DENVER (AP) — Health officials closed a Colorado restaurant that offered sit-down dining on Mother’s Day in defiance of state rules aimed at containing the coronavirus.

 A video showed a packed house and no social distancing at C&amp;C Breakfast and Korean Kitchen. 

One of the owners told KCNC-TV he wanted to stand up for small businesses and get the attention of lawmakers. 

Gov. Jared Polis said the restaurant was causing an immediate health hazard, and its business license will be suspended until it is no longer a threat. 

Health officials say it could be revoked if the restaurant owners refuse to remain closed.

DENVER (AP) — Health officials closed a Colorado restaurant that offered sit-down dining on Mother’s Day in defiance of state rules aimed at containing the coronavirus. A video showed a packed house and no social distancing at C&amp;C Breakfast and Korean Kitchen. One of the owners told KCNC-TV he wanted to stand up for small businesses and get the attention of lawmakers. Gov. Jared Polis said the restaurant was causing an immediate health hazard, and its business license will be suspended until it is no longer a threat. Health officials say it could be revoked if the restaurant owners refuse to remain closed.

Colorado restaurant shut down for allowing sit-down dining

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she is holding off on her threat to sue Native American tribes that have set up highway checkpoints intended to keep the coronavirus away from their reservations. 

She says instead she would like to work out an agreement. 

The Republican governor gave the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe 48 hours from Friday afternoon to remove checkpoints from state and federal highways, saying she would sue if they didn't.

 She says her office has been receiving complaints that the checkpoints have caused a headache for people trying to access the reservations, even for necessary purposes.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she is holding off on her threat to sue Native American tribes that have set up highway checkpoints intended to keep the coronavirus away from their reservations. She says instead she would like to work out an agreement. The Republican governor gave the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe 48 hours from Friday afternoon to remove checkpoints from state and federal highways, saying she would sue if they didn't. She says her office has been receiving complaints that the checkpoints have caused a headache for people trying to access the reservations, even for necessary purposes.

South Dakota's Noem asks tribes again to talk on checkpoints

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Test Nebraska mobile testing sites will open in Norfolk and Lexington later this week.&nbsp;

The Governor also proclaimed “Police Week” in Nebraska and designated Friday, May 15th&nbsp;as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the state.&nbsp; He thanked the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) for taking on extra responsibilities to assist with the State’s coronavirus response. &nbsp;In addition to its usual duties to protect and serve Nebraskans, the NSP is giving significant support to the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; NSP Superintendent John A. Bolduc joined the Governor to talk about the work his team is doing to help keep Nebraskans safe and healthy.

·&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%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451461006&amp;sdata=QGbE4VvmRCgbJxEtMq0JBBqaTlPJ6M6%2Fq2w0hiusWZM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska test results:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;So far, 2,943 test results have been received and 100 people have tested positive.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Yesterday, Test Nebraska teams swabbed 1,233 people.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Schuyler, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha are testing today.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, the Schuyler team will be in Norfolk.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, the Grand Island team will be in Lexington.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduling for testing has filled up quickly for Lincoln and Omaha.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Test Nebraska testing is by appointment only. &nbsp;Don’t just show up to the testing site.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;You need to take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=dx0jAhORdbmg0d9iNbibxAPp2k1qwp%2B42pdpWCgaXeM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;and then schedule a time if you’re selected to be tested.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday is Peace Officers Memorial Day—a day in which we would have ordinarily gathered for a remembrance ceremony at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial in Grand Island.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, we remember Trooper Jerry Smith, who passed away in the line of duty on June 20, 2019.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Smith’s family during this week. &nbsp;We continue to mourn his loss and celebrate his life of service.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day, flags will be flown at half-staff throughout the state on Friday.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To honor the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement across the state, I am signing a proclamation today declaring this week as Police Week in Nebraska.

Gov. Ricketts: Flyover Salute to Health Workers

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Air National Guard plans a flyover salute to healthcare professionals and all Nebraskans responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flyover is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flight will visit 14 Nebraska hospitals spanning nearly the entirety of the state.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A 155th&nbsp;Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker, stationed at the Lincoln Air National Guard base, will fly above healthcare facilities in cities across the state from Scottsbluff to Omaha.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information about the flyover is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=CZT79mfQWjfFOswtwDwhSi1zdZgH8gYKwG3YZuRcjrM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, the National Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A virtual ceremony will be held this week to honor Trooper Smith and other heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can participate in a virtual ceremony this week, which will be hosted on the State Patrol’s social media platforms.&nbsp; Those platforms can be accessed through the NSP website:&nbsp;<a href="http://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">statepatrol.nebraska.gov</a>.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers continue to support the State’s COVID-19 efforts in many ways, while at the same time keeping up with our daily efforts to keep Nebraska safe.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have dozens of troopers assisting throughout the state at testing sites alongside the Nebraska National Guard.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers provide security at test sites, and they also transport test samples to the state laboratory in Lincoln.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent weeks, we’ve been paying special attention to excessive speeding. &nbsp;Since March 19th, our troopers have cited 177 motorists for traveling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’d like to thank Nebraskans for their voluntarily compliance with our Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp; This compliance has kept other Nebraskans safe and has helped keep law enforcement officers safe as well.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhitjbxuwwc747iv%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.12.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451480917&amp;sdata=6nKSuDVeQ9Yym1yLVHTHUSqYwmbkp4xXs5huFbJq0Wc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Test Nebraska mobile testing sites will open in Norfolk and Lexington later this week.&nbsp;The Governor also proclaimed “Police Week” in Nebraska and designated Friday, May 15th&nbsp;as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the state.&nbsp; He thanked the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) for taking on extra responsibilities to assist with the State’s coronavirus response. &nbsp;In addition to its usual duties to protect and serve Nebraskans, the NSP is giving significant support to the Test Nebraska initiative.&nbsp; NSP Superintendent John A. Bolduc joined the Governor to talk about the work his team is doing to help keep Nebraskans safe and healthy.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%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451461006&amp;sdata=QGbE4VvmRCgbJxEtMq0JBBqaTlPJ6M6%2Fq2w0hiusWZM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Test Nebraska test results:o&nbsp;&nbsp;So far, 2,943 test results have been received and 100 people have tested positive.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Yesterday, Test Nebraska teams swabbed 1,233 people.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Schuyler, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha are testing today.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Thursday, the Schuyler team will be in Norfolk.o&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, the Grand Island team will be in Lexington.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More mobile testing sites will be announced in the near future.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduling for testing has filled up quickly for Lincoln and Omaha.o&nbsp;&nbsp;More testing slots will be opening up, so we encourage people to be patient.o&nbsp;&nbsp;As a reminder, Test Nebraska testing is by appointment only. &nbsp;Don’t just show up to the testing site.o&nbsp;&nbsp;You need to take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=dx0jAhORdbmg0d9iNbibxAPp2k1qwp%2B42pdpWCgaXeM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;and then schedule a time if you’re selected to be tested.Gov. Ricketts: Police Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Friday is Peace Officers Memorial Day—a day in which we would have ordinarily gathered for a remembrance ceremony at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial in Grand Island.o&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, we remember Trooper Jerry Smith, who passed away in the line of duty on June 20, 2019.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Smith’s family during this week. &nbsp;We continue to mourn his loss and celebrate his life of service.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day, flags will be flown at half-staff throughout the state on Friday.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To honor the brave men and women who serve in law enforcement across the state, I am signing a proclamation today declaring this week as Police Week in Nebraska.Gov. Ricketts: Flyover Salute to Health Workers·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Air National Guard plans a flyover salute to healthcare professionals and all Nebraskans responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flyover is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The flight will visit 14 Nebraska hospitals spanning nearly the entirety of the state.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A 155th&nbsp;Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker, stationed at the Lincoln Air National Guard base, will fly above healthcare facilities in cities across the state from Scottsbluff to Omaha.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional information about the flyover is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNebraskaNationalGuard&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451470959&amp;sdata=CZT79mfQWjfFOswtwDwhSi1zdZgH8gYKwG3YZuRcjrM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/NebraskaNationalGuard</a>.Colonel Bolduc: Police Week·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, the National Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony had to be canceled this year due to COVID-19.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A virtual ceremony will be held this week to honor Trooper Smith and other heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraskans can participate in a virtual ceremony this week, which will be hosted on the State Patrol’s social media platforms.&nbsp; Those platforms can be accessed through the NSP website:&nbsp;<a href="http://statepatrol.nebraska.gov/" target="_blank">statepatrol.nebraska.gov</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers continue to support the State’s COVID-19 efforts in many ways, while at the same time keeping up with our daily efforts to keep Nebraska safe.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have dozens of troopers assisting throughout the state at testing sites alongside the Nebraska National Guard.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our troopers provide security at test sites, and they also transport test samples to the state laboratory in Lincoln.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In recent weeks, we’ve been paying special attention to excessive speeding. &nbsp;Since March 19th, our troopers have cited 177 motorists for traveling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I’d like to thank Nebraskans for their voluntarily compliance with our Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp; This compliance has kept other Nebraskans safe and has helped keep law enforcement officers safe as well.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fhitjbxuwwc747iv%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.12.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C88e75064f0c74aacb9a408d7f6d12626%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637249250451480917&amp;sdata=6nKSuDVeQ9Yym1yLVHTHUSqYwmbkp4xXs5huFbJq0Wc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Ricketts announces expansion of TestNebraska, proclaims 'Police Week'

