OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will use its $1.1 billion share of federal coronavirus money to help small businesses, local governments, nonprofits and other groups hard-hit by the pandemic. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts provided a first glimpse of the state’s plan, which focuses heavily on small businesses and unemployment insurance for laid-off workers.

 Nebraska will receive $1.25 billion under the federal CARES Act, the emergency law passed to help Americans with the pandemic. 

Of that amount, Omaha’s Douglas County will get $166 million for its own virus-related expenses, reducing the state government’s cut to about $1.1 billion.

 Ricketts says he intends to hire outside auditors to track the huge influx of money and ensure that it doesn’t get misspent.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will use its $1.1 billion share of federal coronavirus money to help small businesses, local governments, nonprofits and other groups hard-hit by the pandemic. Gov. Pete Ricketts provided a first glimpse of the state’s plan, which focuses heavily on small businesses and unemployment insurance for laid-off workers. Nebraska will receive $1.25 billion under the federal CARES Act, the emergency law passed to help Americans with the pandemic. Of that amount, Omaha’s Douglas County will get $166 million for its own virus-related expenses, reducing the state government’s cut to about $1.1 billion. Ricketts says he intends to hire outside auditors to track the huge influx of money and ensure that it doesn’t get misspent.

Ricketts outlines plans for $1.1 billion in coronavirus aid

The 36 deaths at Riverbend account for half the COVID-19-related deaths in Wyandotte Co.

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-05-27/at-least-8-lawsuits-are-now-pending-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-deaths">Kansas News Service</a>

At least eight lawsuits have now been filed against Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation, the Kansas City, Kansas, nursing home <a href="https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">where 132 patients and staff have tested positive for COVID-19</a> and 36 have died.

Attorneys
 representing the nursing home on Tuesday transferred all eight cases to
 federal court in Kansas City, Kansas. They had originally been filed in
 Wyandotte County District Court.

Defendants are allowed to move 
civil actions from state to federal court if there’s a basis for federal
 jurisdiction. In all eight cases, Riverbend’s attorneys invoked the 
federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a law that 
authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services to issue a declaration in response to a public health 
emergency.

Such a declaration provides immunity from liability to 
health care providers who prescribe and administer medications and other
 measures amid public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel
 Stahle, an attorney who represents families in four of the eight cases,
 said she will seek to have the cases sent back to state court.

“This happened in Wyandotte County and should be heard in Wyandotte County by Wyandotte County jurors,” she said.

Riverbend’s attorneys did not return calls seeking comment.

The
 eight wrongful-death lawsuits were filed on behalf of patients who died
 at Riverbend. In general, they allege that the nursing home was 
negligent in how it handled the spread of the coronavirus, that it 
lacked adequate staff and that it failed to notify the families of the 
outbreak.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-23/first-lawsuit-filed-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-death" target="_blank">The first lawsuit was filed on April 28</a>
 by the wife and daughter of Okey Long, an 87-year-old retired barber 
who died on April 17. The other lawsuits were filed in the following 
days by family members of other residents who were said to have died of 
COVID-19.

The 36 deaths at Riverbend account for half the COVID-19-related deaths in Wyandotte County.

On April 26, <a href="https://riverbendkansascity.com/covid-19-update/" target="_blank">Riverbend posted a statement on its website</a> offering its condolences to the families and friends of residents who died of COVID-19.

“Given
 the novel nature of the virus and the ability of asymptomatic 
individuals to unknowingly infect others, we believe our team took 
reasonable actions with the resources and information available to us at
 the time,” the statement reads.

“Now, to second guess those on 
the front lines battling a mysterious virus who were doing what they 
could to save lives, just doesn’t feel like a path to justice,” the 
statement says. "If that is the route we choose to take, then skilled 
nursing facilities all across the country will be facing a new crisis 
that threatens the industry’s ability to minister to those in need of 
the care and services it provides.”

As of May 21, at least 7,732 
long-term care facilities in 43 states were reporting 174,381 infections
 and 35,118 deaths, or 42% of all U.S. deaths attributed to COVID-19, <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/state-data-and-policy-actions-to-address-coronavirus/" target="_blank">according to the Kaiser Family Foundation</a>.

Riverbend
 is indirectly owned by The Ensign Group, a publicly traded company 
based in Mission Viejo, California. The company owns about 225 assisted 
living, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facilities in 13 states.
 It acquired the Kansas City, Kansas, facility in 2016.

In 2019, The Ensign Group earned more than $110 million on revenues of more than $2 billion. <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1125376/000112537620000076/ensg-20200331.htm" target="_blank">In its most recent quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission</a>,
 the company said it expected to receive nearly $40 million in federal 
funds under the CARES Act, the $2.2 trillion relief package passed by 
Congress to help prop up health care providers and other businesses amid
 the pandemic.

Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590675954803.png" alt="Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation is indirectly owned by The Ensign Group, a California-based operator of long-term care facilities in 13 states. Julie Denesha / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation is indirectly owned by The Ensign Group, a California-based operator of long-term care facilities in 13 states. Julie Denesha / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The 36 deaths at Riverbend account for half the COVID-19-related deaths in Wyandotte Co.</h2>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-05-27/at-least-8-lawsuits-are-now-pending-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-deaths">Kansas News Service</a>At least eight lawsuits have now been filed against Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation, the Kansas City, Kansas, nursing home <a href="https://wyandotte-county-covid-19-hub-unifiedgov.hub.arcgis.com/" target="_blank">where 132 patients and staff have tested positive for COVID-19</a> and 36 have died.Attorneys
 representing the nursing home on Tuesday transferred all eight cases to
 federal court in Kansas City, Kansas. They had originally been filed in
 Wyandotte County District Court.Defendants are allowed to move 
civil actions from state to federal court if there’s a basis for federal
 jurisdiction. In all eight cases, Riverbend’s attorneys invoked the 
federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, a law that 
authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services to issue a declaration in response to a public health 
emergency.Such a declaration provides immunity from liability to 
health care providers who prescribe and administer medications and other
 measures amid public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.Rachel
 Stahle, an attorney who represents families in four of the eight cases,
 said she will seek to have the cases sent back to state court.“This happened in Wyandotte County and should be heard in Wyandotte County by Wyandotte County jurors,” she said.Riverbend’s attorneys did not return calls seeking comment.The
 eight wrongful-death lawsuits were filed on behalf of patients who died
 at Riverbend. In general, they allege that the nursing home was 
negligent in how it handled the spread of the coronavirus, that it 
lacked adequate staff and that it failed to notify the families of the 
outbreak.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-23/first-lawsuit-filed-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-death" target="_blank">The first lawsuit was filed on April 28</a>
 by the wife and daughter of Okey Long, an 87-year-old retired barber 
who died on April 17. The other lawsuits were filed in the following 
days by family members of other residents who were said to have died of 
COVID-19.The 36 deaths at Riverbend account for half the COVID-19-related deaths in Wyandotte County.On April 26, <a href="https://riverbendkansascity.com/covid-19-update/" target="_blank">Riverbend posted a statement on its website</a> offering its condolences to the families and friends of residents who died of COVID-19.“Given
 the novel nature of the virus and the ability of asymptomatic 
individuals to unknowingly infect others, we believe our team took 
reasonable actions with the resources and information available to us at
 the time,” the statement reads.“Now, to second guess those on 
the front lines battling a mysterious virus who were doing what they 
could to save lives, just doesn’t feel like a path to justice,” the 
statement says. "If that is the route we choose to take, then skilled 
nursing facilities all across the country will be facing a new crisis 
that threatens the industry’s ability to minister to those in need of 
the care and services it provides.”As of May 21, at least 7,732 
long-term care facilities in 43 states were reporting 174,381 infections
 and 35,118 deaths, or 42% of all U.S. deaths attributed to COVID-19, <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/state-data-and-policy-actions-to-address-coronavirus/" target="_blank">according to the Kaiser Family Foundation</a>.Riverbend
 is indirectly owned by The Ensign Group, a publicly traded company 
based in Mission Viejo, California. The company owns about 225 assisted 
living, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care facilities in 13 states.
 It acquired the Kansas City, Kansas, facility in 2016.In 2019, The Ensign Group earned more than $110 million on revenues of more than $2 billion. <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1125376/000112537620000076/ensg-20200331.htm" target="_blank">In its most recent quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission</a>,
 the company said it expected to receive nearly $40 million in federal 
funds under the CARES Act, the $2.2 trillion relief package passed by 
Congress to help prop up health care providers and other businesses amid
 the pandemic.Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;

