ATLANTA (AP) — Some of the millions of American workers laid off because of the coronavirus are beginning to face a tough choice — return to work and risk infection, or stay home and risk losing unemployment payments.

The decision is most pressing in states where governors have started allowing businesses such as restaurants to reopen with social-distancing restrictions.

Tyler Price, 26, was called back to his job at Del Frisco’s Grille in the Nashville suburb of Brentwood. Tennessee allowed restaurants to open dining rooms at 50% capacity, with servers wearing masks and being tested for fever.

But Price, who has yet to receive any unemployment benefits, is wrestling with what do. He said he is “highly susceptible” to respiratory illness and was hospitalized with pneumonia as a child.

“I know what it feels like to be in a hospital, to be drowning in your own lungs,” said Price, who moved in with his mother near St. Louis after getting laid off. “It’s horrifying. It’s terrible. I don’t want to find myself there.”

He said waiting tables “is impossible to do under social distancing guidelines,” and he would prefer to draw unemployment payments.

On Thursday, the Labor Department reported that the business shutdowns and stay-at-home orders caused by the pandemic have led 30 million Americans to file for unemployment insurance, or roughly 1 of every 6 workers.

The design of the unemployment system adds to the pressure. If an employer calls back laid-off workers, they must report to work or are likely to lose their benefits.

That’s because unemployment insurance is designed to tide people over until they can get back to a job, said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst with the National Employment Law Project in New York.

“An unemployed worker cannot refuse suitable work and still continue to collect unemployment insurance,” Evermore said. “Presumably, the job you used to have is suitable.”

Fear of getting sick or worries that an employer isn’t providing adequate infection protection are generally not reasons someone can file for benefits. The latter concern is getting more complicated because some businesses are lobbying to keep employees and customers from suing them over coronavirus transmission.

Lacey Ward, a hairstylist in Omaha, Nebraska, filed for unemployment benefits in mid-March and is still waiting for the first payment. She’s been forced to drain her family’s savings and feels increasing pressure to return to work. Still, she is worried that Gov. Pete Ricketts’ decision to let salons reopen Monday could put her, her husband and two young sons at risk.

Ward, 38, said she would prefer to collect unemployment until the risk from the virus subsides and it’s clearer whether she can offer services like shampooing. She co-owns the salon but makes money only off her own clients.

“I would rather be safe than sorry,” Ward said. “We are not an essential field. I haven’t had my hair done in three or four months at this point. But what does it matter? Who are people seeing?”

Ward said she’s so concerned about spreading the virus that she plans to change clothes and wash her hair before she returns home.

“We’re playing with fire, physically touching another person,” she said.

Some workers are ready to go back. Kathryn Marsilli, 33, is a manager and server at The Collins Quarter restaurant in Savannah, Georgia.

She knows she may make less at work because of reduced business and would like a way for those with fears of the virus to stay home. But she said she wants to go back out of loyalty to the owner and because she’s not interested in trying to maximize her unemployment benefits.

“My future where I work is more important to me than trying to get what I can now,” Marsilli said.

Other workers may be tempted to hold on to unemployment. Especially in some low-wage regions, laid-off workers may receive more money with the state benefit and the additional $600 a week provided by Congress than they were on the job. The federal boost ends July 31.

Georgia labor officials are trying to balance the needs of business owners with the genuine concerns of workers. State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said he’s telling businesses that are easing into reopening and don’t need all their employees to call in those who are willing to work and leave the others to the unemployment system.

Georgia also is allowing people to earn up to $300 a week before it begins to eat into their state unemployment benefit, meaning workers could earn more than $1,200 a week in total.

“It was a way we could get more people back to work at reduced hours,” Butler said. “Otherwise, why would you go back to work at all?”

Jennifer Holliday is a manager at a restaurant in Oklahoma City called Zio’s Italian Kitchen, which plans to reopen its dining room Friday. She said getting furloughed employees to return has been difficult. Many are not returning her phone calls or messages.

“There are some who want to just ride it out (until July) and take the unemployment,” Holliday said. “They don’t even have to apply” for other jobs.

ATLANTA (AP) — Some of the millions of American workers laid off because of the coronavirus are beginning to face a tough choice — return to work and risk infection, or stay home and risk losing unemployment payments.The decision is most pressing in states where governors have started allowing businesses such as restaurants to reopen with social-distancing restrictions.Tyler Price, 26, was called back to his job at Del Frisco’s Grille in the Nashville suburb of Brentwood. Tennessee allowed restaurants to open dining rooms at 50% capacity, with servers wearing masks and being tested for fever.But Price, who has yet to receive any unemployment benefits, is wrestling with what do. He said he is “highly susceptible” to respiratory illness and was hospitalized with pneumonia as a child.“I know what it feels like to be in a hospital, to be drowning in your own lungs,” said Price, who moved in with his mother near St. Louis after getting laid off. “It’s horrifying. It’s terrible. I don’t want to find myself there.”He said waiting tables “is impossible to do under social distancing guidelines,” and he would prefer to draw unemployment payments.On Thursday, the Labor Department reported that the business shutdowns and stay-at-home orders caused by the pandemic have led 30 million Americans to file for unemployment insurance, or roughly 1 of every 6 workers.The design of the unemployment system adds to the pressure. If an employer calls back laid-off workers, they must report to work or are likely to lose their benefits.That’s because unemployment insurance is designed to tide people over until they can get back to a job, said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst with the National Employment Law Project in New York.“An unemployed worker cannot refuse suitable work and still continue to collect unemployment insurance,” Evermore said. “Presumably, the job you used to have is suitable.”Fear of getting sick or worries that an employer isn’t providing adequate infection protection are generally not reasons someone can file for benefits. The latter concern is getting more complicated because some businesses are lobbying to keep employees and customers from suing them over coronavirus transmission.Lacey Ward, a hairstylist in Omaha, Nebraska, filed for unemployment benefits in mid-March and is still waiting for the first payment. She’s been forced to drain her family’s savings and feels increasing pressure to return to work. Still, she is worried that Gov. Pete Ricketts’ decision to let salons reopen Monday could put her, her husband and two young sons at risk.Ward, 38, said she would prefer to collect unemployment until the risk from the virus subsides and it’s clearer whether she can offer services like shampooing. She co-owns the salon but makes money only off her own clients.“I would rather be safe than sorry,” Ward said. “We are not an essential field. I haven’t had my hair done in three or four months at this point. But what does it matter? Who are people seeing?”Ward said she’s so concerned about spreading the virus that she plans to change clothes and wash her hair before she returns home.“We’re playing with fire, physically touching another person,” she said.Some workers are ready to go back. Kathryn Marsilli, 33, is a manager and server at The Collins Quarter restaurant in Savannah, Georgia.She knows she may make less at work because of reduced business and would like a way for those with fears of the virus to stay home. But she said she wants to go back out of loyalty to the owner and because she’s not interested in trying to maximize her unemployment benefits.“My future where I work is more important to me than trying to get what I can now,” Marsilli said.Other workers may be tempted to hold on to unemployment. Especially in some low-wage regions, laid-off workers may receive more money with the state benefit and the additional $600 a week provided by Congress than they were on the job. The federal boost ends July 31.Georgia labor officials are trying to balance the needs of business owners with the genuine concerns of workers. State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said he’s telling businesses that are easing into reopening and don’t need all their employees to call in those who are willing to work and leave the others to the unemployment system.Georgia also is allowing people to earn up to $300 a week before it begins to eat into their state unemployment benefit, meaning workers could earn more than $1,200 a week in total.“It was a way we could get more people back to work at reduced hours,” Butler said. “Otherwise, why would you go back to work at all?”Jennifer Holliday is a manager at a restaurant in Oklahoma City called Zio’s Italian Kitchen, which plans to reopen its dining room Friday. She said getting furloughed employees to return has been difficult. Many are not returning her phone calls or messages.“There are some who want to just ride it out (until July) and take the unemployment,” Holliday said. “They don’t even have to apply” for other jobs.___

Workers must risk infection or losing unemployment payments

Unified Command confirms two new cases for COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County, a female in her 50s and a male in his teens. 