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska prison officials say an inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first inmate in Nebraska to be confirmed through testing to have the disease. 

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says that an inmate at the Omaha Community Corrections Center tested positive Tuesday for the virus, leading officials to place the entire prison under quarantine. 

That means inmates will be confined to their rooms and can't participate in work detail or work-release jobs until they are medically cleared. 

Meanwhile, the state Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three more people had died from the virus, bringing the total to 103.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska prison officials say an inmate at a state work-release center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first inmate in Nebraska to be confirmed through testing to have the disease. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says that an inmate at the Omaha Community Corrections Center tested positive Tuesday for the virus, leading officials to place the entire prison under quarantine. That means inmates will be confined to their rooms and can't participate in work detail or work-release jobs until they are medically cleared. Meanwhile, the state Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three more people had died from the virus, bringing the total to 103.

Omaha prison inmate tests positive for COVID-19; cases rise

CHADRON – Chadron State College honored 315 graduates, 89 earning master’s degrees and 226 earning bachelor’s degrees, with the institution’s first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12299" target="_blank">virtual commencement</a>&nbsp;Saturday. Digital Graphic Designer Daniel Binkard edited the video that included recognition of each person earning a bachelor's or master's degree, and congratulatory messages from employees of the college. The college plans to conduct an in-person ceremony for the graduates at an appropriate time in the future and after Directive Health Measures have been lifted.

Masters graduates Taylor Osmotherly of Crawford, and Kelsey Brummels of Ewing, Nebraska, presented the opening and closing moments of reflection.

Dr. Beth Wentworth was recognized as the recipient of the Nebraska State College System&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12295" target="_blank">Teaching Excellence</a>&nbsp;Award by Gary Bieganski representing the NSCS Board of Trustees. Wentworth returned the CS Foundation cash awards she received and asked that they be earmarked for the Math Science renovation project. She received $3,000 for the system award and $1,000 for the CSC award.

The following ROTC cadets were recognized for commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army

Chasidy Horton of Colorado Springs, Colo.,&nbsp; Ordnance Branch (Active Duty); Samuel Klammer of Juniata, Neb., Military Intelligence Branch (Active Duty); Mason Marsh of Scottsbluff, Neb., Transportation Branch (Colorado National Guard); Gregory McCallum of Chadron, Transportation Branch (Active Duty); Demetrius McFadden of Pahokee, Fla., Quartermaster Branch (Army Reserves); Mitchell Parish of North Platte, Neb., Infantry Branch (Active Duty); Shae Weber of Rapid City, S.D., Quartermaster Branch (South Dakota National Guard).

Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, Professor of History, addressed the graduates. He reminded the graduates to read the portion of their diplomas stating they are entitled to the rights, privileges, and honors that accompany their degree.

“It’s a pretty big deal. It might not feel like it today, but you’ve been becoming this graduate for the entire time you’ve been here. Let that sink in,” Kinbacher said.

Kinbacher advised the graduates to be generous. He said the admonishment came from Dr. Carol Levin, a senior professor at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, when he was completing his doctorate.

“Sometimes people just need a leg up. Being generous costs very little and the rewards can be really great. It has served me well,” Kinbacher said.

Next, Kinbacher referred to President John F. Kennedy’s famous challenge: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

“It might seem kind of grandiose, but you can scale this for wherever you are in your life right now. It can be, ‘ask what you can do for family, for your ranch, for your business, for your community, for your planet.’ This COVID-19 is fundamentally unfair. But there will be a silver lining to this,” Kinbacher said. “Here is my hope. Langston Hughes, the American Poet, who wrote in 1935 at a time of great racial intolerance and economic depression, ‘Let America be America again. Let it be the dream it used to be.’”

Kinbacher concluded with his assertion that the U.S. will rebound from current trials.

“Once this blows through, we have work to do. America and Americans lead. We lead the world. Americans believe in truth. We believe in science. We believe in stable institutions. We’re coming through a hard time. We’ll get to the end of it. We can recover from this,” Kinbacher said.