Lawsuits pile up against rehab facility linked to virus deaths

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. surpassed a jarring milestone Wednesday in the coronavirus pandemic: 100,000 deaths.

That number is the best estimate and most assuredly an undercount. But it represents the stark reality that more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2e242bc89a073d6724a7f158e4c9d40d">Americans have died&nbsp;</a>from the virus than from the Vietnam and Korean wars combined.

“It’s a striking reminder of how dangerous this virus can be,” said Josh Michaud, associate director of global health policy with the Kaiser Family Foundation in Washington.

The once-unthinkable toll appears to be just the beginning of untold misery in the months ahead as Las Vegas casinos and Walt Disney World make plans to reopen, crowds of unmasked Americans swarm beaches and public health officials predict a resurgence by fall.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, issued a stern warning after watching video of Memorial Day crowds gathered at a pool party in Missouri.

“We have a situation in which you see that type of crowding with no mask and people interacting. That’s not prudent, and that’s inviting a situation that could get out of control,” he said during an interview Wednesday on CNN. “Don’t start leapfrogging some of the recommendations in the guidelines because that’s really tempting fate and asking for trouble.”

Worldwide, the virus has infected more than 5.6 million people and killed over 350,000, with the U.S. having the most confirmed cases and deaths by far, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Europe has recorded about 170,000 deaths, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f768f47203908b834e245fbf7f0b3ccc">U.S. reached more than 100,000</a>&nbsp;in less than four months.

The true death toll from the virus, which emerged in China late last year and was first reported in the U.S. in January, is widely believed to be significantly higher, with experts saying many victims died of COVID-19 without ever being tested for it.

Early on, President Donald Trump downplayed the severity of the coronavirus, likening it to the flu, and predicted the U.S. wouldn’t reach 100,000 deaths.

“I think we’ll be substantially under that number,” Trump said on April 10. Ten days later, he said, “We’re going toward 50- or 60,000 people.” Ten days after that: “We’re probably heading to 60,000, 70,000.”

Critics have said deaths spiked because Trump was slow to respond, but he has contended on Twitter that it could have been 20 times higher without his actions. He has urged states to reopen their economies after months of stay-at-home restrictions.

Las Vegas casinos can welcome tourists again on June 4. SeaWorld and Walt Disney World plan to reopen to limited numbers of tourists in Orlando, Florida, in June and July. And people who have been cooped up indoors began venturing outside in droves, often without practicing social distancing or wearing masks.

Kelly Hove, 79, of Twin Falls, Idaho, an internationally known pianist, died at a nursing home on April 12 of complications from COVID-19 after a long battle with dementia. Her sister-in-law Jan Hove fears that more will die as states start lifting restrictions.

“I think going back too soon is going to cause more deaths, so I’m incredibly concerned,” she said. “And I don’t think we have adequate leadership. ... It’s an absolute joke, from the White House down.”

The virus exacted an especially vicious toll on Trump’s hometown of New York City and its surrounding suburbs, killing more than 21,000. At the peak, hundreds of people were dying per day in New York City, and hospitals, ambulances and first responders were inundated with patients.

There is no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19, though several emergency treatments are being used after showing some promise in preliminary testing.

Worldwide, about a dozen vaccine candidates are starting to be tested or getting close to it. Health officials have said studies of a potential vaccine might be done by late this year or early next year.

Only half of Americans said they would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dacdc8bc428dd4df6511bfa259cfec44">willing to get vaccinated</a>&nbsp;if scientists are successful in developing a vaccine, according to a poll released Wednesday from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

For most, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough 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, including pneumonia and death.

Among the 100,000 fatalities was 74-year-old Michael Ganci of Newington, Connecticut, who died March 21. He was a public school teacher, a grandfather and father of four, and a 4th-degree belt Sensei in Kyokushin karate.

Ganci, who had a compromised immune system, died at a hospital in Hartford three days after showing symptoms. His family was not allowed to be with him and tried to text and talk with him on his cellphone during his final days. His wife of 48 years also tested positive for COVID-19 and had to grieve alone.

For their daughter, 45-year-old Joanna Ganci of Beverly, Massachusetts, the milestone is important to understand the scope of the virus.

“But at the same time, I think the danger of counting, the danger of statistics, is that it just minimizes the human element,” she said. “It’s like, what number is going to make an impact for people who haven’t been touched by it?”

It’s not even clear when the coronavirus turned deadly in the United States. Initially, it was believed the first U.S. deaths from the virus were in late February in a Seattle suburb. But by mid-April, it was determined that two people with the coronavirus died in California as many as three weeks earlier.

Comparing countries is tricky, given varying levels of testing and that some coronavirus deaths can be missed. According to figures tracked by Johns Hopkins University, the death rate per 100,000 people is lower in the U.S. than in Italy, France and Spain but higher than in Germany, China, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

“The experience of other countries shows that death at that scale was preventable,” said Michaud of the Kaiser Family Foundation. “To some extent, the United States suffers from having a slow start and inconsistent approach. We might have seen a different trajectory if different policies were put into place earlier and more forcefully.”

Countries with low death rates suppressed the virus “through lots of testing, contact tracing and policies to support isolation and quarantine of people at risk,” Michaud said.

Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, director of ICAP, a global health center at Columbia University, called the U.S. death rate shocking.

