Update from the Public Health Command Center

Update from the Public Health Command Center<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwcdhd%2Fvideos%2F215635146400366%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 Daily Update from North Platte (April 24, 2020)

LINCOLN&nbsp;– As testing supplies and resources increase and become more widely available, public health officials with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are encouraging health care providers to test more people for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Widespread testing for COVID-19 is a critical tool in reducing the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for DHHS. “Additional testing helps public health officials and health care providers to identify COVID-19 hotspots and reinforces the need for self-isolation to those who test positive as a way to decrease the risk of transmitting the virus to others.”

Currently, Nebraska’s testing capacity exceeds 1,000 tests per day. Testing capacity continues to grow as public health officials, health care providers and laboratories work together to find and share resources.

Nebraskans who want to get tested to see if they have COVID-19 should contact their health care providers for more information.

Additional information for health care providers on recommendations to increase COVID-19 testing (i.e. where to get test kits, information about reporting test results, etc.) can be found in the April 21, 2020, Health Advisory issued by DHHS:

<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjQuMjA2MjQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvaGFuJTIwRG9jdW1lbnRzL0FEVklTT1JZMDQyMTIwMjAucGRmIn0.eGxZpf51Q0jcY4cDJKGseL1NC-dGvIqO0oBr_96_kvE%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062964488&amp;sdata=ZUqAswbcsVwjp5e0oQsh%2FJjEW4HSUpj7puOWZxgo6%2FI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/han%20Documents/ADVISORY04212020.pdf</a>.

Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjQuMjA2MjQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.5XJGjcwDVNEJnLV8_IqfSBDM7Nrp9RZqBJ14xJ4RLEw%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062964488&amp;sdata=UOyvursQW30EKjoW%2By7gexhxJo%2FxwO%2BuzF6Wb7%2BqLLc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. 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://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjQuMjA2MjQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.BtfOjgLATnNe0_SdjcfezsUW_dNMOpfD8GQ9dFd6A68%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062974483&amp;sdata=J3M9AXAh%2B1AQiLy2CLee4YGwB4uug196MhRIIetlwHg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/</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; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjQuMjA2MjQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRoaHMubmUuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzIn0.0InmUcV9VLjUiQySejNPFLeYmzeObrqxkiMjqhabUdI%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062984477&amp;sdata=A4U2lRM2pfZtnAGFhEa3J1r24Jt%2BMubZlSy9nIK758k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">DHHS website</a>&nbsp;and on&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DFcQ5do3Mtm%252F2JnP%252FxXFcY%252BL9mOkU%252Fad4G7kfqxVfSdkEEq1vNf2gy8uvSYeleNySB%252Fpnq7d9Ovu9D4QqvWI0pcxTCXtBc%252FCb1miyg9kCrJjj9ht14%252BlOB2ksTg35BQIn%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252FNEDHHS%252F%26I%3D20200408194822.00000016f6b0%2540mail6-41-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlOGUyYTg0Zjg5YmE5NGRkZjU1YzEzYTsxfDEwNDY3NTk6dHJ1ZTs%253D%26S%3DjAmsa7f-sSNLfdhIK-j9Ff2b9ZTVny00ARF2cGhGOgA&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062984477&amp;sdata=ETrRifaSVl3vN%2Besc1sBqSVam1SwPoWWldO%2FgP1mATE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DFcQ5do3Mtm%252F2JnP%252FxXFcY%252BL9mOkU%252Fad4G7kfqxVfSdkEEq1vNf2gy8uvSYeleNySB%252Fpnq7d9Ovu9D4QqvWI0pcxTCXtBc%252FCb1miyg9kCrJjj9ht14%252BlOB2ksTg35BQIn%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Ftwitter.com%252FNEDHHS%26I%3D20200408194822.00000016f6b0%2540mail6-41-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlOGUyYTg0Zjg5YmE5NGRkZjU1YzEzYTsxfDEwNDY3NTk6dHJ1ZTs%253D%26S%3DHghj_aVjMYCiCo3uvsdsfl7MrjsZbfAEHO79OrgH9VE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062994472&amp;sdata=48VFKlEYlwaZMHu%2FL%2FnmWdCJQNp860eYdzi7Fhw5iI8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;as we have new information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.FQsTGNfgDxKuSEuI1702zawXHxNtvryZCWU0GStSoL4%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062994472&amp;sdata=%2BtYFZDsA5G3nyCWP6LwhJ1c3ZHMN3hXj%2FlGIYvcf1kU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

LINCOLN&nbsp;– As testing supplies and resources increase and become more widely available, public health officials with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are encouraging health care providers to test more people for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).“Widespread testing for COVID-19 is a critical tool in reducing the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for DHHS. “Additional testing helps public health officials and health care providers to identify COVID-19 hotspots and reinforces the need for self-isolation to those who test positive as a way to decrease the risk of transmitting the virus to others.”Currently, Nebraska’s testing capacity exceeds 1,000 tests per day. Testing capacity continues to grow as public health officials, health care providers and laboratories work together to find and share resources.Nebraskans who want to get tested to see if they have COVID-19 should contact their health care providers for more information.Additional information for health care providers on recommendations to increase COVID-19 testing (i.e. where to get test kits, information about reporting test results, etc.) can be found in the April 21, 2020, Health Advisory issued by DHHS:<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjQuMjA2MjQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvaGFuJTIwRG9jdW1lbnRzL0FEVklTT1JZMDQyMTIwMjAucGRmIn0.eGxZpf51Q0jcY4cDJKGseL1NC-dGvIqO0oBr_96_kvE%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062964488&amp;sdata=ZUqAswbcsVwjp5e0oQsh%2FJjEW4HSUpj7puOWZxgo6%2FI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/han%20Documents/ADVISORY04212020.pdf</a>.Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjQuMjA2MjQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.5XJGjcwDVNEJnLV8_IqfSBDM7Nrp9RZqBJ14xJ4RLEw%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062964488&amp;sdata=UOyvursQW30EKjoW%2By7gexhxJo%2FxwO%2BuzF6Wb7%2BqLLc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. 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://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjQuMjA2MjQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.BtfOjgLATnNe0_SdjcfezsUW_dNMOpfD8GQ9dFd6A68%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062974483&amp;sdata=J3M9AXAh%2B1AQiLy2CLee4YGwB4uug196MhRIIetlwHg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/</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; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MjQuMjA2MjQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRoaHMubmUuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzIn0.0InmUcV9VLjUiQySejNPFLeYmzeObrqxkiMjqhabUdI%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062984477&amp;sdata=A4U2lRM2pfZtnAGFhEa3J1r24Jt%2BMubZlSy9nIK758k%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">DHHS website</a>&nbsp;and on&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DFcQ5do3Mtm%252F2JnP%252FxXFcY%252BL9mOkU%252Fad4G7kfqxVfSdkEEq1vNf2gy8uvSYeleNySB%252Fpnq7d9Ovu9D4QqvWI0pcxTCXtBc%252FCb1miyg9kCrJjj9ht14%252BlOB2ksTg35BQIn%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252FNEDHHS%252F%26I%3D20200408194822.00000016f6b0%2540mail6-41-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlOGUyYTg0Zjg5YmE5NGRkZjU1YzEzYTsxfDEwNDY3NTk6dHJ1ZTs%253D%26S%3DjAmsa7f-sSNLfdhIK-j9Ff2b9ZTVny00ARF2cGhGOgA&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062984477&amp;sdata=ETrRifaSVl3vN%2Besc1sBqSVam1SwPoWWldO%2FgP1mATE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DFcQ5do3Mtm%252F2JnP%252FxXFcY%252BL9mOkU%252Fad4G7kfqxVfSdkEEq1vNf2gy8uvSYeleNySB%252Fpnq7d9Ovu9D4QqvWI0pcxTCXtBc%252FCb1miyg9kCrJjj9ht14%252BlOB2ksTg35BQIn%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Ftwitter.com%252FNEDHHS%26I%3D20200408194822.00000016f6b0%2540mail6-41-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlOGUyYTg0Zjg5YmE5NGRkZjU1YzEzYTsxfDEwNDY3NTk6dHJ1ZTs%253D%26S%3DHghj_aVjMYCiCo3uvsdsfl7MrjsZbfAEHO79OrgH9VE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062994472&amp;sdata=48VFKlEYlwaZMHu%2FL%2FnmWdCJQNp860eYdzi7Fhw5iI8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;as we have new information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.FQsTGNfgDxKuSEuI1702zawXHxNtvryZCWU0GStSoL4%2Fbr%2F77820021400-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cef59635d4b62418c493008d7e882a167%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637233520062994472&amp;sdata=%2BtYFZDsA5G3nyCWP6LwhJ1c3ZHMN3hXj%2FlGIYvcf1kU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