The investigation is underway. Close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. 

Four have recovered and are out of isolation

10 have recovered and are out of isolation

One case has recovered and is out of isolation

22 have recovered and are out of isolation

All Panhandle residents are encouraged to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected. What does this mean to you? &nbsp;

Do not visit or host people who do not live with you. &nbsp;

Keep at least 6 feet distance from anyone you don’t live with.

Stay home if you are sick or if someone in your home is sick.

Stay in touch with friends and loved ones

Check in on people who may be alone or need help.

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

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

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

By PPHDUnified Command confirms two new cases for COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County, a female in her 50s and a male in his teens. The investigation is underway. Close contacts will be quarantined and actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. March 2-May 1, 2020Positive: 49Recovered: 37Box Butte County: 1 caseCheyenne County: 6 casesFour have recovered and are out of isolationKimball County: 10 Cases10 have recovered and are out of isolationMorrill County: 1 CaseOne case has recovered and is out of isolationScotts Bluff County: 31 Cases22 have recovered and are out of isolationAll Panhandle residents are encouraged to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected. What does this mean to you? &nbsp;Stay Home Stay home whenever possible. Avoid gathering in any groups.Do not visit or host people who do not live with you. &nbsp;Stay HealthyKeep at least 6 feet distance from anyone you don’t live with.Wash your handsStay home if you are sick or if someone in your home is sick.Stay ConnectedStay in touch with friends and loved onesCheck in on people who may be alone or need help.Panhandle Public Health District, Region 21, 22, and 23 Emergency Management, and Scotts Bluff County Health Department are working as a unified command on this evolving situation. Essential updates will be regularly communicated to the public and community partners. For the most up to date information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. &nbsp;Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.org.

Two new cases in Scotts Bluff Co., Panhandle total positive count to 49

GRETNA, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska mall that pitched itself as a case study for how to reopen safely welcomed customers Friday for the first time since closing because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fewer than a dozen customers were at Nebraska Crossing when it opened 11 of its more than 80 stores at 11 a.m. Those who were there wore masks and wandered the open-air mall's mostly empty pathways, stopping at times to peek into shop windows.

The mall sits next to a busy stretch of Interstate 80 in Gretna, a fast-growing suburb about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. The opening coincided with other malls in the state allowing customers to return on Friday, including Lincoln's Gateway Mall and Omaha's Westroads Mall.

Nebraska Crossing resumed business with new safety measures in place, including signs to promote social distancing guidelines and Plexiglas barriers in restaurants. All but one of the entrances were taped off. Mall officials said in a Facebook post they were leaving it up to individual stores whether to check customers' temperatures or turn them away because they weren't wearing a mask.

Nebraska Crossing officials faced criticism for deciding to reopen before the virus was contained. They have repeatedly held up their outlet as a national model for how to safely reopen shopping centers, but when reporters arrived on Friday to cover the reopening, a mall employee screamed at them to leave and followed them to their vehicles, saying they were on private property.

Customers said they were a little apprehensive about coming to the opening, but that they felt safe because it wasn't crowded.

"I do think it's a little soon, but it's kind of slow and there aren't a lot of people here, so I'm not too worried," said Jasmine Ramos of Omaha, who was wearing a protective mask.

Tina Jones, of Omaha, said she came to walk around, enjoy the sunshine and perhaps buy some shoes. Covering her face with a cloth mask, she said she hoped some of the stores would reopen soon.

"I've never been here before and there are no malls open in Omaha," she said, adding that she has spent most of the past few weeks self-isolating at home.

Nebraska is one of the few states that have allowed malls to remain open throughout the pandemic even though many businesses are closed because the state prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people and has limited restaurants and bars to take out and deliver services. Some of those restrictions will be relaxed in the Omaha area on Monday.

Mall officials previously announced plans to hold a "soft opening" last week, but they later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/927ce15e0aaa663bb496a6bfef63525c" target="_blank">appeared to backtrack.</a>&nbsp;Store officials also discussed their decision with Gov. Pete Ricketts, who has said they were free to reopen as long as they follow the state's social-distancing rules.

Meanwhile, state health officials reported two additional deaths from COVID-19 in Nebraska, bringing the state's total to 70, as the number of confirmed cases of infection in the state continues to surge.

The deaths were reported late Thursday in Hall and Hamilton counties, according to a news release from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Hitchcock County in southwestern Nebraska also reported its first confirmed case of the infection on Thursday, the release said.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated PressGRETNA, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska mall that pitched itself as a case study for how to reopen safely welcomed customers Friday for the first time since closing because of the coronavirus pandemic.Fewer than a dozen customers were at Nebraska Crossing when it opened 11 of its more than 80 stores at 11 a.m. Those who were there wore masks and wandered the open-air mall's mostly empty pathways, stopping at times to peek into shop windows.The mall sits next to a busy stretch of Interstate 80 in Gretna, a fast-growing suburb about halfway between Omaha and Lincoln. The opening coincided with other malls in the state allowing customers to return on Friday, including Lincoln's Gateway Mall and Omaha's Westroads Mall.Nebraska Crossing resumed business with new safety measures in place, including signs to promote social distancing guidelines and Plexiglas barriers in restaurants. All but one of the entrances were taped off. Mall officials said in a Facebook post they were leaving it up to individual stores whether to check customers' temperatures or turn them away because they weren't wearing a mask.Nebraska Crossing officials faced criticism for deciding to reopen before the virus was contained. They have repeatedly held up their outlet as a national model for how to safely reopen shopping centers, but when reporters arrived on Friday to cover the reopening, a mall employee screamed at them to leave and followed them to their vehicles, saying they were on private property.Customers said they were a little apprehensive about coming to the opening, but that they felt safe because it wasn't crowded."I do think it's a little soon, but it's kind of slow and there aren't a lot of people here, so I'm not too worried," said Jasmine Ramos of Omaha, who was wearing a protective mask.Tina Jones, of Omaha, said she came to walk around, enjoy the sunshine and perhaps buy some shoes. Covering her face with a cloth mask, she said she hoped some of the stores would reopen soon."I've never been here before and there are no malls open in Omaha," she said, adding that she has spent most of the past few weeks self-isolating at home.Nebraska is one of the few states that have allowed malls to remain open throughout the pandemic even though many businesses are closed because the state prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people and has limited restaurants and bars to take out and deliver services. Some of those restrictions will be relaxed in the Omaha area on Monday.Mall officials previously announced plans to hold a "soft opening" last week, but they later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/927ce15e0aaa663bb496a6bfef63525c" target="_blank">appeared to backtrack.</a>&nbsp;Store officials also discussed their decision with Gov. Pete Ricketts, who has said they were free to reopen as long as they follow the state's social-distancing rules.Meanwhile, state health officials reported two additional deaths from COVID-19 in Nebraska, bringing the state's total to 70, as the number of confirmed cases of infection in the state continues to surge.The deaths were reported late Thursday in Hall and Hamilton counties, according to a news release from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Hitchcock County in southwestern Nebraska also reported its first confirmed case of the infection on Thursday, the release said.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

Nebraska mall sees early trickle of patrons on reopening day

GRETNA, La. (AP) - More than a dozen states let restaurants, stores or other businesses reopen Friday in the biggest one-day push yet to get their economies up and running again, acting at their own speed and with their own quirks and restrictions to make sure the coronavirus doesn't come storming back.

