&nbsp; 
The
North Platte Public Schools Foundation facilitates the program and
takes nominations from principals and administration.&nbsp; Staff
members are awarded monthly throughout the school year and will be
recognized at Education after Hours. The Foundation is seeking
sponsors for the 2020-2021 Staff Persons of the month for NPPS. 
Interested
business sponsors can contact the North Platte Public Schools
Foundation at 696-3325.

Stevie Reed named NPPS Bulldog Staff Member of the Month for May

Unified Command confirms two new cases of COVID-19. &nbsp;A Scotts Bluff County male in his 20s and a Morrill County female in her 20s are close contacts of a previously positive case. 

The investigation is complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. There are no community exposure sites identified. Exposure is defined as at least 10 minutes, less than six feet apart. 

Box Butte County: 1 case (recovered)

Cheyenne County: 9 cases (2 active, 7 recovered)

Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)

Morrill County: 10 Cases (7 active, 3 recovered)

Scotts Bluff County: 47 Cases (20 active, 27 recovered)

Throughout the month of May, we are reminding people to respect the following to keep Nebraska healthy:

Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and sanitize when available.

Monitor your symptoms. If you experience a cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, or loss of taste or smell call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764 before going.

Socially distance in public and at work. Use the six-foot rule as much as possible.

Only sit with people from your household when at church. Stay six feet from other households.

Stay home.&nbsp;Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit. Non-essential out-of-state travel is discouraged.

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

Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports. And no playgrounds.

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

Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.

Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners. 

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

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

By PPHDUnified Command confirms two new cases of COVID-19. &nbsp;A Scotts Bluff County male in his 20s and a Morrill County female in her 20s are close contacts of a previously positive case. The investigation is complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. There are no community exposure sites identified. Exposure is defined as at least 10 minutes, less than six feet apart. March 2-May 13, 2020Positive: 78Recovered: 48Active cases: 30Box Butte County: 1 case (recovered)Cheyenne County: 9 cases (2 active, 7 recovered)Dawes County: 1 case (active)Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)Morrill County: 10 Cases (7 active, 3 recovered)Scotts Bluff County: 47 Cases (20 active, 27 recovered)Throughout the month of May, we are reminding people to respect the following to keep Nebraska healthy:Wear a mask when possible.Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and sanitize when available.Monitor your symptoms. If you experience a cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, or loss of taste or smell call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764 before going.Socially distance in public and at work. Use the six-foot rule as much as possible.Only sit with people from your household when at church. Stay six feet from other households.Stay home.&nbsp;Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home.&nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit. Non-essential out-of-state travel is discouraged.Shop alone and only shop once a week. &nbsp;Do not take family with you. Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports. And no playgrounds.Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. &nbsp;Do not visit long-term care facilities. Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity. Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

2 new virus cases, 1 in Scotts Bluff Co., 1 in Morrill Co., Panhandle total positive count 78

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - An attorney for a man accused of setting a fire that destroyed a historic church in south-central Nebraska wants an evaluation to see if his client is mentally fit to stand trial.

Omaha attorney James Martin Davis, of Omaha, has filed a motion asking a judge to order a competency evaluation for Mathew Poehler, 40, of Shelton, the Kearney Hub&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kearneyhub.com/news/local/history/attorney-wants-competency-hearing-for-man-accused-of-setting-fire-to-zion-north-shelton-church/article_7bd614e4-951f-11ea-8742-8b600777ece5.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Poehler has pleaded not guilty in Buffalo County District Court to second-degree arson for the Dec. 11 fire that destroyed Zion North Shelton Lutheran Church. The church, which was built in 1912, sat about 10 miles (16.1 kilometers) northwest of Shelton.

Police reports say an officer went to Poehler's house on Dec. 11 to check on his welfare after his family reported him missing the night before. The officer said Poehler had returned home, and that his shoes smelled of diesel fuel and a lighter was found in his front pants pocket.