“It reflects the fact that we have neglected basic fundamentals for health,” El-Sadr said. “So, now we are in this shameful situation. It is the most vulnerable people in our midst — the elderly, the poor, members of racial/ethnic minority groups — who are the ones disproportionately getting sick and dying.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590661594503.png" alt="The U.S. is also approaching 1.7 million cases of the coronavirus-Image courtesy John Hopkins University" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. is also approaching 1.7 million cases of the coronavirus-Image courtesy John Hopkins University</figcaption>
 </figure>HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. surpassed a jarring milestone Wednesday in the coronavirus pandemic: 100,000 deaths.That number is the best estimate and most assuredly an undercount. But it represents the stark reality that more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2e242bc89a073d6724a7f158e4c9d40d">Americans have died&nbsp;</a>from the virus than from the Vietnam and Korean wars combined.“It’s a striking reminder of how dangerous this virus can be,” said Josh Michaud, associate director of global health policy with the Kaiser Family Foundation in Washington.The once-unthinkable toll appears to be just the beginning of untold misery in the months ahead as Las Vegas casinos and Walt Disney World make plans to reopen, crowds of unmasked Americans swarm beaches and public health officials predict a resurgence by fall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586814827197.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, issued a stern warning after watching video of Memorial Day crowds gathered at a pool party in Missouri.“We have a situation in which you see that type of crowding with no mask and people interacting. That’s not prudent, and that’s inviting a situation that could get out of control,” he said during an interview Wednesday on CNN. “Don’t start leapfrogging some of the recommendations in the guidelines because that’s really tempting fate and asking for trouble.”Worldwide, the virus has infected more than 5.6 million people and killed over 350,000, with the U.S. having the most confirmed cases and deaths by far, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Europe has recorded about 170,000 deaths, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f768f47203908b834e245fbf7f0b3ccc">U.S. reached more than 100,000</a>&nbsp;in less than four months.The true death toll from the virus, which emerged in China late last year and was first reported in the U.S. in January, is widely believed to be significantly higher, with experts saying many victims died of COVID-19 without ever being tested for it.Early on, President Donald Trump downplayed the severity of the coronavirus, likening it to the flu, and predicted the U.S. wouldn’t reach 100,000 deaths.“I think we’ll be substantially under that number,” Trump said on April 10. Ten days later, he said, “We’re going toward 50- or 60,000 people.” Ten days after that: “We’re probably heading to 60,000, 70,000.”Critics have said deaths spiked because Trump was slow to respond, but he has contended on Twitter that it could have been 20 times higher without his actions. He has urged states to reopen their economies after months of stay-at-home restrictions.Las Vegas casinos can welcome tourists again on June 4. SeaWorld and Walt Disney World plan to reopen to limited numbers of tourists in Orlando, Florida, in June and July. And people who have been cooped up indoors began venturing outside in droves, often without practicing social distancing or wearing masks.Kelly Hove, 79, of Twin Falls, Idaho, an internationally known pianist, died at a nursing home on April 12 of complications from COVID-19 after a long battle with dementia. Her sister-in-law Jan Hove fears that more will die as states start lifting restrictions.“I think going back too soon is going to cause more deaths, so I’m incredibly concerned,” she said. “And I don’t think we have adequate leadership. ... It’s an absolute joke, from the White House down.”The virus exacted an especially vicious toll on Trump’s hometown of New York City and its surrounding suburbs, killing more than 21,000. At the peak, hundreds of people were dying per day in New York City, and hospitals, ambulances and first responders were inundated with patients.There is no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19, though several emergency treatments are being used after showing some promise in preliminary testing.Worldwide, about a dozen vaccine candidates are starting to be tested or getting close to it. Health officials have said studies of a potential vaccine might be done by late this year or early next year.Only half of Americans said they would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dacdc8bc428dd4df6511bfa259cfec44">willing to get vaccinated</a>&nbsp;if scientists are successful in developing a vaccine, according to a poll released Wednesday from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.For most, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough 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, including pneumonia and death.Among the 100,000 fatalities was 74-year-old Michael Ganci of Newington, Connecticut, who died March 21. He was a public school teacher, a grandfather and father of four, and a 4th-degree belt Sensei in Kyokushin karate.Ganci, who had a compromised immune system, died at a hospital in Hartford three days after showing symptoms. His family was not allowed to be with him and tried to text and talk with him on his cellphone during his final days. His wife of 48 years also tested positive for COVID-19 and had to grieve alone.For their daughter, 45-year-old Joanna Ganci of Beverly, Massachusetts, the milestone is important to understand the scope of the virus.“But at the same time, I think the danger of counting, the danger of statistics, is that it just minimizes the human element,” she said. “It’s like, what number is going to make an impact for people who haven’t been touched by it?”It’s not even clear when the coronavirus turned deadly in the United States. Initially, it was believed the first U.S. deaths from the virus were in late February in a Seattle suburb. But by mid-April, it was determined that two people with the coronavirus died in California as many as three weeks earlier.Comparing countries is tricky, given varying levels of testing and that some coronavirus deaths can be missed. According to figures tracked by Johns Hopkins University, the death rate per 100,000 people is lower in the U.S. than in Italy, France and Spain but higher than in Germany, China, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.“The experience of other countries shows that death at that scale was preventable,” said Michaud of the Kaiser Family Foundation. “To some extent, the United States suffers from having a slow start and inconsistent approach. We might have seen a different trajectory if different policies were put into place earlier and more forcefully.”Countries with low death rates suppressed the virus “through lots of testing, contact tracing and policies to support isolation and quarantine of people at risk,” Michaud said.Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, director of ICAP, a global health center at Columbia University, called the U.S. death rate shocking.“It reflects the fact that we have neglected basic fundamentals for health,” El-Sadr said. “So, now we are in this shameful situation. It is the most vulnerable people in our midst — the elderly, the poor, members of racial/ethnic minority groups — who are the ones disproportionately getting sick and dying.”

US death toll from coronavirus surges past 100,000 people

Unified Command confirms two new cases for COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County. A female in her 20s is a close contact of a previously positive case and a male in his 40s was contracted through community spread.

The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. There are no community exposure sites identified. Exposure is defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart. 

Box Butte County: 2 cases (1 active, 1 recovered)

Cheyenne County: 10 cases (1 active, 9 recovered)

Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)

Morrill County: 11 Cases (3 active, 8 recovered)

Scotts Bluff County: 73 Cases (29 active, 44 recovered)

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. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

By PPHDUnified Command confirms two new cases for COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County. A female in her 20s is a close contact of a previously positive case and a male in his 40s was contracted through community spread.The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. There are no community exposure sites identified. Exposure is defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart. March 2-May 27, 2020Total Tests Completed: 2,533Positive: 107Deaths: 0Recovered: 73Active cases: 34Box Butte County: 2 cases (1 active, 1 recovered)Cheyenne County: 10 cases (1 active, 9 recovered)Dawes County: 1 case (recovered)Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)Morrill County: 11 Cases (3 active, 8 recovered)Scotts Bluff County: 73 Cases (29 active, 44 recovered)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. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

2 new virus cases confirmed, Panhandle total positive count 107, 73 recoveries

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Cheyenne Frontier Days has been canceled for the first time in its 124-year history due to the coronavirus. 

Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr said Wednesday that organizers decided the risk of spreading the virus was too great for the more than 140,000 people who visit Cheyenne for Frontier Days in late July. 

Frontier Days, billed as the world's largest outdoor rodeo, carried on through both world wars and the Great Depression, when tough finances prompted it to become a mostly volunteer-run festival of rodeo, music concerts, parades and other events.

 A Frontier Days belt buckle is among the most coveted prizes in rodeo.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Cheyenne Frontier Days has been canceled for the first time in its 124-year history due to the coronavirus. Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr said Wednesday that organizers decided the risk of spreading the virus was too great for the more than 140,000 people who visit Cheyenne for Frontier Days in late July. Frontier Days, billed as the world's largest outdoor rodeo, carried on through both world wars and the Great Depression, when tough finances prompted it to become a mostly volunteer-run festival of rodeo, music concerts, parades and other events. A Frontier Days belt buckle is among the most coveted prizes in rodeo.

For first time in 124 years, Cheyenne Frontier Days canceled

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials have reported four new deaths from COVID-19, along with 57 new cases. 

The new deaths bring the state’s toll to 54. 

The deaths were people in their 30s, 50s and 60s and came from Minnehaha, Todd and Brown counties. 

Jerky producer Jack Link’s Protein Snacks says an employee at its Alpena plant also died after contracting COVID-19. 

That death does not appear to be reflected in Wednesday’s update. 

Health officials wait until a death certificate has been issued to announce a death, resulting in a delay. 

The state’s tally of confirmed cases rose to 4,710 people.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota health officials have reported four new deaths from COVID-19, along with 57 new cases. The new deaths bring the state’s toll to 54. The deaths were people in their 30s, 50s and 60s and came from Minnehaha, Todd and Brown counties. Jerky producer Jack Link’s Protein Snacks says an employee at its Alpena plant also died after contracting COVID-19. That death does not appear to be reflected in Wednesday’s update. Health officials wait until a death certificate has been issued to announce a death, resulting in a delay. The state’s tally of confirmed cases rose to 4,710 people.

South Dakota reports 4 COVID-19 deaths, 57 new cases

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Texas man and former central Nebraska hunting guide has been sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay more than $80,000 in fines and penalties for his part in an illegal hunting operation.

Jordan Cook, 32, of Boerne, Texas, was sentenced Tuesday in Omaha’s federal court after he pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of illegally killing and interstate trafficking of wildlife in violation of federal law, federal prosecutors said in a news release.

The charges stem from an investigation into Hidden Hills Outfitters near Broken Bow, which has been accused of a slew of hunting violations, including hunting deer and turkey in baited areas, from a public road, at night, without valid permits, in excess of bag limits and with prohibited weapons.

Cook was also accused of illegally transporting deer hides and antlers across state lines to a taxidermist in Colorado.

To date, 25 people have pleaded guilty in the case and have been ordered to pay more than $240,000 in fines and restitution.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Texas man and former central Nebraska hunting guide has been sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay more than $80,000 in fines and penalties for his part in an illegal hunting operation.Jordan Cook, 32, of Boerne, Texas, was sentenced Tuesday in Omaha’s federal court after he pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of illegally killing and interstate trafficking of wildlife in violation of federal law, federal prosecutors said in a news release.The charges stem from an investigation into Hidden Hills Outfitters near Broken Bow, which has been accused of a slew of hunting violations, including hunting deer and turkey in baited areas, from a public road, at night, without valid permits, in excess of bag limits and with prohibited weapons.Cook was also accused of illegally transporting deer hides and antlers across state lines to a taxidermist in Colorado.To date, 25 people have pleaded guilty in the case and have been ordered to pay more than $240,000 in fines and restitution.

Texas man, ex-Nebraska outfitter sentenced in hunting sting

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's prisons and juvenile detention centers continue to see staff infected with the new coronavirus, as the state's death toll and positive COVID-19 cases climbed Tuesday. 

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services reported Tuesday that a staff member at the Nebraska State Penitentiary has tested positive for the virus. 

That marked the seventh staff member at the penitentiary and the 12th throughout the state's prisons system to test positive since the outbreak began. 

Officials in Omaha also confirmed a third officer with the Douglas County Department of Corrections has tested positive and has been hospitalized with COVID-19, and an employee of the Douglas County Youth Center has tested positive.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska's prisons and juvenile detention centers continue to see staff infected with the new coronavirus, as the state's death toll and positive COVID-19 cases climbed Tuesday. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services reported Tuesday that a staff member at the Nebraska State Penitentiary has tested positive for the virus. That marked the seventh staff member at the penitentiary and the 12th throughout the state's prisons system to test positive since the outbreak began. Officials in Omaha also confirmed a third officer with the Douglas County Department of Corrections has tested positive and has been hospitalized with COVID-19, and an employee of the Douglas County Youth Center has tested positive.

Number of cases at Nebraska prisons, detention centers rise

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — An employee at a Jack Link’s Protein Snacks plant in South Dakota died after contracting COVID-19. 

58 employees at the Alpena meat processing plant have test positive for the coronavirus. 

Jack Link’s did not give further details on the employee who died, but says it is checking employees for symptoms of the coronavirus before they enter the facility and requiring them to wear protective equipment.&nbsp;

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — An employee at a Jack Link’s Protein Snacks plant in South Dakota died after contracting COVID-19. 58 employees at the Alpena meat processing plant have test positive for the coronavirus. Jack Link’s did not give further details on the employee who died, but says it is checking employees for symptoms of the coronavirus before they enter the facility and requiring them to wear protective equipment.&nbsp;

Jack Link's Snacks worker dies of COVID-19 in South Dakota

By&nbsp;Patricia&nbsp;Jones, Task Force on Povery&nbsp;

Agriculture in America is in crisis. The Great Recession which began in 2008 brought farm prices down. The trade war of the last few years eliminated much of agriculture’s export market. Net farm income has dropped 69% since 2013; farmers and ranchers are expected to lose another $20 billion in net income this year. Farm bankruptcies have crept up. Farmers know when they are planting this spring that their crops will probably lose money. Eleven ethanol plants have closed, decreasing the demand for corn. Hog prices have dropped 53%, and millions of pigs are being euthanized because meat packing plants have closed or reduced their capacity due to COVID-19 outbreaks. Cattle prices have dropped 25%.

Last week the Department of Agriculture (USDA) released information about the COVID-19 relief program for agriculture producers. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) was funded through the CARES Act and is being implemented by USDA’s Farm Service Agency.&nbsp;

CFAP will provide vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19. Eligible commodities include corn, sunflowers, beans, cattle, hogs, sheep, as well as many crops not produced in our area. USDA will consider compensation for additional crops if data justifies inclusion under CFAP.

Beginning May 26, USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses.&nbsp;More information is available at the USDA website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/cfap" target="_blank">https://www.farmers.gov/cfap</a>.

