The third COVID-19 related death in the Panhandle has been reported in Scotts Bluff County. A female in her 90s with underlying health conditions has passed away.

“We offer our sincerest sympathy to her family. Increased precautions remain critical against this virus, especially to protect our most vulnerable in the community,” said Paulette Schnell, Director of Scotts Bluff County Health Department.

The Panhandle, along with most other Nebraska counties, has moved towards decreased restrictions in phase three of the Governor’s Directed Health Measure beginning today, June 22. Guidance documents are available at http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html. Public health urges all Panhandle residents to continue the following:

· Stay at least six feet away from others. Close contact and exposure are considered less than six feet for 15 minutes or more. Social distancing is one of the best prevention strategies we have against this virus.

· Wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and when in public spaces or areas.

· Frequent handwashing or sanitizing is critical.

· Monitor your symptoms and immediately call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764 before going anywhere if you are experiencing any of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

· Please use extra caution if you are over 60 or have any underlying health conditions.

COVID-19 testing is available at Community Action Health Center: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7am-8am. Testing is open to those that are symptomatic or close contact to a positive case. Sign up today https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq.

Unified Command confirms nine more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:

Ten cases from Scotts Bluff County have been deemed recovered bringing the total recoveries to 152.

• Box Butte County: 3 cases (recovered)

• Cheyenne County: 15 cases (4 active, 11 recovered)

• Dawes County: 4 cases (3 active, 1 recovered)

• Morrill County: 14 cases (4 active, 10 recovered)

• Scotts Bluff County: 191 Cases (76 active, 112 recovered, 3 deaths)

Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.

For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

By PPHDThe third COVID-19 related death in the Panhandle has been reported in Scotts Bluff County. A female in her 90s with underlying health conditions has passed away.“We offer our sincerest sympathy to her family. Increased precautions remain critical against this virus, especially to protect our most vulnerable in the community,” said Paulette Schnell, Director of Scotts Bluff County Health Department.The Panhandle, along with most other Nebraska counties, has moved towards decreased restrictions in phase three of the Governor’s Directed Health Measure beginning today, June 22. Guidance documents are available at http://pphd.org/COVID-19.html. Public health urges all Panhandle residents to continue the following:· Stay at least six feet away from others. Close contact and exposure are considered less than six feet for 15 minutes or more. Social distancing is one of the best prevention strategies we have against this virus.· Wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and when in public spaces or areas.· Frequent handwashing or sanitizing is critical.· Monitor your symptoms and immediately call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764 before going anywhere if you are experiencing any of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, body chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.· Please use extra caution if you are over 60 or have any underlying health conditions.COVID-19 testing is available at Community Action Health Center: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7am-8am. Testing is open to those that are symptomatic or close contact to a positive case. Sign up today https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq.Unified Command confirms nine more cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592876113270.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592876135115.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ten cases from Scotts Bluff County have been deemed recovered bringing the total recoveries to 152.March 2-June 22, 2020Total Tests Conducted: 4,879Positive: 243Cumulative Positivity Rate: 4.9%Recovered: 152Active Cases: 88Active Hospitalizations: 6Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 28Deaths: 3• Banner County: 1 case (recovered)• Box Butte County: 3 cases (recovered)• Cheyenne County: 15 cases (4 active, 11 recovered)• Dawes County: 4 cases (3 active, 1 recovered)• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)• Kimball County: 10 cases (recovered)• Morrill County: 14 cases (4 active, 10 recovered)• Scotts Bluff County: 191 Cases (76 active, 112 recovered, 3 deaths)• Sioux County: 1 case (active)Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

Scotts Bluff Co. reports 3rd COVID-19 related death, 2 more cases in Dawes Co. 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has confirmed another 103 coronavirus cases but no new deaths. 

The new cases brings the total known number to 17,810 in the state since the pandemic began. 

So far, officials have confirmed 244 virus-related deaths. On Sunday, state corrections officials said another prisoner had tested positive for the virus.

 So far, a total of eight inmates and 20 prison employees have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Nebraska’s hospitals report that 44% of their beds, 51% of intensive care beds and 81% of the ventilators statewide remain available.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has confirmed another 103 coronavirus cases but no new deaths. The new cases brings the total known number to 17,810 in the state since the pandemic began. So far, officials have confirmed 244 virus-related deaths. On Sunday, state corrections officials said another prisoner had tested positive for the virus. So far, a total of eight inmates and 20 prison employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Nebraska’s hospitals report that 44% of their beds, 51% of intensive care beds and 81% of the ventilators statewide remain available.

Nebraska confirms another 103 new coronavirus cases

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are reporting 72 new cases of the coronavirus, boosting the total number of positive tests to nearly 6,300. 

The update released Sunday showed that the number of active cases rose from 809 to 827. 

However, the number of hospitalizations fell by two, to 89, and the number of deaths remained unchanged at 81.

Nearly 5,400 people have recovered from COVID-19. Minnehaha County, which includes Sioux Falls, has reported 3,523 cases, followed by Beadle County at 494, Pennington County at 457, Brown County at 324 and Lincoln County at 323.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials are reporting 72 new cases of the coronavirus, boosting the total number of positive tests to nearly 6,300. The update released Sunday showed that the number of active cases rose from 809 to 827. However, the number of hospitalizations fell by two, to 89, and the number of deaths remained unchanged at 81.Nearly 5,400 people have recovered from COVID-19. Minnehaha County, which includes Sioux Falls, has reported 3,523 cases, followed by Beadle County at 494, Pennington County at 457, Brown County at 324 and Lincoln County at 323.