DHHS encourages expanded COVID-19 testing as testing supplies, resources become more available

U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly announced the Nebraska Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Commission (Crime Commission) received $4,337,801 in a Department of Justice grant&nbsp;to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The grant,&nbsp;awarded&nbsp;to the Crime Commission is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. The Crime Commission will be developing it’s criteria for awarding these funds.

In addition, more than $2.1 million has been&nbsp;allocated&nbsp;to local jurisdictions in Nebraska. Those jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553" target="_blank">this website</a>. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.

“We are living in unprecedented times with the outbreak of COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly.&nbsp; “This funding is essential to safeguard our frontline public safety officials as they go about their duties in these critical times.”&nbsp;

“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”

The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’&nbsp;<a href="https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations" target="_blank">allocations</a>.

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime,&nbsp;assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ojp.gov/" target="_blank">www.ojp.gov</a>.

These agencies/communities have been designated as eligible to apply for have received the&nbsp;allocated&nbsp;dollar amounts.

U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly announced the Nebraska Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Commission (Crime Commission) received $4,337,801 in a Department of Justice grant&nbsp;to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.The grant,&nbsp;awarded&nbsp;to the Crime Commission is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. The Crime Commission will be developing it’s criteria for awarding these funds.In addition, more than $2.1 million has been&nbsp;allocated&nbsp;to local jurisdictions in Nebraska. Those jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553" target="_blank">this website</a>. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.“We are living in unprecedented times with the outbreak of COVID-19,” said U.S. Attorney Joe Kelly.&nbsp; “This funding is essential to safeguard our frontline public safety officials as they go about their duties in these critical times.”&nbsp;“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’&nbsp;<a href="https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations" target="_blank">allocations</a>.The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime,&nbsp;assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ojp.gov/" target="_blank">www.ojp.gov</a>.These agencies/communities have been designated as eligible to apply for have received the&nbsp;allocated&nbsp;dollar amounts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587754933665.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Justice Dept. awards Nebraska over $4 million in grants to respond to COVID-19 outbreak

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Joe Biden scored presidential endorsements Friday from former Democratic Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson and other state party officials and activists.

Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, announced the support in an email.

In a statement, Nelson praised Biden as "a fighter and advocate for our rural and urban communities alike, people from every background, Democrat or Republican."

Nelson served as a senator from 2001 to 2013 and was Nebraska's governor from 1991 to 1999.

Biden also received endorsements from Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb, Douglas County Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh, former state Sen. Al Davis, and other union and Democratic activists.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587750262209.png" alt="Ben Nelson (Photo:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://bennelson.senate.gov/images/photos/official/senate_color.jpg">Ben Nelson site</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=n000180">US Congress site</a>)" />
 <figcaption>Ben Nelson (Photo:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://bennelson.senate.gov/images/photos/official/senate_color.jpg">Ben Nelson site</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=n000180">US Congress site</a>)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Joe Biden scored presidential endorsements Friday from former Democratic Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson and other state party officials and activists.Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, announced the support in an email.In a statement, Nelson praised Biden as "a fighter and advocate for our rural and urban communities alike, people from every background, Democrat or Republican."Nelson served as a senator from 2001 to 2013 and was Nebraska's governor from 1991 to 1999.Biden also received endorsements from Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb, Douglas County Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh, former state Sen. Al Davis, and other union and Democratic activists.

Former Nebraska Sen. Nelson endorses Joe Biden for president

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Officials at Nebraska's Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney have seen no new coronavirus cases since a small outbreak earlier this month, a state administrator said Thursday.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services CEO Dannette Smith said most of the staff members who were exposed to the virus are returning to work, and the three boys who tested positive for the virus are now out of quarantine.

"They are doing fine, they are back in with the general population and doing very well," Smith said during a live town hall event on NET.

Smith said a few of the facility's employees are currently out sick, but not with the coronavirus.

The local public health department and the Nebraska National Guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2faf62a7327ac97e05cdeb018b87c61e" target="_blank">set up on-site testing</a>&nbsp;earlier this month for the center's more than 160 residents and staff.

For most people, COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illnesses.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Officials at Nebraska's Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney have seen no new coronavirus cases since a small outbreak earlier this month, a state administrator said Thursday.Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services CEO Dannette Smith said most of the staff members who were exposed to the virus are returning to work, and the three boys who tested positive for the virus are now out of quarantine."They are doing fine, they are back in with the general population and doing very well," Smith said during a live town hall event on NET.Smith said a few of the facility's employees are currently out sick, but not with the coronavirus.The local public health department and the Nebraska National Guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2faf62a7327ac97e05cdeb018b87c61e" target="_blank">set up on-site testing</a>&nbsp;earlier this month for the center's more than 160 residents and staff.For most people, COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illnesses.

No new coronavirus cases at Nebraska youth center in Kearney

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska state health officials reported two new COVID-19 deaths late Thursday, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 47 since the outbreak began,

Two counties in rural central Nebraska - Greeley and Sherman counties - also reported their first confirmed cases of the virus on Thursday, officials said. The Greeley case is a male in his 50s, while the Sherman case is a female in her 20s, officials said. Both were reported by the Loup Basin Public Health Department.

Of the two new deaths reported Thursday, one was a man in his 60s in hard-hit Hall County. Officials gave no details about where the second death occurred, saying more information would be released later.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.

