FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — Brooklyn Dotson needed food. Her first unemployment check had yet to arrive after she was let go by the warehouse where she used to work.

So the 25-year-old Nashville woman scrounged up some gas money and drove 30 miles to the GraceWorks Ministries food pantry in Franklin. There, at the pantry’s new drive-thru, workers wearing masks and gloves loaded her van with about $350 worth of groceries.

“I don’t have any income coming in, I don’t get any food stamps, so it’s just hard to get any help right now,” Dotson said while waiting in line at GraceWorks.

Food pantries stay busy even in the best of economic times; the coronavirus pandemic has prompted a spike in demand as millions of people like Dotson find themselves furloughed, laid off or with businesses that have suffered huge financial blows.

“About 50% of the people coming through our lines have never been here before,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://graceworksministries.net/" target="_blank">GraceWorks&nbsp;</a>President and CEO Valencia A. Breckenridge.

Just as demand is skyrocketing, however, many of the food banks’ sources are drying up. Restaurants, hotels and resorts — many of which are shuttered or sharply limiting their operations — are no longer supplying them with food, while other suppliers are busy restocking grocery shelves. Farmers have switched from shipping vegetables and meats in bulk to individual packaging for grocery stores.

“It is a perfect storm scenario,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief operating officer for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/" target="_blank">Feeding America</a>, a nationwide association of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries.

Feeding America has seen an increase in demand from 98% of its member banks, according to a recent survey. The average increase for a member was 63%, while 95% of the association’s food banks reported an increase in operating expenses, the organization said.

Congress included a significant boost for emergency food assistance in its coronavirus relief legislation, but Fitzgerald warned that funding may take months to reach localities while food banks contend with a flood of need in the near term. The $100 million that billionaire Jeff Bezos pledged to the association on April 2 was already being deployed last week, she said.

“When people say what do you need the most, we need food and money,” said Nancy Keil, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

In addition to finding ways to meet the spike in demand, food banks have had to devise creative new ways to distribute ever greater amounts of food while keeping both recipients and their staff safe from exposure to the coronavirus.

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in California has built “pop-up” pantries after some of its previous 275 or so sites had to stop operating during the pandemic, spokeswoman Keely Hopkins said. The new sites, many of which are serving hundreds of people per day, stay open for longer hours and use open spaces such as parking lots to facilitate social distancing, she added.

Paid staffers are diving in at many food banks to stock, sort and bag food for either delivery or drive-thru pickups, a measure they realized was necessary to protect volunteers, many of whom are older and particularly at risk for complications from the virus. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee limits volunteers to 10 per room to fill boxes.

The board of the East Nashville Cooperative Ministry has proposed closing because so many of its volunteers are elderly, including Judy Wahlstrom, who runs the program.

Wahlstrom, 70, has refused, but she said she is taking precautions, allowing only one person inside at a time to select food off the shelves while she wears a mask and gloves.

“I said, ‘If I get it, I get it,’” Wahlstrom said. “I don’t have anybody at home dependent on me. I said, ‘I got to keep it open.’ And I gave the volunteers all the options.”

At the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, spokeswoman Cathy Nestlen said nearly 45,000 volunteers helped out last year. This year, in order to adopt best practices for social distancing to combat the virus, staffers have stepped up to help.

Nestlen said the bank, which acts as a food distribution center for hundreds of member agencies, moved to a six-day work week this month and would consider moving to seven days a week if demand called for it.

Oklahoma had ranked among the hungriest states in the nation before the coronavirus, Nestlen noted. “This pandemic on top of it just shines a light on how so many households, not just in Oklahoma but around the country, live paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “When a household becomes economically insecure, they almost immediately become food-insecure.”

Food banks like Nestlen’s are realizing the sharp increase in demand could continue for months, which she said makes donations even more crucial.

For now, one thing is certain: Whatever food they do acquire is flying off the shelves just as fast as it arrives.

“The food’s coming in the back door, and it’s going right out the front to the customers,” said Courtney Vrablik, executive director of The Store, a supermarket founded by singer Brad Paisley and his wife last month in Nashville to provide free food for those in need.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587138251980.png" alt="Photo courtesy Feeding America" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Feeding America</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — Brooklyn Dotson needed food. Her first unemployment check had yet to arrive after she was let go by the warehouse where she used to work.So the 25-year-old Nashville woman scrounged up some gas money and drove 30 miles to the GraceWorks Ministries food pantry in Franklin. There, at the pantry’s new drive-thru, workers wearing masks and gloves loaded her van with about $350 worth of groceries.“I don’t have any income coming in, I don’t get any food stamps, so it’s just hard to get any help right now,” Dotson said while waiting in line at GraceWorks.Food pantries stay busy even in the best of economic times; the coronavirus pandemic has prompted a spike in demand as millions of people like Dotson find themselves furloughed, laid off or with businesses that have suffered huge financial blows.“About 50% of the people coming through our lines have never been here before,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://graceworksministries.net/" target="_blank">GraceWorks&nbsp;</a>President and CEO Valencia A. Breckenridge.Just as demand is skyrocketing, however, many of the food banks’ sources are drying up. Restaurants, hotels and resorts — many of which are shuttered or sharply limiting their operations — are no longer supplying them with food, while other suppliers are busy restocking grocery shelves. Farmers have switched from shipping vegetables and meats in bulk to individual packaging for grocery stores.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587147581911.png" alt="Cars wait in line at food pantry in Florida-image courtesy Feeding America" />
 <figcaption>Cars wait in line at food pantry in Florida-image courtesy Feeding America</figcaption>
 </figure>“It is a perfect storm scenario,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief operating officer for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/" target="_blank">Feeding America</a>, a nationwide association of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries.Feeding America has seen an increase in demand from 98% of its member banks, according to a recent survey. The average increase for a member was 63%, while 95% of the association’s food banks reported an increase in operating expenses, the organization said.Congress included a significant boost for emergency food assistance in its coronavirus relief legislation, but Fitzgerald warned that funding may take months to reach localities while food banks contend with a flood of need in the near term. The $100 million that billionaire Jeff Bezos pledged to the association on April 2 was already being deployed last week, she said.“When people say what do you need the most, we need food and money,” said Nancy Keil, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.In addition to finding ways to meet the spike in demand, food banks have had to devise creative new ways to distribute ever greater amounts of food while keeping both recipients and their staff safe from exposure to the coronavirus.The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in California has built “pop-up” pantries after some of its previous 275 or so sites had to stop operating during the pandemic, spokeswoman Keely Hopkins said. The new sites, many of which are serving hundreds of people per day, stay open for longer hours and use open spaces such as parking lots to facilitate social distancing, she added.Paid staffers are diving in at many food banks to stock, sort and bag food for either delivery or drive-thru pickups, a measure they realized was necessary to protect volunteers, many of whom are older and particularly at risk for complications from the virus. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee limits volunteers to 10 per room to fill boxes.The board of the East Nashville Cooperative Ministry has proposed closing because so many of its volunteers are elderly, including Judy Wahlstrom, who runs the program.Wahlstrom, 70, has refused, but she said she is taking precautions, allowing only one person inside at a time to select food off the shelves while she wears a mask and gloves.“I said, ‘If I get it, I get it,’” Wahlstrom said. “I don’t have anybody at home dependent on me. I said, ‘I got to keep it open.’ And I gave the volunteers all the options.”At the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, spokeswoman Cathy Nestlen said nearly 45,000 volunteers helped out last year. This year, in order to adopt best practices for social distancing to combat the virus, staffers have stepped up to help.Nestlen said the bank, which acts as a food distribution center for hundreds of member agencies, moved to a six-day work week this month and would consider moving to seven days a week if demand called for it.Oklahoma had ranked among the hungriest states in the nation before the coronavirus, Nestlen noted. “This pandemic on top of it just shines a light on how so many households, not just in Oklahoma but around the country, live paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “When a household becomes economically insecure, they almost immediately become food-insecure.”Food banks like Nestlen’s are realizing the sharp increase in demand could continue for months, which she said makes donations even more crucial.For now, one thing is certain: Whatever food they do acquire is flying off the shelves just as fast as it arrives.“The food’s coming in the back door, and it’s going right out the front to the customers,” said Courtney Vrablik, executive director of The Store, a supermarket founded by singer Brad Paisley and his wife last month in Nashville to provide free food for those in need.