The Box Butte County USDA/FSA Service Center office is located at&nbsp;124 East 24th Street, Alliance, NE. Phone: 308-762-4322. USDA stresses that offices are open for business by phone appointment only. FSA will be working with agricultural producers by phone and will be using email and online tools to process applications.

To apply for CFAP funds, ag producers need to gather recent sales and inventory information. An application form will need to be completed with the FSA. If you are a&nbsp;new customer to USDA, the local staff will ask for this information: Name and address; Personal information, including your Tax Identification Number; Farm operating structure; Adjusted Gross Income compliance certification to ensure eligibility; Direct deposit information to enable payment. Staff will work with producers who need to complete portions of the CCC-902 – Farm Operating Plan.&nbsp;

Assistance to cattle producers has two components – cattle sold between January 15, 2020 to April 15, 2020; and cattle inventory subject to price risk on a date of the producers choosing between April 16, 2020, to May 14, 2020. Cattle producers can participate in either or both components of the program.

Congress also voted to fund the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) for one more round. MFP has provided assistance to farmers and ranchers with commodities directly impacted by foreign retaliatory tariffs. MFP was to end in January when trade agreements were made with China, Canada, and Mexico. Funds will be released through the Commodity Credit Corporation in July.

An additional $3 billion was allocated by the government for food purchases for food banks through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Under this program food previously destined for restaurants and bulk purchasers can be sold by farmers to area distributors. Distributors partner with USDA to package family-sized boxes with fresh produce, dairy and meat products, then transport them to non-profits and government entities across America. Families pick up food boxes from local schools, food banks, and other non-profits. We have not had a distributor approved for our area yet, but area agencies are working to establish a way for us to participate.&nbsp;

Farmers and ranchers have been among the biggest casualties in both trade disputes and the coronavirus pandemic. The federal government has provided billions of dollars to assist agriculture producers during this difficult time.&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Patricia&nbsp;Jones, Task Force on Povery&nbsp;Agriculture in America is in crisis. The Great Recession which began in 2008 brought farm prices down. The trade war of the last few years eliminated much of agriculture’s export market. Net farm income has dropped 69% since 2013; farmers and ranchers are expected to lose another $20 billion in net income this year. Farm bankruptcies have crept up. Farmers know when they are planting this spring that their crops will probably lose money. Eleven ethanol plants have closed, decreasing the demand for corn. Hog prices have dropped 53%, and millions of pigs are being euthanized because meat packing plants have closed or reduced their capacity due to COVID-19 outbreaks. Cattle prices have dropped 25%.Last week the Department of Agriculture (USDA) released information about the COVID-19 relief program for agriculture producers. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) was funded through the CARES Act and is being implemented by USDA’s Farm Service Agency.&nbsp;CFAP will provide vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19. Eligible commodities include corn, sunflowers, beans, cattle, hogs, sheep, as well as many crops not produced in our area. USDA will consider compensation for additional crops if data justifies inclusion under CFAP.Beginning May 26, USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses.&nbsp;More information is available at the USDA website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmers.gov/cfap" target="_blank">https://www.farmers.gov/cfap</a>.The Box Butte County USDA/FSA Service Center office is located at&nbsp;124 East 24th Street, Alliance, NE. Phone: 308-762-4322. USDA stresses that offices are open for business by phone appointment only. FSA will be working with agricultural producers by phone and will be using email and online tools to process applications.To apply for CFAP funds, ag producers need to gather recent sales and inventory information. An application form will need to be completed with the FSA. If you are a&nbsp;new customer to USDA, the local staff will ask for this information: Name and address; Personal information, including your Tax Identification Number; Farm operating structure; Adjusted Gross Income compliance certification to ensure eligibility; Direct deposit information to enable payment. Staff will work with producers who need to complete portions of the CCC-902 – Farm Operating Plan.&nbsp;Assistance to cattle producers has two components – cattle sold between January 15, 2020 to April 15, 2020; and cattle inventory subject to price risk on a date of the producers choosing between April 16, 2020, to May 14, 2020. Cattle producers can participate in either or both components of the program.Congress also voted to fund the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) for one more round. MFP has provided assistance to farmers and ranchers with commodities directly impacted by foreign retaliatory tariffs. MFP was to end in January when trade agreements were made with China, Canada, and Mexico. Funds will be released through the Commodity Credit Corporation in July.An additional $3 billion was allocated by the government for food purchases for food banks through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Under this program food previously destined for restaurants and bulk purchasers can be sold by farmers to area distributors. Distributors partner with USDA to package family-sized boxes with fresh produce, dairy and meat products, then transport them to non-profits and government entities across America. Families pick up food boxes from local schools, food banks, and other non-profits. We have not had a distributor approved for our area yet, but area agencies are working to establish a way for us to participate.&nbsp;Farmers and ranchers have been among the biggest casualties in both trade disputes and the coronavirus pandemic. The federal government has provided billions of dollars to assist agriculture producers during this difficult time.&nbsp;

Poverty in Our Area: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program for agriculture

Rules are being released for high school student-athletes in Nebraska who need to begin preparation for their upcoming seasons. 

Fitness-building is the only focus for the activities that are being allowed at this point. There will not be any sport-specific coaching, equipment or drills allowed.

The Nebraska School Activities Association has posted a thorough set of rules and precautions that must be followed when strength and conditioning activities are allowed to begin June 1.

Below are the details directly from the NSAA:

Beginning June 1st&nbsp;NSAA member schools are permitted to conduct voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.&nbsp;While permitting school-sponsored summertime conditioning programs, prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.

These requirements must be followed:

Additionally, NSAA member school-sponsored camps and clinics are prohibited in any sport at this time.

Pursuant to the Governor’s DHM, the following activities are prohibited: basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, and wrestling (“Prohibited Sports”).

NSAA member schools may have open gyms where sport-specific drills are permitted, and sport-specific equipment may be used by individuals except in the Prohibited Sports.

It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with:

Should the Governor issue further DHMs that would modify the foregoing provisions or other conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.