By CSC College Relations<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589381063003.jpeg" alt="Gary Bieganski, right, chair of the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees, presents Dr. Beth Wentworth, left, professor of mathematical sciences, with the Teacher Excellence Award as part of Chadron State College's virtual commencement ceremony recording May 1, 2020. The commencement video premiered May 9, 2020. (Photo by Dewayne Gimeson/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Gary Bieganski, right, chair of the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees, presents Dr. Beth Wentworth, left, professor of mathematical sciences, with the Teacher Excellence Award as part of Chadron State College's virtual commencement ceremony recording May 1, 2020. The commencement video premiered May 9, 2020. (Photo by Dewayne Gimeson/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHADRON – Chadron State College honored 315 graduates, 89 earning master’s degrees and 226 earning bachelor’s degrees, with the institution’s first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12299" target="_blank">virtual commencement</a>&nbsp;Saturday. Digital Graphic Designer Daniel Binkard edited the video that included recognition of each person earning a bachelor's or master's degree, and congratulatory messages from employees of the college. The college plans to conduct an in-person ceremony for the graduates at an appropriate time in the future and after Directive Health Measures have been lifted.Masters graduates Taylor Osmotherly of Crawford, and Kelsey Brummels of Ewing, Nebraska, presented the opening and closing moments of reflection.Dr. Beth Wentworth was recognized as the recipient of the Nebraska State College System&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/story.csc?article=12295" target="_blank">Teaching Excellence</a>&nbsp;Award by Gary Bieganski representing the NSCS Board of Trustees. Wentworth returned the CS Foundation cash awards she received and asked that they be earmarked for the Math Science renovation project. She received $3,000 for the system award and $1,000 for the CSC award.The following ROTC cadets were recognized for commissioning as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. ArmyChasidy Horton of Colorado Springs, Colo.,&nbsp; Ordnance Branch (Active Duty); Samuel Klammer of Juniata, Neb., Military Intelligence Branch (Active Duty); Mason Marsh of Scottsbluff, Neb., Transportation Branch (Colorado National Guard); Gregory McCallum of Chadron, Transportation Branch (Active Duty); Demetrius McFadden of Pahokee, Fla., Quartermaster Branch (Army Reserves); Mitchell Parish of North Platte, Neb., Infantry Branch (Active Duty); Shae Weber of Rapid City, S.D., Quartermaster Branch (South Dakota National Guard).Dr. Kurt Kinbacher, Professor of History, addressed the graduates. He reminded the graduates to read the portion of their diplomas stating they are entitled to the rights, privileges, and honors that accompany their degree.“It’s a pretty big deal. It might not feel like it today, but you’ve been becoming this graduate for the entire time you’ve been here. Let that sink in,” Kinbacher said.Kinbacher advised the graduates to be generous. He said the admonishment came from Dr. Carol Levin, a senior professor at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, when he was completing his doctorate.“Sometimes people just need a leg up. Being generous costs very little and the rewards can be really great. It has served me well,” Kinbacher said.Next, Kinbacher referred to President John F. Kennedy’s famous challenge: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”“It might seem kind of grandiose, but you can scale this for wherever you are in your life right now. It can be, ‘ask what you can do for family, for your ranch, for your business, for your community, for your planet.’ This COVID-19 is fundamentally unfair. But there will be a silver lining to this,” Kinbacher said. “Here is my hope. Langston Hughes, the American Poet, who wrote in 1935 at a time of great racial intolerance and economic depression, ‘Let America be America again. Let it be the dream it used to be.’”Kinbacher concluded with his assertion that the U.S. will rebound from current trials.“Once this blows through, we have work to do. America and Americans lead. We lead the world. Americans believe in truth. We believe in science. We believe in stable institutions. We’re coming through a hard time. We’ll get to the end of it. We can recover from this,” Kinbacher said.

CSC celebrates via first virtual commencement

By Box Butte General Hospital&nbsp;

Greater Nebraska Medical &amp; Surgical Services in Hyannis and Hemingford are open back up today, May 13.&nbsp;

Hours for HYANNIS are 9:30am- noon &amp; 1pm- 4pm every Wednesday. 

Hours for HEMINGFORD are 9am- 4pm, call 308-762-7244 for available dates.

• Children only allowed if seeking care

• Call first to schedule an appointment

• Wear a mask before entering (one will be provided if you don't have your own)

Thank you for your continued patience with us during this time!

By Box Butte General Hospital&nbsp;Greater Nebraska Medical &amp; Surgical Services in Hyannis and Hemingford are open back up today, May 13.&nbsp;Hours for HYANNIS are 9:30am- noon &amp; 1pm- 4pm every Wednesday. Hours for HEMINGFORD are 9am- 4pm, call 308-762-7244 for available dates.Some important points to remember:• Visitor restrictions are in place• Children only allowed if seeking care• Call first to schedule an appointment• Stay 6ft apart in waiting area• Wear a mask before entering (one will be provided if you don't have your own)Thank you for your continued patience with us during this time!

GNMSS in Hyannis, Hemingford open back up

LONG BEACH, CA. —The&nbsp;<a href="http://calstate.edu/">California State University</a>, the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 53,000 faculty and staff and 482,000 students announced Tuesday will continue with online classes this fall.

According to a media release, Chancellor Tim White said,&nbsp;“This approach to virtual planning is necessary for many reasons. First and foremost is the health, safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff, and the evolving data surrounding the progression of COVID-19 – current and as forecast throughout the 2020-21 academic year. 

This planning approach is necessary because a course that might begin in a face-to-face modality would likely have to be switched to a virtual format during the term if a serious second wave of the pandemic occurs, as forecast. Virtual planning is necessary because it might not be possible for some students, faculty and staff to safely travel to campus.&nbsp;

Said another way, this virtual planning approach preserves as many options for as many students as possible.

Consequently, our planning approach will result in CSU courses primarily being delivered virtually for the fall 2020 term, with limited exceptions for in-person teaching, learning and research activities that cannot be delivered virtually, are indispensable to the university's core mission and can be conducted within rigorous standards of safety and welfare. There will be hybrid approaches and there will be variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances.

Some possible examples of potential exceptions&nbsp; - and only when there are sufficient resources available and protocols in place to assure that rigorous health and safety requirements are in place - include clinical classes with training mannequins for our nursing students such that we keep students on track for licensure and entry into the state's healthcare workforce; essential physical and life science laboratory classes enabling degree completion and entry into the energy and bioscience fields; access to kilns and other unique facilities to enable students in the performing and creative arts to explore and express the depth, breadth and beauty of humanity; hands-on experience with unique instrumentation and senior capstone projects for engineering, architecture and agriculture students; and access to the blue-water hands-on interactive simulator for boat and ship handling, to provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for the maritime industry and required for licensure by the US Coast Guard and UN International Maritime Organization.

The granting of limited exceptions to permit in-person activities will continue to be informed by thoughtful consultation with academic senates, associated students, staff councils and union leadership, and will be based on compelling educational and research needs, while continuing to meet safety benchmarks. Any exceptions may be permitted only in the continued presence of the aforementioned rigorous safety measures and training, and only in consideration of resource availability and other matters of local context, and be in accordance with the guidance of local and state public health agencies, the repopulation directives of governmental authorities along with other relevant regulatory agencies.

This combination, really a myriad of factors, will result in variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances, but predominately there will be limited in-person experiential learning and research occurring on campuses for the fall 2020 term. On some campuses and in some academic disciplines course offerings are likely to be exclusively virtual."

