BENTONVILLE, Ark.&nbsp;— Walmart is launching a Pickup hour for people most at-risk for COVID-19. Each day at select pickup store locations, the hour from 7 to 8 a.m. will be reserved for customers over the age of 60, as well as first responders, customers with disabilities and anyone designated high-risk by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.

This is the latest step Walmart has taken in its COVID-19 response efforts to better support customers who are more vulnerable to the virus. Pickup associates are also following enhanced distancing and sanitation procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The point of pickup is also contact-free. Customers simply open their trunk, and associates load their groceries in – no need to sign for the order.

“Now more than ever, families are relying on our pickup service to help get quality, fresh groceries to their homes as safely as possible,” Tom Ward, senior vice president, Customer Product said. “These are extraordinary times, and we are constantly looking for ways we can help deliver that same peace of mind to all our customers, particularly those who are most at-risk.”

Customers will see a new prompt on&nbsp;<a href="https://grocery.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Walmart.com/grocery</a>&nbsp;that displays the qualifications for selecting the slot listed as ‘At Risk Only’ and allows those who are eligible to opt in. While this time has been reserved for these groups, all other pickup times are open for their use as well. Customers can begin filling their baskets through the website or through the Walmart app, which is an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appannie.com/en/apps/ios/app/998754894/" target="_blank">increasingly popular</a>&nbsp;option for families to shop for their household needs. To determine if Grocery Pickup is available in your area, check&nbsp;<a href="https://grocery.walmart.com/locations/pickup" target="_blank">this location map</a>. A detailed guide to how to place an order for curbside pickup can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz2d2sQUnao" target="_blank">here</a>.

While Walmart associates are working as quickly as possible to restock high-demand products like paper goods, milk and cleaning supplies, the retailer has set purchase limits on certain items available through Grocery Pickup, similar to what customers see in stores. You can find&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/answering-your-questions" target="_blank">additional information here</a>.

For more information on the steps Walmart is taking to help protect its customers and associates,&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/here-for-you" target="_blank">click here</a>.

About WalmartWalmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 265 million customers and members visit approximately 11,500 stores under 56 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2020 revenue of $524 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://corporate.walmart.com/" target="_blank">corporate.walmart.com</a>, on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="http://facebook.com/walmart" target="_blank">facebook.com/walmart</a>&nbsp;and on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/walmart" target="_blank">twitter.com/walmart</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586952547553.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BENTONVILLE, Ark.&nbsp;— Walmart is launching a Pickup hour for people most at-risk for COVID-19. Each day at select pickup store locations, the hour from 7 to 8 a.m. will be reserved for customers over the age of 60, as well as first responders, customers with disabilities and anyone designated high-risk by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>.This is the latest step Walmart has taken in its COVID-19 response efforts to better support customers who are more vulnerable to the virus. Pickup associates are also following enhanced distancing and sanitation procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The point of pickup is also contact-free. Customers simply open their trunk, and associates load their groceries in – no need to sign for the order.“Now more than ever, families are relying on our pickup service to help get quality, fresh groceries to their homes as safely as possible,” Tom Ward, senior vice president, Customer Product said. “These are extraordinary times, and we are constantly looking for ways we can help deliver that same peace of mind to all our customers, particularly those who are most at-risk.”Customers will see a new prompt on&nbsp;<a href="https://grocery.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Walmart.com/grocery</a>&nbsp;that displays the qualifications for selecting the slot listed as ‘At Risk Only’ and allows those who are eligible to opt in. While this time has been reserved for these groups, all other pickup times are open for their use as well. Customers can begin filling their baskets through the website or through the Walmart app, which is an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appannie.com/en/apps/ios/app/998754894/" target="_blank">increasingly popular</a>&nbsp;option for families to shop for their household needs. To determine if Grocery Pickup is available in your area, check&nbsp;<a href="https://grocery.walmart.com/locations/pickup" target="_blank">this location map</a>. A detailed guide to how to place an order for curbside pickup can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz2d2sQUnao" target="_blank">here</a>.While Walmart associates are working as quickly as possible to restock high-demand products like paper goods, milk and cleaning supplies, the retailer has set purchase limits on certain items available through Grocery Pickup, similar to what customers see in stores. You can find&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/answering-your-questions" target="_blank">additional information here</a>.For more information on the steps Walmart is taking to help protect its customers and associates,&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.walmart.com/here-for-you" target="_blank">click here</a>.About WalmartWalmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 265 million customers and members visit approximately 11,500 stores under 56 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2020 revenue of $524 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://corporate.walmart.com/" target="_blank">corporate.walmart.com</a>, on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="http://facebook.com/walmart" target="_blank">facebook.com/walmart</a>&nbsp;and on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/walmart" target="_blank">twitter.com/walmart</a>.