People in Louisiana could eat at restaurants again but had to sit outside at tables 10 feet (3 meters) apart with no waiter service. Maine residents could attend church services as long as they stayed in their cars. And a Nebraska mall reopened with plexiglass barriers and hand-sanitizing stations but few shoppers.

"I feel like I just got out of jail!" accountant Joy Palermo exclaimed as she sat down with a bacon-garnished bloody Mary at the Gretna Depot Cafe outside New Orleans.

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9abbfec50de663093cadb0d6cd39c0d2" target="_blank">first drug</a>&nbsp;shown to help fight COVID-19 won emergency approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a major study, remdesivir shortened patients' recovery time from 15 days to 11 on average and may have also reduced deaths.

<a href="https://apnews.com/397ed3243613c9c06681766d269055cc" target="_blank">The virus</a>&nbsp;has killed more than 230,000 people worldwide, including over 64,000 in the U.S. and more than 20,000 each in Italy, Britain, France and Spain, forcing lockdowns that have shuttered factories and businesses, thrown tens of millions out of work and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/841c7af795e7f44e86516e59eb035174" target="_blank">throttled the world's economies</a>.

President Donald Trump said Friday that he's hoping the total number of COVID-19 deaths in the United States will be below 100,000, which he acknowledged is a "horrible number." Trump's predictions of the expected U.S. death toll have changed over time, with his earlier 60,000 projection now being eclipsed. But he said at a White House event that "maybe millions of lives" have been saved by shutting down the economy.

With the crisis stabilizing in Europe and in many places in the U.S., countries and states are gradually easing their restrictions amid warnings from health experts that a second wave of infections could hit unless testing for the virus is expanded dramatically.

In much of Colorado, people could get their hair cut and shop at stores again, though stay-at-home orders remained in place in Denver and surrounding counties. Wyoming let barbershops, nail salons, gyms and daycare centers reopen. In Maine, golf courses, hairdressers and dentists opened.

Hotels near South Carolina beaches opened and state parks unlocked their gates for the first time in more than a month. But in Myrtle Beach, the state's most popular tourist destination, hotel elevators will be restricted to one person or one family - a potential inconvenience at the area's 15- and 20-story resorts.

Texas' reopening got underway with sparse crowds at shopping malls and restaurants allowing customers to dine in, though only at 25% capacity.

At Gattuso's Restaurant in Gretna, Louisiana, Kent and Doris Alimia and their daughters, Molly and Emily, celebrated Molly Alimia's 22nd birthday at one of the outdoor tables, which were screened by plants in wooden planters 5 feet high.

"It's a nice change of scenery to actually get out of the house," Molly Alimia said.

Outside Omaha, Nebraska, Jasmine Ramos was among a half-dozen shoppers wandering the open-air Nebraska Crossing mall. Most wore masks.

"I do think it's a little soon, but it's kind of slow and there aren't a lot of people here, so I'm not too worried," Ramos said.

Around the country, protesters have demanded governors reboot the battered economy. More than 100 people chanted and carried signs in front of the Chicago's Thompson Center, where Gov. J.B. Pritzker has an office, to call for an end to the statewide lockdown.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham invoked the state's Riot Control Act as she sealed off all roads to nonessential traffic in the city of Gallup, population 70,000, to help control a surging coronavirus outbreak in the former trading post on the outskirts of the Navajo reservation."

In the hardest-hit corner of the U.S., New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d19cc6bb194c481220854e829db84351" target="_blank">schools and colleges</a>&nbsp;will remain closed through the rest of the academic year.

In Washington state, where the nation's first COVID-19 case was confirmed in January, Gov. Jay Inslee said Friday that he is extending the state's coronavirus stay-at-home order through at least May 31 and that he will ease the restrictions in four stages. Washington also had the first deadly cluster of cases in the U.S., at a Seattle-area nursing home.

Elsewhere around the world, Beijing's Forbidden City, the imperial palace turned museum that is one of China's biggest tourist attractions, started welcoming visitors again, and Bangladesh began reopening factories.

Across Europe and Asia, millions of workers marked May Day, or international labor day, struggling without jobs or worried they don't have enough workplace protections against the virus.

In the U.S., Shani and Sergei Oveson were excited to resume dine-in seating at their small Salt Lake City restaurant, which has seen an 85% drop in sales since mid-March. Their place, the Ramen Bar, had only half the normal seating capacity because of social-distancing requirements.

"We're really excited to be open, but at the same time we're scared that the virus will reignite and we'll have to close again, which would be so hard for us," Shani Oveson said. "Owning your own business can be so scary financially, we have to risk getting sick to survive."