Pandemic provokes spike in demand for food pantries in US

Lincoln –&nbsp;Today, Governor&nbsp;Ricketts announced that the State would be expanding its Nebraska Accommodation Project (NAP) to provide space for individuals who are required to quarantine or isolate because of COVID-19. The NAP program is a joint collaboration between the Department of&nbsp;Health and Human Services (DHHS, the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska National Guard.

The program for the general public will be rolled out in Omaha and other localities will follow. Dormitories on the University of Nebraska&nbsp;Omaha UNO campus will be utilized for those who are interested and meet the criteria for accommodation. The program differs from the first responders lodging program announced last week in that individuals who are under quarantine or isolation will not be&nbsp;able to leave these facilities until their quarantine or isolation periods have ended. &nbsp;

The goal of this program is to offer temporary housing to Nebraskans that have been exposed to COVID-19 and are in need of a quarantine and/or&nbsp;isolation location outside of the normally defined household due to a high-risk household member. These accommodations will be available in a dormitory room setting and are open to anyone that meets the application criteria. Applications can be completed at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTguMjAzMzE3NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.GRX8zkiLDKxA7TlRtnw5c7S_lt6ibkBPjLK7a3c-S1E%2Fbr%2F77582771908-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cf6c8cfd12c184b71ccef08d7e32cc042%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637227653664963202&amp;sdata=282ndr74CqMkKIjEt6JCJp1mPf22MLYNEhiY2Y%2B0rw4%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus</a>. As the need for this program grows across the State, so will the number of locations.

More information on guidelines in the form of a General Public FAQ will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTguMjAzMzE3NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ29yb25hdmlydXMuYXNweCJ9.slTPE-mFRJqB01OViq_E7fQiJ7FcAMHCkddyb1bVJTk%2Fbr%2F77582771908-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cf6c8cfd12c184b71ccef08d7e32cc042%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637227653664963202&amp;sdata=4BCBTJmW1VBrNHuBFiEornQVO5zepy6hfqq5KjdO8nU%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx</a>&nbsp;under the Nebraska Accommodation Project (NAP) header.

Lincoln –&nbsp;Today, Governor&nbsp;Ricketts announced that the State would be expanding its Nebraska Accommodation Project (NAP) to provide space for individuals who are required to quarantine or isolate because of COVID-19. The NAP program is a joint collaboration between the Department of&nbsp;Health and Human Services (DHHS, the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska National Guard.The program for the general public will be rolled out in Omaha and other localities will follow. Dormitories on the University of Nebraska&nbsp;Omaha UNO campus will be utilized for those who are interested and meet the criteria for accommodation. The program differs from the first responders lodging program announced last week in that individuals who are under quarantine or isolation will not be&nbsp;able to leave these facilities until their quarantine or isolation periods have ended. &nbsp;The goal of this program is to offer temporary housing to Nebraskans that have been exposed to COVID-19 and are in need of a quarantine and/or&nbsp;isolation location outside of the normally defined household due to a high-risk household member. These accommodations will be available in a dormitory room setting and are open to anyone that meets the application criteria. Applications can be completed at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTguMjAzMzE3NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.GRX8zkiLDKxA7TlRtnw5c7S_lt6ibkBPjLK7a3c-S1E%2Fbr%2F77582771908-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cf6c8cfd12c184b71ccef08d7e32cc042%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637227653664963202&amp;sdata=282ndr74CqMkKIjEt6JCJp1mPf22MLYNEhiY2Y%2B0rw4%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus</a>. As the need for this program grows across the State, so will the number of locations.More information on guidelines in the form of a General Public FAQ will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTguMjAzMzE3NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ29yb25hdmlydXMuYXNweCJ9.slTPE-mFRJqB01OViq_E7fQiJ7FcAMHCkddyb1bVJTk%2Fbr%2F77582771908-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cf6c8cfd12c184b71ccef08d7e32cc042%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637227653664963202&amp;sdata=4BCBTJmW1VBrNHuBFiEornQVO5zepy6hfqq5KjdO8nU%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx</a>&nbsp;under the Nebraska Accommodation Project (NAP) header.

Pilot program for COVID-19 housing accommodation expands

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump held a call with faith leaders on Friday that included discussion about a phased-in return to broader in-person worship after weeks of religious services largely shifting online in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump’s call with faith leaders came one day after the White House included houses of worship among “large venues” that could be able to reopen while observing “strict physical distancing protocols” in the first stage of a three-part&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/420a38ec14101eab70e07be367ee6422">plan to reopen</a>&nbsp;a U.S. economy that’s been frozen by the toll of the highly contagious virus.

Trump “mentioned his memories as a young child attending Billy Graham’s service at Yankee Stadium, and acknowledged that while he has enjoyed watching services online from the White House, he told the faith leaders it is important for people to soon be able to once again come together, pray, and worship,” the White House said in its statement.

Participants in the call with faith leaders said it featured discussion about how restarting in-person worship could work, without any conclusion reached, and underscored their commitment to not imperiling the health of the faithful. Indeed, Trump has said that governors would be empowered to spearhead their states’ paces of economic reopening.

Jack Graham, pastor of Texas-based Prestonwood Baptist Church, said the call included conversation about “how would we go about bringing people back together,” adding that those involved agreed that “we’re going to do that carefully and gradually, and not put people at risk.”

Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council, said that religious institutions “want to be a blessing and not a burden” by not returning to practices that could “cause more harm than good” if taken up too early.

Rodriguez added that he hoped to see clergy and other faith leaders nationwide identified as essential workers, as well as a clear resumption of outdoor religious services that can be conducted with people remaining in their automobiles. That sort of step would “help us transition to a new normal,” he said.

Cissie Graham Lynch of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, said churches would be committed to keeping their congregations safe and emphasized the importance of healing the spiritual pain caused by widespread social distancing restrictions imposed to fight the virus.

“People are lonely, people are scared,” Lynch said.

Those who participated in the call described Trump as closely engaged in the discussion.

“We may be opening, but we’re putting safety first,” the president told reporters Friday.