Nebraska's online&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>show 2,124 confirmed cases in the state by Friday morning. More than 18,700 people had been tested for the virus statewide, with 16,488 of them testing negative for the illness.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska state health officials reported two new COVID-19 deaths late Thursday, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 47 since the outbreak began,Two counties in rural central Nebraska - Greeley and Sherman counties - also reported their first confirmed cases of the virus on Thursday, officials said. The Greeley case is a male in his 50s, while the Sherman case is a female in her 20s, officials said. Both were reported by the Loup Basin Public Health Department.Of the two new deaths reported Thursday, one was a man in his 60s in hard-hit Hall County. Officials gave no details about where the second death occurred, saying more information would be released later.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.Nebraska's online&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>show 2,124 confirmed cases in the state by Friday morning. More than 18,700 people had been tested for the virus statewide, with 16,488 of them testing negative for the illness.

Nebraska health officials: 4 new COVID-19 deaths in state

BENTONVILLE, Ark., and SAN FRANCISCO— Walmart and Nextdoor announced today the launch of their “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program, an effort to make it easier for neighbors across the country to help one another during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through this new program, a first for both companies, Nextdoor members in cities across the country can now request assistance – or offer to help someone in their community – with shopping for their essential items at Walmart. This support network makes it easier for vulnerable community members to coordinate the pickup and delivery of their groceries, medications and other essentials with a neighbor who is already planning a shopping trip to their local Walmart store – completely contact-free.

The new “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative follows recent moves by Walmart to make other shopping services, like checking out with Walmart Pay and its curbside pickup and delivery services, contact-free.

“I’ve seen firsthand the countless ways our Walmart team is working together during this challenging time, leading with humanity, compassion and understanding to serve our customers,” said Janey Whiteside, Walmart’s chief customer officer. “We’re continuing to do that through our new program with Nextdoor. We’re connecting neighbors to each other so that more members of our communities have access to essential items, while limiting contact and the number of people shopping in our stores.”

If a Nextdoor member wants help shopping for needed items or wants to offer their help to do so, it’s as easy as visiting Nextdoor.com or logging on to the Nextdoor app, which is available on both iOS and Android phones. From there, members click on the “Groups” tab and will see Walmart stores in their area pinned to the top of the page. Members will then be prompted to share a message in the group feed where they can indicate if they need help or want to help. Once members connect in the feed they can work out details of the shopping trip on the message board or direct message each other to work on the specifics. Neighbors are encouraged to utilize contact-free payment options and delivery methods.

“We’re inspired every day by the kindness of people around the world who are stepping up and helping out. In recent weeks, we’ve been blown away by the number of members who have raised their hands to run an errand, go to the grocery store or pick up a prescription for a neighbor,” said Sarah Friar, Nextdoor CEO. “We’re grateful for Walmart's partnership to make this important connection between neighbors around vital services, and we’re proud to come together to ensure everyone has a neighborhood to rely on.”

The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program builds on Nextdoor’s recently launched “Groups” feature which enables members to organize around a shared interest or project. Over the last few weeks, Nextdoor has seen a 7x increase in people joining groups to help one another – from checking in with the elderly and vulnerable to running errands for those who simply need a helping hand.

Walmart store locations and hours where “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is available can be found on Nextdoor’s “Help Map.”

About Nextdoor, Inc.Nextdoor is the neighborhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods and services. We believe that by bringing neighbors together, we can cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on.

Building connections in the real world is a universal human need. That truth, and the reality that neighborhoods are one of the most important and useful communities in our lives, have been a guiding principle for Nextdoor since the beginning. Today, neighbors rely on Nextdoor in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, and Canada, with many more to come.

Nextdoor is a privately-held company based in San Francisco with backing from prominent investors including Benchmark, Shasta Ventures, Greylock Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Riverwood Capital, Bond, Axel Springer, Comcast Ventures, and others. For additional information and images:&nbsp;<a href="http://nextdoor.com/newsroom" target="_blank">nextdoor.com/newsroom</a>.

BENTONVILLE, Ark., and SAN FRANCISCO— Walmart and Nextdoor announced today the launch of their “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program, an effort to make it easier for neighbors across the country to help one another during the COVID-19 pandemic.Through this new program, a first for both companies, Nextdoor members in cities across the country can now request assistance – or offer to help someone in their community – with shopping for their essential items at Walmart. This support network makes it easier for vulnerable community members to coordinate the pickup and delivery of their groceries, medications and other essentials with a neighbor who is already planning a shopping trip to their local Walmart store – completely contact-free.The new “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative follows recent moves by Walmart to make other shopping services, like checking out with Walmart Pay and its curbside pickup and delivery services, contact-free.“I’ve seen firsthand the countless ways our Walmart team is working together during this challenging time, leading with humanity, compassion and understanding to serve our customers,” said Janey Whiteside, Walmart’s chief customer officer. “We’re continuing to do that through our new program with Nextdoor. We’re connecting neighbors to each other so that more members of our communities have access to essential items, while limiting contact and the number of people shopping in our stores.”If a Nextdoor member wants help shopping for needed items or wants to offer their help to do so, it’s as easy as visiting Nextdoor.com or logging on to the Nextdoor app, which is available on both iOS and Android phones. From there, members click on the “Groups” tab and will see Walmart stores in their area pinned to the top of the page. Members will then be prompted to share a message in the group feed where they can indicate if they need help or want to help. Once members connect in the feed they can work out details of the shopping trip on the message board or direct message each other to work on the specifics. Neighbors are encouraged to utilize contact-free payment options and delivery methods.“We’re inspired every day by the kindness of people around the world who are stepping up and helping out. In recent weeks, we’ve been blown away by the number of members who have raised their hands to run an errand, go to the grocery store or pick up a prescription for a neighbor,” said Sarah Friar, Nextdoor CEO. “We’re grateful for Walmart's partnership to make this important connection between neighbors around vital services, and we’re proud to come together to ensure everyone has a neighborhood to rely on.”The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program builds on Nextdoor’s recently launched “Groups” feature which enables members to organize around a shared interest or project. Over the last few weeks, Nextdoor has seen a 7x increase in people joining groups to help one another – from checking in with the elderly and vulnerable to running errands for those who simply need a helping hand.Walmart store locations and hours where “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is available can be found on Nextdoor’s “Help Map.”About Nextdoor, Inc.Nextdoor is the neighborhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods and services. We believe that by bringing neighbors together, we can cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on.Building connections in the real world is a universal human need. That truth, and the reality that neighborhoods are one of the most important and useful communities in our lives, have been a guiding principle for Nextdoor since the beginning. Today, neighbors rely on Nextdoor in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, and Canada, with many more to come.Nextdoor is a privately-held company based in San Francisco with backing from prominent investors including Benchmark, Shasta Ventures, Greylock Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Riverwood Capital, Bond, Axel Springer, Comcast Ventures, and others. For additional information and images:&nbsp;<a href="http://nextdoor.com/newsroom" target="_blank">nextdoor.com/newsroom</a>.

Walmart and Nextdoor launch new 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' program

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two new COVID-19 related deaths were reported Thursday, and two new counties – Greeley and Sherman – reported their first COVID-19 cases.

One death was a Hall County resident in his 60s –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.

A second death occurred in Nebraska; further information will be forthcoming.

The Greeley case is a male in his 50s, while the Sherman case is a female in her 20s. Both were reported by the Loup Basin Public Health Department.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/&nbsp;</a>

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.