South Dakota officials report 72 virus cases, no new deaths

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tyson Foods is looking into reports that China’s customs agency has suspended poultry imports from a Tyson facility in the United States after coronavirus cases were confirmed among its employees. 

A Tyson spokesman said Sunday that the plant in question is in Springdale, Arkansas. 

The spokesman said that all global and U.S. health organizations agree that there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. 

The announcement out of China Sunday gave no details of the quantity of meat affected.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tyson Foods is looking into reports that China’s customs agency has suspended poultry imports from a Tyson facility in the United States after coronavirus cases were confirmed among its employees. A Tyson spokesman said Sunday that the plant in question is in Springdale, Arkansas. The spokesman said that all global and U.S. health organizations agree that there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. The announcement out of China Sunday gave no details of the quantity of meat affected.

Hundreds test positive at Tyson Foods plant in Arkansas

Lincoln – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) announced that an inmate assigned to the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). To date, a total of eight inmates in NDCS have tested positive for COVID-19.

Notification will be provided to those who work and live in the facility as to the new positive case. In addition, anyone who may have had close contact with the affected individual will be directed to self-quarantine until they are cleared by a medical provider.

Lincoln – Today, Director Scott R. Frakes, Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) announced that an inmate assigned to the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). To date, a total of eight inmates in NDCS have tested positive for COVID-19.Notification will be provided to those who work and live in the facility as to the new positive case. In addition, anyone who may have had close contact with the affected individual will be directed to self-quarantine until they are cleared by a medical provider.

NDCS inmate tests positive for COVID-19

By ALEX SMITH <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-06-18/as-kansas-and-missouri-reopen-new-research-says-states-still-lack-enough-contact-tracers-to-slow-covid-19">Kansas News Service</a>

Health experts say that contact tracers—health care workers whose job
 it is to reach out to individuals who may have been exposed to the 
coronavirus to instruct them to isolate—are essential to keep COVID-19 
from spreading. 

But updated research shows that both Kansas and 
Missouri lack adequate numbers of contact tracers even though both 
states have been gradually reopening for weeks. Still, some health 
officials dispute the findings.

While many cities, counties and 
states have made significant progress in COVID-19 preparedness, many 
others are still struggling on contact tracing, including Johnson 
County, Kansas, which has made huge strides in testing but still doesn’t
 have enough contact tracers.

“Right now, no,” wrote Johnson 
County health department spokeswoman Barbara Mitchell in an email, 
explaining that the county is currently understaffed and would be even 
further strained in the event of a new surge of COVID-19 cases.

Nationally,
 few states currently have enough of these workers, according to an 
analysis by NPR using data from George Washington University’s Contact 
Workforce Estimator.

Kansas currently has 12.33 contact tracers, 
including reserve workers, per 100,000 residents, short of the roughly 
17 per 100,000 needed, according to the analysis.

Missouri, 
meanwhile, has only .49 tracers per 100,000 residents, well below the 
roughly 14 per 100,000 needed there, the analysis shows.

However, 
the NPR analysis for Missouri only includes contact tracers working for 
the state health department, not those working in county and local 
health departments. The omission, which was not explained in the NPR 
report, likely makes the state’s capacity appear much lower than it 
actually is.

The George Washington University researchers based their estimates of contact tracer needs on 14-day case counts.

Health
 officials say that efforts to recruit contact tracers have been 
hampered by lack of funding and the time and effort required to hire and
 train these workers.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment 
spokeswoman Ashley Jones-Wisner wrote in an email that, so far, the 
state has generally managed to handle its contact tracing needs.

“Currently,
 our state has adequate contact tracers to assist local health 
departments with multiple surges should they request assistance,” 
Jones-Wisner wrote.

She explained that contact tracing is usually 
performed by people working in local and county health departments, and 
that state tracers are only used when local and county workers are 
overwhelmed.

She says that the state contact tracers, which 
include dozens of reassigned staff members and volunteers, have only 
been called upon to help in two local Kansas outbreaks, in Ford and 
Jackson counties.

Many state and local health departments, 
including Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas and Jackson County 
and the city of Kansas City in Missouri, are currently hiring full-time 
contact tracers to work on a temporary basis.

Missouri’s 
Department of Health and Senior Services did not immediately respond on 
Thursday to inquiries regarding contact tracers, but some local health 
departments in the Kansas City area indicated that they were struggling.

The
 Kansas City, Missouri, health department currently has a total of three
 full-time workers doing contact tracing, with other staff currently 
reassigned to do the work part time, according to spokesman Bill Snook.

Kansas
 City, Missouri has received no state or federal funding for contact 
tracing, Snook wrote in an email, and is currently funding the work 
through the local health levy.

Many of the city’s contact tracers have also been experiencing fatigue with the work.

“Some
 contacts or cases do not understand the need or want to comply our 
instructions which adds to the stress and emotional, mental and physical
 toll it takes on the multiple teams working multiple parts of the 
pandemic response,” Snook wrote in an email.

The Jackson County, 
Missouri, health department is aiming to complete its contact tracing 
team during the next two months, according to spokeswoman Kayla Parker.

Parker
 says the health department plans to have 10 contact tracers per 100,000
 residents, which she acknowledges is less than the recommended capacity
 of 15-30 tracers per 100,000. She notes that the health department did 
not receive the full amount of federal CARES funding it requested.

She says that lack of public cooperation also continues to derail contact tracing efforts.

“One
 obstacle we continue to face is resistance from some individuals in the
 community to provide information,” Parker wrote in an email. “In order 
to protect our population, it is imperative that people respond to our 
calls and give their contacts.”