The faith leaders’ conversation with Trump is not the only sign that religious leaders are beginning to explore how to resume in-person worship services. The Christian executive search firm Vanderbloemen has launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vanderbloemen.com/reopening-church" target="_blank">ReopeningChurch.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vanderbloemen.com/reopening-school" target="_blank">ReopeningSchool.com</a>&nbsp;websites to start a conversation on that process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587172818525.png" alt="President Trump discussed his visit with faith leaders to open Friday's Coronavirus Task Force press briefing -White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump discussed his visit with faith leaders to open Friday's Coronavirus Task Force press briefing -White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump held a call with faith leaders on Friday that included discussion about a phased-in return to broader in-person worship after weeks of religious services largely shifting online in response to the coronavirus pandemic.Trump’s call with faith leaders came one day after the White House included houses of worship among “large venues” that could be able to reopen while observing “strict physical distancing protocols” in the first stage of a three-part&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/420a38ec14101eab70e07be367ee6422">plan to reopen</a>&nbsp;a U.S. economy that’s been frozen by the toll of the highly contagious virus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587086887250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump “mentioned his memories as a young child attending Billy Graham’s service at Yankee Stadium, and acknowledged that while he has enjoyed watching services online from the White House, he told the faith leaders it is important for people to soon be able to once again come together, pray, and worship,” the White House said in its statement.Participants in the call with faith leaders said it featured discussion about how restarting in-person worship could work, without any conclusion reached, and underscored their commitment to not imperiling the health of the faithful. Indeed, Trump has said that governors would be empowered to spearhead their states’ paces of economic reopening.Jack Graham, pastor of Texas-based Prestonwood Baptist Church, said the call included conversation about “how would we go about bringing people back together,” adding that those involved agreed that “we’re going to do that carefully and gradually, and not put people at risk.”Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council, said that religious institutions “want to be a blessing and not a burden” by not returning to practices that could “cause more harm than good” if taken up too early.Rodriguez added that he hoped to see clergy and other faith leaders nationwide identified as essential workers, as well as a clear resumption of outdoor religious services that can be conducted with people remaining in their automobiles. That sort of step would “help us transition to a new normal,” he said.Cissie Graham Lynch of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, said churches would be committed to keeping their congregations safe and emphasized the importance of healing the spiritual pain caused by widespread social distancing restrictions imposed to fight the virus.“People are lonely, people are scared,” Lynch said.Those who participated in the call described Trump as closely engaged in the discussion.“We may be opening, but we’re putting safety first,” the president told reporters Friday.The faith leaders’ conversation with Trump is not the only sign that religious leaders are beginning to explore how to resume in-person worship services. The Christian executive search firm Vanderbloemen has launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vanderbloemen.com/reopening-church" target="_blank">ReopeningChurch.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vanderbloemen.com/reopening-school" target="_blank">ReopeningSchool.com</a>&nbsp;websites to start a conversation on that process.___

Trump consults faith leaders on phased-in reopening

Walmart associates will begin wearing a face covering as the company continues to take steps to protect both its employees and its customers.The following message was sent to Walmart associates:

To: All U.S.-based associates from John Furner, President and Chief Executive Officer – Walmart U.S. and Kath McLay, President and Chief Executive Officer – Sam’s Club

Throughout this pandemic, your health and well-being have been our top priority. It was just over a month ago that we announced our&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/10/new-covid-19-policy-to-support-the-health-of-our-associates">COVID-19 emergency leave policy</a>, and since then, we have taken&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/31/additional-steps-were-taking-for-the-health-and-safety-of-our-associates">more steps</a>&nbsp;to protect you, our customers and our members with the guidance of our state and local public health officials, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, as well as our company’s own Chief Medical Officer.

Today, we are sharing another step: We will begin requiring that associates wear masks or other face coverings at work. This includes our stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers, as well as in our corporate offices. We’ll also be encouraging customers and members to wear face coverings when they shop with us.

We have evolved our policy on face coverings from optional to mandatory as public health guidance has shifted. The CDC now recommends wearing face coverings in public settings, including grocery stores, to help curb the spread of the virus. Although most state and local governments do not mandate the use of face coverings in public settings, the CDC has reported that recent studies show a significant portion of individuals with the virus lack symptoms and can transmit the virus. With this knowledge, we believe it is simply in everyone’s best interest to use masks or face coverings to curb the spread of this disease.

Starting Monday, you'll be required to wear a face-covering at work. You can provide your own as long as it meets certain guidelines, or we will provide you with one as you pass your associate health screen and temperature check. We’re also aware there may need to be exceptions to this policy based on local laws and individual health needs.

We hope this step will promote safety and consistency across all of our facilities and be of comfort to our customers and members. However, it’s important to remember that face coverings are simply an additional health precaution. They do not guarantee against the spread of this virus, and they do not replace the most&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/31/additional-steps-were-taking-for-the-health-and-safety-of-our-associates">important steps</a>&nbsp;you can take to keep yourself and others safe: 6-20-100. Whether at work or elsewhere, practice six feet of social distancing whenever possible. Regularly wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds. And if you have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, stay home.

We’re also announcing today that we are extending our emergency leave policy through the end of May to ensure you have the support you need when you have to miss work.

Thank you for your commitment to helping ensure Walmart and Sam’s Club are safe places to work and shop. Together, we are providing a critical service for communities across the country. During this extraordinary time, our customers and members need us more than ever. Thank you for being there for them and for each other.

Walmart associates will begin wearing a face covering as the company continues to take steps to protect both its employees and its customers.The following message was sent to Walmart associates:To: All U.S.-based associates from John Furner, President and Chief Executive Officer – Walmart U.S. and Kath McLay, President and Chief Executive Officer – Sam’s ClubThroughout this pandemic, your health and well-being have been our top priority. It was just over a month ago that we announced our&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/10/new-covid-19-policy-to-support-the-health-of-our-associates">COVID-19 emergency leave policy</a>, and since then, we have taken&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/31/additional-steps-were-taking-for-the-health-and-safety-of-our-associates">more steps</a>&nbsp;to protect you, our customers and our members with the guidance of our state and local public health officials, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, as well as our company’s own Chief Medical Officer.Today, we are sharing another step: We will begin requiring that associates wear masks or other face coverings at work. This includes our stores, clubs, distribution and fulfillment centers, as well as in our corporate offices. We’ll also be encouraging customers and members to wear face coverings when they shop with us.We have evolved our policy on face coverings from optional to mandatory as public health guidance has shifted. The CDC now recommends wearing face coverings in public settings, including grocery stores, to help curb the spread of the virus. Although most state and local governments do not mandate the use of face coverings in public settings, the CDC has reported that recent studies show a significant portion of individuals with the virus lack symptoms and can transmit the virus. With this knowledge, we believe it is simply in everyone’s best interest to use masks or face coverings to curb the spread of this disease.Starting Monday, you'll be required to wear a face-covering at work. You can provide your own as long as it meets certain guidelines, or we will provide you with one as you pass your associate health screen and temperature check. We’re also aware there may need to be exceptions to this policy based on local laws and individual health needs.We hope this step will promote safety and consistency across all of our facilities and be of comfort to our customers and members. However, it’s important to remember that face coverings are simply an additional health precaution. They do not guarantee against the spread of this virus, and they do not replace the most&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2020/03/31/additional-steps-were-taking-for-the-health-and-safety-of-our-associates">important steps</a>&nbsp;you can take to keep yourself and others safe: 6-20-100. Whether at work or elsewhere, practice six feet of social distancing whenever possible. Regularly wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds. And if you have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, stay home.We’re also announcing today that we are extending our emergency leave policy through the end of May to ensure you have the support you need when you have to miss work.Thank you for your commitment to helping ensure Walmart and Sam’s Club are safe places to work and shop. Together, we are providing a critical service for communities across the country. During this extraordinary time, our customers and members need us more than ever. Thank you for being there for them and for each other.