By JANET McCONNAUGHEY-Associated PressGRETNA, La. (AP) - More than a dozen states let restaurants, stores or other businesses reopen Friday in the biggest one-day push yet to get their economies up and running again, acting at their own speed and with their own quirks and restrictions to make sure the coronavirus doesn't come storming back.People in Louisiana could eat at restaurants again but had to sit outside at tables 10 feet (3 meters) apart with no waiter service. Maine residents could attend church services as long as they stayed in their cars. And a Nebraska mall reopened with plexiglass barriers and hand-sanitizing stations but few shoppers."I feel like I just got out of jail!" accountant Joy Palermo exclaimed as she sat down with a bacon-garnished bloody Mary at the Gretna Depot Cafe outside New Orleans.Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9abbfec50de663093cadb0d6cd39c0d2" target="_blank">first drug</a>&nbsp;shown to help fight COVID-19 won emergency approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a major study, remdesivir shortened patients' recovery time from 15 days to 11 on average and may have also reduced deaths.<a href="https://apnews.com/397ed3243613c9c06681766d269055cc" target="_blank">The virus</a>&nbsp;has killed more than 230,000 people worldwide, including over 64,000 in the U.S. and more than 20,000 each in Italy, Britain, France and Spain, forcing lockdowns that have shuttered factories and businesses, thrown tens of millions out of work and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/841c7af795e7f44e86516e59eb035174" target="_blank">throttled the world's economies</a>.President Donald Trump said Friday that he's hoping the total number of COVID-19 deaths in the United States will be below 100,000, which he acknowledged is a "horrible number." Trump's predictions of the expected U.S. death toll have changed over time, with his earlier 60,000 projection now being eclipsed. But he said at a White House event that "maybe millions of lives" have been saved by shutting down the economy.With the crisis stabilizing in Europe and in many places in the U.S., countries and states are gradually easing their restrictions amid warnings from health experts that a second wave of infections could hit unless testing for the virus is expanded dramatically.In much of Colorado, people could get their hair cut and shop at stores again, though stay-at-home orders remained in place in Denver and surrounding counties. Wyoming let barbershops, nail salons, gyms and daycare centers reopen. In Maine, golf courses, hairdressers and dentists opened.Hotels near South Carolina beaches opened and state parks unlocked their gates for the first time in more than a month. But in Myrtle Beach, the state's most popular tourist destination, hotel elevators will be restricted to one person or one family - a potential inconvenience at the area's 15- and 20-story resorts.Texas' reopening got underway with sparse crowds at shopping malls and restaurants allowing customers to dine in, though only at 25% capacity.At Gattuso's Restaurant in Gretna, Louisiana, Kent and Doris Alimia and their daughters, Molly and Emily, celebrated Molly Alimia's 22nd birthday at one of the outdoor tables, which were screened by plants in wooden planters 5 feet high."It's a nice change of scenery to actually get out of the house," Molly Alimia said.Outside Omaha, Nebraska, Jasmine Ramos was among a half-dozen shoppers wandering the open-air Nebraska Crossing mall. Most wore masks."I do think it's a little soon, but it's kind of slow and there aren't a lot of people here, so I'm not too worried," Ramos said.Around the country, protesters have demanded governors reboot the battered economy. More than 100 people chanted and carried signs in front of the Chicago's Thompson Center, where Gov. J.B. Pritzker has an office, to call for an end to the statewide lockdown.New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham invoked the state's Riot Control Act as she sealed off all roads to nonessential traffic in the city of Gallup, population 70,000, to help control a surging coronavirus outbreak in the former trading post on the outskirts of the Navajo reservation."In the hardest-hit corner of the U.S., New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d19cc6bb194c481220854e829db84351" target="_blank">schools and colleges</a>&nbsp;will remain closed through the rest of the academic year.In Washington state, where the nation's first COVID-19 case was confirmed in January, Gov. Jay Inslee said Friday that he is extending the state's coronavirus stay-at-home order through at least May 31 and that he will ease the restrictions in four stages. Washington also had the first deadly cluster of cases in the U.S., at a Seattle-area nursing home.Elsewhere around the world, Beijing's Forbidden City, the imperial palace turned museum that is one of China's biggest tourist attractions, started welcoming visitors again, and Bangladesh began reopening factories.Across Europe and Asia, millions of workers marked May Day, or international labor day, struggling without jobs or worried they don't have enough workplace protections against the virus.In the U.S., Shani and Sergei Oveson were excited to resume dine-in seating at their small Salt Lake City restaurant, which has seen an 85% drop in sales since mid-March. Their place, the Ramen Bar, had only half the normal seating capacity because of social-distancing requirements."We're really excited to be open, but at the same time we're scared that the virus will reignite and we'll have to close again, which would be so hard for us," Shani Oveson said. "Owning your own business can be so scary financially, we have to risk getting sick to survive."

`Like I just got out of jail!': States ease their lockdowns

Alliance – In light of continued COVID-19 safety concerns, the City of Alliance has decided not to open Big Blue Bay for the 2020 swimming season. &nbsp;This difficult decision was made by City officials due to concerns that the social distancing measures could not be adequately enforced in an aquatic environment. &nbsp;According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through properly treated water. However, there is a definite concern the virus could be spread in the pool bathhouses, restrooms, on pool ladders, slides, and pool lounge chairs. &nbsp;

Local public health officials agree that the peak of the coronavirus in the Panhandle is at least a couple of weeks away and that the illness will remain a serious concern for months. &nbsp;Consequently, it would be extremely difficult to enforce the proper social distancing during aquatic activities to ensure swimmer safety. &nbsp;Based on these and many other factors, it has been determined that in the interest of public health the pool will remain closed for the summer of 2020. 

 If you have questions please call the Culture &amp; Leisure Services Department at 762-2384.

Alliance – In light of continued COVID-19 safety concerns, the City of Alliance has decided not to open Big Blue Bay for the 2020 swimming season. &nbsp;This difficult decision was made by City officials due to concerns that the social distancing measures could not be adequately enforced in an aquatic environment. &nbsp;According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through properly treated water. However, there is a definite concern the virus could be spread in the pool bathhouses, restrooms, on pool ladders, slides, and pool lounge chairs. &nbsp;Local public health officials agree that the peak of the coronavirus in the Panhandle is at least a couple of weeks away and that the illness will remain a serious concern for months. &nbsp;Consequently, it would be extremely difficult to enforce the proper social distancing during aquatic activities to ensure swimmer safety. &nbsp;Based on these and many other factors, it has been determined that in the interest of public health the pool will remain closed for the summer of 2020. If you have questions please call the Culture &amp; Leisure Services Department at 762-2384.

Big Blue Bay will close for 2020 season 

By Dave Randolph, Dave's Pharmacy&nbsp;

Dave’s Pharmacy is excited to announce the re-opening of our doors on Monday May 4th. With the loosening of the state’s directed health measure and some changes in recommendations Dave and Blanche decided it was time to resume business under a new normal. Our sanitizing measures will remain strict and we ask that our patients be patient with us as we take time to sanitize. Our staff will also wear masks when necessary for both their protection and the safety of our patients.

We will continue to offer curbside service and delivery in the town of Hemingford and Alliance for those who are more comfortable receiving their prescriptions and over-the-counter items that route.

We want to take the time to thank all of our patients. Having our doors closed the last couple weeks has been hard on all of us and we are so grateful for your patience, understanding, and loyalty through it all. We are so excited to see your faces again and also excited to unveil many new products in both of our stores. While our doors were closed, we made many changes and brought in many new products that we are excited to unveil to you!

We understand that the threat is not completely gone and we are working to neutralize it to the best of our abilities at both of our locations. From the entire Dave’s Pharmacy family thank you for shopping local, supporting our family business and others in our community, being kind and staying strong. See you all next week!

By Dave Randolph, Dave's Pharmacy&nbsp;Dave’s Pharmacy is excited to announce the re-opening of our doors on Monday May 4th. With the loosening of the state’s directed health measure and some changes in recommendations Dave and Blanche decided it was time to resume business under a new normal. Our sanitizing measures will remain strict and we ask that our patients be patient with us as we take time to sanitize. Our staff will also wear masks when necessary for both their protection and the safety of our patients.We will continue to offer curbside service and delivery in the town of Hemingford and Alliance for those who are more comfortable receiving their prescriptions and over-the-counter items that route.We want to take the time to thank all of our patients. Having our doors closed the last couple weeks has been hard on all of us and we are so grateful for your patience, understanding, and loyalty through it all. We are so excited to see your faces again and also excited to unveil many new products in both of our stores. While our doors were closed, we made many changes and brought in many new products that we are excited to unveil to you!We understand that the threat is not completely gone and we are working to neutralize it to the best of our abilities at both of our locations. From the entire Dave’s Pharmacy family thank you for shopping local, supporting our family business and others in our community, being kind and staying strong. See you all next week!

Dave's Pharmacy set to reopen doors 

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) distributed nearly 100,000 face masks to truck drivers across Nebraska over the last two days.

“This was a tremendous effort by many people to primarily do two things: show our thanks and support to these drivers and to help protect them as they continue working to keep food and critical supplies moving across the country,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers have a great relationship with the Nebraska Trucking Association. To partner with them and federal agencies to make this happen quickly is a good example of the teamwork we’re seeing all over the country right now.”

Throughout the last two days, April 29-30, troopers with the NSP Carrier Enforcement Division positioned themselves at weigh stations and rest areas on the heaviest traffic areas of the state. Truck drivers drove through by the tens of thousands to receive the masks. Over the two days, troopers and volunteers with the Nebraska Trucking Association handed out approximately 95,000 masks.