​​​​​​<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585958389195.jpeg" alt="Classes will continue online for all 23 campuses in the California State University system this fall." />
 <figcaption>Classes will continue online for all 23 campuses in the California State University system this fall.</figcaption>
 </figure>LONG BEACH, CA. —The&nbsp;<a href="http://calstate.edu/">California State University</a>, the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 53,000 faculty and staff and 482,000 students announced Tuesday will continue with online classes this fall.According to a media release, Chancellor Tim White said,&nbsp;“This approach to virtual planning is necessary for many reasons. First and foremost is the health, safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff, and the evolving data surrounding the progression of COVID-19 – current and as forecast throughout the 2020-21 academic year. This planning approach is necessary because a course that might begin in a face-to-face modality would likely have to be switched to a virtual format during the term if a serious second wave of the pandemic occurs, as forecast. Virtual planning is necessary because it might not be possible for some students, faculty and staff to safely travel to campus.&nbsp;Said another way, this virtual planning approach preserves as many options for as many students as possible.Consequently, our planning approach will result in CSU courses primarily being delivered virtually for the fall 2020 term, with limited exceptions for in-person teaching, learning and research activities that cannot be delivered virtually, are indispensable to the university's core mission and can be conducted within rigorous standards of safety and welfare. There will be hybrid approaches and there will be variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances.Some possible examples of potential exceptions&nbsp; - and only when there are sufficient resources available and protocols in place to assure that rigorous health and safety requirements are in place - include clinical classes with training mannequins for our nursing students such that we keep students on track for licensure and entry into the state's healthcare workforce; essential physical and life science laboratory classes enabling degree completion and entry into the energy and bioscience fields; access to kilns and other unique facilities to enable students in the performing and creative arts to explore and express the depth, breadth and beauty of humanity; hands-on experience with unique instrumentation and senior capstone projects for engineering, architecture and agriculture students; and access to the blue-water hands-on interactive simulator for boat and ship handling, to provide students with knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for the maritime industry and required for licensure by the US Coast Guard and UN International Maritime Organization.The granting of limited exceptions to permit in-person activities will continue to be informed by thoughtful consultation with academic senates, associated students, staff councils and union leadership, and will be based on compelling educational and research needs, while continuing to meet safety benchmarks. Any exceptions may be permitted only in the continued presence of the aforementioned rigorous safety measures and training, and only in consideration of resource availability and other matters of local context, and be in accordance with the guidance of local and state public health agencies, the repopulation directives of governmental authorities along with other relevant regulatory agencies.This combination, really a myriad of factors, will result in variability across the 23 campuses due to specific context and circumstances, but predominately there will be limited in-person experiential learning and research occurring on campuses for the fall 2020 term. On some campuses and in some academic disciplines course offerings are likely to be exclusively virtual."

Virus will keep nation's largest public university system closed this fall

The California Collegiate Athletic Association has suspended all fall sports for the upcoming year, the league announced on Tuesday. 

The NCAA Division II conference currently has 13 members but will lose one with UC San Diego moving to Division I. The remaining 12 members are all part of the California State University system. 

Chancellor Timothy White announced Tuesday the 23 schools in the CSU system would use online learning for the majority of classes during the fall semester.

The CCAA league sponsors men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball during the fall.

“The CCAA member institutions will continue to advocate strongly to maintain NCAA championship opportunities for all of our student-athletes, including our fall sports, during the 2020-21 academic year and recommend competition resume when it is safe and appropriate to do so for all of its members,” the league said in its announcement.

Associated PressThe California Collegiate Athletic Association has suspended all fall sports for the upcoming year, the league announced on Tuesday. The NCAA Division II conference currently has 13 members but will lose one with UC San Diego moving to Division I. The remaining 12 members are all part of the California State University system. Chancellor Timothy White announced Tuesday the 23 schools in the CSU system would use online learning for the majority of classes during the fall semester.The CCAA league sponsors men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball during the fall.“The CCAA member institutions will continue to advocate strongly to maintain NCAA championship opportunities for all of our student-athletes, including our fall sports, during the 2020-21 academic year and recommend competition resume when it is safe and appropriate to do so for all of its members,” the league said in its announcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589335211248.jpeg" alt="Screenshot of the schools in the CCAA from the conference athletics website" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot of the schools in the CCAA from the conference athletics website</figcaption>
 </figure>

Division II Conference in California suspends all fall sports for 2020

Unified Command confirms one new case of COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County. A female in her teens is a close contact of a previously positive case.

The investigation is 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 10 minutes, less than six feet apart.

Three more recoveries were reported for Scotts Bluff County bringing the total recovery count to 47.

This case has recovered and is out of isolation

Seven have recovered and are out of isolation

10 have recovered and are out of isolation

Two have recovered and are out of isolation

27 have recovered and are out of isolation

Throughout the month of May, we are reminding people to respect the following to keep Nebraska healthy:

· Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and sanitize when available.

· Monitor your symptoms. If you experience a cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, or loss of taste or smell call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764 before going.

· Socially distance in public and at work. Use the six-foot rule as much as possible.

· Only sit with people from your household when at church. Stay six feet from other households.

· Stay home. Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home. Respect the ten-person limit. Non-essential out-of-state travel is discouraged.

· Shop alone and only shop once a week. Do not take family with you.

· Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports. And no playgrounds.

· Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. Do not visit long-term care facilities.

· Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.

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 PPHDUnified Command confirms one new case of COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County. A female in her teens is a close contact of a previously positive case.The investigation is 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 10 minutes, less than six feet apart.Three more recoveries were reported for Scotts Bluff County bringing the total recovery count to 47.March 2-May 12, 2020Positive: 76Recovered: 47• Box Butte County: 1 caseThis case has recovered and is out of isolation• Cheyenne County: 9 casesSeven have recovered and are out of isolation• Dawes County: 1 case• Kimball County: 10 Cases10 have recovered and are out of isolation• Morrill County: 9 CasesTwo have recovered and are out of isolation• Scotts Bluff County: 46 Cases27 have recovered and are out of isolationThroughout the month of May, we are reminding people to respect the following to keep Nebraska healthy:· Wear a mask when possible.· Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and sanitize when available.· Monitor your symptoms. If you experience a cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, or loss of taste or smell call your doctor, clinic, or our 24/7 line at 308-262-5764 before going.· Socially distance in public and at work. Use the six-foot rule as much as possible.· Only sit with people from your household when at church. Stay six feet from other households.· Stay home. Do not take unnecessary trips outside the home. Respect the ten-person limit. Non-essential out-of-state travel is discouraged.· Shop alone and only shop once a week. Do not take family with you.· Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports. And no playgrounds.· Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. Do not visit long-term care facilities.· Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.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.

1 new virus case, Panhandle total positive count 76, recovered count 47

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, warned bluntly Tuesday of “really serious” consequences of suffering, death and deeper economic damage if state and local officials lift stay-at-home orders too quickly, even as President Donald Trump pushes them to act to right a free-falling economy.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay&nbsp;the Senate hearing.

Fauci’s testimony before a Senate committee that included Kansas Senator Pat Roberts came as more than two dozen states have begun to lift their lockdowns as a first step toward economic recovery.

Underscoring the seriousness of the pandemic that has reached Congress and the White House, Fauci and other experts testified by video from their homes. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chaired the hearing by video from the study in his cabin in Tennessee, though several members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee did attend at the Capitol.

Fauci and other health officials stressed that pandemic danger persists, even as testing increases and work toward a vaccine and treatments continues.

More COVID-19 infections are inevitable as people again start gathering, but how prepared communities are to stamp out those sparks will determine how bad the rebound is, Fauci told the senators.

“There is no doubt, even under the best of circumstances, when you pull back on mitigation you will see some cases appear,” Fauci said.

And if there is a rush to reopen without following guidelines, “my concern is we will start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks,” he said. “The consequences could be really serious.”