Walmart employees to begin wearing face coverings to prevent COVID-19 spread

LINCOLN, Neb.-At his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts encouraged Nebraskans to stay connected to friends and family during this time of increased social distancing.&nbsp; He especially urged those dealing with adversity to reach out for help and counsel.&nbsp;

Sheri Dawson, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, joined the Governor at today’s press briefing.&nbsp; She overviewed healthy habits that contribute to mental wellness. &nbsp;Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO) Annette Dubas also took part in the press event. &nbsp;She highlighted the efforts of NABHO’s members to provide continuity of behavioral health care to Nebraskans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Additionally, Gov. Ricketts thanked the Trump Administration for issuing guidelines to reopen parts of the economy closed by the pandemic.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts: 21 Days to Keep Nebraska Healthy

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are now on Day 8 of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind people of our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home. &nbsp;No non-essential errands and no social gatherings. &nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work. &nbsp;Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week. &nbsp;Do not take family with you.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing. &nbsp;Play at home. &nbsp;No group sports. &nbsp;And no playgrounds.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. &nbsp;Do not visit long-term care facilities.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.

Gov. Ricketts: Opening Up America Guidelines

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I appreciate President Trump’s guidelines for reopening parts of the economy that have been temporarily closed.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is critical that we get people back to work safely and continue to slow the spread of the virus as the country opens up.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I know there will be a lot of questions about if and when Nebraska will incorporate these guidelines into our work.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are currently making plans to reopen the pieces of our economy that have temporarily closed.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will consider these federal guidelines as we work on our plans.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Social distancing is helping slow the spread of the virus, but it also has negative consequences that we all need to be mindful of.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many people will experience feelings of isolation, increased depression, and a lack of social connectedness.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During this time of social distancing, it is important that we all stay connected.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind all Nebraskans that we have hotlines available for you. Please reach out if you need help:

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behavioral health is an essential part of overall health.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The impact of economic hardship and social isolation can take a toll on our health.&nbsp;

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A key aspect of mental well-being is social connectedness.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay connected to the people in your life.&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reach out to a peer, colleague, friend, or loved one to talk about your thoughts and feelings.&nbsp; Have fun and be creative.&nbsp;

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Build a routine and structure your day.&nbsp;

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Know warning signs that your mental health may be impacted.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pay attention to your body and thoughts.&nbsp; You might feel more irritable, angry, helpless, or sad.&nbsp; You may even find it harder to concentrate, find motivation, or do the things you normally do day-to-day.&nbsp; Any major change in your thoughts or behaviors can alert you to seek help.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reach out for help and use the services available to you.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s a sign of wisdom and strength to ask for help, guidance, coaching, assistance, and advice related to your wellbeing.&nbsp; It’s important to remember that you are not alone.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS, working in partnership with Community Alliance in Omaha, has received notice of a five-year, $2 million per year federal grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The purpose of the grant is to test and refine an evidence-based and trauma-informed model that fully integrates physical health, mental health, substance use and recovery-oriented care, and treatment for adults with serious mental illness and chronic health conditions.&nbsp;

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lessons learned through the grant process will be disseminated statewide.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The demand for mental health services is dramatically increasing.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Telehealth is now the desired way to deliver services.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NABHO’s members have quickly adapted to ensure continuity of care.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Community Alliance in Omaha has set up six virtual telehealth rooms so that clients in the facility can connect with their therapists to help individuals who do not have access to needed technology.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Children’s Hospital has moved to over 350 telehealth psychiatry and psychology sessions per week.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Friendship House in Grand Island, a men’s halfway house, has set up Google Voice numbers so that clients can reach their counselors. &nbsp;This gives individuals a way to reach their counselor in the event of a crisis.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska has adapted their Day Rehabilitation program to offer psychoeducational groups through phone and webconferencing. &nbsp;This has allowed them to continue providing daily support and socialization to nearly 50 individuals in Grand Island and Columbus.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Wellbeing Initiative and Mental Health Association of Nebraska have moved their outreach to social media and are directing people to four free support groups per week via Zoom. &nbsp;They have also moved their job training education online to ensure that people have better opportunities for employment after the crisis is over.

o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Bridge in Lincoln is continuing to provide services face to face for detox and residential services. &nbsp;Their frontline workers are accepting new admissions every day and taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe and cared for.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These and so many other providers across this state are working tirelessly to make sure their clients’ behavioral health needs are being met.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/yg3p4s9qyylsmjm/Press%20Conf%204.17.2020.mp4?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587173945641.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) reminds Nebraskans to stay connected and to take care of&nbsp;their mental health during his remarks at today’s press briefing." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) reminds Nebraskans to stay connected and to take care of&nbsp;their mental health during his remarks at today’s press briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-At his daily coronavirus briefing, Governor Pete Ricketts encouraged Nebraskans to stay connected to friends and family during this time of increased social distancing.&nbsp; He especially urged those dealing with adversity to reach out for help and counsel.&nbsp;Sheri Dawson, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, joined the Governor at today’s press briefing.&nbsp; She overviewed healthy habits that contribute to mental wellness. &nbsp;Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO) Annette Dubas also took part in the press event. &nbsp;She highlighted the efforts of NABHO’s members to provide continuity of behavioral health care to Nebraskans during the coronavirus pandemic.Additionally, Gov. Ricketts thanked the Trump Administration for issuing guidelines to reopen parts of the economy closed by the pandemic.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts: 21 Days to Keep Nebraska Healthy•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are now on Day 8 of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind people of our Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home. &nbsp;No non-essential errands and no social gatherings. &nbsp;Respect the ten-person limit.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Socially distance your work. &nbsp;Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shop alone and only shop once a week. &nbsp;Do not take family with you.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help kids follow social distancing. &nbsp;Play at home. &nbsp;No group sports. &nbsp;And no playgrounds.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. &nbsp;Do not visit long-term care facilities.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.Gov. Ricketts: Opening Up America Guidelines•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I appreciate President Trump’s guidelines for reopening parts of the economy that have been temporarily closed.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is critical that we get people back to work safely and continue to slow the spread of the virus as the country opens up.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I know there will be a lot of questions about if and when Nebraska will incorporate these guidelines into our work.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We are currently making plans to reopen the pieces of our economy that have temporarily closed.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will consider these federal guidelines as we work on our plans.Gov. Ricketts: Mental Health•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Social distancing is helping slow the spread of the virus, but it also has negative consequences that we all need to be mindful of.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Many people will experience feelings of isolation, increased depression, and a lack of social connectedness.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During this time of social distancing, it is important that we all stay connected.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to remind all Nebraskans that we have hotlines available for you. Please reach out if you need help:o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)Director Dawson: Mental Health•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behavioral health is an essential part of overall health.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The impact of economic hardship and social isolation can take a toll on our health.&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A key aspect of mental well-being is social connectedness.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay connected to the people in your life.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reach out to a peer, colleague, friend, or loved one to talk about your thoughts and feelings.&nbsp; Have fun and be creative.&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Build a routine and structure your day.&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Know warning signs that your mental health may be impacted.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pay attention to your body and thoughts.&nbsp; You might feel more irritable, angry, helpless, or sad.&nbsp; You may even find it harder to concentrate, find motivation, or do the things you normally do day-to-day.&nbsp; Any major change in your thoughts or behaviors can alert you to seek help.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reach out for help and use the services available to you.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s a sign of wisdom and strength to ask for help, guidance, coaching, assistance, and advice related to your wellbeing.&nbsp; It’s important to remember that you are not alone.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;DHHS, working in partnership with Community Alliance in Omaha, has received notice of a five-year, $2 million per year federal grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The purpose of the grant is to test and refine an evidence-based and trauma-informed model that fully integrates physical health, mental health, substance use and recovery-oriented care, and treatment for adults with serious mental illness and chronic health conditions.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lessons learned through the grant process will be disseminated statewide.Annette Dubas: Behavioral Health•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The demand for mental health services is dramatically increasing.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Telehealth is now the desired way to deliver services.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NABHO’s members have quickly adapted to ensure continuity of care.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Community Alliance in Omaha has set up six virtual telehealth rooms so that clients in the facility can connect with their therapists to help individuals who do not have access to needed technology.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Children’s Hospital has moved to over 350 telehealth psychiatry and psychology sessions per week.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Friendship House in Grand Island, a men’s halfway house, has set up Google Voice numbers so that clients can reach their counselors. &nbsp;This gives individuals a way to reach their counselor in the event of a crisis.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska has adapted their Day Rehabilitation program to offer psychoeducational groups through phone and webconferencing. &nbsp;This has allowed them to continue providing daily support and socialization to nearly 50 individuals in Grand Island and Columbus.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Wellbeing Initiative and Mental Health Association of Nebraska have moved their outreach to social media and are directing people to four free support groups per week via Zoom. &nbsp;They have also moved their job training education online to ensure that people have better opportunities for employment after the crisis is over.o&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Bridge in Lincoln is continuing to provide services face to face for detox and residential services. &nbsp;Their frontline workers are accepting new admissions every day and taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe and cared for.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These and so many other providers across this state are working tirelessly to make sure their clients’ behavioral health needs are being met.Full video of today’s press briefing is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/yg3p4s9qyylsmjm/Press%20Conf%204.17.2020.mp4?dl=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts reminds Nebraskans to stay connected, prioritize mental well-being 