“There’s no doubt that the road to recovery starts with these truck drivers,” said NSP Carrier Enforcement Lt. Mike Maytum, who organized the two-day event. “The smiles, waves, and appreciation we saw over the last two days assure us that America’s food and supplies are in good hands as they cross the country. Thanks to these drivers for the incredible work they do every day.”

The masks were provided by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and the U.S. Postal Service.

The remaining masks will be available at NSP weigh stations while supplies last.

LINCOLN&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) distributed nearly 100,000 face masks to truck drivers across Nebraska over the last two days.“This was a tremendous effort by many people to primarily do two things: show our thanks and support to these drivers and to help protect them as they continue working to keep food and critical supplies moving across the country,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers have a great relationship with the Nebraska Trucking Association. To partner with them and federal agencies to make this happen quickly is a good example of the teamwork we’re seeing all over the country right now.”Throughout the last two days, April 29-30, troopers with the NSP Carrier Enforcement Division positioned themselves at weigh stations and rest areas on the heaviest traffic areas of the state. Truck drivers drove through by the tens of thousands to receive the masks. Over the two days, troopers and volunteers with the Nebraska Trucking Association handed out approximately 95,000 masks.“There’s no doubt that the road to recovery starts with these truck drivers,” said NSP Carrier Enforcement Lt. Mike Maytum, who organized the two-day event. “The smiles, waves, and appreciation we saw over the last two days assure us that America’s food and supplies are in good hands as they cross the country. Thanks to these drivers for the incredible work they do every day.”The masks were provided by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and the U.S. Postal Service.The remaining masks will be available at NSP weigh stations while supplies last.

Troopers distribute 95,000 masks to truck drivers in two days

Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) is monitoring the dynamic shifts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is thoughtfully re-introducing elective procedures and surgeries beginning May 4. The hospital’s commitment to safety protocols includes remaining vigilant when it comes to sanitation, screening, visitor restrictions, masking and further guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

The initial focus will be on resuming elective outpatient surgeries, and limited specialty clinic appointments for those deferred or canceled during the initial COVID-19 response phase. All procedures will take place as clinically appropriate, adhering to guidelines established by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS, as well as state and local health officials.

The hospital’s visitation restriction remains in place as social distancing is still required. As visitation pertains to surgeries, the patient’s advocate will work with surgery staff to receive all paperwork and instruction associated with discharge after the procedure.

Surveillance of patients and employees continues, including wearing a mask while in the hospital. Multiple COVID-19 screenings should be expected as patients work their way through the health system from the history and physical intake, the pre-operative appointment, to reminder calls. Screening is important to determine the health of the patient and hospital employees prior to surgery. It is important to stay abreast of all symptoms.

The hospital has an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for patients, visitors, clinicians, caregivers, and staff. BBGH has implemented science-based and thoughtful procedures to help maintain appropriate PPE for all who enter the hospital and hospital owned clinics.

Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services (GNMSS) in Alliance is open to answer your questions about COVID-19 and available for your healthcare needs. Both face to face and telehealth visits are offered. Call the clinic at (308) 762- 7244 to schedule an appointment.

The current Directed Health Measure that includes Box Butte County is in effect until May 11. Both GNMSS-Hemingford and GNMSS-Hyannis plan to open Wednesday, May 13, continuing measures directed by Panhandle Public Health District. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these measures together.

Box Butte General Hospital thanks the community for being part of the solution. Staying home and following guidelines suggested by the CDC and governing bodies, shows integrity and helps keep the community safe. It takes teamwork, compassion, and devotion to teach remotely, learn from a distance, work from home, help those in need, and remain positive.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people have a mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. There is no treatment approved for people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The CDC offers guidance for who should be tested with a focus on symptoms of fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. New symptoms of chills, repeated shaking with chills, onset of muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell have been added to the list. Decisions for Box Butte County residents about testing are at the discretion of local individual clinicians in partnership with Panhandle Public Health District.

If any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 develop, get medical attention immediately:

· Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Notify the operator if you believe you have COVID-19. If available, put a cloth face covering or mask on before medical help arrives.

BBGH staff are available to answer additional questions about COVID-19 testing, please call the hospital at (308) 762- 6660.

Box Butte General Hospital closely monitors the CDC guidelines and is working with Nebraska’s State Epidemiologist and other public health experts regarding care of patients. Please continue to watch our website for updates at www.bbgh.org.

For more information, please follow these links: https://www.bbgh.org/covid-19-information-resources/page.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/priority-testing-patients.pd

Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) is monitoring the dynamic shifts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is thoughtfully re-introducing elective procedures and surgeries beginning May 4. The hospital’s commitment to safety protocols includes remaining vigilant when it comes to sanitation, screening, visitor restrictions, masking and further guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).The initial focus will be on resuming elective outpatient surgeries, and limited specialty clinic appointments for those deferred or canceled during the initial COVID-19 response phase. All procedures will take place as clinically appropriate, adhering to guidelines established by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS, as well as state and local health officials.The hospital’s visitation restriction remains in place as social distancing is still required. As visitation pertains to surgeries, the patient’s advocate will work with surgery staff to receive all paperwork and instruction associated with discharge after the procedure.Surveillance of patients and employees continues, including wearing a mask while in the hospital. Multiple COVID-19 screenings should be expected as patients work their way through the health system from the history and physical intake, the pre-operative appointment, to reminder calls. Screening is important to determine the health of the patient and hospital employees prior to surgery. It is important to stay abreast of all symptoms.The hospital has an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for patients, visitors, clinicians, caregivers, and staff. BBGH has implemented science-based and thoughtful procedures to help maintain appropriate PPE for all who enter the hospital and hospital owned clinics.Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services (GNMSS) in Alliance is open to answer your questions about COVID-19 and available for your healthcare needs. Both face to face and telehealth visits are offered. Call the clinic at (308) 762- 7244 to schedule an appointment.The current Directed Health Measure that includes Box Butte County is in effect until May 11. Both GNMSS-Hemingford and GNMSS-Hyannis plan to open Wednesday, May 13, continuing measures directed by Panhandle Public Health District. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these measures together.Box Butte General Hospital thanks the community for being part of the solution. Staying home and following guidelines suggested by the CDC and governing bodies, shows integrity and helps keep the community safe. It takes teamwork, compassion, and devotion to teach remotely, learn from a distance, work from home, help those in need, and remain positive.Should you seek care?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people have a mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. There is no treatment approved for people who have tested positive for COVID-19.The CDC offers guidance for who should be tested with a focus on symptoms of fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. New symptoms of chills, repeated shaking with chills, onset of muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell have been added to the list. Decisions for Box Butte County residents about testing are at the discretion of local individual clinicians in partnership with Panhandle Public Health District.If any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 develop, get medical attention immediately:· Trouble breathing· Persistent pain or pressure in the chest· New confusion or inability to arouse· Blush lips or face*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Notify the operator if you believe you have COVID-19. If available, put a cloth face covering or mask on before medical help arrives.BBGH staff are available to answer additional questions about COVID-19 testing, please call the hospital at (308) 762- 6660.Box Butte General Hospital closely monitors the CDC guidelines and is working with Nebraska’s State Epidemiologist and other public health experts regarding care of patients. Please continue to watch our website for updates at www.bbgh.org.For more information, please follow these links: https://www.bbgh.org/covid-19-information-resources/page.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/priority-testing-patients.pd

Box Butte General Hospital’s commitment resuming elective surgeries

NEBRASKAland Days announces postponement 

Community spread has been identified in both Custer and Howard Counties. Precautions should be taken in those counties with every public interaction. Precautions to take include: wearing a mask in public, frequent hand washing, limiting outings to essential medical visits and grocery shopping once a week, and shopping alone. Anyone who is sick with symptoms (congestion, fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, etc.) should isolate and notify their medical provider of their symptoms and consider testing.