In fact, he said opening too soon “could turn the clock back,” and that not only would cause “some suffering and death that could be avoided, but could even set you back on the road to try to get economic recovery.”

Fauci was among the health experts testifying Tuesday to the Senate panel, as Trump has been praising states that are reopening after the prolonged lockdown aimed at controlling the virus’s spread.

Committee chairman Alexander said as the hearing opened that “what our country has done so far in testing is impressive, but not nearly enough.”

Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 4.2 million people and killed over 287,000 — more than 80,000 in U.S. alone. Asked if the U.S. mortality count was correct, Fauci said, “the number is likely higher. I don’t know exactly what percent higher but almost certainly it’s higher.”

Fauci, a member of the coronavirus task force charged with shaping the response to COVID-19, testified via video conference after self-quarantining as a White House staffer tested positive for the virus.

With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump has been anxious to reopen states for business.

<a href="https://apnews.com/4aca168a247602a2573ba94347045b30">A recent Associated Press review determined that 17 states did not meet a key White House benchmark&nbsp;</a>for loosening restrictions — a 14-day downward trajectory in new cases or positive test rates. Yet many of those have begun to reopen or are about to do so, including Alabama, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.

Of the 33 states that have had a 14-day downward trajectory of either cases or positive test rates, 25 are partially opened or moving to reopen within days, the AP analysis found. Other states that have not seen a 14-day decline, remain closed despite meeting some benchmarks.

Besides Fauci, of the National Institutes of Health, the other experts include FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn and Dr. Robert Redfield, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — both in self-quarantine—and Adm. Brett Giroir, the coronavirus “testing czar” at the Department of Health and Human Services.

The event Tuesday got underway in the committee’s storied hearing room, but that’s about all that remained of the pre-pandemic way of conducting oversight. The senators running the event, Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray of Washington, were heads on video screens, with an array of personal items in the background as they isolated back home.

A few senators, such as Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski and Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy, personally attended the session in the hearing room. They wore masks, as did an array of aides buzzing behind them.

The health committee hearing offers a very different setting from the White House coronavirus task force briefings the administration witnesses have all participated in. Most significantly, Trump did not control the agenda.

Eyeing the November elections, the president has been urging on protesters who oppose their state governors’ stay-at-home orders, while expressing his own confidence that the coronavrius will fade away as summer advances and Americans return to work and other pursuits.

The U.S. has seen at least 1.3 million infections and nearly 81,000 confirmed deaths from the virus, the highest toll in the world by far, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Separately, one expert from the World Health Organization has already warned that some countries are “driving blind” into reopening their economies without having strong systems to track new outbreaks. And three countries that do have robust tracing systems — South Korea, Germany and China — have already seen new outbreaks after lockdown rules were relaxed.

U.S. contact tracing remains a patchwork of approaches and readiness levels. States are hiring contact tracers but experts say tens of thousands will be needed across the country.

WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr. Michael Ryan, said Germany and South Korea have good contact tracing that hopefully can detect and stop virus clusters before they get out of control. But he said other nations — which he did not name — have not effectively employed investigators to contact people who test positive, track down their contacts and get them into quarantine before they can spread the virus.

“Shutting your eyes and trying to drive through this blind is about as silly an equation as I’ve seen,” Ryan said. “Certain countries are setting themselves up for some seriously blind driving over the next few months.”

Apple, Google, some U.S. states and European countries are developing contact-tracing apps that show whether someone has crossed paths with an infected person. But experts say the technology only supplements and does not replace labor-intensive human work.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, is warning Congress that if the country reopens too soon, "the consequences could be really serious.”

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the Senate hearing that began at 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.

Fauci is among the experts testifying to a Senate panel as its hearing opened on Tuesday. His testimony comes as President Donald Trump is pressuring states to reopen after the prolonged lock-down aimed at controlling the virus’ spread. 

With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump wants to restart the economy.  Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 4.2 million people and killed over 286,000. Some countries that have relaxed lock-down rules have seen new outbreaks.

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci says the government is working on several potential vaccines for COVID-19.

“We have many candidates and hope to have many winners,” he told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee. “In other words, it is many shots on goal.”

Despite the rapid pace of work on vaccines, Fauci was offering no guarantees. He says, “The big unknown is efficacy.”

Fauci heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is the government’s leading expert on the pandemic. He says he hopes to have a vaccine in advanced trials by late fall or early winter.

WASHINGTON — The government’s leading infectious disease expert says he intends to warn the nation Tuesday that “needless suffering and death” will result from a rushed reopening of the economy.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a> the Senate hearing that begins 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee at a hearing assessing reopening plans.

In an email to the New York Times, Fauci said his major message will concern the danger of trying to open the country.

“If we skip over the checkpoints in the guidelines to ‘Open America Again,’ then we risk the danger of multiple outbreaks throughout the country,” Fauci wrote. “This will not only result in needless suffering and death, but would actually set us back on our quest to return to normal.”