Alex Smith is a health reporter for KCUR 89.3.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592578627821.png" alt="Ashley Peterson is a contact tracer for the Kansas City Health Department. Kansas City Health Department photo" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Peterson is a contact tracer for the Kansas City Health Department. Kansas City Health Department photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEX SMITH <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-06-18/as-kansas-and-missouri-reopen-new-research-says-states-still-lack-enough-contact-tracers-to-slow-covid-19">Kansas News Service</a>Health experts say that contact tracers—health care workers whose job
 it is to reach out to individuals who may have been exposed to the 
coronavirus to instruct them to isolate—are essential to keep COVID-19 
from spreading. But updated research shows that both Kansas and 
Missouri lack adequate numbers of contact tracers even though both 
states have been gradually reopening for weeks. Still, some health 
officials dispute the findings.While many cities, counties and 
states have made significant progress in COVID-19 preparedness, many 
others are still struggling on contact tracing, including Johnson 
County, Kansas, which has made huge strides in testing but still doesn’t
 have enough contact tracers.“Right now, no,” wrote Johnson 
County health department spokeswoman Barbara Mitchell in an email, 
explaining that the county is currently understaffed and would be even 
further strained in the event of a new surge of COVID-19 cases.Nationally,
 few states currently have enough of these workers, according to an 
analysis by NPR using data from George Washington University’s Contact 
Workforce Estimator.Kansas currently has 12.33 contact tracers, 
including reserve workers, per 100,000 residents, short of the roughly 
17 per 100,000 needed, according to the analysis.Missouri, 
meanwhile, has only .49 tracers per 100,000 residents, well below the 
roughly 14 per 100,000 needed there, the analysis shows.However, 
the NPR analysis for Missouri only includes contact tracers working for 
the state health department, not those working in county and local 
health departments. The omission, which was not explained in the NPR 
report, likely makes the state’s capacity appear much lower than it 
actually is.The George Washington University researchers based their estimates of contact tracer needs on 14-day case counts.Health
 officials say that efforts to recruit contact tracers have been 
hampered by lack of funding and the time and effort required to hire and
 train these workers.Kansas Department of Health and Environment 
spokeswoman Ashley Jones-Wisner wrote in an email that, so far, the 
state has generally managed to handle its contact tracing needs.“Currently,
 our state has adequate contact tracers to assist local health 
departments with multiple surges should they request assistance,” 
Jones-Wisner wrote.She explained that contact tracing is usually 
performed by people working in local and county health departments, and 
that state tracers are only used when local and county workers are 
overwhelmed.She says that the state contact tracers, which 
include dozens of reassigned staff members and volunteers, have only 
been called upon to help in two local Kansas outbreaks, in Ford and 
Jackson counties.Many state and local health departments, 
including Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas and Jackson County 
and the city of Kansas City in Missouri, are currently hiring full-time 
contact tracers to work on a temporary basis.Missouri’s 
Department of Health and Senior Services did not immediately respond on 
Thursday to inquiries regarding contact tracers, but some local health 
departments in the Kansas City area indicated that they were struggling.The
 Kansas City, Missouri, health department currently has a total of three
 full-time workers doing contact tracing, with other staff currently 
reassigned to do the work part time, according to spokesman Bill Snook.Kansas
 City, Missouri has received no state or federal funding for contact 
tracing, Snook wrote in an email, and is currently funding the work 
through the local health levy.Many of the city’s contact tracers have also been experiencing fatigue with the work.“Some
 contacts or cases do not understand the need or want to comply our 
instructions which adds to the stress and emotional, mental and physical
 toll it takes on the multiple teams working multiple parts of the 
pandemic response,” Snook wrote in an email.The Jackson County, 
Missouri, health department is aiming to complete its contact tracing 
team during the next two months, according to spokeswoman Kayla Parker.Parker
 says the health department plans to have 10 contact tracers per 100,000
 residents, which she acknowledges is less than the recommended capacity
 of 15-30 tracers per 100,000. She notes that the health department did 
not receive the full amount of federal CARES funding it requested.She says that lack of public cooperation also continues to derail contact tracing efforts.“One
 obstacle we continue to face is resistance from some individuals in the
 community to provide information,” Parker wrote in an email. “In order 
to protect our population, it is imperative that people respond to our 
calls and give their contacts.”Alex Smith is a health reporter for KCUR 89.3.&nbsp;

Research: States still lack enough contact tracers to slow virus

PHOENIX (AP) — When the coronavirus flared in China’s capital this week, Beijing canceled flights, suspended reopenings and described the situation as “extremely grave.” But with cases rising in some U.S. states, local officials have balked at even requiring people to wear masks.

In the United States, which has the most confirmed cases and deaths in the world, authorities wrestled Wednesday with balancing demands for constitutional rights and personal freedom with warnings from health officials that being lax will have deadly consequences.

China responded to a new outbreak in Beijing by scrapping more than 60% of its flights to the capital, canceling classes and strengthening requirements for social distancing. It was a sharp retreat for the nation that declared victory over COVID-19 in March.

China’s actions follow about 137 new cases, a fraction of the number some U.S. states see each day. In Arizona, more than 1,100 people visited emergency rooms on Tuesday alone with positive or suspected cases. Alabama also is running out of hospital space, stirring impassioned debate over a mask requirement. Other states that haven’t mandated face coverings, like Texas and Florida, are seeing infections soar.

With masks becoming a political symbol, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has taken aim at President Donald Trump’s approach to the pandemic.

“Donald Trump wants to style himself as a wartime president. Unlike any other wartime leader, he takes no responsibility, he exercises no leadership, now he has just flat surrendered the fight,” Biden said Wednesday.