Unified Command confirms a new case for COVID-19 in Cheyenne County. A female in her teens is the newest case and was a close contact of a previously positive case.

The investigation is occurring and all local contacts have been notified. Close contacts have been quarantined and are being actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. Contacts that are currently showing symptoms are being tested.

We are working with other Nebraska public health jurisdictions to investigate other possible exposures outside the Panhandle. There are no additional community exposures to note in the Panhandle area.

• One case has recovered and is out of isolation

• Nine have recovered and are out of isolation

• Eight 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.

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

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

By PPHDUnified Command confirms a new case for COVID-19 in Cheyenne County. A female in her teens is the newest case and was a close contact of a previously positive case.The investigation is occurring and all local contacts have been notified. Close contacts have been quarantined and are being actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. Contacts that are currently showing symptoms are being tested.We are working with other Nebraska public health jurisdictions to investigate other possible exposures outside the Panhandle. There are no additional community exposures to note in the Panhandle area.March 2-April 17, 2020Positive: 34Recovered: 18• Box Butte County: 1 case• Cheyenne County: 4 cases• One case has recovered and is out of isolation• Kimball County: 10 Cases• Nine have recovered and are out of isolation• Morrill County: 1 Case• Scotts Bluff County: 18 Cases• Eight 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.

New case in Cheyenne Co. brings Panhandle total positives to 34

FREMONT, Neb. (Omaha World-Herald) — Two more workers have tested positive for coronavirus at a Nebraska plant that processes out chickens for Costco. 

The Omaha World-Herald reports that brings to three the number of confirmed cases at the Fremont plant.

 It said it got its first COVID-19 case on Monday. 

Lincoln Premium Poultry supplies Costco with millions of rotisserie chickens and other cuts. 

FREMONT, Neb. (Omaha World-Herald) — Two more workers have tested positive for coronavirus at a Nebraska plant that processes out chickens for Costco. The Omaha World-Herald reports that brings to three the number of confirmed cases at the Fremont plant. It said it got its first COVID-19 case on Monday. Lincoln Premium Poultry supplies Costco with millions of rotisserie chickens and other cuts. The plant employs roughly 1,100 people.

Nebraska chicken plant says 2 more workers have coronavirus

A 25-bed hospital is selling blood 
tests it says will tell people if they have COVID-19 immunity, but 
public health officials say that's not what the tests do.

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-17/a-small-kansas-hospital-bought-its-own-coronavirus-tests-but-state-officials-say-it-only-detects-colds">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — Herington Municipal Hospital got fed up 
with long waits for lab results that would tell its patients with 
respiratory symptoms whether they have the novel coronavirus.

So 
when a sales representative called the 25-bed hospital in rural central 
Kansas offering tests that produce results in less than half an hour, 
Herington ordered 500.

“We answered the phone on the right day,” CEO Isabel Schmedemann said in an interview this week. “I wish we had ordered more.”

One hundred people in her community have already come in for the test.

“They want answers,” she said. “They want to know. And they’re scared.”

Amid
 a pandemic that has hospitalized hundreds of Kansans and killed more 
than 80, supply shortages have slowed typical COVID-19 nose swab tests 
and health providers have scrambled to find solutions.

But public 
health officials around the world worry that desperation to access 
testing could open the way for unproven products that give patients a 
false sense of safety — putting them in greater danger.

Herington Hospital’s rollout of new blood-based tests triggered swift action from state and local health officials.

On
 its website, the hospital advertises the technology as approved by the 
state. “It tells you if you have immunity,” the hospital claims.

Wrong
 on both counts, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says. 
Attempts to convince the hospital of the test’s problems over the phone 
weren’t successful, the agency says.

State health secretary Lee 
Norman said he would alert other hospitals and labs around the state to 
concerns about the tests. He warned the public in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/videos/214325436538782/" target="_blank">a press conference</a>
 viewed by tens of thousands of people on Facebook that many antibody 
tests — meant to show a patient’s exposure to a virus — don’t 
necessarily tell people what they want to know.

People who test 
positive with the Herington tests aren’t being counted toward the 
state’s COVID-19 tally. The state has about 1,500 known cases, including
 one in Dickinson County.

“You could get a positive if you had nothing other than a common cold,” county public health director John Hultgren said.

Dickinson County began calling Herington’s patients to inform them directly.

“I’m livid about this,” Schmedemann said. “We’re serious about providing quality health care.”

But KDHE points to the test manufacturer’s <a href="https://ucpbiosciences.com/product/covid-19/" target="_blank">own fine print</a>, which says a positive result could mean patients have or have had any of four coronaviruses that cause the common cold. Consequently, the results can’t confirm that a person has or had COVID-19, or that they are now immune.

Herington
 Hospital also advertises the product on its website as 100% specific to
 the virus that causes COVID-19. Manufacturer UCP Biosciences gave the 
hospital pamphlets bearing that claim, though clarifying that its 
calculations are based on about 100 samples. The company didn’t return a
 call to its California office.

The disclaimer about cold viruses doesn’t worry Shmedemann.

“The test is specific to COVID-19, but as with any test, this is part of the disclaimer,” she wrote in a follow-up email.