Investigators say Poehler - who had done remodeling work a the church on several occasions - entered the church through an unlocked door with diesel fuel and started the fire in the balcony.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589394551657.png" alt="Matthew Poehler" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Poehler</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) - An attorney for a man accused of setting a fire that destroyed a historic church in south-central Nebraska wants an evaluation to see if his client is mentally fit to stand trial.Omaha attorney James Martin Davis, of Omaha, has filed a motion asking a judge to order a competency evaluation for Mathew Poehler, 40, of Shelton, the Kearney Hub&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kearneyhub.com/news/local/history/attorney-wants-competency-hearing-for-man-accused-of-setting-fire-to-zion-north-shelton-church/article_7bd614e4-951f-11ea-8742-8b600777ece5.html" target="_blank">reported</a>.Poehler has pleaded not guilty in Buffalo County District Court to second-degree arson for the Dec. 11 fire that destroyed Zion North Shelton Lutheran Church. The church, which was built in 1912, sat about 10 miles (16.1 kilometers) northwest of Shelton.Police reports say an officer went to Poehler's house on Dec. 11 to check on his welfare after his family reported him missing the night before. The officer said Poehler had returned home, and that his shoes smelled of diesel fuel and a lighter was found in his front pants pocket.Investigators say Poehler - who had done remodeling work a the church on several occasions - entered the church through an unlocked door with diesel fuel and started the fire in the balcony.

Mental evaluation sought for man accused of burning Shelton church

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been awarded a Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) renewal grant. &nbsp;This grant is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF, a part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“I want to thank President Trump for signing off on the allocation of more funds for this important grant,” said Gov. Ricketts. &nbsp;“DHHS, in partnership with Nebraska’s Department of Education, will ensure that grant funds are optimized for the benefit of Nebraska’s young children and their families. &nbsp;I appreciate the work our team has put into getting this grant.”

Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) is a competitive federal grant program established as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) passed in 2015. &nbsp;Funding from this grant will allow DHHS to continue collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and other public and private partners to further develop existing programs that benefit children statewide.

Last year, Nebraska was awarded $4.1 million in PDG B-5 funds. &nbsp;This grant allowed Nebraska to complete a comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. &nbsp;Supporting this important work, DHHS has been awarded a renewal grant supplied by funding signed into the PDG budget by President Trump in 2019. &nbsp;As a result, Nebraska will receive $8.9 million for each of the next three years with contributing partners pledging $2.7 million in matched funds.

The recently awarded PDG B-5 grant is designed to improve the quality of early childhood services.&nbsp; It will expand access to the most vulnerable families while strengthening and streamlining state-level infrastructure. &nbsp;The State’s efforts in the coming years will build on the accomplishments achieved during the first year of grant funding.&nbsp; As it moves forward, the State will also leverage the community-level leadership and infrastructure that have been built over many years to better serve preschool children and their families.

DHHS will provide overall project oversight. &nbsp;As a sub-grantee, the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation will serve in a project coordination role and will lead the communication and dissemination efforts.&nbsp; The Nebraska Department of Education Office of Early Childhood is also a sub-grantee, leading some key activities.&nbsp;

“Nebraska has a vested interest in ensuring families have strong early childhood educational opportunities to choose from that are supported by both public and private partners,” said Stephanie Beasley, Director of the Division of Children and Family Services. &nbsp;“This grant allows us to build off the successes from last year to continue improving services to families and their young children.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589383551388.png" alt="Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/161375043@N04/">Lisa Maruna</a>&nbsp;(www.flickr.com)" />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/161375043@N04/">Lisa Maruna</a>&nbsp;(www.flickr.com)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been awarded a Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) renewal grant. &nbsp;This grant is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF, a part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).“I want to thank President Trump for signing off on the allocation of more funds for this important grant,” said Gov. Ricketts. &nbsp;“DHHS, in partnership with Nebraska’s Department of Education, will ensure that grant funds are optimized for the benefit of Nebraska’s young children and their families. &nbsp;I appreciate the work our team has put into getting this grant.”Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) is a competitive federal grant program established as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) passed in 2015. &nbsp;Funding from this grant will allow DHHS to continue collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and other public and private partners to further develop existing programs that benefit children statewide.Last year, Nebraska was awarded $4.1 million in PDG B-5 funds. &nbsp;This grant allowed Nebraska to complete a comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. &nbsp;Supporting this important work, DHHS has been awarded a renewal grant supplied by funding signed into the PDG budget by President Trump in 2019. &nbsp;As a result, Nebraska will receive $8.9 million for each of the next three years with contributing partners pledging $2.7 million in matched funds.The recently awarded PDG B-5 grant is designed to improve the quality of early childhood services.&nbsp; It will expand access to the most vulnerable families while strengthening and streamlining state-level infrastructure. &nbsp;The State’s efforts in the coming years will build on the accomplishments achieved during the first year of grant funding.&nbsp; As it moves forward, the State will also leverage the community-level leadership and infrastructure that have been built over many years to better serve preschool children and their families.DHHS will provide overall project oversight. &nbsp;As a sub-grantee, the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation will serve in a project coordination role and will lead the communication and dissemination efforts.&nbsp; The Nebraska Department of Education Office of Early Childhood is also a sub-grantee, leading some key activities.&nbsp;“Nebraska has a vested interest in ensuring families have strong early childhood educational opportunities to choose from that are supported by both public and private partners,” said Stephanie Beasley, Director of the Division of Children and Family Services. &nbsp;“This grant allows us to build off the successes from last year to continue improving services to families and their young children.”