Biden has worn a mask repeatedly at public events, while Trump hasn’t, even on occasions such as touring auto factory floors when they are required. Aides say Trump believes they’re unflattering and that wearing one projects weakness.

The mask debate is playing out nationwide, notably in hard-hit states where face coverings have become a political and cultural debate.

Hundreds of medical professionals signed a letter urging Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey to require them. Facing mounting pressure to act as cases surge, the Republican said cities were free to mandate masks.

Ducey, who removed his mask before speaking to reporters, said there were vastly different rates of infection across the state.

“For some things, a statewide directive or executive order works very well,” he said. “If you have 12 or 13 counties that say ‘pound sand’ on an executive order ... it’s a self-defeating executive order.”

Ducey has attributed Arizona’s soaring cases to increased testing. The state has been doing more tests, which can yield more cases, but health experts say a better way to see if more people are getting sick is to look at the percentage of positive tests. When that percentage rises, it means the outbreak is worsening — not just that more people are getting tested.

Arizona has the nation’s highest seven-day average positive test rate: 17.7%, or about double the national average and well above the 10% threshold that health officials find worrisome. It also has the most new cases per capita in the U.S. in the past 14 days. The state’s leading hospital system says it’s almost running out of beds.

Ducey said roughly 300 National Guardsmen would help with contact tracing. Several restaurants and other businesses have closed because staff tested positive in the last week.

The same thing is happening in parts of Florida, where people under 35 are testing positive at a higher rate since the pandemic began, contributing to a surge in cases, officials said Wednesday.

The coastal city of St. Petersburg had three popular bars close after employees tested positive, and it’s now requiring workers who have contact with the public to wear masks — which some hard-hit cities in southern Florida have been doing for weeks.

Mayor Rick Kriseman said he also plans to require people to cover their faces in businesses and other public spaces.

“We can wear a mask, protect others and ourselves, or we can contribute to someone’s death. Maybe even our own,” Kriseman said.

The Democrat said Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has encouraged people to use masks but not mandated them.

DeSantis said he has no intention of closing Florida’s economy again despite the statewide spike in new cases, which topped 1,000 Wednesday for the 15th consecutive day. He said many of those getting sick are young and unlikely to suffer serious illness or death.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Fears about growing numbers of infections in younger people pushed officials in the San Antonio area to order masks in public as infections keep rising in Texas.

“What we are doing here is to protect the life and safety of the San Antonio community,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said, adding that most infections in the area are in people younger than 40.

Later Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said local governments could force businesses to require customers and workers to wear masks but that he wouldn’t issue a statewide order. The second-most-populated state set daily records for new COVID-19 cases, with 3,129, and hospitalizations. The 2,793 hospitalizations mark a daily high for the 10th time in 11 days.

In Montgomery, Alabama, where cases are spiking, the issue of masks erupted during a City Council meeting, where members rejected a proposal to mandate them at public gatherings of 25 or more.

Dr. Bill Saliski, a lung specialist at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, called on the city to pass a mask requirement and declared: “If this continues the way we’re going, we’re going to be overrun.”

Some city leaders voiced concern about trampling on people’s rights.

“I think to make somebody do something or require somebody to wear something is an overreach,” councilman Brantley Lyons said.

Since the virus emerged in China late last year and spread worldwide, there have been more than 8.3 million confirmed cases and over 447,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Experts say the true toll is much higher. The U.S. death toll has exceeded 117,000.

European nations, which embarked on a wide-scale reopening this week, watched Asia and the Americas with trepidation.

After lockdown restrictions were relaxed in Iran, Health Minister Saeed Namaki said he realized the extent of the challenge when he took a domestic flight.