The
 kits, like most COVID-19 antibody tests on the market, aren’t approved 
by the Food and Drug Administration and haven’t received an expedited, 
emergency approval from the agency. Yet selling them is legal and 
Herington has continued to offer the product.

People with and 
without symptoms are eager for testing. The kits Herington bought seek 
to check whether someone has COVID-19 antibodies in their blood.

The
 goal of antibody testing is to check whether someone has been exposed 
to a specific virus and whether that could shield them from it in the 
future. (Antibodies wouldn’t yet be present for some people with current
 infections.)

Herington says on its website that the UCP test “not
 only tells you if you are positive or negative, it tells you if you 
have immunity.”

Scientists and public health experts say it’s not 
that simple. In addition to the risk that antibodies from the common 
cold could trigger a positive result, researchers don’t yet know how 
effective COVID-19 antibodies will be for staving off future infections.

“It’s
 an attractive hypothesis,” said Jim Zehnder, a professor of pathology 
and medicine at Stanford University, “but it hasn't been rigorously 
proven yet.”

Stanford has developed its own test for the antibodies that result from COVID-19.

But it hasn’t evaluated UCP’s test, and couldn’t speak to its quality. Similar tests have raised concerns, Zehnder said.

“I
 believe partly in response to these concerns raised, the FDA announced 
that they are going to start evaluating this class of test,” he said. 
“There just is not enough information at the moment to say anything 
definitive” about the UCP product.

Kansas wants to start antibody testing soon, too, health secretary Norman said this week.

In
 a followup email, the agency said it would use a platform with minimal 
risk for confusion of various viruses, and combine that with other steps
 to verify results.

The University of Kansas is researching 
COVID-19 antibodies in clinical trials. It believes widespread antibody 
testing could ultimately prove vital to the battle to control COVID-19, 
ease social distancing measures and return to life as normal.

“We 
think there will be an absolute need,” said Dana Hawkinson, a professor 
and medical director of infection control at KU Health System. “But at 
this point in time, there hasn’t been really good validated tests that 
we can use to determine that.”

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a>
 or email her at celia@kcur.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587149517051.png" alt="Kansas Health Secretary Lee Norman displays a swab used for COVID-19 testing. A small hospital in central Kansas has deployed blood tests that state health officials say can produce false positives among people with common colds. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Health Secretary Lee Norman displays a swab used for COVID-19 testing. A small hospital in central Kansas has deployed blood tests that state health officials say can produce false positives among people with common colds. Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A 25-bed hospital is selling blood 
tests it says will tell people if they have COVID-19 immunity, but 
public health officials say that's not what the tests do.</h2>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-17/a-small-kansas-hospital-bought-its-own-coronavirus-tests-but-state-officials-say-it-only-detects-colds">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE — Herington Municipal Hospital got fed up 
with long waits for lab results that would tell its patients with 
respiratory symptoms whether they have the novel coronavirus.So 
when a sales representative called the 25-bed hospital in rural central 
Kansas offering tests that produce results in less than half an hour, 
Herington ordered 500.“We answered the phone on the right day,” CEO Isabel Schmedemann said in an interview this week. “I wish we had ordered more.”One hundred people in her community have already come in for the test.“They want answers,” she said. “They want to know. And they’re scared.”Amid
 a pandemic that has hospitalized hundreds of Kansans and killed more 
than 80, supply shortages have slowed typical COVID-19 nose swab tests 
and health providers have scrambled to find solutions.But public 
health officials around the world worry that desperation to access 
testing could open the way for unproven products that give patients a 
false sense of safety — putting them in greater danger.Herington Hospital’s rollout of new blood-based tests triggered swift action from state and local health officials.On
 its website, the hospital advertises the technology as approved by the 
state. “It tells you if you have immunity,” the hospital claims.Wrong
 on both counts, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says. 
Attempts to convince the hospital of the test’s problems over the phone 
weren’t successful, the agency says.State health secretary Lee 
Norman said he would alert other hospitals and labs around the state to 
concerns about the tests. He warned the public in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/videos/214325436538782/" target="_blank">a press conference</a>
 viewed by tens of thousands of people on Facebook that many antibody 
tests — meant to show a patient’s exposure to a virus — don’t 
necessarily tell people what they want to know.People who test 
positive with the Herington tests aren’t being counted toward the 
state’s COVID-19 tally. The state has about 1,500 known cases, including
 one in Dickinson County.“You could get a positive if you had nothing other than a common cold,” county public health director John Hultgren said.Dickinson County began calling Herington’s patients to inform them directly.“I’m livid about this,” Schmedemann said. “We’re serious about providing quality health care.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587149611485.png" alt="From the website of Herington Municipal Hospital. It says: "Our clinic is now offering onsite Kansas Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 testing that generates results in just 20 minutes. Think you’ve had COVID-19? We also offer a 20 minute antibody test that not only tells you if you are positive or negative, it tells you if you have immunity. This COVID-19 test has an overall sensitivity ≥ 89.2%, the overall specificity is 100% and the overall accuracy is ≥ 96%."" />
 <figcaption>From the website of Herington Municipal Hospital. It says: "Our clinic is now offering onsite Kansas Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 testing that generates results in just 20 minutes. Think you’ve had COVID-19? We also offer a 20 minute antibody test that not only tells you if you are positive or negative, it tells you if you have immunity. This COVID-19 test has an overall sensitivity ≥ 89.2%, the overall specificity is 100% and the overall accuracy is ≥ 96%."</figcaption>
 </figure>But KDHE points to the test manufacturer’s <a href="https://ucpbiosciences.com/product/covid-19/" target="_blank">own fine print</a>, which says a positive result could mean patients have or have had any of four coronaviruses that cause the common cold. Consequently, the results can’t confirm that a person has or had COVID-19, or that they are now immune.Herington
 Hospital also advertises the product on its website as 100% specific to
 the virus that causes COVID-19. Manufacturer UCP Biosciences gave the 
hospital pamphlets bearing that claim, though clarifying that its 
calculations are based on about 100 samples. The company didn’t return a
 call to its California office.The disclaimer about cold viruses doesn’t worry Shmedemann.“The test is specific to COVID-19, but as with any test, this is part of the disclaimer,” she wrote in a follow-up email.The
 kits, like most COVID-19 antibody tests on the market, aren’t approved 
by the Food and Drug Administration and haven’t received an expedited, 
emergency approval from the agency. Yet selling them is legal and 
Herington has continued to offer the product.People with and 
without symptoms are eager for testing. The kits Herington bought seek 
to check whether someone has COVID-19 antibodies in their blood.The
 goal of antibody testing is to check whether someone has been exposed 
to a specific virus and whether that could shield them from it in the 
future. (Antibodies wouldn’t yet be present for some people with current
 infections.)Herington says on its website that the UCP test “not
 only tells you if you are positive or negative, it tells you if you 
have immunity.”Scientists and public health experts say it’s not 
that simple. In addition to the risk that antibodies from the common 
cold could trigger a positive result, researchers don’t yet know how 
effective COVID-19 antibodies will be for staving off future infections.They’re scrambling to figure that out.“It’s
 an attractive hypothesis,” said Jim Zehnder, a professor of pathology 
and medicine at Stanford University, “but it hasn't been rigorously 
proven yet.”Stanford has developed its own test for the antibodies that result from COVID-19.But it hasn’t evaluated UCP’s test, and couldn’t speak to its quality. Similar tests have raised concerns, Zehnder said.“I
 believe partly in response to these concerns raised, the FDA announced 
that they are going to start evaluating this class of test,” he said. 
“There just is not enough information at the moment to say anything 
definitive” about the UCP product.Kansas wants to start antibody testing soon, too, health secretary Norman said this week.In
 a followup email, the agency said it would use a platform with minimal 
risk for confusion of various viruses, and combine that with other steps
 to verify results.The University of Kansas is researching 
COVID-19 antibodies in clinical trials. It believes widespread antibody 
testing could ultimately prove vital to the battle to control COVID-19, 
ease social distancing measures and return to life as normal.“We 
think there will be an absolute need,” said Dana Hawkinson, a professor 
and medical director of infection control at KU Health System. “But at 
this point in time, there hasn’t been really good validated tests that 
we can use to determine that.”Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a>
 or email her at celia@kcur.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

Rural Kan. hospital's virus test may only show you've had a cold

Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) offers specimen collection for COVID-19. 