By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorRules are being released for high school student-athletes in Nebraska who need to begin preparation for their upcoming seasons. Fitness-building is the only focus for the activities that are being allowed at this point. There will not be any sport-specific coaching, equipment or drills allowed.The Nebraska School Activities Association has posted a thorough set of rules and precautions that must be followed when strength and conditioning activities are allowed to begin June 1.Below are the details directly from the NSAA:Beginning June 1st&nbsp;NSAA member schools are permitted to conduct voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.&nbsp;While permitting school-sponsored summertime conditioning programs, prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.These requirements must be followed:<ol>
 <li>Maintain social distance by being 6 feet apart at all times.</li><li>Groups of&nbsp;a maximum 25 persons (students) or less&nbsp;must be pre-determined50% of rated occupancy does not apply to high school weight rooms per the express directive of the Governor’s office.Member schools located in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Dakota counties are limited to groups of 10 students per local directed health measures (DHMs).</li><li>50% of rated occupancy does not apply to high school weight rooms per the express directive of the Governor’s office.</li><li>Member schools located in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Dakota counties are limited to groups of 10 students per local directed health measures (DHMs).</li><li>Once groups are determined, students may not switch from one group to another.</li><li>Interaction between groups shall be avoided.</li><li>Sessions can only include weightlifting, running, and exercises designed to promote physical fitness.</li><li>Sport-specific drills are not permitted, and sport-specific equipment may not be used as part of school-sponsored summer conditioning.</li><li>Implement diligent and effective cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces following the guidance of the CDC.</li>
 </ol>Additionally, NSAA member school-sponsored camps and clinics are prohibited in any sport at this time.Pursuant to the Governor’s DHM, the following activities are prohibited: basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, and wrestling (“Prohibited Sports”).NSAA member schools may have open gyms where sport-specific drills are permitted, and sport-specific equipment may be used by individuals except in the Prohibited Sports.It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with:<ol>
 <li>The above requirements; and,</li><li>The NSAA Summer Activities Bylaws.</li>
 </ol>Should the Governor issue further DHMs that would modify the foregoing provisions or other conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.

Fitness & strength activities allowed June 1 under updated NSAA rules

(AP) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the league will split its 24-team playoff format in two hub cities, which have yet to be determined should the league resume play.

Bettman says each hub will play host to the top 12 teams in each conference with one based in an Eastern Conference city, and another in the West.

The league has narrowed its focus of hub cities to 10, and will make a final decision based on approval from local health officials.

The league expects players can begin returning to their home rinks early next month.

Training camps won’t open until July 1 at the earliest.

Bettman said the league is open to playing into early fall.

Bettman says games during the play-in format to determine the top 16 teams will be played under regular-season rules. The conference finals and Stanley Cup Final will feature seven-game series.

Bettman says the league has yet to determine whether the first two playoff rounds will be five- or seven-game series.

(AP) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the league will split its 24-team playoff format in two hub cities, which have yet to be determined should the league resume play.Bettman says each hub will play host to the top 12 teams in each conference with one based in an Eastern Conference city, and another in the West.The league has narrowed its focus of hub cities to 10, and will make a final decision based on approval from local health officials.The league expects players can begin returning to their home rinks early next month.Training camps won’t open until July 1 at the earliest.Bettman said the league is open to playing into early fall.Bettman says games during the play-in format to determine the top 16 teams will be played under regular-season rules. The conference finals and Stanley Cup Final will feature seven-game series.Bettman says the league has yet to determine whether the first two playoff rounds will be five- or seven-game series.

NHL moving straight to Stanley Cup Playoffs when games can resume

by Alison Blankenship | Posted on April 29, 2020

The last month and a half has created its fair share of challenges as we all adjust to life during COVID-19, but with challenge comes opportunity. Americans are spending more time at home and free time, formerly a rare commodity, is now an abundant resource that many of us have no idea what to do with.

If it were up to us, everyone would spend a little more time reading. It’s a great way to learn something new and provides a healthy form of mental escape at a time when we all could use one. Knowing that a lot of people probably feel the same, we set out to see which Americans have been spending their quarantine time curled up with a good book. We broke out the results by state, and here’s a quick look at the top 10:

Figuring out which states have been reading the most during quarantine was pretty simple. As many of us look for things to do with our free time, we’ve turned to Google for inspiration. Search trends have shot through the roof for everything from home workouts to bread recipes, but we narrowed our focus on terms that would suggest an increased level of book purchases and reading. Leveraging data from Google Trends, we identified four of these terms that have all spiked in popularity since mid-March when states began implementing stay-at-home policies:

Each state is ranked by Google Trends on a scale of 0-100 based on the popularity of the term compared to the rest of the country. For example, if one state receives a 70 and another receives a 35, that means that the term is searched twice as much in the first state.

Scores were recorded for each of the four terms above and averaged to identify which states have been spending the most time reading during quarantine. After all the number crunching was done, New York emerged as the top state.

Check out the table below to see where your state ranked. If you’ve been spending your free time reading as well, check out our great selection of books or browse by subject to find your next favorite.

Rank- State- free books- ebooks- books to read- best books

I graduated Cum Laude from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with degrees in Marketing and Communications. I’ve been working in the textbook business for over 10 years, and my work has been featured by College Confidential, Mercy College of Health Sciences, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania Tribune, Montana Technological University, and other organizations.

I’m an obsessive lover of dachshunds and a passionate reader of books. I’m an avid Pinner and poster, and I’m all over our Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram and Pinterest.



by Alison Blankenship | Posted on April 29, 2020The last month and a half has created its fair share of challenges as we all adjust to life during COVID-19, but with challenge comes opportunity. Americans are spending more time at home and free time, formerly a rare commodity, is now an abundant resource that many of us have no idea what to do with.If it were up to us, everyone would spend a little more time reading. It’s a great way to learn something new and provides a healthy form of mental escape at a time when we all could use one. Knowing that a lot of people probably feel the same, we set out to see which Americans have been spending their quarantine time curled up with a good book. We broke out the results by state, and here’s a quick look at the top 10:New YorkDistrict of ColumbiaOregonWyomingVermontMassachusettsNebraskaAlaskaRhode IslandSouth DakotaMethodologyFiguring out which states have been reading the most during quarantine was pretty simple. As many of us look for things to do with our free time, we’ve turned to Google for inspiration. Search trends have shot through the roof for everything from home workouts to bread recipes, but we narrowed our focus on terms that would suggest an increased level of book purchases and reading. Leveraging data from Google Trends, we identified four of these terms that have all spiked in popularity since mid-March when states began implementing stay-at-home policies:“free books”“ebooks”“books to read”“best books”Each state is ranked by Google Trends on a scale of 0-100 based on the popularity of the term compared to the rest of the country. For example, if one state receives a 70 and another receives a 35, that means that the term is searched twice as much in the first state.Scores were recorded for each of the four terms above and averaged to identify which states have been spending the most time reading during quarantine. After all the number crunching was done, New York emerged as the top state.Check out the table below to see where your state ranked. If you’ve been spending your free time reading as well, check out our great selection of books or browse by subject to find your next favorite.Summary StatsRank- State- free books- ebooks- books to read- best books1	New York	62	100	70	522	District of Columbia	39	33	100	1003	Oregon	65	48	73	604	Wyoming	58	45	99	405	Vermont	100	41	47	526	Massachusetts	63	40	74	637	Nebraska	68	38	89	428	Alaska	75	76	58	289	Rhode Island	85	30	69	4810	South Dakota	93	35	66	3511	Iowa	76	37	69	4912	Utah	70	43	67	4913	Delaware	76	53	53	4614	Kansas	78	37	63	4915	New Hampshire	64	35	78	4916	Maine	76	22	76	5217	New Jersey	73	35	70	4818	Idaho	68	39	70	4719	Minnesota	60	48	67	4820	Connecticut	67	40	67	4821	Hawaii	57	45	71	4522	Oklahoma	61	42	76	3523	California	57	40	69	4824	Washington	63	34	60	5525	Michigan	65	32	69	4426	Virginia	59	36	63	4727	Colorado	59	35	56	5528	Kentucky	62	40	69	3329	Wisconsin	65	34	59	4530	Arkansas	67	27	70	3831	North Carolina	60	37	64	4132	Missouri	63	38	58	4133	South Carolina	58	44	59	3834	Maryland	58	43	57	4135	Illinois	51	31	68	4436	Texas	62	29	66	3737	Pennsylvania	60	32	59	4138	Mississippi	68	35	57	3039	Alabama	59	33	65	3240	Nevada	60	20	71	3641	Tennessee	60	24	63	4042	Ohio	50	34	66	3743	Georgia	55	32	61	3644	West Virginia	55	35	62	3145	Arizona	56	31	55	4146	New Mexico	60	35	47	3747	Montana	54	16	64	4348	Indiana	60	25	52	4049	Florida	56	32	54	3550	North Dakota	53	26	27	6151	Louisiana	51	34	50	30<h2>About the author</h2>Alison BlankenshipSenior Marketing ManagerI graduated Cum Laude from The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with degrees in Marketing and Communications. I’ve been working in the textbook business for over 10 years, and my work has been featured by College Confidential, Mercy College of Health Sciences, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania Tribune, Montana Technological University, and other organizations.I’m an obsessive lover of dachshunds and a passionate reader of books. I’m an avid Pinner and poster, and I’m all over our Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram and Pinterest.