“Many people have become careless, frustrated with wearing masks,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — When the coronavirus flared in China’s capital this week, Beijing canceled flights, suspended reopenings and described the situation as “extremely grave.” But with cases rising in some U.S. states, local officials have balked at even requiring people to wear masks.In the United States, which has the most confirmed cases and deaths in the world, authorities wrestled Wednesday with balancing demands for constitutional rights and personal freedom with warnings from health officials that being lax will have deadly consequences.China responded to a new outbreak in Beijing by scrapping more than 60% of its flights to the capital, canceling classes and strengthening requirements for social distancing. It was a sharp retreat for the nation that declared victory over COVID-19 in March.China’s actions follow about 137 new cases, a fraction of the number some U.S. states see each day. In Arizona, more than 1,100 people visited emergency rooms on Tuesday alone with positive or suspected cases. Alabama also is running out of hospital space, stirring impassioned debate over a mask requirement. Other states that haven’t mandated face coverings, like Texas and Florida, are seeing infections soar.With masks becoming a political symbol, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has taken aim at President Donald Trump’s approach to the pandemic.“Donald Trump wants to style himself as a wartime president. Unlike any other wartime leader, he takes no responsibility, he exercises no leadership, now he has just flat surrendered the fight,” Biden said Wednesday.Biden has worn a mask repeatedly at public events, while Trump hasn’t, even on occasions such as touring auto factory floors when they are required. Aides say Trump believes they’re unflattering and that wearing one projects weakness.The mask debate is playing out nationwide, notably in hard-hit states where face coverings have become a political and cultural debate.Hundreds of medical professionals signed a letter urging Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey to require them. Facing mounting pressure to act as cases surge, the Republican said cities were free to mandate masks.Ducey, who removed his mask before speaking to reporters, said there were vastly different rates of infection across the state.“For some things, a statewide directive or executive order works very well,” he said. “If you have 12 or 13 counties that say ‘pound sand’ on an executive order ... it’s a self-defeating executive order.”Ducey has attributed Arizona’s soaring cases to increased testing. The state has been doing more tests, which can yield more cases, but health experts say a better way to see if more people are getting sick is to look at the percentage of positive tests. When that percentage rises, it means the outbreak is worsening — not just that more people are getting tested.Arizona has the nation’s highest seven-day average positive test rate: 17.7%, or about double the national average and well above the 10% threshold that health officials find worrisome. It also has the most new cases per capita in the U.S. in the past 14 days. The state’s leading hospital system says it’s almost running out of beds.Ducey said roughly 300 National Guardsmen would help with contact tracing. Several restaurants and other businesses have closed because staff tested positive in the last week.The same thing is happening in parts of Florida, where people under 35 are testing positive at a higher rate since the pandemic began, contributing to a surge in cases, officials said Wednesday.The coastal city of St. Petersburg had three popular bars close after employees tested positive, and it’s now requiring workers who have contact with the public to wear masks — which some hard-hit cities in southern Florida have been doing for weeks.Mayor Rick Kriseman said he also plans to require people to cover their faces in businesses and other public spaces.“We can wear a mask, protect others and ourselves, or we can contribute to someone’s death. Maybe even our own,” Kriseman said.The Democrat said Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has encouraged people to use masks but not mandated them.DeSantis said he has no intention of closing Florida’s economy again despite the statewide spike in new cases, which topped 1,000 Wednesday for the 15th consecutive day. He said many of those getting sick are young and unlikely to suffer serious illness or death.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.Fears about growing numbers of infections in younger people pushed officials in the San Antonio area to order masks in public as infections keep rising in Texas.“What we are doing here is to protect the life and safety of the San Antonio community,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said, adding that most infections in the area are in people younger than 40.Later Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said local governments could force businesses to require customers and workers to wear masks but that he wouldn’t issue a statewide order. The second-most-populated state set daily records for new COVID-19 cases, with 3,129, and hospitalizations. The 2,793 hospitalizations mark a daily high for the 10th time in 11 days.In Montgomery, Alabama, where cases are spiking, the issue of masks erupted during a City Council meeting, where members rejected a proposal to mandate them at public gatherings of 25 or more.Dr. Bill Saliski, a lung specialist at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, called on the city to pass a mask requirement and declared: “If this continues the way we’re going, we’re going to be overrun.”Some city leaders voiced concern about trampling on people’s rights.“I think to make somebody do something or require somebody to wear something is an overreach,” councilman Brantley Lyons said.Since the virus emerged in China late last year and spread worldwide, there have been more than 8.3 million confirmed cases and over 447,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Experts say the true toll is much higher. The U.S. death toll has exceeded 117,000.European nations, which embarked on a wide-scale reopening this week, watched Asia and the Americas with trepidation.After lockdown restrictions were relaxed in Iran, Health Minister Saeed Namaki said he realized the extent of the challenge when he took a domestic flight.“Many people have become careless, frustrated with wearing masks,” he said.

US virus outbreaks stir clash over masks, personal freedom

LINCOLN-Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that Nebraska’s unemployment rate ranked best in the nation.&nbsp; In May, Nebraska’s unemployment rate decreased to 5.2% from 8.7% in April.&nbsp;

“Today’s announcement that Nebraska now has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation is good news for small businesses and hardworking families who have already returned to work,” said Governor Ricketts.&nbsp; “While there is much left to do to get Nebraskans back to work, this data shows that Nebraska is open for business and that people are getting back to a more normal life while protecting our hospital system.”

News ReleaseLINCOLN-Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that Nebraska’s unemployment rate ranked best in the nation.&nbsp; In May, Nebraska’s unemployment rate decreased to 5.2% from 8.7% in April.&nbsp;“Today’s announcement that Nebraska now has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation is good news for small businesses and hardworking families who have already returned to work,” said Governor Ricketts.&nbsp; “While there is much left to do to get Nebraskans back to work, this data shows that Nebraska is open for business and that people are getting back to a more normal life while protecting our hospital system.”

Gov. Ricketts issues statement on Nebraska's best in nation unemployment ranking

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A state health official says an increase in coronavirus cases in southwest Wyoming is connected to a public gathering where social distancing rules were not followed.

 The Casper Star-Tribune reports the addition of three cases Tuesday brings Uinta County to 80 confirmed coronavirus infections, the state’s third highest total. 

State health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist says the new cases appear to be connected to a gathering at a public location, which she declined to identify except to say it involved young people. 

Harrist says people at the gathering spread the virus to others who did not attend.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A state health official says an increase in coronavirus cases in southwest Wyoming is connected to a public gathering where social distancing rules were not followed. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the addition of three cases Tuesday brings Uinta County to 80 confirmed coronavirus infections, the state’s third highest total. State health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist says the new cases appear to be connected to a gathering at a public location, which she declined to identify except to say it involved young people. Harrist says people at the gathering spread the virus to others who did not attend.

Southwest Wyoming virus spike linked to public gathering

By&nbsp;Rachel Johnson,&nbsp;Northwest&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Action&nbsp;Partnership Director



Northwest&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Action&nbsp;is sponsoring a Mobile Food Pantry on Tuesday, June 30 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Crawford&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Building.&nbsp;

This&nbsp;will be&nbsp;drive&nbsp;thru&nbsp;only.&nbsp;Any household in need is welcome to come and get food from the food pantry.

Please help ensure your safety and the safety of our volunteers by staying in your car while waiting for the mobile food pantry to open. When you reach the loading area, volunteers will load food into your vehicle and then direct you to safely&nbsp;drive&nbsp;out.

Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://ncap.info/" target="_blank">ncap.info</a>&nbsp;(and click on the COVID-19 Updates button) on the day of the event for any last minute changes.