As a reminder, testing is becoming more readily available and therefore we do anticipate an increase in case numbers. Loup Basin along with Nebraska DHHS continue to monitor the situation closely to protect those within our district.

Community spread has been identified in both Custer and Howard Counties. Precautions should be taken in those counties with every public interaction. Precautions to take include: wearing a mask in public, frequent hand washing, limiting outings to essential medical visits and grocery shopping once a week, and shopping alone. Anyone who is sick with symptoms (congestion, fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, etc.) should isolate and notify their medical provider of their symptoms and consider testing.As a reminder, testing is becoming more readily available and therefore we do anticipate an increase in case numbers. Loup Basin along with Nebraska DHHS continue to monitor the situation closely to protect those within our district.

Community spread of COVID-19 identified in Custer, Howard counties

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

The deaths were reported in Hall and Hamilton counties --&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov/&nbsp;</a>. In addition, Hitchcock County recorded its first case.

Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data 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.

The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 70, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Technical difficulties with the dashboard have been resolved and statewide case totals are now fully reflected. The state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 4,281. Nebraska's COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

Governor Pete Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the 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://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/&nbsp;</a>

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 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, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html&nbsp;</a>.

Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social 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 responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" 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 to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; 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 is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two additional deaths related to COVID-19 were reported to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today.The deaths were reported in Hall and Hamilton counties --&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cdhd.ne.gov/&nbsp;</a>. In addition, Hitchcock County recorded its first case.Local health departments are reporting deaths and cases in their jurisdictions. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS dashboard data 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.The total number of COVID-19-related deaths in the state to date is 70, according to the DHHS data dashboard. Technical difficulties with the dashboard have been resolved and statewide case totals are now fully reflected. The state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 4,281. Nebraska's COVID-19 case totals are updated daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts recently announced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">TestNebraska&nbsp;</a>, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the 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://www.testnebraska.com/" target="_blank">https://www.testnebraska.com/&nbsp;</a>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 errands and no social gatherings.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Do this only once a week and do not take your family with you.</li><li>Help kids social distance. 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.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term facilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Exercise daily.&nbsp; Do your best to stay as healthy and safe as you can.&nbsp;&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 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, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html&nbsp;</a>.Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social 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 responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" 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 to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; 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 is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid19" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

COVID-19 related deaths in Hall, Hamilton counties bring state total to 70

Unified Command has received verification there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Dawes County. The cases were incorrectly coded to Dawes County and will be reported to Dawson County. The state map will be corrected soon.

o 4 have recovered and are out of isolation

o 10 have recovered and are out of isolation

o 22 have recovered and are out of isolation

All Panhandle residents are encouraged to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected. What does this mean to you?

• Do not visit or host people who do not live with you.

• Keep at least 6 feet distance from anyone you don’t live with.

• Stay home if you are sick or if someone in your home is sick.

• Stay in touch with friends and loved ones

• Check in on people who may be alone or need help.

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.

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 has received verification there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Dawes County. The cases were incorrectly coded to Dawes County and will be reported to Dawson County. The state map will be corrected soon.March 2-April 30, 2020Positive: 47Recovered: 36· Box Butte County: 1 case· Cheyenne County: 6 caseso 4 have recovered and are out of isolation· Kimball County: 10 Caseso 10 have recovered and are out of isolation· Morrill County: 1 Case· Scotts Bluff County: 29 Caseso 22 have recovered and are out of isolationAll Panhandle residents are encouraged to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected. What does this mean to you?Stay Home• Stay home whenever possible.• Avoid gathering in any groups.• Do not visit or host people who do not live with you.Stay Healthy• Keep at least 6 feet distance from anyone you don’t live with.• Wash your hands• Stay home if you are sick or if someone in your home is sick.Stay Connected• Stay in touch with friends and loved ones• Check in on people who may be alone or need help.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.

Dawes County has no confirmed COVID-19 cases

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is expressing confidence in the new coronavirus tests that the state purchased through a no-bid contract with a small Utah startup firm after a local newspaper raised questions about the accuracy of the company’s results. 

Ricketts says state officials will work to ensure that the tests administered through the TestNebraska program are accurate to avoid giving a false negative result to people who have coronavirus symptoms. 

His comments came in response to questions rising from a Salt Lake Tribune story. 

The newspaper reported that 2% of symptomatic patients in a Utah program run by the same company tested positive for the coronavirus, compared to 5% who tested positive at other Utah sites.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is expressing confidence in the new coronavirus tests that the state purchased through a no-bid contract with a small Utah startup firm after a local newspaper raised questions about the accuracy of the company’s results. Ricketts says state officials will work to ensure that the tests administered through the TestNebraska program are accurate to avoid giving a false negative result to people who have coronavirus symptoms. His comments came in response to questions rising from a Salt Lake Tribune story. The newspaper reported that 2% of symptomatic patients in a Utah program run by the same company tested positive for the coronavirus, compared to 5% who tested positive at other Utah sites.

Ricketts says TestNebraska COVID-19 tests will be verified

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The effort to reopen the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has set off a conflict at the state and federal level that is escalating by the day over how much legal protection companies should get if their returning workers get sick.

The White House, governors, members of congress and state lawmakers are all getting pressured by business leaders who want to be shielded from potential lawsuits brought by sick workers. They are also feeling heat on the other side from unions that want bolstered safety at workplaces and from the influential trial lawyers lobby, which hopes to preserve legal protections to go after corporations in court if people are sickened on the job.

The issue has vaulted to the forefront of the debate in Congress over the next, and fifth, coronavirus relief bill that’s still in its infancy. The safety of returning workers has dominated union negotiations between casino workers and their employers in Las Vegas. And governors in some states are imposing restrictions on the ability of people to collect unemployment if they choose not to return to work out of fear for their safety.

The debate has put policy makers on the hot seat at the same time that they are moving forward with reopening their states.

Utah lawmakers have moved to protect businesses from being sued if a customer or employee is exposed to the coronavirus after reopening, with supporters like Republican Rep. Norm Thurston saying establishments need to be rewarded for being willing to open their doors again.

The proposal passed the Republican-controlled Legislature the day before Gov. Gary Herbert announced the state would allow the reopening of restaurants, gyms and salons starting Friday. The governor has not yet signed it.

Skeptics like Democratic Rep. Brian King called the legislation a “get-out-of-liability-free card.”

“If a business wants to get open and make some money, that means they have to be responsible for the safety of both their employees and the public,” King said Wednesday. “They don’t get it both ways. They don’t get to both make money and be insulated from their negligent decision-making.”

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing the Republican-led state Legislature to expand protections from liability lawsuits to manufacturers, businesses, health care workers and first responders. Mississippi and North Carolina are considering similar protections for businesses.

“They don’t need to be concerned about liability from opportunistic people that might be trying to find a chink in their armor, to sue them for trying to do the right thing,” said chamber president Dan Mehan on Tuesday. “Lawsuit protection is paramount for this recovery.”