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 47, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 2,124. 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;

All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.

In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled&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. 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>

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; 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>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two new COVID-19 related deaths were reported Thursday, and two new counties – Greeley and Sherman – reported their first COVID-19 cases.One death was a Hall County resident in his 60s –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov&nbsp;</a>.A second death occurred in Nebraska; further information will be forthcoming.The Greeley case is a male in his 50s, while the Sherman case is a female in her 20s. Both were reported by the Loup Basin Public Health Department.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/&nbsp;</a>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.The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 47, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Today's state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 2,124. 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;All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled&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. 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>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; 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>.

2 COVID-19 related deaths reported in Nebraska on Thursday, Greeley and Sherman Counties see first cases

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday that he doesn't plan to close any of Nebraska's meatpacking plants despite a surge in coronavirus cases in their surrounding communities that have turned them into the state's biggest COVID-19 hot spots.

Ricketts said he was concerned that shuttering the plants could hurt the state's food supply and lead to "civil unrest" if residents were to suddenly lose access to meat.

"You want to talk about some of these protests going on right now?" he said during a news conference. "Think about how mad people were when they couldn't get paper products. Think about if they couldn't get food. This is why it's vitally important that we keep our food processors open and do everything we can to ensure the supply chain, because we would have civil unrest if that was not the case."

His comments came as Dakota County, home to a Tyson plant, reported 133 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 246. Tyson has acknowledged that some of its workers are among the infected, but it wouldn't give the exact number. At least one employee died Saturday.

Ricketts said employees who worked close together at the plants may be responsible for some of the spread, but he argued that the local outbreaks may also be driven by large groups living together in shared homes, as is common in many meatpacking towns.

"This is a community issue," he said. "... We have to focus not only on what the worksites are doing, but also what's going on at home."

Coronavirus hot spots have surfaced in Hall, Dawson and Dakota counties, all areas of Nebraska with meatpacking plants and large concentrations of workers who often stand side by side to carve meat. The number of cases in Hall County has even surpassed the Omaha area, which has more than nine times as many people.

Plants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d855667c811d3d9810883e05702288ad" target="_blank">throughout the country</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131" target="_blank">faced similar problems</a>, leading to them to suspend their operations in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0cd7680d2d221944ed05f86691bb3537" target="_blank">South Dakota</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34" target="_blank">Iowa.</a>

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said the state's farmers are already hurting from those shutdowns and production slowdowns in other states.

"Widespread closure of processing plants, even for limited periods of time, could be devastating for farmers and consumers alike," he said.

Nebraska state health officials reported four new COVID-19 deaths late Wednesday, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 45.

All of the latest deaths reported by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from the hard-hit Grand Island area, which has emerged as a hot spot.

Three of the new deaths were in Hall County, including a woman who was in her 60s, another who was in her 70s, and a man who was in his 60s. The fourth death was a woman who was in her 90s in neighboring Hamilton County.

Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>on Thursday morning showed 1,813 confirmed cases in the state. Nearly 17,400 people had been tested for the virus statewide, with more than 15,500 testing negative for the illness. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.

Associated Press writer Margery A. Beck in Omaha contributed to this report.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts said Thursday that he doesn't plan to close any of Nebraska's meatpacking plants despite a surge in coronavirus cases in their surrounding communities that have turned them into the state's biggest COVID-19 hot spots.Ricketts said he was concerned that shuttering the plants could hurt the state's food supply and lead to "civil unrest" if residents were to suddenly lose access to meat."You want to talk about some of these protests going on right now?" he said during a news conference. "Think about how mad people were when they couldn't get paper products. Think about if they couldn't get food. This is why it's vitally important that we keep our food processors open and do everything we can to ensure the supply chain, because we would have civil unrest if that was not the case."His comments came as Dakota County, home to a Tyson plant, reported 133 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 246. Tyson has acknowledged that some of its workers are among the infected, but it wouldn't give the exact number. At least one employee died Saturday.Ricketts said employees who worked close together at the plants may be responsible for some of the spread, but he argued that the local outbreaks may also be driven by large groups living together in shared homes, as is common in many meatpacking towns."This is a community issue," he said. "... We have to focus not only on what the worksites are doing, but also what's going on at home."Coronavirus hot spots have surfaced in Hall, Dawson and Dakota counties, all areas of Nebraska with meatpacking plants and large concentrations of workers who often stand side by side to carve meat. The number of cases in Hall County has even surpassed the Omaha area, which has more than nine times as many people.Plants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d855667c811d3d9810883e05702288ad" target="_blank">throughout the country</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131" target="_blank">faced similar problems</a>, leading to them to suspend their operations in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0cd7680d2d221944ed05f86691bb3537" target="_blank">South Dakota</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d21fe9a4864971427d40fd2caa61ad34" target="_blank">Iowa.</a>Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson said the state's farmers are already hurting from those shutdowns and production slowdowns in other states."Widespread closure of processing plants, even for limited periods of time, could be devastating for farmers and consumers alike," he said.Nebraska state health officials reported four new COVID-19 deaths late Wednesday, bringing the state's total deaths from the disease to 45.All of the latest deaths reported by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services were from the hard-hit Grand Island area, which has emerged as a hot spot.Three of the new deaths were in Hall County, including a woman who was in her 60s, another who was in her 70s, and a man who was in his 60s. The fourth death was a woman who was in her 90s in neighboring Hamilton County.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness.Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3" target="_blank">online coronavirus tracking portal&nbsp;</a>on Thursday morning showed 1,813 confirmed cases in the state. Nearly 17,400 people had been tested for the virus statewide, with more than 15,500 testing negative for the illness. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick.___Associated Press writer Margery A. Beck in Omaha contributed to this report.

Ricketts warns of 'civil unrest' if meatpacking plants close

Nebraska Joint Information Center Update

April 23, 2020 (LINCOLN, Neb.) &nbsp;(The next update from the JIC will be on Monday. Tomorrow is Arbor Day and some state offices are closed.)

Nebraska&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMzAuMTk0NjM1MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.eTy2PTS9o1QiN1rux90KdxbP6yktKiBS_YAJWOnqbNc%2Fbr%2F76773409240-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280706190&amp;sdata=P9X2Uo4lJprPgxmHI7s%2BM2GzllDBWBV9sWpsNsuxZC8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Department of Health and Human Services Dashboard</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1,813&nbsp;positive tests —&nbsp;&nbsp;15,547&nbsp;negative tests&nbsp; —&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;45&nbsp;deaths

United States&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcases-updates%2Fcases-in-us.html&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280711168&amp;sdata=%2FGM6DKPRivzoHwncyJjE%2FIqcO%2B4T4hkjwItp67wC5zI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">website</a>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Numbers listed on the CDC website today at 2:30 p.m. are from April 21

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 802,583&nbsp;cases&nbsp; — &nbsp;44,575&nbsp;deaths