For more information, or if you are in need of home delivery due to lack of transportation or medical vulnerability, call&nbsp;Rachel Johnson at 430-1836 to make arrangements.&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Rachel Johnson,&nbsp;Northwest&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Action&nbsp;Partnership Director

Northwest&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Action&nbsp;is sponsoring a Mobile Food Pantry on Tuesday, June 30 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Crawford&nbsp;Community&nbsp;Building.&nbsp;This&nbsp;will be&nbsp;drive&nbsp;thru&nbsp;only.&nbsp;Any household in need is welcome to come and get food from the food pantry. Please help ensure your safety and the safety of our volunteers by staying in your car while waiting for the mobile food pantry to open. When you reach the loading area, volunteers will load food into your vehicle and then direct you to safely&nbsp;drive&nbsp;out. Go to&nbsp;<a href="http://ncap.info/" target="_blank">ncap.info</a>&nbsp;(and click on the COVID-19 Updates button) on the day of the event for any last minute changes. For more information, or if you are in need of home delivery due to lack of transportation or medical vulnerability, call&nbsp;Rachel Johnson at 430-1836 to make arrangements.&nbsp;

Northwest Community Action holding mobile food pantry in Crawford

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Masks will be required for students, employees and visitors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall, under a policy that took effect Thursday. 

The university’s Forward to Fall committee approved the requirement among other moves intended to protect those on campus from the coronavirus. 

The Lincoln Journal Star reports all those on campus will be required to cover their faces with masks inside buildings and in some outdoor spaces.

 People can remove masks while eating as long as they observe social distancing rules, and they won’t be required for those alone in a room or vehicle, inside their on-campus residence or while working on some research tasks. 

The mask policy doesn’t apply to Memorial Stadium.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Masks will be required for students, employees and visitors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall, under a policy that took effect Thursday. The university’s Forward to Fall committee approved the requirement among other moves intended to protect those on campus from the coronavirus. The Lincoln Journal Star reports all those on campus will be required to cover their faces with masks inside buildings and in some outdoor spaces. People can remove masks while eating as long as they observe social distancing rules, and they won’t be required for those alone in a room or vehicle, inside their on-campus residence or while working on some research tasks. The mask policy doesn’t apply to Memorial Stadium.

UNL will require masks for all people on campus this fall

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is reporting six new coronavirus deaths, bringing the total statewide to 240 since the pandemic began. 

State officials have now confirmed 17,415 total positive cases out of the 148,039 who have been tested so far. Of the current positive cases, 149 are currently hospitalized. 

That number has trended downward since late May. Hospital capacity has remained relatively stable, with 42% of hospital beds, 45% of intensive care unit beds and 80% of ventilators available for patient use.

 Gov. Pete Ricketts has used hospital capacity as the primary gauge in deciding when to ease social-distancing restrictions. 

The state says 11,066 people who contracted the virus have recovered.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is reporting six new coronavirus deaths, bringing the total statewide to 240 since the pandemic began. State officials have now confirmed 17,415 total positive cases out of the 148,039 who have been tested so far. Of the current positive cases, 149 are currently hospitalized. That number has trended downward since late May. Hospital capacity has remained relatively stable, with 42% of hospital beds, 45% of intensive care unit beds and 80% of ventilators available for patient use. Gov. Pete Ricketts has used hospital capacity as the primary gauge in deciding when to ease social-distancing restrictions. The state says 11,066 people who contracted the virus have recovered.

Nebraska sees 6 new coronavirus deaths, for a total of 240

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska saw a small uptick in new unemployment applications last week after several weeks of declining numbers from the all-time high caused by the coronavirus.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that 4,918 people filed for jobless benefits during the week that ended June 13. That's up from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/caaa22b516c34f54d9ec5d2c6b6e2d61" target="_blank">4,697 that filed</a>&nbsp;the prior week.

The highest number of weekly claims filed during coronavirus pandemic was 26,539 during during the week that ended April 4. The numbers have trended downward ever since.

Nebraska's unemployment soared during the pandemic along with the rest of the country due to government-mandated social distancing restrictions that forced the closure of many businesses. The restrictions are in place to try to keep the virus from overwhelming hospitals with patients.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has been gradually easing those restrictions.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska saw a small uptick in new unemployment applications last week after several weeks of declining numbers from the all-time high caused by the coronavirus.The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that 4,918 people filed for jobless benefits during the week that ended June 13. That's up from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/caaa22b516c34f54d9ec5d2c6b6e2d61" target="_blank">4,697 that filed</a>&nbsp;the prior week.The highest number of weekly claims filed during coronavirus pandemic was 26,539 during during the week that ended April 4. The numbers have trended downward ever since.Nebraska's unemployment soared during the pandemic along with the rest of the country due to government-mandated social distancing restrictions that forced the closure of many businesses. The restrictions are in place to try to keep the virus from overwhelming hospitals with patients.Gov. Pete Ricketts has been gradually easing those restrictions.

Nebraska sees uptick in new jobless claims after declines

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's governor has told local governments they will get no federal money meant to help fight the effects of the coronavirus pandemic if they require people to wear masks in public buildings. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the mandate from Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts seems at odds with his usual message encouraging people to wear masks to slow the spread of the virus. 

But his spokesman, Taylor Gage, says the governor “does not believe that failure to wear a mask should be the basis for denying taxpayers' services.” 

