Ricketts announces guidelines to lessen impact of COVID_19

Nebraskans are urged to stay home and stay healthy for the next three weeks.

Thursday afternoon, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced six rules to lessen the impact of COVID-19: stay home, social distance, shop alone once per week, assist children with social distancing, help older populations social distance and exercise at home.

Ricketts said the recommendations are not a stay-at-home order or a shelter-in-place order.

"As we wage war against the virus, we are asking Nebraskans to further limit social interactions. Everyone should work, go home and shop once a week. We all need to stay home whenever possible, stay healthy and stay connected," Ricketts said. "Each one of us has to take personal responsibility for adhering to social distancing rules. By working together, we can flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus."

Ricketts pointed out that restrictions should be practiced during Easter and Passover.

"I remind everyone to heed the restrictions on social gatherings and comply with quarantine requirements. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance for faith-based communities as they practice social distancing and support public health efforts. DHHS guidelines are available at http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Faith-Based-Communities-FAQ.pdf.

All 93 counties in Nebraska remain in a Directed Health Measure. The DHM:

• Limits public gatherings to a 10-person limit;

• Requires bars and restaurants to close dining areas, and allows takeout, delivery and/or curbside service;

• Prohibits dental and medical elective surgeries and procedures;

• Mandates schools to operate without students through May 31;

• Cancels school-related extracurricular activities through May 31 and

• Requires individuals to home quarantine for at least 14 days if they test positive for COVID-19; have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above; experience sudden onset of cough and/or shortness or breath and/or live or have lived with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms previous listed.

Ricketts said, "As we enter our toughest month yet, we all need to redouble our efforts to practice social distancing and good hygiene. Since there is no vaccine, non-medical interventions remain our most powerful weapon to defeat COVID-19. To stay up-to-date on the latest information, I encourage you to subscribe to updates at http://www.Governor.Nebraska.gov. Together, Nebraska will get through this, and we will get back to growing stronger and better than ever before."