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DAqX%252Fyxxn%252FCsKfNEzXNs%252BvxKe7ZZW379%252BIapVVCHkcj06tGRioNXHydnB8SDRy9JxKxbnmsbGajTZ1uu1UqTWx8FWCJ69lKl%252B805rdeXi%252FidskzQDoiAMzbfDT%252FjzP8CI2zrCmk2%252FYqI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%252F%253Furl%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%25252Flink.php%25253FDynEngagement%25253Dtrue%252526H%25253DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%2525252Bv%2525252FUt%2525252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%2525252BtQ9zJVd%2525252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%2525252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%2525252FFI%2525253D%252526G%25253D0%252526R%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fwww.cdc.gov%2525252Fcovid19%252526I%25253D20200228212559.00000572228f%25252540mail6-42-usnbn1%252526X%25253DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%2525253D%252526S%25253DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE%2526data%253D02%25257C01%25257Ckhalilah.legrand%252540nebraska.gov%25257C7986f7edfcbd449e10e008d7bc94cf93%25257C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%25257C0%25257C0%25257C637185219636880975%2526sdata%253D9wCGyXgupbO8XHXIqlFLwoysbZB%25252BuB%25252B02JIhXlYFdLQ%25253D%2526reserved%253D0%26I%3D20200323005305.0000065c8bd7%2540mail6-60-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNzgwODY0Yzg1ZWFiNTE5ZTcyYjRmZTs%253D%26S%3Dr4S2IzklWREFo0qXx2X5JDVPUbfOPtatXzo8yeO_XgE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280716147&amp;sdata=OBU5iyccXcdAKe5iUm%2B5KToF5Oq0k7uC5NHMWaRuKyw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

Globally&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.who.int%2Femergencies%2Fdiseases%2Fnovel-coronavirus-2019%2Fsituation-reports%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280721125&amp;sdata=iHdAkog6Kx4MXfaK0Imf%2BPHQhlGivg9uDyM3t6R8SZY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">World Health Organization Situation Report</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2,544,792&nbsp;cases&nbsp; —&nbsp;175,694&nbsp;deaths

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcoronavirus.jhu.edu%2Fmap.html&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280726103&amp;sdata=AdVM7mHUhcaHazTaMuIBTBaDJ%2FuWVMB4n%2B3JuqK%2Ffig%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Johns Hopkins University of Medicine COVID-19 Dashboard</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2,682,225&nbsp;cases&nbsp; —&nbsp;&nbsp;187,330&nbsp;deaths

Gov. Pete Ricketts’ Office&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">https://governor.nebraska.gov</a>

NEW&nbsp;At his 2 p.m. news conference today, Gov. Ricketts hosted&nbsp;Steve Wellman, director of the Department of Agriculture, and&nbsp;Caryn Vincent&nbsp;of Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at DHHS.

Wellman reminded Nebraskans that tomorrow is Arbor Day and it is also spring planting time. With that in mind, Wellman asked nurseries and garden centers to make sure there is plenty of space for customers to follow social distancing guidelines.

As Farmers Markets open this spring, Wellman reminded vendors to:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Refrain from handing out samples

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Give customers more space

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provide hand sanitizers and

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Take precautions to protect yourself and your staff.

Wellman said a detasseling task force is developing protocol that will protect the 7,000 Nebraskans who fill this vital role in Nebraska each year.

Vincent said there are 33,000 women and children in Nebraska who participate in the WIC program every month. WIC&nbsp;is still helping families get healthy foods during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;WIC&nbsp;offices no longer require in-person visits at this time.&nbsp; Even if a change in income is only temporary, many families may still qualify for the program.&nbsp; If you are pregnant, just had a baby, or are the parent/guardian/foster parent of a child under 5 years old, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsignupwic.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280731079&amp;sdata=kVZeJITS%2F7iqt5K5h54gH0RDkobQLVhGxeRsD2V1Q1o%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://signupwic.com/&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;to find the phone number of a&nbsp;WIC&nbsp;office near you.

NEW&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts&nbsp;will answer questions during a one-hour NET News&nbsp;Speaking of Nebraska COVID-19 Town Hall&nbsp;tonight at 8:30 p.m.&nbsp;Joining him will be&nbsp;Dr. James Linder&nbsp;of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Dannette Smith, Chief Executive Officer of DHHS.

REMINDER&nbsp;Test Nebraska&nbsp;is a new program that will&nbsp;assess, test&nbsp;and&nbsp;track&nbsp;COVID-19 cases in Nebraska. Visit&nbsp;<a href="file://stn/stnedfs$/NEMAHome$/jodie.fawl/~Documents/COVID-19/~JIC%20News%20Releases/testnebraska.com" target="_blank">testnebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to complete an online assessment. The program will help the state increase testing which is important to stop the spread of the virus in the state and especially important when restrictions are lifted. The increased testing will allow only those who test positive to stay home while those who test negative can return to work. Ricketts said the testing will be free for Nebraskans and will give the state real-time information about COVID-19. As part of the plan, Nebraskans are asked to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.testnebraska.com%2Fchallenge&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280736058&amp;sdata=pNQDjoVjYNk5mUZZJWNGXjlnPQPH3mBwOnRvJmyH5Kw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">#TestNebraskaChallenge</a>&nbsp;and to nominate five friends to take the test.&nbsp;

REMINDER&nbsp;Nebraska is on Day 14 of&nbsp;<a>21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy</a>

Please follow these&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy

* Urgent Reminder regarding Voter Registration Deadlines *

To Date&nbsp;413,839&nbsp;ballots have been sent to Nebraska Voters

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink7" target="_blank">COVID-19 Information</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/News-Releases.aspx" target="_blank">DHHS News Releases</a>

COVID-19 Dashboard now includes hospitalization data:<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DHHS-Expands-COVID-19-Dashboard-to-Include-Hospitalization-Data.aspx" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DHHS-Expands-COVID-19-Dashboard-to-Include-Hospitalization-Data.aspx</a>

<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnebraska.maps.arcgis.com%2Fapps%2Fopsdashboard%2Findex.html%23%2F4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280741036&amp;sdata=W57tqCSjBtJ6J0Xxso6vXkElGAFu96l%2BIZEuVT6rfL4%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://nebraska.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4213f719a45647bc873ffb58783ffef3</a>

Other DHHS Links and Information&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink7" target="_blank">COVID-19 Information</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/News-Releases.aspx" target="_blank">DHHS News Releases</a>

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska COVID-19 Information Line:&nbsp;(402) 552-6645.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hours:&nbsp;8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST – every day.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State agencies are sharing information using the&nbsp;#NECOVID19 Hashtag

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS has produced COVID-19 announcements available in&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DPb-4Ntbfz-s%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280746014&amp;sdata=WmQYX5bBJeu4Krk2fr1UuYKGaXSSkAwInA%2F7nJY2vOo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">English</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DpgrXzj9Th7M&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280750994&amp;sdata=l9uWfeFADyANq8YJQJJ5bDL4L2UQkJRpdeDJzMG6gXE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">En Español</a>.&nbsp;Directed Health Measures translated in Spanish and Vietnamese are now available for Douglas, Cass, Sarpy and Lancaster counties.&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink1" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink1</a>

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Review the&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Health-Alert-Network.aspx" target="_blank">Health Alert Network (HAN)</a>&nbsp;for recent information and guidelines for health care providers.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://nema.nebraska.gov/news" target="_blank">https://nema.nebraska.gov/news</a>