Gov. Ricketts announces early childhood services grant

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Three deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Tuesday.

The Dakota County Health Department reported a death in its jurisdiction.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth&nbsp;</a>

The Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department reported its third death.&nbsp;<a href="https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/" target="_blank">https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/&nbsp;</a>

The third death was recently reported in Gage County, a man in his 80s with underlying health conditions.

The first case of COVID-19 was reported Garfield County on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 103, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 8,692. Nebraska's COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

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.

Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state's Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska starting May 11. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</a>.

Governor Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska launched last week in Grand Island, Omaha and Lincoln. Additional mobile testing sites are expected to become available shortly.

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/&nbsp;</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Three deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Tuesday.The Dakota County Health Department reported a death in its jurisdiction.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/dakotacountyhealth&nbsp;</a>The Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department reported its third death.&nbsp;<a href="https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/" target="_blank">https://lincoln.ne.gov/city/covid19/&nbsp;</a>The third death was recently reported in Gage County, a man in his 80s with underlying health conditions.The first case of COVID-19 was reported Garfield County on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 103, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of 5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 8,692. Nebraska's COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;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.Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state's Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses in specific regions of Nebraska starting May 11. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/CHPM%20Maps/NE_Health_Dept_Map_Dec_2016.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here&nbsp;</a>.Governor Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska launched last week in Grand Island, Omaha and Lincoln. Additional mobile testing sites are expected to become available shortly.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/&nbsp;</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.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&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>.

Three COVID-19 related deaths reported on Tuesday, 103 total in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's primary voters mostly steered clear of polling sites Tuesday while shattering the state record for absentee voting with nearly 400,000 mail-in ballots in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Republican President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic challenger Joe Biden sailed to easy victories in the election, the first in-person primary since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/41add9747778f3dd30dc7a6aa5b71ba5" target="_blank">a heavily criticized election in Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;five weeks ago in the middle of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e64f20bbacb7d48d15e1d76339220486" target="_blank">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;pandemic. So did Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, who faced a GOP primary challenge because of his previous criticism of Trump.

In a closely watched Democratic primary for an Omaha-based congressional district, voters chose progressive Kara Eastman over a more conservative candidate. Eastman will once again face Republican Rep. Don Bacon, as she did in 2018.

Officials had encouraged people to vote by mail, though Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts and Secretary of State Bob Evnen both pledged to forge ahead with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/873960364e994cf0df6b762c028ca7eb" target="_blank">an in-person primary</a>&nbsp;even though many other states have rescheduled theirs or switched to all-mail voting. Voters easily broke the previous mail-in voting record of around 70,000 in 2018, which includes people who requested early ballots and voters in early rural counties who receive them automatically.

Polling sites in the Omaha suburb of Papillion reported lower in-person turnout than normal. At First Lutheran Church, voters who walked into the basement polling station had plenty of space to cast their ballots.

Michael Rabe, 68, of Papillion, said he wanted to vote in person because he doesn't trust mail-in voting but believes he has a civic duty to cast a ballot. Rabe wore a mask into the polling site, only to realize he was the only voter there at the time. The self-described "hardcore Republican" said he was most interested in voting for Matt Innis, the long-shot primary challenger to Sasse.

"I didn't like that when President Trump got into office, Sasse opposed him," Rabe said after voting. "I was not a Trump supporter when he was running, but now that he's our president, I am."

Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, who oversees polling sites in Omaha, said in-person turnout was unusually low. He said overall turnout was still strong because of the huge number of mail-in ballots received, but polls saw very few in-person voters.

A possible shortage of poll workers prompted Ricketts ordered members of the Nebraska National Guard to provide on-call help at short-staffed polling sites in eight counties, including the Omaha and Lincoln areas. He said Guard members would be dressed in civilian clothes, not their normal uniforms.