Nebraska ranks 7th in reading during the quarantine

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced an executive order waiving the requirement for older Nebraskans to renew their driver’s licenses in-person.&nbsp; Normally, Nebraskans age 72 or older must appear in-person to renew a license.&nbsp; However, the coronavirus has made it advisable to practice social distancing to encourage health and safety.&nbsp; As a result of the Governor’s executive order, Class O and motorcycle licenses set to expire from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020—for Nebraskans 72 or older—will be extended for one year from the date of expiration printed on the license.&nbsp;

Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV, joined Gov. Ricketts for this afternoon’s press briefing.&nbsp; She talked about the Governor’s executive order and other steps the DMV has taken to serve Nebraskans while promoting physical distancing.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7Cb8fed8ff2c114cdcd30608d801b00a63%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637261202881787586&amp;sdata=YshTOTqkWxJkWen6V4RgF%2B1mPzTxVMnxInBxRIGydwQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind folks about the Test Nebraska schedule for this week:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Test sites are operating in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Kearney, York, Seward, Beatrice, and Clay Center.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Take the assessment and sign up for a test if you qualify.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout this pandemic, we have been taking extra steps to ensure vital services are still available to the residents of Nebraska.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An example of these are the services offered by the DMV.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The department has continued to provide services in counties that remained open throughout the last couple of months, taking extra care to keep our customers and teammates safe.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The department made an extra effort to engage with third-party driving schools to ensure those residents who needed a CDL license were able to get one.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This partnership has helped over 700 new commercial (CDL) drivers obtain their licenses since March 1st.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, to aid our continued pandemic response and to help protect vulnerable Nebraskans, I have signed Executive Order 20-25.&nbsp; It will extend driver licenses for Nebraskans who are 72 years of age and older for one year.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This will help ensure that many of our seniors do not wait in the DMV for service while we are trying to protect them and slow the spread of the virus.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Governor’s executive order is a great step to help safeguard our older population in Nebraska.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This executive order will extend the expiration date of all driver licenses, for drivers aged 72 and older, whose license expires between March 1 and December 31, 2020 for one year from the date of expiration.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DMV services have continued to be available in all counties where the DMV has been able to provide service.&nbsp; However, due to the closure of county offices and other buildings, many DMV locations have been temporarily closed.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In March, the Governor’s executive order extended the expiration date for all driver’s licenses and state IDs until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This was great news for our customers who no longer had to rush to renew their license.&nbsp; However, when we suspended drive tests, we had more than a few disappointed teenagers.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Drive tests will begin again tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27th).

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Services will be available in all counties where courthouses are open to walk-in public traffic.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to operate our standard practice for drive tests in the Omaha Metro South office in Bellevue.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;To set up a drive test, customers can give us a call to schedule their appointment.

§&nbsp;&nbsp;Details can be found on our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dmv.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">dmv.nebraska.gov</a>.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We have taken a number of steps to increase our capacity throughout the state, including in the Omaha Metro area.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are reassigning teammates, hiring temporary staff, and extending our operating hours in facilities where we are permitted to do so in order to increase our service capacity.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We anticipate being able to administer more than double our standard capacity of skills tests in the Omaha Metro area.&nbsp; We will ramp up further capacity as more temporary teammates come on board.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our teammates will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment to help safeguard the health and safety of our customers and examiners.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Given the confined quarters of the vehicle, and consistent with recommendations from CDC and OSHA, we will require our customers to wear a face covering while participating in a drive test.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are asking anyone who is unwell to please stay home.&nbsp; We will be happy to reschedule your drive test for a different day.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I know many people are wondering when their local DMV office will reopen.&nbsp; This depends on decisions made by local county officials.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as the county lets us know the date they intend to reopen, we will publish the date DMV services will be available on our website.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As counties choose to open their offices again to walk-in public traffic, we will resume services in these locations.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, I would like to remind everyone of the services available on our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dmv.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">dmv.nebraska.gov</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We look forward to being able to resume full services across the state as soon as possible.