What is the difference between specimen collection versus actual testing for COVID-19? Specimen collection is what local hospitals, like BBGH, are doing. Single nasopharyngeal swabs are used to collect the specimen from the patient. Testing for COVID-19 is where an approved laboratory runs the swab specimen to determine whether the patient is positive or negative for COVID-19. 

Once clinicians receive approval from the local health department, personnel at BBGH work with the patient to schedule a specimen collection at BBGH. All swab specimens are sent by courier daily to the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory in Omaha for testing. Currently all testing in Nebraska is being done in eastern Nebraska through public and commercial labs. Results for tests are returned between 24 and 72 hours to the local health department and BBGH. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 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. Decisions for Box Butte County residents about testing are at the discretion of Panhandle Public Health District in partner with local individual clinicians. 

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

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

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

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

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.pdf

By Box Butte General HospitalBox Butte General Hospital (BBGH) offers specimen collection for COVID-19. What is the difference between specimen collection versus actual testing for COVID-19? Specimen collection is what local hospitals, like BBGH, are doing. Single nasopharyngeal swabs are used to collect the specimen from the patient. Testing for COVID-19 is where an approved laboratory runs the swab specimen to determine whether the patient is positive or negative for COVID-19. Once clinicians receive approval from the local health department, personnel at BBGH work with the patient to schedule a specimen collection at BBGH. All swab specimens are sent by courier daily to the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory in Omaha for testing. Currently all testing in Nebraska is being done in eastern Nebraska through public and commercial labs. Results for tests are returned between 24 and 72 hours to the local health department and BBGH. Should you be tested or seek care?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 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. Decisions for Box Butte County residents about testing are at the discretion of Panhandle Public Health District in partner with local individual clinicians. If any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 develop, get medical attention immediately:Trouble breathingPersistent pain or pressure in the chestNew confusion or inability to arouseBlush lips or face*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are sever or concerning to you.Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Notify the operator that you may have COVID-19. If available, put a cloth face covering or mask on before medical help arrives.Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services in Alliance is open to answer your questions about COVID-19 and available for all your healthcare needs. Both face to face and telehealth visits are offered. Call the clinic at (308) 762- 7244 to schedule an appointment. &nbsp;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.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/priority-testing-patients.pdf

BBGH plays an important role in COVID-19 diagnosis

Lenexa, Kan.,- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating its coronavirus website to include new resources for state, local, and tribal agencies and intergovernmental associations. These resources will help EPA and its partners continue to provide the environmental protection the nation depends on without interruption during the coronavirus public health emergency.

“EPA is doing all we can to support our state, local, and tribal partners as we work together to address this public health emergency in our communities,”said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.“The resourceswe are providing on this new webpage will help us coordinate our efforts, provide flexibilities when necessary, and effectively navigate through any challenges that may arise.”

<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZ3WKHmsoJNcLZFX2PpSjMyF1UJGNPczaoICRsmMLXoUHD82PCCfaVLXbA3mVULhQGg3QaJCBC7ihyb715dx7-2Brt30OcPVHP6em-2BiE-2F3xWYVruSqWzDDIfnN35Ppsm-2FGK0KVq9e8Qio1-2B-2F1heF82wzM-3DKSsg_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXoglQgnksxXwt5k3THgUt7CtQXPz-2BLaXf9Yq7QA9mzKkddY8NylttR42sF-2F0aNf1LTiFQLPrAwbH-2F3NzAWAPr-2FEzvcj2Khb5TuEEvrrhp-2BPG1BPNguQdMgTYV-2Ff2M1v3xFxcXc6HydKkhyWqy2bHMLTadckFWjSaUdyiQ8j14cZg5WnBxx70LsvwWSElz0jnPg3uE5drJb8EDXlJ1-2BYGhZU9JrPxZ-2B2vyxT7LVmE0hAlT2BWEHrVGcXYQJ1IIG6QE4-3D">EPA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for State, Local, and Tribal Agencies and Associations</a>&nbsp;contains important information on grants, enforcement and compliance programs, water infrastructure, and a host of other issues important to effective environmental program delivery. The web page will be updated regularly with new information.

During the response to the coronavirus crisis, EPA, states, tribes, and communities have encountered and resolved together many challenges requiring creativity and flexibility. EPA headquarters and the regional offices haveparticipated in many virtual meetings with state and tribal environmental leaders to work through time-sensitive issues and the agency continues to maintain open lines of communication with all of our co-regulators. 

EPA is also continuing to update resources on its website and add to the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUUj-2BMTyyMmYVvgX5f-2Fea6ZBAQ7nF3hwdrvvPEjxTQF5ildDx5hi909GuFhmkpbNaD0axtC1XbMOnnpaK8f12MJOm7595ZAyEYNSViAXHMpc24Oe5_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXoglQgnksxXwt5k3THgUt7CtQXPz-2BLaXf9Yq7QA9mzKkddY8NylttR42sF-2F0aNf1LTiFQLPrAwbH-2F3NzAWAPr-2FEzvcj2Khb5TuEEvrrhp-2BPGw-2BU8jOGgGwIjuyhoIXmzKUHe-2BcYFtFQqKi-2BPnmKSlv-2BqI5y4AKVsucBaD1IKwYaiGljrUPIAT-2FmpsQcnTH0hEK7fGDDGKDWm1UQz0rzu48FFQsSJzvBp6yMFLO7D-2Bog-2Fv0SwopwUkSnfZnX1LF0mcw-3D">list of surface disinfectant products</a>&nbsp;that are effective against SARS-CoV-2. To contact EPA about any Coronavirus (COVID-19) issue, you may do so here:&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZ3WKHmsoJNcLZFX2PpSjMz5mC6B1ftlbVx8lh0pHh6S9BpE-2Fb7UEvssLpZEFYzjrcslLEF7uJTH9BZd8YQi8xmtEJyKJGtenms7CibOqpYHbxw0_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXoglQgnksxXwt5k3THgUt7CtQXPz-2BLaXf9Yq7QA9mzKkddY8NylttR42sF-2F0aNf1LTiFQLPrAwbH-2F3NzAWAPr-2FEzvcj2Khb5TuEEvrrhp-2BPG4al4P9BY-2Fu73ICyE-2BlXQd1DcWLOaBS4iepe7-2BjRyqNzHc27Rupum9j7oHXU7Gamfj2gcKqLTv71N4in75KUkyPPcVqCSxVLSpYimRZVhQAEPpsXG6vYbazMLV-2BbCHPYy-2Bmr1FfPTaHJRPhuhogR8xA-3D">https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/forms/contact-us-about-coronavirus-covid-19.</a>