Ricketts also waived a state law that requires poll workers to live in the county where they serve, largely because of a poll worker shortage.

This year's primary was fairly low-key but included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6353e7d3ec41a0819189692182cd564e" target="_blank">a high-profile race among Democrats</a>&nbsp;who want to unseat Bacon of Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. The Omaha-area district is one of the few in Republican-led Nebraska where Democrats are competitive.

Eastman defeated Omaha lawyer Ann Ashford and Omaha business owner Gladys Harrison to win the Democratic primary. Eastman had positioned herself as a progressive, while Ashford pitched herself as a moderate. Harrison touted herself as a unifying voice but hasn't raised nearly as much money or gotten as much attention.

Randall Crutcher, 45, voted at Papillion Middle School Tuesday morning because he and his wife forgot to request early, mail-in ballots. He wore a mask as he walked inside, only to find the polling site virtually empty except for poll workers.

Crutcher said he had been an independent for most of his adult life and holds conservative views on spending, but re-registered as a Democrat two years ago because of the GOP's support of President Donald Trump.

He said he liked both Democratic candidates in the 2nd Congressional District race, but voted for Eastman because of her life story, including her struggles to care for her ailing mother. On the campaign trail, Eastman often discusses her mother's inability to afford prescription drugs to fight her cancer.

"She has built-in empathy," Crutcher said. "That's something we all need right now."

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressOMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's primary voters mostly steered clear of polling sites Tuesday while shattering the state record for absentee voting with nearly 400,000 mail-in ballots in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.Republican President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic challenger Joe Biden sailed to easy victories in the election, the first in-person primary since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/41add9747778f3dd30dc7a6aa5b71ba5" target="_blank">a heavily criticized election in Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;five weeks ago in the middle of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e64f20bbacb7d48d15e1d76339220486" target="_blank">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;pandemic. So did Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, who faced a GOP primary challenge because of his previous criticism of Trump.In a closely watched Democratic primary for an Omaha-based congressional district, voters chose progressive Kara Eastman over a more conservative candidate. Eastman will once again face Republican Rep. Don Bacon, as she did in 2018.Officials had encouraged people to vote by mail, though Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts and Secretary of State Bob Evnen both pledged to forge ahead with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/873960364e994cf0df6b762c028ca7eb" target="_blank">an in-person primary</a>&nbsp;even though many other states have rescheduled theirs or switched to all-mail voting. Voters easily broke the previous mail-in voting record of around 70,000 in 2018, which includes people who requested early ballots and voters in early rural counties who receive them automatically.Polling sites in the Omaha suburb of Papillion reported lower in-person turnout than normal. At First Lutheran Church, voters who walked into the basement polling station had plenty of space to cast their ballots.Michael Rabe, 68, of Papillion, said he wanted to vote in person because he doesn't trust mail-in voting but believes he has a civic duty to cast a ballot. Rabe wore a mask into the polling site, only to realize he was the only voter there at the time. The self-described "hardcore Republican" said he was most interested in voting for Matt Innis, the long-shot primary challenger to Sasse."I didn't like that when President Trump got into office, Sasse opposed him," Rabe said after voting. "I was not a Trump supporter when he was running, but now that he's our president, I am."Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse, who oversees polling sites in Omaha, said in-person turnout was unusually low. He said overall turnout was still strong because of the huge number of mail-in ballots received, but polls saw very few in-person voters.A possible shortage of poll workers prompted Ricketts ordered members of the Nebraska National Guard to provide on-call help at short-staffed polling sites in eight counties, including the Omaha and Lincoln areas. He said Guard members would be dressed in civilian clothes, not their normal uniforms.Ricketts also waived a state law that requires poll workers to live in the county where they serve, largely because of a poll worker shortage.This year's primary was fairly low-key but included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6353e7d3ec41a0819189692182cd564e" target="_blank">a high-profile race among Democrats</a>&nbsp;who want to unseat Bacon of Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District. The Omaha-area district is one of the few in Republican-led Nebraska where Democrats are competitive.Eastman defeated Omaha lawyer Ann Ashford and Omaha business owner Gladys Harrison to win the Democratic primary. Eastman had positioned herself as a progressive, while Ashford pitched herself as a moderate. Harrison touted herself as a unifying voice but hasn't raised nearly as much money or gotten as much attention.Randall Crutcher, 45, voted at Papillion Middle School Tuesday morning because he and his wife forgot to request early, mail-in ballots. He wore a mask as he walked inside, only to find the polling site virtually empty except for poll workers.Crutcher said he had been an independent for most of his adult life and holds conservative views on spending, but re-registered as a Democrat two years ago because of the GOP's support of President Donald Trump.He said he liked both Democratic candidates in the 2nd Congressional District race, but voted for Eastman because of her life story, including her struggles to care for her ailing mother. On the campaign trail, Eastman often discusses her mother's inability to afford prescription drugs to fight her cancer."She has built-in empathy," Crutcher said. "That's something we all need right now."