Read the Governor’s latest executive order by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/v8urmpput59273d/EO%2020-25%20-%20Driver%20License%20Waiver%20.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:00 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jibguxil57mbngd/AADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590584469032.png" alt="\Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Nebraska DMV Director Rhonda Lahm (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s afternoon press briefing." />
 <figcaption>\Gov. Ricketts (podium) and Nebraska DMV Director Rhonda Lahm (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s afternoon press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced an executive order waiving the requirement for older Nebraskans to renew their driver’s licenses in-person.&nbsp; Normally, Nebraskans age 72 or older must appear in-person to renew a license.&nbsp; However, the coronavirus has made it advisable to practice social distancing to encourage health and safety.&nbsp; As a result of the Governor’s executive order, Class O and motorcycle licenses set to expire from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020—for Nebraskans 72 or older—will be extended for one year from the date of expiration printed on the license.&nbsp;Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV, joined Gov. Ricketts for this afternoon’s press briefing.&nbsp; She talked about the Governor’s executive order and other steps the DMV has taken to serve Nebraskans while promoting physical distancing.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJustin.Pinkerman%40nebraska.gov%7Cb8fed8ff2c114cdcd30608d801b00a63%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637261202881787586&amp;sdata=YshTOTqkWxJkWen6V4RgF%2B1mPzTxVMnxInBxRIGydwQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind folks about the Test Nebraska schedule for this week:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Test sites are operating in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Kearney, York, Seward, Beatrice, and Clay Center.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Take the assessment and sign up for a test if you qualify.Gov. Ricketts: DMV·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout this pandemic, we have been taking extra steps to ensure vital services are still available to the residents of Nebraska.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An example of these are the services offered by the DMV.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The department has continued to provide services in counties that remained open throughout the last couple of months, taking extra care to keep our customers and teammates safe.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The department made an extra effort to engage with third-party driving schools to ensure those residents who needed a CDL license were able to get one.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This partnership has helped over 700 new commercial (CDL) drivers obtain their licenses since March 1st.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, to aid our continued pandemic response and to help protect vulnerable Nebraskans, I have signed Executive Order 20-25.&nbsp; It will extend driver licenses for Nebraskans who are 72 years of age and older for one year.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This will help ensure that many of our seniors do not wait in the DMV for service while we are trying to protect them and slow the spread of the virus.Director Lahm: DMV·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Governor’s executive order is a great step to help safeguard our older population in Nebraska.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This executive order will extend the expiration date of all driver licenses, for drivers aged 72 and older, whose license expires between March 1 and December 31, 2020 for one year from the date of expiration.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DMV services have continued to be available in all counties where the DMV has been able to provide service.&nbsp; However, due to the closure of county offices and other buildings, many DMV locations have been temporarily closed.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In March, the Governor’s executive order extended the expiration date for all driver’s licenses and state IDs until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This was great news for our customers who no longer had to rush to renew their license.&nbsp; However, when we suspended drive tests, we had more than a few disappointed teenagers.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Drive tests will begin again tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27th).o&nbsp;&nbsp;Services will be available in all counties where courthouses are open to walk-in public traffic.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We will continue to operate our standard practice for drive tests in the Omaha Metro South office in Bellevue.o&nbsp;&nbsp;To set up a drive test, customers can give us a call to schedule their appointment.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Details can be found on our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dmv.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">dmv.nebraska.gov</a>.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We have taken a number of steps to increase our capacity throughout the state, including in the Omaha Metro area.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are reassigning teammates, hiring temporary staff, and extending our operating hours in facilities where we are permitted to do so in order to increase our service capacity.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We anticipate being able to administer more than double our standard capacity of skills tests in the Omaha Metro area.&nbsp; We will ramp up further capacity as more temporary teammates come on board.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our teammates will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment to help safeguard the health and safety of our customers and examiners.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Given the confined quarters of the vehicle, and consistent with recommendations from CDC and OSHA, we will require our customers to wear a face covering while participating in a drive test.o&nbsp;&nbsp;We are asking anyone who is unwell to please stay home.&nbsp; We will be happy to reschedule your drive test for a different day.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I know many people are wondering when their local DMV office will reopen.&nbsp; This depends on decisions made by local county officials.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as the county lets us know the date they intend to reopen, we will publish the date DMV services will be available on our website.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As counties choose to open their offices again to walk-in public traffic, we will resume services in these locations.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lastly, I would like to remind everyone of the services available on our website at&nbsp;<a href="http://dmv.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">dmv.nebraska.gov</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We look forward to being able to resume full services across the state as soon as possible.Read the Governor’s latest executive order by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/v8urmpput59273d/EO%2020-25%20-%20Driver%20License%20Waiver%20.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:00 p.m. by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jibguxil57mbngd/AADySA2xMufYcvqL89VT13Loa?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts issues executive order for driver's license renewals for older Nebraskans

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Omaha-area hospitals are reporting another uptick in coronavirus patients, but local health officials are still managing the caseloads without any issues. 

Nebraska Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, says Douglas County’s hospitals are treating 135 patients, up from 122 last week. But Anthone says the increase hasn’t had much of an impact on the available bed space or ventilators within the hospitals. 

Among the coronavirus patients is Nebraska state Sen. Mike Moser, of Columbus, who is receiving care at Nebraska Medical Center. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts says he's praying for Moser's recovery.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Omaha-area hospitals are reporting another uptick in coronavirus patients, but local health officials are still managing the caseloads without any issues. Nebraska Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, says Douglas County’s hospitals are treating 135 patients, up from 122 last week. But Anthone says the increase hasn’t had much of an impact on the available bed space or ventilators within the hospitals. Among the coronavirus patients is Nebraska state Sen. Mike Moser, of Columbus, who is receiving care at Nebraska Medical Center. Gov. Pete Ricketts says he's praying for Moser's recovery.

Omaha-area hospitals see another uptick in virus patients

Plans for gathering, events, and venues reopening must be submitted to Panhandle Public Health District and approved for all indoor and outdoor locations/venues that hold or have a capacity of 500 or more individuals before reopening is permitted. This application is accessible here: https://tinyurl.com/y8rgnflz.

In accordance with the June Directed Health Measure, gatherings will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 25% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 3,000) for gatherings held at: Indoor or Outdoor Arenas, Indoor or Outdoor Auctions, Stadiums, Tracks, Fairgrounds, Festivals, Zoos, Auditoriums, Large Event Conference Rooms, Meeting Halls, Indoor Theaters, Libraries, Swimming Pools, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. Groups shall be no larger than six (6) individuals. Six (6) feet separation between groups must be maintained.

Unified Command confirms five new cases for COVID-19 in the Panhandle. The case details are as follows:

The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. There are no community exposure sites identified. Exposure is defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart.

Out of the 411 tests conducted last week in Scotts Bluff County through TestNebraska, there were six positive cases. This information has been included in the previous and the current news release. Not all test results have been received.

By PPHDPlans for gathering, events, and venues reopening must be submitted to Panhandle Public Health District and approved for all indoor and outdoor locations/venues that hold or have a capacity of 500 or more individuals before reopening is permitted. This application is accessible here: https://tinyurl.com/y8rgnflz.In accordance with the June Directed Health Measure, gatherings will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 25% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 3,000) for gatherings held at: Indoor or Outdoor Arenas, Indoor or Outdoor Auctions, Stadiums, Tracks, Fairgrounds, Festivals, Zoos, Auditoriums, Large Event Conference Rooms, Meeting Halls, Indoor Theaters, Libraries, Swimming Pools, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. Groups shall be no larger than six (6) individuals. Six (6) feet separation between groups must be maintained.Unified Command confirms five new cases for COVID-19 in the Panhandle. The case details are as follows:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590544867607.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The investigations are complete, all close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. There are no community exposure sites identified. Exposure is defined as at least 15 minutes, less than six feet apart.Out of the 411 tests conducted last week in Scotts Bluff County through TestNebraska, there were six positive cases. This information has been included in the previous and the current news release. Not all test results have been received.Three more Morrill County and four Scotts Bluff County cases have been deemed recovered. This brings the total recoveries to 73.March 2-May 26, 2020Total Tests Completed: 2,530Positive: 105Deaths: 0Recovered: 73Active cases: 32· Box Butte County: 2 cases (1 active, 1 recovered)· Cheyenne County: 10 cases (1 active, 9 recovered)· Dawes County: 1 case (recovered)· Kimball County: 10 Cases (10 recovered)· Morrill County: 11 Cases (3 active, 8 recovered)· Scotts Bluff County: 71 Cases (27 active, 44 recovered)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.

Coronavirus Update