Walmart reserves daily pickup hour for those most at-risk

By Patricia Jones, Task Force on Povery

Many businesses in our area are being devastated by the closures and social distancing requirements mandated by our government during the COVID-19 epidemic. These pieces of legislation, passed in the last month by Congress, are designed to assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations through difficult economic times.&nbsp;

Most of this information was obtained from the website of the Open Sky Policy Institute, a non-partisan organization that provides sound data, research, and analysis to Nebraska’s fiscal debate. Their website describes the following pieces of legislation passed to help during this crisis and links for more information and application forms:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.openskypolicy.org/" target="_blank">www.openskypolicy.org</a>. Look under Publications, then Policy Briefs; or use the search box.

The CARES Act, Corornavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, provides grants, loans, and tax credits designed to assist nonprofit organizations, churches, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, cooperatives, independent contractors, and tribal businesses. There are several parts.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will allow small businesses to borrow money to cover monthly payroll costs for up to two and a half months at an interest rate of 1%. The loans may be forgiven (not have to pay back) if the borrower keeps or rehires staff and maintains their pay levels through June 30. Up to 25% of the amount borrowed may be used for rent, utilities, or interest on mortgages. Apply at your local financial institution.

Employee Retention Tax Credits are available to employers who are not receiving PPP loans. Their business must be fully or partially suspended due to a governmental order related to COVID-19, or have a reduction of at least 50% in gross receipts compared to the same quarter of 2019. This tax credit covers up to 50% of wages paid during the COVID-19 crisis.

Emergency Economic Injury Grants provide $10,000 to small businesses and nonprofits harmed by COVID-19. These do not need to be repaid. Fill out an application for an EIDL, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, at the Small Business Administration; if qualified, you receive money in three days. More can be borrowed:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sba.gov/" target="_blank">www.sba.gov</a>.

The Small Business Debt Relief Program will cover principal, interest, and fee payments on current, non-disaster SBA loans for six months, and new loans taken out in the next six months.

Congress also passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March. This allows employers to get tax credits or refunds if they expand paid sick leave and family medical leave for their employees. If you have COVID symptoms, are quarantined, or have to take off work to care for children since schools and many day care centers closed, you have paid leave. The business must have fewer than 500 employees. 

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has allocated Community Development Block Grant funds for businesses that provide essential services or for businesses eligible under the Nebraska Advantage Act. This list includes grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware/home improvement stores; and manufacturers, targeted exporters, and businesses involved in scientific testing or research and development. The city or county must apply on behalf of the business, and grants are not available to Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, or Grand Island. The funds are designed to help retain jobs held by low- or moderate-income persons.

With the economic assistance being offered by the government during these uncertain times, perhaps we can prevent many of the job losses that could&nbsp;&nbsp;devastate our area.