REMINDER&nbsp;NEMA has several Twitter lists you can follow by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNEMAtweets%2Flists&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280755973&amp;sdata=Vt%2FTfA8ygAzaF%2Be4VDcTcZCGhTUAFCwn6Ya75QjuZ2U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets/lists</a>.&nbsp;Consider Subscribing to the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fi%2Flists%2F109883140&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280760941&amp;sdata=jjJEvXb5r6ZmYuq%2B5yRv4Tkjs0h8Dhydc%2F81QFFlFKM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Nebraska State Government List</a>&nbsp;or to the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fi%2Flists%2F94098046&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280760941&amp;sdata=rtREMNKhmSC%2FFQeY%2BveNMhKpQHzWwac%2F2%2BlqCGW%2BOoE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Nebraska County and Regional Emergency Managers&nbsp;List.</a>

REMINDER&nbsp;There is no essential staffing list maintained by the State of Nebraska for people who have jobs to perform. Individuals leaving their homes in order to perform an activity or function for their jobs&nbsp;DO NOT&nbsp;need to carry or present any letter, identification card or other paper proving that they are allowed to leave their home.

NEW&nbsp;In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Doug Peterson and a bipartisan coalition of 34 attorneys general recommended actions to help homeowners in letters sent today to the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To read on this topic and the letters find information&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.nebraska.gov/news/attorney-general-peterson-recommends-help-homeowners-affected-covid-19" target="_blank">here</a>.

Department of Administrative Services

A number of state agencies and private organizations have received inquiries from Nebraska manufacturers that have the capabilities to provide needed medical equipment for hospitals and medical providers. The Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has partnered with the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NMEP) to help organize the manufacturers with these capabilities and connect them with the medical community.

For manufacturers please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.unl.edu%2Fcriticalmanufacturing&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280765932&amp;sdata=CN7QuulZw8cLqTXtDCqDMNAuv5OEhQLZ%2BsBv9Y3hYbI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/criticalmanufacturing</a>&nbsp; to register your company and list the products your company is able to produce in short deadlines. For people in the medical community that want to access these companies and order needed supplies, please contact: Doug Carlson, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of Nebraska,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doug.carlson@nebraska.gov" target="_blank">doug.carlson@nebraska.gov</a>, 402-471-0972

Department of Agriculture (NDA)&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov</a>

NEW&nbsp;Nurseries and Garden Centers:&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has created guidance for nurseries and garden centers to help keep customers healthy and to slow the spread of COVID-19. All nurseries and garden centers should first consult with their local health department to ensure that the business is able to meet all local health department guidelines. Nursery and garden center guidance and additional agriculture-related information can be found on NDA’s website at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2Fl.php%3Fu%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.nda.nebraska.gov%252FCOVID-19%253Ffbclid%253DIwAR017ZJ64ErWvDvulOuBmn7JtXo8-7AW1bDBqHmW8wr3L7QW7ix3PdZUEi4%26h%3DAT1WFONGpO_M6gWaf49EDa_cr46FzmgTjuxkhh0kIxVXFUkIwx-bVsxJRD3ItPc6wQFVh4mPed3Q6m5vdQAwZYinwp9yub3QI_hvNgsUTBAuI3huv3GBzmAMO4r8kZ2-UQlnO5w0K9OhAqPARxSDSBBCzIPv0KzVSj7WXsLCCp0XSkmQu8CO8mbs9gTmZuPOanfpKyV5hGlVf61GAj22RRMl2B_uwiKCeNUA3lpexjWlBdJKsaQIykL-QU_YMiBACLn8kHxfaTL2Cxu9zKJnbfppWQ8bbKEqURHlWZdbwd451IkuJeUe29WLpZNpY2Uf193z9nCuM2ecvGt5oxpVPRH7mCl-CyXvDXF2DvG1JlQz2EQb_0D971vnbSGN8utDE4gzQJDISur_hgERmimG2Ms6bfmKMEDcn8n8dd2KMZomhHT4fA1lEk-uG7FyKqQkWEAgw3njF0MniXR0kVG7U1fUfFxpBiH1TlF8JDQZszzFVhmh1L9TpsM36iMvqb_oSiBtQfX3fXkSt0fTJo-q6Ug01bqtCokjnKRVZEK-DI6o3hCIifWATytn58_Vjnb1rhLIhC339PFVGmtDVTocXJtDP8QVELsVIC5QVec6vKb6m08grD9RLmpq&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280770907&amp;sdata=Ai4ZHS2AauLfnjGcNKW2OghWOyfd8j7%2Fohse8zn6jQI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19</a>.

NEW&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance posted three new Consumer Advisories on its website alerting Nebraskans to investment threats and COVID-19 related investment schemes, along with guidance and tips to avoid scammers.

The April 21, 2020 Consumer Advisories can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/about/covid-19-consumer-and-industry-guidance" target="_blank">https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/about/covid-19-consumer-and-industry-guidance</a>&nbsp;under the ‘Consumer Guidance’ tab.&nbsp;

Department of Corrections&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">corrections.nebraska.gov</a>

NDCS has COVID-19 related information on its webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.nebraska.gov/ndcs-coronavirus-health-update" target="_blank">https://corrections.nebraska.gov/ndcs-coronavirus-health-update</a>.

Department of Economic Development&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/nded-covid19/" target="_blank">https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/nded-covid19/</a>

Business owners or nonprofit leaders are being asked to fill out a survey to report on how COVID-19 has impacted their organizations.&nbsp;The response will help the State of Nebraska, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the University of Nebraska and other partners understand the impact coronavirus has had on revenue and workforce—and find the best ways to support our business and nonprofit community during this crisis. Make your voice heard at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FNE-Biz-Survey-2020&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280775887&amp;sdata=OWpyhbzML%2BDmvASPcEDNhBAZLQ%2BDb7tMF%2BY%2FtviyvQk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/NE-Biz-Survey-2020</a>.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the University of Nebraska and other business-related organizations are reaching out to Nebraska businesses to better understand the initial and potential future impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the revenue and workforce of business organizations.

The goal is to find the best ways to support the Nebraska business community. The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the University of Nebraska is working with&nbsp;Dr. Josie Schafer&nbsp;at UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR)—and in&nbsp;collaboration with&nbsp;Dr. Eric Thompson&nbsp;at UNL,&nbsp;Dr. Dave Dearmont&nbsp;at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and&nbsp;Pete Thompson&nbsp;at the Omaha Chamber—to&nbsp;develop a survey for Nebraska businesses. &nbsp;CPAR will capture the survey results and publish the statewide report. The survey will be in both English and Spanish language versions.

The survey launched today at 2 pm and will run through Friday, April 24&nbsp;at 5 p.m. (10 days total).&nbsp;

Department of Environment and Energy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://dee.ne.gov/" target="_blank">http://dee.ne.gov</a>

NDEE has issued guidance for indoor and outdoor pools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department recommends pools, spas and spray parks carefully evaluate state and local Directed Health Measures, and close or delay opening until they are lifted.

Current Centers for Disease Control guidance states the novel Coronavirus is not spread in pool water if proper pool chemistry is maintained; however, there is a concern for common areas and people being in close contact.