Some $100 million has been alloted to Nebraska counties as part of the federal economic rescue law.&nbsp;

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's governor has told local governments they will get no federal money meant to help fight the effects of the coronavirus pandemic if they require people to wear masks in public buildings. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the mandate from Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts seems at odds with his usual message encouraging people to wear masks to slow the spread of the virus. But his spokesman, Taylor Gage, says the governor “does not believe that failure to wear a mask should be the basis for denying taxpayers' services.” Some $100 million has been alloted to Nebraska counties as part of the federal economic rescue law.&nbsp;

Nebraska governor: Mask requirement will cost counties money

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests the economy remains weak in those areas as the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the region.

 The overall economic index for the region more than doubled to 37.9 in June from May’s 12.5, but it remained at a weak level. 

Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy. 

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said crop prices remain low, and more than one-third of the bankers survey expect that to be a significant challenge over the next year.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of bankers in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states suggests the economy remains weak in those areas as the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the region. The overall economic index for the region more than doubled to 37.9 in June from May’s 12.5, but it remained at a weak level. Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy, while a score above 50 suggests a growing economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said crop prices remain low, and more than one-third of the bankers survey expect that to be a significant challenge over the next year.&nbsp;

Bankers say economy remains weak in rural parts of 10 states

Free drive-thru testing is coming up in three Panhandle locations this week:

· Alliance: Thursday from 8am-Noon: Alliance Fire Department, 315 Cheyenne Ave

· Scottsbluff: Friday &amp; Saturday from 8am-Noon: Panhandle Public Health District, 18 W. 16th St

· Sidney: Sunday from 8am-Noon: Sidney Regional Medical Center, 1000 Pole Creek Crossing

If you are experiencing symptoms currently, do not wait for testing, call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764.

COVID-19 testing is available at Community Action Health Center Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7am-8am. Testing is open to those that are symptomatic or close contact to a positive case. Sign up today https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq.

Unified Command confirms eight new cases, they are as follows:

Close contact and exposure are defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart. There

are no community exposure sites identified. The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.

Four cases have recovered, one in Box Butte County and three in Scotts Bluff County, bringing the total recoveries to 139.

• Cheyenne County: 12 cases (1 active, 11 recovered)

• Scotts Bluff County: 182 Cases (81 active, 99 recovered, 2 deaths)

By PPHDFree drive-thru testing is coming up in three Panhandle locations this week:· Alliance: Thursday from 8am-Noon: Alliance Fire Department, 315 Cheyenne Ave· Scottsbluff: Friday &amp; Saturday from 8am-Noon: Panhandle Public Health District, 18 W. 16th St· Sidney: Sunday from 8am-Noon: Sidney Regional Medical Center, 1000 Pole Creek CrossingIf you are experiencing symptoms currently, do not wait for testing, call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764.COVID-19 testing is available at Community Action Health Center Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7am-8am. Testing is open to those that are symptomatic or close contact to a positive case. Sign up today https://tinyurl.com/y7msahzq.Unified Command confirms eight new cases, they are as follows:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592439507128.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Close contact and exposure are defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart. Thereare no community exposure sites identified. The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials.Four cases have recovered, one in Box Butte County and three in Scotts Bluff County, bringing the total recoveries to 139.March 2-June 17, 2020Total Tests Conducted: 4,429Positive: 228Cumulative Positivity Rate: 5.1%Recovered: 139Active Cases: 87Active Hospitalizations: 5Total Cumulative Hospitalizations: 27Deaths: 2• Banner County: 1 case (recovered)• Box Butte County: 3 cases (recovered)• Cheyenne County: 12 cases (1 active, 11 recovered)• Dawes County: 1 case (recovered)• Garden County: 4 cases (recovered)• Kimball County: 10 cases (recovered)• Morrill County: 14 cases (4 active, 10 recovered)• Scotts Bluff County: 182 Cases (81 active, 99 recovered, 2 deaths)• Sioux County: 1 case (active)Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners.For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

8 more virus cases announced, Panhandle total 228, active 8

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Tourism officials say more than 125,000 tickets were requested for the 7,500 spots available for the Fourth of July fireworks at Mount Rushmore, which President Donald Trump plans to attend. 

The National Park Service held a lottery for the tickets last week. 

The winners were chosen at random and have been notified.

 South Dakotans submitted the most applications for tickets at 40,575. 

The Argus Leader reports the South Dakota Department of Tourism says that unlike Trump’s upcoming rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, tickets for the Mount Rushmore fireworks don’t include a liability waiver if attendees become ill with COVID-19.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Tourism officials say more than 125,000 tickets were requested for the 7,500 spots available for the Fourth of July fireworks at Mount Rushmore, which President Donald Trump plans to attend. The National Park Service held a lottery for the tickets last week. The winners were chosen at random and have been notified. South Dakotans submitted the most applications for tickets at 40,575. The Argus Leader reports the South Dakota Department of Tourism says that unlike Trump’s upcoming rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, tickets for the Mount Rushmore fireworks don’t include a liability waiver if attendees become ill with COVID-19.&nbsp;

125,000 tickets requested for Mount Rushmore fireworks

Lincoln – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Peterson and a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general asked Google and Apple to ensure all contact tracing and exposure notification apps related to COVID-19 adequately protect consumers’ personal information. Specifically, the coalition asked Google and Apple to guarantee that such apps, when available to consumers, are affiliated with a public health authority and removed from Google Play and the App Store once no longer needed by public health authorities.

In a letter sent today to the Chief Executive Officers of Apple and Google, cosponsored by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, the Attorneys General acknowledge that while digital contact tracing and exposure notification tools are valuable in understanding the spread of COVID-19 and assisting public health authorities, these same technologies pose a risk to consumers’ privacy.

“Public health authorities across the country and throughout Nebraska are working diligently to understand the spread of COVID-19,” Attorney General Peterson said. “Contract tracing and exposure notification apps that collect sensitive information from consumers without meaningfully contributing to this understanding deserve no place in the App Store or on Google Play.”

