OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Omaha's city council on Tuesday approved an emergency mask mandate in indoor public places to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.
The measure passed 7-0 after four hours of testimony from a divided public. The proposal had received support from many of the city's biggest companies, including Union Pacific, TD Ameritrade, Mutual of Omaha and First National Bank.
The proposed ordinance would require masks in places such as schools, businesses and churches. Eating and drinking in restaurants and bars, exercising in gyms and visiting government offices would be excluded.
Douglas County, which includes Omaha, has confirmed 11,449 coronavirus cases and 138 deaths since the pandemic began, according to the county's online tracking portal. The number of new daily cases has trended down over the last week.
The number of cases in Lincoln has trended downward since the city began requiring masks on July 20.
Statewide, Nebraska officials have confirmed 28,696 coronavirus cases and 348 deaths, although the actual number is likely higher because some people haven't been tested. A total of 306,023 people have been tested so far, and state officials confirmed 264 new cases on Monday.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms 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.
The state's online tracking portal says 39% of hospital beds in Nebraska are available and 80% of its ventilators.