For more information, please refer to the memo on our COVID-19 page.

CARES Act payments will have no impact on ACA Marketplace subsidies according to the Nebraska Department of Insurance.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, calls for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make economic impact payments of up to $1,200 per taxpayer and $500 for each qualifying child, adjusted based on income. The federal government has announced that any money received due to the CARES Act does not need to be included as income on an application for individual health insurance coverage through healthcare.gov.

In addition, payments received through the CARES Act do not impact an individual’s eligibility for financial assistance for health care coverage through the Marketplace or eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For more information, visit IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief or&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcare.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280780862&amp;sdata=EPNaorW1GsDaF9LrRw0gZyw7K%2BTylC%2B0s735GlXldd8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.healthcare.gov/coronavirus</a>/.

Department of Labor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="file://stn/stnedfs$/NEMAHome$/jodie.fawl/~Documents/COVID-19/~JIC%20News%20Releases/NEworks.nebraska.gov" target="_blank">NEworks.nebraska.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="file://stn/stnedfs$/NEMAHome$/jodie.fawl/~Documents/COVID-19/~JIC%20News%20Releases/dol.nebraska.gov" target="_blank">dol.nebraska.gov</a>

NEW&nbsp;There were 12,045 new unemployment insurance claims filed during the week ending April 18, a decrease of more than 24 percent from the previous week when 15,943 initial claims were filed.&nbsp;There were 41,727 filed in the entire 2019 calendar year. Spreadsheets showing claims data are available&nbsp;<a href="https://neworks.nebraska.gov/gsipub/index.asp?docid=710" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and will be updated every Thursday.&nbsp;

Initial claims are filed by individuals to request a determination of eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. NDOL processes initial unemployment insurance claims and, if an individual meets eligibility criteria, benefits are paid for each week of continued unemployment.

The highest counts of initial claims were in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry (1,529, which decreased 22.5 percent from the prior week (1,973). All industries had declines in initial claims from the prior week except for Manufacturing and Transportation and Warehousing, which saw an increase of 11.4 percent and 59.2 percent respectively.

Any worker in a non-paid status due to COVID-19 may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits.&nbsp;Unemployment claims in Nebraska are filed online at&nbsp;<a href="https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx" target="_blank">NEworks.nebraska.gov</a>.&nbsp;The NEworks mobile app is available to download for free. After filing a new initial claim, applicants must certify their eligibility every week that they continue to be unemployed by logging into their NEworks account.&nbsp; These weekly certifications must be completed even while the new claim is still being processed.&nbsp; Claim and payment status can also be viewed by logging into the NEworks account.

The federal CARES Act created a temporary program that offers benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits including the self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, and others (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or PUA). The act also increases the amount an individual on regular unemployment or PUA will receive by $600 for every week an individual is unemployed. All individuals who qualify will receive $600 in additional benefits for each eligible week of unemployment through July 25. Workers who have been affected by the pandemic should file a claim for unemployment.&nbsp;NDOL will automatically review every claim that comes in for eligibility under the CARES Act.

Department of Motor Vehicles&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://dmv.nebraska.gov/about/news-releases" target="_blank">DMV news releases</a>

On April 23, 125 years ago, NeDNR began its mission to safeguard Nebraska’s most precious natural resource through sound partnerships, cooperation and science-based decision making to help grow Nebraska’s future.&nbsp;Our agency continues to ensure that critical water-related information remains available (see&nbsp;<a href="https://dnr.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">https://dnr.nebraska.gov/</a>.) Be assured that our staff continue to update vital information, including real-time streamgaging information, during this pandemic.

To support National Flood Insurance Program policyholders amid the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA is extending its 30-day grace period for policy renewals up to 120 days. This is effective for National Flood Insurance Program policies with an expiration date between February 13 – June 15, 2020.

For more information, visit the FEMA website&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnfipservices.floodsmart.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Ce764d003b98a4f9c219608d7e7cf2af1%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232749280785842&amp;sdata=WP0VVSqJkhMvs9Vc9d1hvQTj3kJsM7zwkSVnDuNUr7Q%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/</a>

FEMA also has some guidance on flood insurance claims during this time.&nbsp; It allows for the claims to be adjusted remotely without an adjustor visiting the property.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Nebraska Department of Revenue provides guidance, direction, or pertinent public information such items may be found&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;The most current information will be posted to the department’s website under “Featured Information”. Taxpayer Assistance is also available online and by phone, and contact information may be found&nbsp;<a href="https://revenue.nebraska.gov/about/contact-us" target="_blank">here.</a>

NEW&nbsp;the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) launched a new Traffic Count Dashboard as an informational resource for Nebraskans. NDOT has been reporting traffic data since March 1 to track the impact of COVID-19 on statewide traffic volumes.&nbsp; For the week of April 12 through April 18, statewide traffic volumes were down 35 percent compared to the 2016-18 average.

The Traffic Count Dashboard will be updated weekly and can be viewed using the following link:

<a href="https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4473552a18f34645ad0dede3ae1105ce" target="_blank">https://gis.ne.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/4473552a18f34645ad0dede3ae1105ce</a>

“The traffic count dashboard is a tool to help the DOT understand and communicate how COVID-19 is impacting travel in Nebraska,” said NDOT Director Kyle Schneweis. &nbsp;“While we are seeing freight traffic stay at near normal levels, a 35 percent decrease in statewide traffic volume poses potential impacts to how the NDOT does business. &nbsp;It is too early to estimate the extent of impact but we’ll continue to analyze the data to understand scenarios.”

The data compares 2020s traffic to the historical three-year (2016-18) average daily traffic for each day of the week for that month and then averages the difference in traffic for each week by category.&nbsp;Data for 2019 was excluded due to the impacts of flooding on highways. For example, March 15-21 is calculated by finding the difference in March 15, 2020 vs. the historical average Sunday traffic for March, March&nbsp;16&nbsp; 2020 vs. the historic average Monday in March, etc.&nbsp; Then each day is averaged together to get a weekly average change in traffic.

Nebraska Joint Information Center daily update (April 23, 2020)

LINCOLN –&nbsp;This afternoon, at his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts discussed guidelines for farmers’ markets, nurseries, and garden centers as they operate during the ongoing public health emergency.&nbsp; The Governor also highlighted resources available to families in need through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman joined the Governor at today’s briefing.&nbsp; He talked about safely setting up and shopping at farmers’ markets and garden centers.&nbsp; He also announced the formation of a Detasseling Task Force to ensure the safety of Nebraskans working in fields this summer.

Caryn Vincent, Strategic Advisor for the Division of Public Health within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, also took part in today’s news conference.&nbsp; She overviewed the eligibility requirements and benefits of the WIC program.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: 21 Days to Keep Nebraska Healthy

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are now on Day 14 of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign. &nbsp;We’re two-thirds of the way there!

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind people of our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home. &nbsp;No non-essential errands and no social gatherings. &nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit.

o&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.

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

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing. &nbsp;Play at home. &nbsp;No group sports. &nbsp;And no playgrounds.

