OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts has expanded to all 93 Nebraska counties an enforceable order that limits gatherings to fewer than 10 and closes many non-essential businesses and services.The expanded order Friday night was followed Saturday by news that a Nebraska State Penitentiary staff member tested positive for COVID-19 - the first confirmed case within the state's prison system. The Douglas County Health Department also confirmed two additional deaths Saturday from the virus - a man in his 80s who was a resident of the Douglas County Health Center, a long-term care facility, and a woman older than 70. Both had multiple underlying medical conditions. That brought Nebraska's total COVID-19 deaths to eight.Ricketts had earlier resisted expanding the order statewide, preferring a regional approach."The next several weeks will be key to slowing the spread of the virus in Nebraska," Ricketts said in a written statement.The directed health measure began last month in eastern Nebraska counties surrounding the state's largest city of Omaha, then was expanded to 56 counties until Friday's statewide order, which is in effect until May 11. It restricts public gatherings, closes restaurant dining rooms and bars to the public and requires people showing symptoms the virus to quarantine.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.The number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state rose to at least 301 on Saturday, based on numbers from various health agencies.A news release Saturday from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services say the infected staff member is the first confirmed case of the virus to be diagnosed among any state inmates or staff members. No other people who have been in contact with the staff member have shown symptoms, the release said, and the infected staff member has been isolated at home for the past 10 days.

Nebraska governor extends order limiting gatherings