President Donald Trump’s executive action Tuesday ordering meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns about the nation’s food supply also put a spotlight on the delicate balance between protecting companies without leaving workers unfairly exposed.

The order, which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield, is designed, in part, to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick.

Unions fired back at Trump’s action, saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers’ health.

In California, Democratic state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez proposed legislation that would allow employees to qualify for workers’ compensation if they contracted coronavirus on the job, a provision that unions have advocated.

Business, insurers and local government organizations pushed back with a letter this week to legislative leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, saying the move could cost $2.2 billion to $33.6 billion annually, depending on the details of the plan. The workers are already covered under state law if they get the virus, opponents argue.

A separate legislative proposal by a Republican Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez of California would protect small businesses by barring those who obtain unemployment benefits from also suing their employers.

As Congress prepares the next coronavirus relief bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has made the issue a top priority. He has portrayed the protections as necessary to fend off opportunistic trial lawyers.

“Just as soon as the pandemic recedes, the lawyers will come in, and this is the important part of getting our country back to business,” McConnell said Wednesday on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show.”

The casino workers’ Culinary Union in Las Vegas said it is negotiating reopening protocols with casino companies to ensure there are stronger safety standards. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, has not said when he will allow casinos to reopen.

John Whiting isn’t going to rely on an employer to keep him safe. He was working at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta when the pandemic hit and had been planning to find a summer job until he returns to his job as a teacher next school year. But the 26-year-old is intentionally staying away from public-facing jobs out of fear he’ll get sick and infect the aunt and uncle he’s staying with. He’s instead trying to find a job where he can telecommute in a field like tech support.

“I have to think about them as well. I’d rather not risk that because we only go out for groceries, in terms of being out in the public like that. So I thought it was better to find something virtual,” Whiting said.

States are also focusing on unemployment rules as some leaders fret that workers’ fears of getting the virus or comfort with expanded unemployment benefits could keep them home.

State officials in Iowa this week warned furloughed workers that they will lose their unemployment benefits if they refuse to return when their employer calls them back to work, which is considered a “voluntary quit.” Restaurants, some bars, malls and retail stores will reopen in 77 of the state’s 99 counties Friday.

Iowa Workforce Development urged employers to report workers who don’t return for a good reason as soon as possible and warned that the federal law providing an additional $600 weekly in benefits contains “serious consequences” for fraudulent claims.

In Texas, several groups representing workers sent a letter Wednesday calling on state regulators to change unemployment rules to allow people who can’t go back to work because they or their family member face a high risk of contracting the coronavirus to still get unemployment benefits.

Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, on Monday outlined a plan to allow the state’s restaurants, retailers, movie theaters and malls to start letting customers trickle into their establishments starting Friday. He didn’t address whether employees might lose their jobs if they didn’t return to work, but said he understands the concerns and that no worker or business is required to return to work.

“You have every right to choose your own pathway in life and you have ultimate control over your own personal safety,” Abbott said.

The recent suggestion by an Oklahoma official that the state might ask the federal government to stop the $600-a-week federal government payments to unemployed people raised eyebrows, but the state’s Department of Commerce spokeswoman Leslie Blair said in a statement Wednesday there is no plan to stop those federal payments.

She did acknowledge, however, that there is “legitimate concern” that people won’t go back to work because they can make more money in unemployment with the added federal stimulus fund than at their jobs.

“We really do need them to return so our economy can get started again,” Blair said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587120134875.png" alt="President Trump announced initial plans to reopen the country during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing -Photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announced initial plans to reopen the country during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing -Photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The effort to reopen the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has set off a conflict at the state and federal level that is escalating by the day over how much legal protection companies should get if their returning workers get sick.The White House, governors, members of congress and state lawmakers are all getting pressured by business leaders who want to be shielded from potential lawsuits brought by sick workers. They are also feeling heat on the other side from unions that want bolstered safety at workplaces and from the influential trial lawyers lobby, which hopes to preserve legal protections to go after corporations in court if people are sickened on the job.The issue has vaulted to the forefront of the debate in Congress over the next, and fifth, coronavirus relief bill that’s still in its infancy. The safety of returning workers has dominated union negotiations between casino workers and their employers in Las Vegas. And governors in some states are imposing restrictions on the ability of people to collect unemployment if they choose not to return to work out of fear for their safety.The debate has put policy makers on the hot seat at the same time that they are moving forward with reopening their states.Utah lawmakers have moved to protect businesses from being sued if a customer or employee is exposed to the coronavirus after reopening, with supporters like Republican Rep. Norm Thurston saying establishments need to be rewarded for being willing to open their doors again.The proposal passed the Republican-controlled Legislature the day before Gov. Gary Herbert announced the state would allow the reopening of restaurants, gyms and salons starting Friday. The governor has not yet signed it.Skeptics like Democratic Rep. Brian King called the legislation a “get-out-of-liability-free card.”“If a business wants to get open and make some money, that means they have to be responsible for the safety of both their employees and the public,” King said Wednesday. “They don’t get it both ways. They don’t get to both make money and be insulated from their negligent decision-making.”The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing the Republican-led state Legislature to expand protections from liability lawsuits to manufacturers, businesses, health care workers and first responders. Mississippi and North Carolina are considering similar protections for businesses.“They don’t need to be concerned about liability from opportunistic people that might be trying to find a chink in their armor, to sue them for trying to do the right thing,” said chamber president Dan Mehan on Tuesday. “Lawsuit protection is paramount for this recovery.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587045646390.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump’s executive action Tuesday ordering meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns about the nation’s food supply also put a spotlight on the delicate balance between protecting companies without leaving workers unfairly exposed.The order, which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield, is designed, in part, to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick.Unions fired back at Trump’s action, saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers’ health.In California, Democratic state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez proposed legislation that would allow employees to qualify for workers’ compensation if they contracted coronavirus on the job, a provision that unions have advocated.Business, insurers and local government organizations pushed back with a letter this week to legislative leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, saying the move could cost $2.2 billion to $33.6 billion annually, depending on the details of the plan. The workers are already covered under state law if they get the virus, opponents argue.A separate legislative proposal by a Republican Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez of California would protect small businesses by barring those who obtain unemployment benefits from also suing their employers.As Congress prepares the next coronavirus relief bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has made the issue a top priority. He has portrayed the protections as necessary to fend off opportunistic trial lawyers.“Just as soon as the pandemic recedes, the lawyers will come in, and this is the important part of getting our country back to business,” McConnell said Wednesday on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show.”The casino workers’ Culinary Union in Las Vegas said it is negotiating reopening protocols with casino companies to ensure there are stronger safety standards. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, has not said when he will allow casinos to reopen.John Whiting isn’t going to rely on an employer to keep him safe. He was working at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta when the pandemic hit and had been planning to find a summer job until he returns to his job as a teacher next school year. But the 26-year-old is intentionally staying away from public-facing jobs out of fear he’ll get sick and infect the aunt and uncle he’s staying with. He’s instead trying to find a job where he can telecommute in a field like tech support.“I have to think about them as well. I’d rather not risk that because we only go out for groceries, in terms of being out in the public like that. So I thought it was better to find something virtual,” Whiting said.States are also focusing on unemployment rules as some leaders fret that workers’ fears of getting the virus or comfort with expanded unemployment benefits could keep them home.State officials in Iowa this week warned furloughed workers that they will lose their unemployment benefits if they refuse to return when their employer calls them back to work, which is considered a “voluntary quit.” Restaurants, some bars, malls and retail stores will reopen in 77 of the state’s 99 counties Friday.Iowa Workforce Development urged employers to report workers who don’t return for a good reason as soon as possible and warned that the federal law providing an additional $600 weekly in benefits contains “serious consequences” for fraudulent claims.In Texas, several groups representing workers sent a letter Wednesday calling on state regulators to change unemployment rules to allow people who can’t go back to work because they or their family member face a high risk of contracting the coronavirus to still get unemployment benefits.Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, on Monday outlined a plan to allow the state’s restaurants, retailers, movie theaters and malls to start letting customers trickle into their establishments starting Friday. He didn’t address whether employees might lose their jobs if they didn’t return to work, but said he understands the concerns and that no worker or business is required to return to work.“You have every right to choose your own pathway in life and you have ultimate control over your own personal safety,” Abbott said.The recent suggestion by an Oklahoma official that the state might ask the federal government to stop the $600-a-week federal government payments to unemployed people raised eyebrows, but the state’s Department of Commerce spokeswoman Leslie Blair said in a statement Wednesday there is no plan to stop those federal payments.She did acknowledge, however, that there is “legitimate concern” that people won’t go back to work because they can make more money in unemployment with the added federal stimulus fund than at their jobs.“We really do need them to return so our economy can get started again,” Blair said.____