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

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

Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska Reminder

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans have completed just under 50,735 assessments as of this morning.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We need every Nebraskan to go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597746477&amp;sdata=X96hqydeJzdRT%2B4UCfR5M3r5t8wN9tyeewL9iVj25iw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to fill out this quick assessment.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska has been #1 in Census response and #1 in enrolling folks in the Payroll Protection Program. &nbsp;Let’s be #1 in testing assessment as well!

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, the website is&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597756430&amp;sdata=aYTVz%2BWm%2FSkawdLvKZG6aFGti8ZZ1NQMZzJ3KHDEQ2I%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>. &nbsp;Please go on social media and use #TestNebraskaChallenge to challenge five friends to take the assessment with you.

Director Wellman: Farmers’ Markets and Garden Centers

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s springtime, which is time for farmers to plant crops and for gardeners to be out in their yards.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomorrow is Arbor Day. &nbsp;I invite Nebraskans to take part in the great tradition—started by J. Sterling Morton—by planting a tree.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA has issued guidelines for nurseries and garden centers during COVID-19:&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/GuidanceNurseriesGardenCenters.pdf" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/GuidanceNurseriesGardenCenters.pdf</a>

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The general physical distancing rules apply to these retailers.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nurseries and garden centers should heed state and local directed health measures.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They should also provide extra space for customers and help to direct foot traffic.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA also has guidance available for farmers’ markets:&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/FarmersMarketGuidance.pdf" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/FarmersMarketGuidance.pdf</a>

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vendors should not hand out samples of food.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They should also have plentiful sanitizers available for customers.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should appropriately distance themselves from one another.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587688522563.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium, NDA Director Steve Wellman (standing, second from left, and&nbsp;DHHS Division of Public Health Strategic Advisor Caryn Vincent (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium, NDA Director Steve Wellman (standing, second from left, and&nbsp;DHHS Division of Public Health Strategic Advisor Caryn Vincent (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN –&nbsp;This afternoon, at his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts discussed guidelines for farmers’ markets, nurseries, and garden centers as they operate during the ongoing public health emergency.&nbsp; The Governor also highlighted resources available to families in need through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman joined the Governor at today’s briefing.&nbsp; He talked about safely setting up and shopping at farmers’ markets and garden centers.&nbsp; He also announced the formation of a Detasseling Task Force to ensure the safety of Nebraskans working in fields this summer.Caryn Vincent, Strategic Advisor for the Division of Public Health within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, also took part in today’s news conference.&nbsp; She overviewed the eligibility requirements and benefits of the WIC program.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts: 21 Days to Keep Nebraska Healthy•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are now on Day 14 of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign. &nbsp;We’re two-thirds of the way there!•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind people of our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home. &nbsp;No non-essential errands and no social gatherings. &nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit.o&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.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week. &nbsp;Do not take family with you.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing. &nbsp;Play at home. &nbsp;No group sports. &nbsp;And no playgrounds.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. &nbsp;Do not visit long-term care facilities.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska Reminder•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans have completed just under 50,735 assessments as of this morning.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We need every Nebraskan to go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597746477&amp;sdata=X96hqydeJzdRT%2B4UCfR5M3r5t8wN9tyeewL9iVj25iw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;to fill out this quick assessment.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska has been #1 in Census response and #1 in enrolling folks in the Payroll Protection Program. &nbsp;Let’s be #1 in testing assessment as well!•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, the website is&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597756430&amp;sdata=aYTVz%2BWm%2FSkawdLvKZG6aFGti8ZZ1NQMZzJ3KHDEQ2I%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>. &nbsp;Please go on social media and use #TestNebraskaChallenge to challenge five friends to take the assessment with you.Director Wellman: Farmers’ Markets and Garden Centers•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s springtime, which is time for farmers to plant crops and for gardeners to be out in their yards.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomorrow is Arbor Day. &nbsp;I invite Nebraskans to take part in the great tradition—started by J. Sterling Morton—by planting a tree.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA has issued guidelines for nurseries and garden centers during COVID-19:&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/GuidanceNurseriesGardenCenters.pdf" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/GuidanceNurseriesGardenCenters.pdf</a>o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The general physical distancing rules apply to these retailers.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nurseries and garden centers should heed state and local directed health measures.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They should also provide extra space for customers and help to direct foot traffic.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA also has guidance available for farmers’ markets:&nbsp;<a href="http://nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/FarmersMarketGuidance.pdf" target="_blank">nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19/FarmersMarketGuidance.pdf</a>o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vendors should not hand out samples of food.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They should also have plentiful sanitizers available for customers.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should appropriately distance themselves from one another.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They are also encouraged to wear masks while shopping.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should touch only what they intend to purchase.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NDA offers coupons to WIC participants that can be used for purchases at farmers’ markets.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Call NDA for information on accessing the coupons at 402-471-2341.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The State is setting up a Detasseling Task Force.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Detasselers provide a vital service to our agricultural community.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Around 7,000 Nebraskans detassel each year.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to do everything we can to protect detasselers as they prepare to work in the fields this summer.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The task force has participation from seed companies and detasseling contractors. &nbsp;We’ll also be bringing growers onto the task force.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;USDA has announced a program to give $16 billion in direct aid to farmers and ranchers.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Farm Service Agency will administer the direct aid.&nbsp; Details of the program are still in development.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;USDA has also announced that it will purchase $3 billion of food to assist ag producers and food distributors.Caryn Vincent: WIC Program•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC is a federally funded program that gives free healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to income-eligible women who are pregnant (or have just had a baby, infants, and children under five years old.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska WIC serves approximately 33,000 women and children each month, at over 100 sites across the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;That number is expected to increase due to the current pandemic.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All caregivers of children up to five years old are welcome to apply for their child. &nbsp;The WIC program often has fathers, guardians, or foster parents apply for their children.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC can put healthy foods on the table for families experiencing food insecurity.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC has different food packages that include specific, nutrient rich foods for a pregnant mother, infant or child, or a woman who is breastfeeding.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC provides an electronic card, similar to a debit card, that can be used to buy foods at the grocery store.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Families who participate in SNAP or Medicaid are automatically income-eligible for WIC.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC’s income guidelines are generous and some families may qualify without realizing it. &nbsp;For example, a family of four with a gross income of $47,638 would be eligible for WIC.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The best way to know if you qualify is by visiting the website&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsignupwic.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597756430&amp;sdata=h7B4s6GtspRwzAk%2F6m5nqzH7T1IQPdGjWn8ok3y5Qrw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">signupwic.com</a>&nbsp;and calling a WIC office near you. &nbsp;You can also find WIC’s income guidelines on the Nebraska DHHS WIC website:&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx" target="_blank">dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx</a>.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to free healthy food, families that participate in WIC also get free nutrition and health education.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given the current public health situation, nutrition, breastfeeding, and health education is now happening over the phone rather than in-person.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WIC also has a network of nurses, dietitians, lactation consultants, and other moms who help women with their breastfeeding goals. &nbsp;At each WIC appointment, moms have access breastfeeding support.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%2Fsh%2Fjibguxil57mbngd%2FAADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7C00346fe9059f4c856f5908d7e7cec73e%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637232747597766389&amp;sdata=FHVHQ6BlOQzY41m08K9NyP%2BcmIKRfA%2FfRB3xC72Skkw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.