This puts Fauci at odds with President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged governors to lift business closings and stay-at-home orders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589293349894.png" alt="First ever U.S. Senate hearing with witnesses and chairman appearing via video conference. Those in attendance practice social distancing on Tuesday moring. The public is not in attendance at the hearing-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>First ever U.S. Senate hearing with witnesses and chairman appearing via video conference. Those in attendance practice social distancing on Tuesday moring. The public is not in attendance at the hearing-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, warned bluntly Tuesday of “really serious” consequences of suffering, death and deeper economic damage if state and local officials lift stay-at-home orders too quickly, even as President Donald Trump pushes them to act to right a free-falling economy.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay&nbsp;the Senate hearing.Fauci’s testimony before a Senate committee that included Kansas Senator Pat Roberts came as more than two dozen states have begun to lift their lockdowns as a first step toward economic recovery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589299908069.png" alt="Kansas Senator Pat Roberts wore gloves and&nbsp; participated in Tuesday's first ever Senate hearing via video conference. Roberts referred to the dramatic number of virus patients identified in his hometown of Dodge City. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Pat Roberts wore gloves and&nbsp; participated in Tuesday's first ever Senate hearing via video conference. Roberts referred to the dramatic number of virus patients identified in his hometown of Dodge City. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Underscoring the seriousness of the pandemic that has reached Congress and the White House, Fauci and other experts testified by video from their homes. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chaired the hearing by video from the study in his cabin in Tennessee, though several members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee did attend at the Capitol.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589296928199.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci during Tuesday's video conference before the U.S. Senate committee" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci during Tuesday's video conference before the U.S. Senate committee</figcaption>
 </figure>Fauci and other health officials stressed that pandemic danger persists, even as testing increases and work toward a vaccine and treatments continues.More COVID-19 infections are inevitable as people again start gathering, but how prepared communities are to stamp out those sparks will determine how bad the rebound is, Fauci told the senators.“There is no doubt, even under the best of circumstances, when you pull back on mitigation you will see some cases appear,” Fauci said.And if there is a rush to reopen without following guidelines, “my concern is we will start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks,” he said. “The consequences could be really serious.”In fact, he said opening too soon “could turn the clock back,” and that not only would cause “some suffering and death that could be avoided, but could even set you back on the road to try to get economic recovery.”Fauci was among the health experts testifying Tuesday to the Senate panel, as Trump has been praising states that are reopening after the prolonged lockdown aimed at controlling the virus’s spread.Committee chairman Alexander said as the hearing opened that “what our country has done so far in testing is impressive, but not nearly enough.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589293586428.png" alt="Missouri Senator Roy Blunt watched the opening of the hearing Tuesday morning-image CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Senator Roy Blunt watched the opening of the hearing Tuesday morning-image CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 4.2 million people and killed over 287,000 — more than 80,000 in U.S. alone. Asked if the U.S. mortality count was correct, Fauci said, “the number is likely higher. I don’t know exactly what percent higher but almost certainly it’s higher.”Fauci, a member of the coronavirus task force charged with shaping the response to COVID-19, testified via video conference after self-quarantining as a White House staffer tested positive for the virus.With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump has been anxious to reopen states for business.<a href="https://apnews.com/4aca168a247602a2573ba94347045b30">A recent Associated Press review determined that 17 states did not meet a key White House benchmark&nbsp;</a>for loosening restrictions — a 14-day downward trajectory in new cases or positive test rates. Yet many of those have begun to reopen or are about to do so, including Alabama, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.Of the 33 states that have had a 14-day downward trajectory of either cases or positive test rates, 25 are partially opened or moving to reopen within days, the AP analysis found. Other states that have not seen a 14-day decline, remain closed despite meeting some benchmarks.Besides Fauci, of the National Institutes of Health, the other experts include FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn and Dr. Robert Redfield, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — both in self-quarantine—and Adm. Brett Giroir, the coronavirus “testing czar” at the Department of Health and Human Services.The event Tuesday got underway in the committee’s storied hearing room, but that’s about all that remained of the pre-pandemic way of conducting oversight. The senators running the event, Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray of Washington, were heads on video screens, with an array of personal items in the background as they isolated back home.A few senators, such as Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski and Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy, personally attended the session in the hearing room. They wore masks, as did an array of aides buzzing behind them.The health committee hearing offers a very different setting from the White House coronavirus task force briefings the administration witnesses have all participated in. Most significantly, Trump did not control the agenda.Eyeing the November elections, the president has been urging on protesters who oppose their state governors’ stay-at-home orders, while expressing his own confidence that the coronavrius will fade away as summer advances and Americans return to work and other pursuits.The U.S. has seen at least 1.3 million infections and nearly 81,000 confirmed deaths from the virus, the highest toll in the world by far, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.Separately, one expert from the World Health Organization has already warned that some countries are “driving blind” into reopening their economies without having strong systems to track new outbreaks. And three countries that do have robust tracing systems — South Korea, Germany and China — have already seen new outbreaks after lockdown rules were relaxed.U.S. contact tracing remains a patchwork of approaches and readiness levels. States are hiring contact tracers but experts say tens of thousands will be needed across the country.WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr. Michael Ryan, said Germany and South Korea have good contact tracing that hopefully can detect and stop virus clusters before they get out of control. But he said other nations — which he did not name — have not effectively employed investigators to contact people who test positive, track down their contacts and get them into quarantine before they can spread the virus.“Shutting your eyes and trying to drive through this blind is about as silly an equation as I’ve seen,” Ryan said. “Certain countries are setting themselves up for some seriously blind driving over the next few months.”Apple, Google, some U.S. states and European countries are developing contact-tracing apps that show whether someone has crossed paths with an infected person. But experts say the technology only supplements and does not replace labor-intensive human work.-----------WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, is warning Congress that if the country reopens too soon, "the consequences could be really serious.”<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the Senate hearing that began at 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.Fauci is among the experts testifying to a Senate panel as its hearing opened on Tuesday. His testimony comes as President Donald Trump is pressuring states to reopen after the prolonged lock-down aimed at controlling the virus’ spread. With the U.S. economy in free-fall and more than 30 million people unemployed, Trump wants to restart the economy. Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 4.2 million people and killed over 286,000. Some countries that have relaxed lock-down rules have seen new outbreaks.-----------WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci says the government is working on several potential vaccines for COVID-19.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the Senate hearing that began at 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589292074301.png" alt="Members of the U.S. Senate gather ahead of Tuesday's hearing -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Members of the U.S. Senate gather ahead of Tuesday's hearing -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have many candidates and hope to have many winners,” he told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee. “In other words, it is many shots on goal.”Despite the rapid pace of work on vaccines, Fauci was offering no guarantees. He says, “The big unknown is efficacy.”Fauci heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is the government’s leading expert on the pandemic. He says he hopes to have a vaccine in advanced trials by late fall or early winter.___WASHINGTON — The government’s leading infectious disease expert says he intends to warn the nation Tuesday that “needless suffering and death” will result from a rushed reopening of the economy.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?471837-1/white-house-coronavirus-task-force-members-testify-coronavirus-response-reopening-phases">Click here to watch</a> the Senate hearing that begins 9a.m. CDT and is expected to last approximately 3 hours.Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee at a hearing assessing reopening plans.In an email to the New York Times, Fauci said his major message will concern the danger of trying to open the country.“If we skip over the checkpoints in the guidelines to ‘Open America Again,’ then we risk the danger of multiple outbreaks throughout the country,” Fauci wrote. “This will not only result in needless suffering and death, but would actually set us back on our quest to return to normal.”This puts Fauci at odds with President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged governors to lift business closings and stay-at-home orders.___

🎥 Kansas Senator hears grim news from Coronavirus Task Force

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Another Powder River Basin coal mine has reduced its work force in response to weak market conditions. 

Decker Coal Company furloughed 98 miners Friday, sending them home until May 26. 

The Decker coal mine is in southern Montana, just north of the Wyoming line. The company says the mine’s domestic customers stopped accepting shipments recently. 

Nearly 400 coal miners in the Powder River Basin have been laid off as less electricity use during the coronavirus pandemic diminishes demand for coal-fired power. 

The Decker mine produced over 1 million tons of coal and employed 164 workers in the first quarter of 2020.

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Another Powder River Basin coal mine has reduced its work force in response to weak market conditions. Decker Coal Company furloughed 98 miners Friday, sending them home until May 26. The Decker coal mine is in southern Montana, just north of the Wyoming line. The company says the mine’s domestic customers stopped accepting shipments recently. Nearly 400 coal miners in the Powder River Basin have been laid off as less electricity use during the coronavirus pandemic diminishes demand for coal-fired power. The Decker mine produced over 1 million tons of coal and employed 164 workers in the first quarter of 2020.

Powder River Basin coal mine furloughs workers amid diminished demand

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Monday.

The Central District Health Department reported one death in Hall County. -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vcGcvY2RoZC5uZS5nb3YvcG9zdHMvP3JlZj1wYWdlX2ludGVybmFsIn0.UOdCuGMmCoPprdcM4cHq3yjN6aFWfDAe-LlQ3GINZ64%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813721523&amp;sdata=UWhKH81jp82kUVubltp4kx3TgcCfDUl4iYXLPA99Q1A%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.facebook.com/pg/cdhd.ne.gov/posts/?ref=page_internal</a>

The South Heartland District Health Department reported one death in Adams County.