Nebraska primary voters avoid polls, shatter mail-in record

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Utah company that agreed to provide Nebraska with 540,000 coronavirus tests defended its work Tuesday after four state senators called on Gov. Pete Ricketts to cancel the state's $27 million contract with the firm.

Nomi Health said in a statement that the company has delivered more than 200,000 FDA-approved tests to the state ahead of schedule, launched the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/en" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>website, set up a lab to process them and helped mobilize testing sites in four Nebraska cities.

"TestNebraska is an incredible collaboration between this state's public and private sectors," the company said in a statement.

Company officials also disputed the senators' allegation that the company hasn't delivered the contractually required number of tests within 48 hours. The contract only requires the company to provide testing materials, hardware and technology for the TestNebraska program but doesn't hold the company responsible for testing turnaround times.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Utah company that agreed to provide Nebraska with 540,000 coronavirus tests defended its work Tuesday after four state senators called on Gov. Pete Ricketts to cancel the state's $27 million contract with the firm.Nomi Health said in a statement that the company has delivered more than 200,000 FDA-approved tests to the state ahead of schedule, launched the state's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/en" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>website, set up a lab to process them and helped mobilize testing sites in four Nebraska cities."TestNebraska is an incredible collaboration between this state's public and private sectors," the company said in a statement.Company officials also disputed the senators' allegation that the company hasn't delivered the contractually required number of tests within 48 hours. The contract only requires the company to provide testing materials, hardware and technology for the TestNebraska program but doesn't hold the company responsible for testing turnaround times.

TestNebraska contractor says senators' criticism unfounded

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Test Nebraska mobile testing sites will open in Norfolk and Lexington later this week.&nbsp;

The Governor also proclaimed “Police Week” in Nebraska and designated Friday, May 15th&nbsp;as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the state.&nbsp; He thanked the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) for taking on extra responsibilities to assist with the State’s coronavirus response. &nbsp;In addition to its usual duties to protect and serve Nebraskans, the NSP is giving significant support to the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; NSP Superintendent John A. Bolduc joined the Governor to talk about the work his team is doing to help keep Nebraskans safe and healthy.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451461006&amp;sdata=QGbE4VvmRCgbJxEtMq0JBBqaTlPJ6M6%2Fq2w0hiusWZM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska test results:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;So far, 2,943 test results have been received and 100 people have tested positive.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Yesterday, Test Nebraska teams swabbed 1,233 people.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Schuyler, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha are testing today.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, the Schuyler team will be in Norfolk.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, the Grand Island team will be in Lexington.

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

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduling for testing has filled up quickly for Lincoln and Omaha.

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

o&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=dx0jAhORdbmg0d9iNbibxAPp2k1qwp%2B42pdpWCgaXeM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;and then schedule a time if you’re selected to be tested.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday is Peace Officers Memorial Day—a day in which we would have ordinarily gathered for a remembrance ceremony at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial in Grand Island.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, we remember Trooper Jerry Smith, who passed away in the line of duty on June 20, 2019.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Smith’s family during this week. &nbsp;We continue to mourn his loss and celebrate his life of service.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day, flags will be flown at half-staff throughout the state on Friday.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To honor the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement across the state, I am signing a proclamation today declaring this week as Police Week in Nebraska.