Debate flares over legal protections as businesses open up

NORTH PLATTE — With no known end date to the coronavirus fight, the American Red Cross is encouraging healthy individuals to make appointments to&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336856&amp;Action=Follow+Link">donate blood or platelets</a>to ensure blood remains readily available for patients who still rely on transfusions.The need for blood for trauma patients, children battling cancer, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, patients with sickle cell disease and others continues. Donated blood has a limited shelf life of 42 days for red cells and just five days&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336855&amp;Action=Follow+Link">platelets</a>, so the supply must constantly be replenished.Make an appointmentHealthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate this May by downloading the free&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336854&amp;Action=Follow+Link">Red Cross Blood Donor App</a>, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336851&amp;Action=Follow+Link">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18007332767">(1-800-733-2767)</a>or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while atthe drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. &nbsp;Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336853&amp;Action=Follow+Link">additional precautions&nbsp;</a>– including social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to safeguard donors, volunteers and employees. &nbsp;Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 1-15:BrownAinsworth5/6/2020: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ainsworth United Methodist Church, 310 N Woodward Street_______________CherryValentine5/7/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 400 W. 5th St._______________CusterArnold5/11/2020: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Community Center, 204 S Carroll StBroken Bow5/4/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Broken Bow High School Activities Building, 323 North 7th5/13/2020: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Elk's Lodge, 825 S. 10th_______________HookerMullen5/11/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Hooker County Fairgrounds Community Building, 36351 Fairground Road_______________ShermanLoup City5/6/2020: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Loup City Community Center, 803 O St_______________ValleyOrd5/12/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Veteran's Club, 246 S. 15th St.5/14/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Valley County Health System Foundation, 207 S. 26th St.How to donate bloodSimply download the&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336852&amp;Action=Follow+Link">American Red Cross Blood Donor App</a>, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336851&amp;Action=Follow+Link">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, call 1-800-RED CROSS&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18007332767">(1-800-733-2767)</a>&nbsp;or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or&nbsp;driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336850&amp;Action=Follow+Link">donate blood</a>. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®&nbsp;to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started,&nbsp;follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336849&amp;Action=Follow+Link">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>or use the Blood Donor App.About the American Red CrossThe American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.&nbsp;The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336848&amp;Action=Follow+Link">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336847&amp;Action=Follow+Link">cruzrojaamericana.org</a>, or visit us on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336846&amp;Action=Follow+Link">@RedCross</a>.

NORTH PLATTE — With no known end date to the coronavirus fight, the American Red Cross is encouraging healthy individuals to make appointments to&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336856&amp;Action=Follow+Link">donate blood or platelets</a>to ensure blood remains readily available for patients who still rely on transfusions.The need for blood for trauma patients, children battling cancer, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, patients with sickle cell disease and others continues. Donated blood has a limited shelf life of 42 days for red cells and just five days&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336855&amp;Action=Follow+Link">platelets</a>, so the supply must constantly be replenished.Make an appointmentHealthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate this May by downloading the free&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336854&amp;Action=Follow+Link">Red Cross Blood Donor App</a>, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336851&amp;Action=Follow+Link">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18007332767">(1-800-733-2767)</a>or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while atthe drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. &nbsp;Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336853&amp;Action=Follow+Link">additional precautions&nbsp;</a>– including social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to safeguard donors, volunteers and employees. &nbsp;Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 1-15:BrownAinsworth5/6/2020: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ainsworth United Methodist Church, 310 N Woodward Street_______________CherryValentine5/7/2020: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 400 W. 5th St._______________CusterArnold5/11/2020: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Community Center, 204 S Carroll StBroken Bow5/4/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Broken Bow High School Activities Building, 323 North 7th5/13/2020: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Elk's Lodge, 825 S. 10th_______________HookerMullen5/11/2020: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Hooker County Fairgrounds Community Building, 36351 Fairground Road_______________ShermanLoup City5/6/2020: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Loup City Community Center, 803 O St_______________ValleyOrd5/12/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Veteran's Club, 246 S. 15th St.5/14/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Valley County Health System Foundation, 207 S. 26th St.How to donate bloodSimply download the&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336852&amp;Action=Follow+Link">American Red Cross Blood Donor App</a>, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336851&amp;Action=Follow+Link">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, call 1-800-RED CROSS&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18007332767">(1-800-733-2767)</a>&nbsp;or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or&nbsp;driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336850&amp;Action=Follow+Link">donate blood</a>. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®&nbsp;to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started,&nbsp;follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336849&amp;Action=Follow+Link">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>or use the Blood Donor App.About the American Red CrossThe American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.&nbsp;The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336848&amp;Action=Follow+Link">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336847&amp;Action=Follow+Link">cruzrojaamericana.org</a>, or visit us on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="http://americanredcrossbiomed.pr-optout.com/Tracking.aspx?Data=HHL%3d9%2b93A9-%3eLCE3%3a368%3e9-GLCE17.6&amp;RE=MO&amp;RI=481769&amp;Preview=False&amp;DistributionActionID=336846&amp;Action=Follow+Link">@RedCross</a>.

Help ensure a readily available blood supply amid COVID-19 outbreak

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state health officials say the state has seen a jump in COVID-19 deaths following technical difficulties with the state's coronavirus tracking portal in recent days. 

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says the state saw 13 new deaths from the virus on Wednesday, bringing the state total to 68. 

Eight of the deaths were reported out of hard-hit Hall County.

 Also on Wednesday, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services reported a fourth state prisons staffer had tested positive for the virus.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state health officials say the state has seen a jump in COVID-19 deaths following technical difficulties with the state's coronavirus tracking portal in recent days. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says the state saw 13 new deaths from the virus on Wednesday, bringing the state total to 68. Eight of the deaths were reported out of hard-hit Hall County. Also on Wednesday, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services reported a fourth state prisons staffer had tested positive for the virus. State officials say that while its latest number of coronavirus deaths is accurate, the reported number of confirmed cases continues to lag actual counts due to the technical problems.

Coronavirus Update