Further information is available related to three deaths recently reported by DHHS. One reported yesterday evening was a Douglas County woman&nbsp;in her 90s -<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb3VnbGFzY291bnR5aGVhbHRoLmNvbS9sYXRlc3QtbmV3cyJ9.1DSbcpEdutNw4mlYR8FLhLDQRUAlbYldh1H9fcKeHuM%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813731480&amp;sdata=mZnENsa0%2BqnZsM0%2FCbK%2FAttNsrl5Ox%2FctYt%2Fln1z%2BLc%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news</a>.&nbsp;Two reported Saturday were Dawson County residents. Both were women in their 50s and 60s. Both had been hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 100, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of&nbsp;5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 8,572. Nebraska’s COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.1_pGdGXzqBqQdDR4OnpQ_8UG5xY6h6fAz1U7_LFToS8%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813731480&amp;sdata=JGftpDqxz0zPkQ5NH1JZ3tUFkfH5n2qKjY0jSvoAn%2FU%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data&nbsp;and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.

Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state’s Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses&nbsp;in specific regions of Nebraska starting May 11. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ09WSUQtMTktRGlyZWN0ZWQtSGVhbHRoLU1lYXN1cmVzLmFzcHgifQ.OP5H8laKGctcbGGfSivRD64GXOgf-maz0skvpVQxgmo%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813741438&amp;sdata=f0Q63sSHlPEEWhKmBxBhxn%2FA5tInvf7gr%2BiN2UIWkyI%3D&amp;reserved=0">clicking here</a>. Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvQ0hQTSUyME1hcHMvTkVfSGVhbHRoX0RlcHRfTWFwX0RlY18yMDE2LnBkZiJ9.LJKY3Da21QurBF9gH8vC8PzhYTxj0t9tEgtjlZpVHgs%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813741438&amp;sdata=%2FcniZ3A7ST5ITYXYBPcWM9k31c8jMeE6DvXRuHB0lj0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Governor Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.GZryD5bJYMM3kxAcLA5UXW1p5SgtELxy9vX-Pr2o5Vs%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813751391&amp;sdata=W5uZ196Vtq88jGhhOp5jRxtl2RJeXIJdSDxhZHvlghI%3D&amp;reserved=0">TestNebraska</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska launched last week in Grand Island, Omaha and Lincoln. Additional mobile testing sites are expected&nbsp;to become available shortly.

The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the&nbsp;state. After taking the assessment, participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.RcXyVRLNYJDrYH36Ek_aaSVvE1Xoqd8_bfXkL0XxKQ8%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813751391&amp;sdata=ljtZ26L%2BKIPI68Mjv%2FdqIQwRqkhmQJ5TiMy53f0SrT8%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.testnebraska.com/</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.

DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;

Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the&nbsp;virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores,&nbsp;pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay9jbG90aC1mYWNlLWNvdmVyLWZhcS5odG1sIn0.9ViaYk0wupLL3v0luMiETzW1AMBnvasO3wjI279H2tE%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813761347&amp;sdata=kZ48WKjMoCu7VrjTUXn4rA4t929ks8TrMzGnlBNUoYM%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html</a>.

Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social&nbsp;distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.

Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first&nbsp;responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.rrpJIfuWX1poYqZelJ-RwOqHQQ_zayA4QoiX5EuSjKI%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813761347&amp;sdata=PXhHKxNcYEqb9ZkKYgJHj1M1EXT2KyaYoWD%2BlqfrQ94%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.4irxbofYamR-OdTYzfVvj3O21_ZtiT6l9Bhds_PcP8o%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813761347&amp;sdata=BX6jUS90gZCvjSZyk3iVP1O3MxlL0FxlL7qGS%2FGHtr8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans&nbsp;to help keep them informed. The number is&nbsp;<a href="tel:+14025526645">(402) 552-6645</a>&nbsp;or toll-free at&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18339982275">(833) 998-2275</a>; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website&nbsp;is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ._TAP66_cWAzxdmoyfacUwj2RIx1oo8TF3806xB-2Ms4%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813771306&amp;sdata=qEmshRuZx67D17v2LF2XtebCdKoOGbXG7XSnAI9Gu4g%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Monday.The Central District Health Department reported one death in Hall County. -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vcGcvY2RoZC5uZS5nb3YvcG9zdHMvP3JlZj1wYWdlX2ludGVybmFsIn0.UOdCuGMmCoPprdcM4cHq3yjN6aFWfDAe-LlQ3GINZ64%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813721523&amp;sdata=UWhKH81jp82kUVubltp4kx3TgcCfDUl4iYXLPA99Q1A%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.facebook.com/pg/cdhd.ne.gov/posts/?ref=page_internal</a>The South Heartland District Health Department reported one death in Adams County.Further information is available related to three deaths recently reported by DHHS. One reported yesterday evening was a Douglas County woman&nbsp;in her 90s -<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb3VnbGFzY291bnR5aGVhbHRoLmNvbS9sYXRlc3QtbmV3cyJ9.1DSbcpEdutNw4mlYR8FLhLDQRUAlbYldh1H9fcKeHuM%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813731480&amp;sdata=mZnENsa0%2BqnZsM0%2FCbK%2FAttNsrl5Ox%2FctYt%2Fln1z%2BLc%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news</a>.&nbsp;Two reported Saturday were Dawson County residents. Both were women in their 50s and 60s. Both had been hospitalized and had underlying conditions.The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 100, according to the DHHS data dashboard. The state case total, as of&nbsp;5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time, is 8,572. Nebraska’s COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.1_pGdGXzqBqQdDR4OnpQ_8UG5xY6h6fAz1U7_LFToS8%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813731480&amp;sdata=JGftpDqxz0zPkQ5NH1JZ3tUFkfH5n2qKjY0jSvoAn%2FU%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data&nbsp;and deaths or cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up to date.Governor Pete Ricketts has announced changes to some of the state’s Directed Health Measures, including re-openings of selected businesses&nbsp;in specific regions of Nebraska starting May 11. The new DHM updates can be found by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ09WSUQtMTktRGlyZWN0ZWQtSGVhbHRoLU1lYXN1cmVzLmFzcHgifQ.OP5H8laKGctcbGGfSivRD64GXOgf-maz0skvpVQxgmo%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813741438&amp;sdata=f0Q63sSHlPEEWhKmBxBhxn%2FA5tInvf7gr%2BiN2UIWkyI%3D&amp;reserved=0">clicking here</a>. Not sure which local health department is yours? A map is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvQ0hQTSUyME1hcHMvTkVfSGVhbHRoX0RlcHRfTWFwX0RlY18yMDE2LnBkZiJ9.LJKY3Da21QurBF9gH8vC8PzhYTxj0t9tEgtjlZpVHgs%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813741438&amp;sdata=%2FcniZ3A7ST5ITYXYBPcWM9k31c8jMeE6DvXRuHB0lj0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Governor Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.GZryD5bJYMM3kxAcLA5UXW1p5SgtELxy9vX-Pr2o5Vs%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813751391&amp;sdata=W5uZ196Vtq88jGhhOp5jRxtl2RJeXIJdSDxhZHvlghI%3D&amp;reserved=0">TestNebraska</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. TestNebraska launched last week in Grand Island, Omaha and Lincoln. Additional mobile testing sites are expected&nbsp;to become available shortly.The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the&nbsp;state. After taking the assessment, participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Nebraskans can take the assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZXN0bmVicmFza2EuY29tLyJ9.RcXyVRLNYJDrYH36Ek_aaSVvE1Xoqd8_bfXkL0XxKQ8%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813751391&amp;sdata=ljtZ26L%2BKIPI68Mjv%2FdqIQwRqkhmQJ5TiMy53f0SrT8%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.testnebraska.com/</a>. Because people can develop symptoms quickly, Nebraskans are asked to update their assessments from time to time as needed.DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Stay home.&nbsp;No non-essential&nbsp;errands and no social gatherings. Respect the ten-person limits.</li><li>Socially distance your work.&nbsp;Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.&nbsp;</li><li>Shop alone. Do this only&nbsp;once a week and do not take your family with you.</li><li>Help kids social distance.&nbsp;Play at home, no group sports and no playgrounds.</li><li>Help seniors stay at home.&nbsp;This can be done by shopping for them. Do not visit long-term facilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Exercise daily. Do your&nbsp;best to stay as healthy and safe as you can. &nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the&nbsp;virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores,&nbsp;pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay9jbG90aC1mYWNlLWNvdmVyLWZhcS5odG1sIn0.9ViaYk0wupLL3v0luMiETzW1AMBnvasO3wjI279H2tE%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813761347&amp;sdata=kZ48WKjMoCu7VrjTUXn4rA4t929ks8TrMzGnlBNUoYM%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html</a>.Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social&nbsp;distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first&nbsp;responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.rrpJIfuWX1poYqZelJ-RwOqHQQ_zayA4QoiX5EuSjKI%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813761347&amp;sdata=PXhHKxNcYEqb9ZkKYgJHj1M1EXT2KyaYoWD%2BlqfrQ94%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.4irxbofYamR-OdTYzfVvj3O21_ZtiT6l9Bhds_PcP8o%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813761347&amp;sdata=BX6jUS90gZCvjSZyk3iVP1O3MxlL0FxlL7qGS%2FGHtr8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans&nbsp;to help keep them informed. The number is&nbsp;<a href="tel:+14025526645">(402) 552-6645</a>&nbsp;or toll-free at&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18339982275">(833) 998-2275</a>; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT, 7 days a week.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website&nbsp;is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA1MTIuMjEzNjIyMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ._TAP66_cWAzxdmoyfacUwj2RIx1oo8TF3806xB-2Ms4%2Fbr%2F78502258062-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C7376268c22fb4a9612a208d7f61e6b14%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637248482813771306&amp;sdata=qEmshRuZx67D17v2LF2XtebCdKoOGbXG7XSnAI9Gu4g%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