Gov. Ricketts: Flyover Salute to Health Workers

·&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flyover is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flight will visit 14 Nebraska hospitals spanning nearly the entirety of the state.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A 155th&nbsp;Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker, stationed at the Lincoln Air National Guard base, will fly above healthcare facilities in cities across the state from Scottsbluff to Omaha.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information about the flyover is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=CZT79mfQWjfFOswtwDwhSi1zdZgH8gYKwG3YZuRcjrM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, the National Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A virtual ceremony will be held this week to honor Trooper Smith and other heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can participate in a virtual ceremony this week, which will be hosted on the State Patrol’s social media platforms.&nbsp; Those platforms can be accessed through the NSP website:&nbsp;<a href="http://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">statepatrol.nebraska.gov</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers continue to support the State’s COVID-19 efforts in many ways, while at the same time keeping up with our daily efforts to keep Nebraska safe.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have dozens of troopers assisting throughout the state at testing sites alongside the Nebraska National Guard.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers provide security at test sites, and they also transport test samples to the state laboratory in Lincoln.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent weeks, we’ve been paying special attention to excessive speeding. &nbsp;Since March 19th, our troopers have cited 177 motorists for traveling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’d like to thank Nebraskans for their voluntarily compliance with our Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp; This compliance has kept other Nebraskans safe and has helped keep law enforcement officers safe as well.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhitjbxuwwc747iv%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.12.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451480917&amp;sdata=6nKSuDVeQ9Yym1yLVHTHUSqYwmbkp4xXs5huFbJq0Wc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589334506682.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Colonel John A. Bolduc (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press conference." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Colonel John A. Bolduc (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>News ReleaseLINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Test Nebraska mobile testing sites will open in Norfolk and Lexington later this week.&nbsp;The Governor also proclaimed “Police Week” in Nebraska and designated Friday, May 15th&nbsp;as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the state.&nbsp; He thanked the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) for taking on extra responsibilities to assist with the State’s coronavirus response. &nbsp;In addition to its usual duties to protect and serve Nebraskans, the NSP is giving significant support to the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; NSP Superintendent John A. Bolduc joined the Governor to talk about the work his team is doing to help keep Nebraskans safe and healthy.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451461006&amp;sdata=QGbE4VvmRCgbJxEtMq0JBBqaTlPJ6M6%2Fq2w0hiusWZM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska test results:o&nbsp;&nbsp;So far, 2,943 test results have been received and 100 people have tested positive.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Yesterday, Test Nebraska teams swabbed 1,233 people.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Schuyler, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha are testing today.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, the Schuyler team will be in Norfolk.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, the Grand Island team will be in Lexington.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduling for testing has filled up quickly for Lincoln and Omaha.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.o&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=dx0jAhORdbmg0d9iNbibxAPp2k1qwp%2B42pdpWCgaXeM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;and then schedule a time if you’re selected to be tested.Gov. Ricketts: Police Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday is Peace Officers Memorial Day—a day in which we would have ordinarily gathered for a remembrance ceremony at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial in Grand Island.o&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, we remember Trooper Jerry Smith, who passed away in the line of duty on June 20, 2019.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Smith’s family during this week. &nbsp;We continue to mourn his loss and celebrate his life of service.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day, flags will be flown at half-staff throughout the state on Friday.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To honor the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement across the state, I am signing a proclamation today declaring this week as Police Week in Nebraska.Gov. Ricketts: Flyover Salute to Health Workers·&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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flyover is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flight will visit 14 Nebraska hospitals spanning nearly the entirety of the state.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A 155th&nbsp;Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker, stationed at the Lincoln Air National Guard base, will fly above healthcare facilities in cities across the state from Scottsbluff to Omaha.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information about the flyover is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=CZT79mfQWjfFOswtwDwhSi1zdZgH8gYKwG3YZuRcjrM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.Colonel Bolduc: Police Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, the National Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A virtual ceremony will be held this week to honor Trooper Smith and other heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can participate in a virtual ceremony this week, which will be hosted on the State Patrol’s social media platforms.&nbsp; Those platforms can be accessed through the NSP website:&nbsp;<a href="http://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">statepatrol.nebraska.gov</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers continue to support the State’s COVID-19 efforts in many ways, while at the same time keeping up with our daily efforts to keep Nebraska safe.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have dozens of troopers assisting throughout the state at testing sites alongside the Nebraska National Guard.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers provide security at test sites, and they also transport test samples to the state laboratory in Lincoln.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent weeks, we’ve been paying special attention to excessive speeding. &nbsp;Since March 19th, our troopers have cited 177 motorists for traveling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’d like to thank Nebraskans for their voluntarily compliance with our Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp; This compliance has kept other Nebraskans safe and has helped keep law enforcement officers safe as well.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhitjbxuwwc747iv%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.12.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451480917&amp;sdata=6nKSuDVeQ9Yym1yLVHTHUSqYwmbkp4xXs5huFbJq0Wc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.