Governor gives green light to new DHMs

Nebraska is in the green, at least when it comes to directed health measures.

Governor Pete Ricketts announced Jan. 29 the state would transition from the blue to green phase, effective Jan. 30.

The state's pandemic response plan links DHM restrictions to the percentage of staffed hospital beds in Nebraska filled by coronavirus patients. As of Jan. 29, hospital capacity in the state is below 10%, allowing the move to the green phase of the pandemic plan.

During Friday morning's press conference, Ricketts reported Nebraska hospital rates include 341 hospitalizations and is at 33% capacity across the state. Intensive care unit bed capacity was at 38% and 77% of ventilators were available.

Ricketts said, "This is still not the place that hospitalizations were back in September."

According to the North Central District Health Department, the new threshold boosts maximum capacity for indoor gatherings, including youth extracurricular activities from 75% to 100%.

"Organizers of gatherings of 500 or more people (1,000 in Douglas County), must still submit a reopening plan to their local health department - and receive approval - before holding their events. Aside from this requirement, there are no restrictions on gatherings/venues in the green phase of the state's plan. However, guidance is still in place and recommended," the release stated.

Ricketts said, "Even though we're in that phase, we still encourage people to continue to wear masks when they're out in public."

Updated quarantine requirements are also featured in the new DHMs.

Residents who have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine do not have to quarantine after a close contact. Now, individuals will be able to self-monitor. This designation requires wearing a mask for 14 days from the date of exposure and monitoring for symptoms.

Nebraskans who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months will also not need to quarantine after close contact. They should, however, still monitor for symptoms.

Both requirements align with Centers for Disease Control guidance.

"If you have symptoms, stay home," the governor said.

To view the current DHMs, visit https://ncdhdne.wordpress.com.