Two COVID-19 related deaths reported to DHHS on Monday

Chadron - Chadron Community Hospital Senior Life Solutions or Senior Solutions, an intensive outpatient group therapy program for seniors, successfully made the transition to providing services remotely due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Senior Life Solutions began offering teletherapy to its patients on April 8,2020 allowing them to receive the care they need while remaining safe and secure at home.

Teletherapy services are provided via telephone or computer by Megan Jelinek, MA, LIMHP. After an initial assessment, Senior Life Solutions individualizes a care plan for each patient where they meet up to three times per week in an encouraging, supportive setting. All Senior Life Solutions services are confidential and HIPAA compliant.

Sarah Phipps, RN, Program Director said “Our new teletherapy services allow our patients to continue to reap the benefits of group and individual therapy but from the safety of their homes. During a group session, we all dial in on the phone or log in from a computer at the same time, and each patient has the opportunity to form a bond and sometimes even friendship with other members in the group who are experiencing similar life changes.”

The program is managed by a national behavioral healthcare management company, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC, and was able to move so quickly to a remote environment as a result of PMC’s previous investment in telehealth services. Senior Life Solutions has incorporated telehealth into its care model for more than a decade.

Other Senior Life Solutions staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, and a registered nurse, dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in the community. Individuals may benefit from the program if they are experiencing symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, dealing with difficult life transitions, a recent health diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one.

Phipps added, “It is wonderful being part of a program that improves the quality of life for such a vulnerable population in our community, and emotional health services are needed more than ever during these difficult times.”

Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, selfreferral, or another healthcare professional. For more information, call 308-747-2477 or visit <a href="https://www.chadronhospital.com/services/senior-life-solutions.html">https://www.chadronhospital.com/services/senior-life-solutions.html
</a>

Chadron - Chadron Community Hospital Senior Life Solutions or Senior Solutions, an intensive outpatient group therapy program for seniors, successfully made the transition to providing services remotely due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Senior Life Solutions began offering teletherapy to its patients on April 8,2020 allowing them to receive the care they need while remaining safe and secure at home.Teletherapy services are provided via telephone or computer by Megan Jelinek, MA, LIMHP. After an initial assessment, Senior Life Solutions individualizes a care plan for each patient where they meet up to three times per week in an encouraging, supportive setting. All Senior Life Solutions services are confidential and HIPAA compliant.Sarah Phipps, RN, Program Director said “Our new teletherapy services allow our patients to continue to reap the benefits of group and individual therapy but from the safety of their homes. During a group session, we all dial in on the phone or log in from a computer at the same time, and each patient has the opportunity to form a bond and sometimes even friendship with other members in the group who are experiencing similar life changes.”The program is managed by a national behavioral healthcare management company, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC, and was able to move so quickly to a remote environment as a result of PMC’s previous investment in telehealth services. Senior Life Solutions has incorporated telehealth into its care model for more than a decade.Other Senior Life Solutions staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, and a registered nurse, dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in the community. Individuals may benefit from the program if they are experiencing symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, dealing with difficult life transitions, a recent health diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one.Phipps added, “It is wonderful being part of a program that improves the quality of life for such a vulnerable population in our community, and emotional health services are needed more than ever during these difficult times.”Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, selfreferral, or another healthcare professional. For more information, call 308-747-2477 or visit <a href="https://www.chadronhospital.com/services/senior-life-solutions.html">https://www.chadronhospital.com/services/senior-life-solutions.html
</a>

Teletheraphy services provide at-home care for seniors with depression, anxiety, loneliness

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Utah (The Salt Lake Tribune) — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the National Park Service is testing public access at several parks across the nation, including two in Utah, with limited offerings and services. 

The Salt Lake Tribune reports visitor centers and campgrounds remain largely shuttered at Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, but visitors are welcome at some sites. 

Acting park service director David Vela says visitors should steel themselves for changes. 

Other major parks throughout the country that have started reopening include Everglades National Park in Florida, Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada, and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington.

 Advocacy groups fear the park service is moving too fast and urge extreme caution.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Utah (The Salt Lake Tribune) — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the National Park Service is testing public access at several parks across the nation, including two in Utah, with limited offerings and services. The Salt Lake Tribune reports visitor centers and campgrounds remain largely shuttered at Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, but visitors are welcome at some sites. Acting park service director David Vela says visitors should steel themselves for changes. Other major parks throughout the country that have started reopening include Everglades National Park in Florida, Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada, and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Advocacy groups fear the park service is moving too fast and urge extreme caution.

Coronavirus Update