The coalition expressed concern regarding contact tracing and exposure notification apps available to consumers in Google Play and the App Store, particularly the “free” apps that utilize GPS tracking, offer in-app purchases, and are not affiliated with any public health authority or legitimate research institution.

To protect consumers without interfering with public health efforts to monitor and address the spread of COVID-19, the letters ask Google and Apple to:

Click here for a copy of the letter:&nbsp;<a href="https://negov.sharefile.com/d-s43658afbffa4daaa">https://negov.sharefile.com/d-s43658afbffa4daaa</a>.

Lincoln – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Peterson and a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general asked Google and Apple to ensure all contact tracing and exposure notification apps related to COVID-19 adequately protect consumers’ personal information. Specifically, the coalition asked Google and Apple to guarantee that such apps, when available to consumers, are affiliated with a public health authority and removed from Google Play and the App Store once no longer needed by public health authorities.In a letter sent today to the Chief Executive Officers of Apple and Google, cosponsored by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, the Attorneys General acknowledge that while digital contact tracing and exposure notification tools are valuable in understanding the spread of COVID-19 and assisting public health authorities, these same technologies pose a risk to consumers’ privacy.“Public health authorities across the country and throughout Nebraska are working diligently to understand the spread of COVID-19,” Attorney General Peterson said. “Contract tracing and exposure notification apps that collect sensitive information from consumers without meaningfully contributing to this understanding deserve no place in the App Store or on Google Play.”The coalition expressed concern regarding contact tracing and exposure notification apps available to consumers in Google Play and the App Store, particularly the “free” apps that utilize GPS tracking, offer in-app purchases, and are not affiliated with any public health authority or legitimate research institution.To protect consumers without interfering with public health efforts to monitor and address the spread of COVID-19, the letters ask Google and Apple to:<ol>
 <li>Verify that every app labeled or marketed as related to contact tracing, COVID-19 contact tracing, or coronavirus contact tracing or exposure notification is affiliated with a municipal, county, state or federal public health authority, or a hospital or university in the U.S. that is working with such public health authorities;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Remove any app that cannot be verified as affiliated with one of the entities identified above; and</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Pledge to remove all COVID-19 / coronavirus related exposure notification and contact tracing apps, including those that utilize the new exposure notification application program interfaces (APIs) developed by Google and Apple, from Google Play and the App Store once the COVID-19 national emergency ends. In addition, the attorneys general asked Google and Apple to provide written confirmation to their offices once the apps have been removed or an explanation why removal of a particular app or apps would impair the public health authorities affiliated with each app.</li>
 </ol>Click here for a copy of the letter:&nbsp;<a href="https://negov.sharefile.com/d-s43658afbffa4daaa">https://negov.sharefile.com/d-s43658afbffa4daaa</a>.

Attorney General Peterson asks Apple, Google to ensure all contact tracing apps serve a public health purpose

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State officials say another employee in Nebraska’s prison system has tested positive for COVID-19, and health officials in eastern Nebraska say a second child in the Omaha area has been diagnosed with a rare and serious inflammatory condition that’s linked to the new coronavirus. 

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said late Monday that the latest prison staffer to be infected works at the Omaha Correctional Center and is self-isolating at home.

 The latest case brings the number of prison employee infected statewide to 20. 

Meanwhile, the Douglas County Health Department announced Tuesday that a teenage boy was briefly hospitalized in late May with the inflammatory condition and tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp; &nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — State officials say another employee in Nebraska’s prison system has tested positive for COVID-19, and health officials in eastern Nebraska say a second child in the Omaha area has been diagnosed with a rare and serious inflammatory condition that’s linked to the new coronavirus. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said late Monday that the latest prison staffer to be infected works at the Omaha Correctional Center and is self-isolating at home. The latest case brings the number of prison employee infected statewide to 20. Meanwhile, the Douglas County Health Department announced Tuesday that a teenage boy was briefly hospitalized in late May with the inflammatory condition and tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Another Nebraska prison staffer tests positive for COVID-19

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — The roar of motorcycles will return to the Black Hills this summer. 

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be held, but with some major modifications. 

The Sturgis City Council voted Monday night to proceed with preparations for the Aug. 7-16 rally that's now in its 80th year. 

The event draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycle fans.

 The council voted 8-1 to allow the rally to take place, but without the usual parade, opening ceremony and B-1 bomber flyover. 

The decision comes after weeks of public comment and debate on whether to hold the event amid the coronavirus pandemic.

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — The roar of motorcycles will return to the Black Hills this summer. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be held, but with some major modifications. The Sturgis City Council voted Monday night to proceed with preparations for the Aug. 7-16 rally that's now in its 80th year. The event draws hundreds of thousands of motorcycle fans. The council voted 8-1 to allow the rally to take place, but without the usual parade, opening ceremony and B-1 bomber flyover. The decision comes after weeks of public comment and debate on whether to hold the event amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Sturgis council votes to go ahead with motorcycle rally

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A federal judge says the U.S. Treasury Department must release $679 million in coronavirus relief to tribes that it intended to withhold over a court challenge. 

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A federal judge says the U.S. Treasury Department must release $679 million in coronavirus relief to tribes that it intended to withhold over a court challenge. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled late Monday that the department doesn't have discretion to hold back the money. The funding is part of a federal relief package that included $8 billion for tribes and was supposed to go out by late April. Mehta ordered the Treasury Department to disburse it among tribal governments by Wednesday. He says continued delay in the face of an exceptional public health crisis no longer is acceptable.

Coronavirus Update