LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Two more COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Nebraska, bringing the state total to 68, officials said.
The announcement Wednesday night follows the Legislature's approval of an $83.6 million emergency relief package to help public health officials respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Pete Ricketts signed the bill that will provide money for additional medical and cleaning supplies, tests and overtime for state health care workers.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
The governor also added Lancaster, Dodge and Saunders counties to the list of places where restaurants and bars will have to close their dining rooms because of the health risk. Similar restrictions were already in place for Douglas, Sarpy, Cass and Washington counties. Combined, all of those counties account for more than 1.1 million people and well over half of the state's population.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird announced a ban on gatherings larger than 10 as well as rules that will force the closure of salons, massage parlors, tattoo shops and other places where people spend time close together.