Lenexa, Kan.,- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating its coronavirus website to include new resources for state, local, and tribal agencies and intergovernmental associations. These resources will help EPA and its partners continue to provide the environmental protection the nation depends on without interruption during the coronavirus public health emergency.“EPA is doing all we can to support our state, local, and tribal partners as we work together to address this public health emergency in our communities,”said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.“The resourceswe are providing on this new webpage will help us coordinate our efforts, provide flexibilities when necessary, and effectively navigate through any challenges that may arise.”<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZ3WKHmsoJNcLZFX2PpSjMyF1UJGNPczaoICRsmMLXoUHD82PCCfaVLXbA3mVULhQGg3QaJCBC7ihyb715dx7-2Brt30OcPVHP6em-2BiE-2F3xWYVruSqWzDDIfnN35Ppsm-2FGK0KVq9e8Qio1-2B-2F1heF82wzM-3DKSsg_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXoglQgnksxXwt5k3THgUt7CtQXPz-2BLaXf9Yq7QA9mzKkddY8NylttR42sF-2F0aNf1LTiFQLPrAwbH-2F3NzAWAPr-2FEzvcj2Khb5TuEEvrrhp-2BPG1BPNguQdMgTYV-2Ff2M1v3xFxcXc6HydKkhyWqy2bHMLTadckFWjSaUdyiQ8j14cZg5WnBxx70LsvwWSElz0jnPg3uE5drJb8EDXlJ1-2BYGhZU9JrPxZ-2B2vyxT7LVmE0hAlT2BWEHrVGcXYQJ1IIG6QE4-3D">EPA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for State, Local, and Tribal Agencies and Associations</a>&nbsp;contains important information on grants, enforcement and compliance programs, water infrastructure, and a host of other issues important to effective environmental program delivery. The web page will be updated regularly with new information.During the response to the coronavirus crisis, EPA, states, tribes, and communities have encountered and resolved together many challenges requiring creativity and flexibility. EPA headquarters and the regional offices haveparticipated in many virtual meetings with state and tribal environmental leaders to work through time-sensitive issues and the agency continues to maintain open lines of communication with all of our co-regulators. EPA is also continuing to update resources on its website and add to the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUUj-2BMTyyMmYVvgX5f-2Fea6ZBAQ7nF3hwdrvvPEjxTQF5ildDx5hi909GuFhmkpbNaD0axtC1XbMOnnpaK8f12MJOm7595ZAyEYNSViAXHMpc24Oe5_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXoglQgnksxXwt5k3THgUt7CtQXPz-2BLaXf9Yq7QA9mzKkddY8NylttR42sF-2F0aNf1LTiFQLPrAwbH-2F3NzAWAPr-2FEzvcj2Khb5TuEEvrrhp-2BPGw-2BU8jOGgGwIjuyhoIXmzKUHe-2BcYFtFQqKi-2BPnmKSlv-2BqI5y4AKVsucBaD1IKwYaiGljrUPIAT-2FmpsQcnTH0hEK7fGDDGKDWm1UQz0rzu48FFQsSJzvBp6yMFLO7D-2Bog-2Fv0SwopwUkSnfZnX1LF0mcw-3D">list of surface disinfectant products</a>&nbsp;that are effective against SARS-CoV-2. To contact EPA about any Coronavirus (COVID-19) issue, you may do so here:&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZ3WKHmsoJNcLZFX2PpSjMz5mC6B1ftlbVx8lh0pHh6S9BpE-2Fb7UEvssLpZEFYzjrcslLEF7uJTH9BZd8YQi8xmtEJyKJGtenms7CibOqpYHbxw0_c-2BOB8316sDaZ5paYyyKRh-2FC4v8rm7BY6VL-2BnXb9ELzfCH7RplZyesblRqEoV-2Bhl8gs3OqGN5ixhpEpkkGSL5ld1LMNq5S3W-2Bns4e9nr-2BFXoglQgnksxXwt5k3THgUt7CtQXPz-2BLaXf9Yq7QA9mzKkddY8NylttR42sF-2F0aNf1LTiFQLPrAwbH-2F3NzAWAPr-2FEzvcj2Khb5TuEEvrrhp-2BPG4al4P9BY-2Fu73ICyE-2BlXQd1DcWLOaBS4iepe7-2BjRyqNzHc27Rupum9j7oHXU7Gamfj2gcKqLTv71N4in75KUkyPPcVqCSxVLSpYimRZVhQAEPpsXG6vYbazMLV-2BbCHPYy-2Bmr1FfPTaHJRPhuhogR8xA-3D">https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/forms/contact-us-about-coronavirus-covid-19.</a>

EPA announces COVID-19 resources for State, Local, Tribal Governments

McCook, Neb.-Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) announced today that a person from SWNPHD’s health district has tested positive for COVID-19.

SWNPHD is working with healthcare providers and DHHS to identify additional people who came into close contact with this person, a male in his 30s from Red Willow County. These people will be self-quarantined and actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms.&nbsp;

SWNPHD wants to reassure the public that steps are being taken to protect community members and healthcare workers and to decrease the spread of the illness.

The person testing positive is a male in their thirties in Red Willow County. They are currently self-isolating at home.

The best way to reduce the risk of becoming infected with a respiratory virus, such as COVID-19 or influenza, is to practice good hygiene:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching facial areas, such as eyes, nose and mouth.

• Cover coughs and sneezes using a tissue and throw it away immediately after; wash hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces like handles, counters, and cellphones.

• Self-isolate - Stay at home and limit contact with other members of your household. Most individuals&nbsp;who become ill will have mild to moderate symptoms that can be treated at home with pain and fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol). It is the most helpful to remain at home and avoid spreading the virus to others.

• Household members who live with someone who is suspected to have COVI -19 should self-quarantine, which means staying at home and not having visitors. Limit time spent within 6 feet of the sick person to ten minutes or less and disinfect surfaces frequently.

McCook, Neb.-Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) announced today that a person from SWNPHD’s health district has tested positive for COVID-19.SWNPHD is working with healthcare providers and DHHS to identify additional people who came into close contact with this person, a male in his 30s from Red Willow County. These people will be self-quarantined and actively monitored twice daily by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms.&nbsp;SWNPHD wants to reassure the public that steps are being taken to protect community members and healthcare workers and to decrease the spread of the illness.The person testing positive is a male in their thirties in Red Willow County. They are currently self-isolating at home.The best way to reduce the risk of becoming infected with a respiratory virus, such as COVID-19 or influenza, is to practice good hygiene:• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.• Avoid touching facial areas, such as eyes, nose and mouth.• Cover coughs and sneezes using a tissue and throw it away immediately after; wash hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth.• Clean frequently touched surfaces like handles, counters, and cellphones.What to do if you think you are sick:• Self-isolate - Stay at home and limit contact with other members of your household. Most individuals&nbsp;who become ill will have mild to moderate symptoms that can be treated at home with pain and fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol). It is the most helpful to remain at home and avoid spreading the virus to others.• Household members who live with someone who is suspected to have COVI -19 should self-quarantine, which means staying at home and not having visitors. Limit time spent within 6 feet of the sick person to ten minutes or less and disinfect surfaces frequently.

Coronavirus Update