By Patricia Jones, Task Force on PoveryMany businesses in our area are being devastated by the closures and social distancing requirements mandated by our government during the COVID-19 epidemic. These pieces of legislation, passed in the last month by Congress, are designed to assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations through difficult economic times.&nbsp;Most of this information was obtained from the website of the Open Sky Policy Institute, a non-partisan organization that provides sound data, research, and analysis to Nebraska’s fiscal debate. Their website describes the following pieces of legislation passed to help during this crisis and links for more information and application forms:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.openskypolicy.org/" target="_blank">www.openskypolicy.org</a>. Look under Publications, then Policy Briefs; or use the search box.The CARES Act, Corornavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, provides grants, loans, and tax credits designed to assist nonprofit organizations, churches, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, cooperatives, independent contractors, and tribal businesses. There are several parts.The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will allow small businesses to borrow money to cover monthly payroll costs for up to two and a half months at an interest rate of 1%. The loans may be forgiven (not have to pay back) if the borrower keeps or rehires staff and maintains their pay levels through June 30. Up to 25% of the amount borrowed may be used for rent, utilities, or interest on mortgages. Apply at your local financial institution.Employee Retention Tax Credits are available to employers who are not receiving PPP loans. Their business must be fully or partially suspended due to a governmental order related to COVID-19, or have a reduction of at least 50% in gross receipts compared to the same quarter of 2019. This tax credit covers up to 50% of wages paid during the COVID-19 crisis.Emergency Economic Injury Grants provide $10,000 to small businesses and nonprofits harmed by COVID-19. These do not need to be repaid. Fill out an application for an EIDL, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, at the Small Business Administration; if qualified, you receive money in three days. More can be borrowed:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sba.gov/" target="_blank">www.sba.gov</a>.The Small Business Debt Relief Program will cover principal, interest, and fee payments on current, non-disaster SBA loans for six months, and new loans taken out in the next six months.Congress also passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in March. This allows employers to get tax credits or refunds if they expand paid sick leave and family medical leave for their employees. If you have COVID symptoms, are quarantined, or have to take off work to care for children since schools and many day care centers closed, you have paid leave. The business must have fewer than 500 employees. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has allocated Community Development Block Grant funds for businesses that provide essential services or for businesses eligible under the Nebraska Advantage Act. This list includes grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware/home improvement stores; and manufacturers, targeted exporters, and businesses involved in scientific testing or research and development. The city or county must apply on behalf of the business, and grants are not available to Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, or Grand Island. The funds are designed to help retain jobs held by low- or moderate-income persons.With the economic assistance being offered by the government during these uncertain times, perhaps we can prevent many of the job losses that could&nbsp;&nbsp;devastate our area.

Poverty in Our Area: Helping small businesses during COVID-19

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he was cutting off U.S. payments to the World Health Organization during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, accusing the organization of failing to do enough to stop the virus from spreading when it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/68a9e1b91de4ffc166acd6012d82c2f9">first surfaced in China</a>.

Trump, who had telegraphed his intentions last week, claimed the outbreak could have been contained at its source and that lives could have been saved had the U.N. health agency done a better job investigating the early reports coming out of China.

“The WHO failed in its basic duty and must be held accountable,” Trump said at a Tuesday briefing. He said the U.S. would be reviewing the WHO’s actions to stop the virus before making any decision on resuming aid.

There was no immediate comment from the Geneva-based organization on Trump’s announcement. But when asked about possible U.S. funding cuts during a regular U.N. briefing earlier Tuesday, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris responded, “Regardless of any issues, our work will go on.”

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres responded to Trump’s announcement by saying now is not the time to end support for the World Health Organization, calling the WHO “absolutely critical” to the global effort to combat COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Guterres said that it is possible that different entities read the facts differently but that the appropriate time for a review is “once we have finally turned the page on this pandemic.”

“But now is not that time,” he said, adding that it also is not the time to reduce resources for operations at the WHO or any other humanitarian group that is working to combat the virus.

The United States contributed nearly $900 million to the WHO’s budget for 2018-19, according to information on the agency’s website. That represents one-fifth of its total $4.4 billion budget for those years. The U.S. gave nearly three-fourths of the funds in “specified voluntary contributions” and the rest in “assessed” funding as part of Washington’s commitment to U.N. institutions.

A more detailed WHO budget document provided by the U.S. mission in Geneva showed that in 2019, the United States provided $452 million, including nearly $119 million in assessed funding. In its most recent budget proposal from February, the Trump administration called for slashing the U.S. assessed funding contribution to the WHO to $57.9 million.

More than 125,000 deaths worldwide, including more than 25,000 in the U.S., have been blamed on the coronavirus,&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">according to Johns Hopkins University</a>.

Last week, Trump blasted the WHO for being “China-centric” and alleging that it had “criticized” his ban on travel from China as the COVID-19 outbreak was spreading from the city of Wuhan.

The WHO generally takes care not to criticize countries on their national policies, and it was not immediately clear what specific criticism Trump was alluding to.

Trump himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/be2b37d1a6c43aa662cf4469fb50b753">showed deference to China</a>&nbsp;at the beginning stages of the outbreak.

“China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus,” he tweeted Jan. 24. “The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”

Asked Tuesday about the appropriateness of seeking to cut the WHO’s funding in the middle of a worldwide viral outbreak, Trump said the review would last 60 to 90 days.

“This is an evaluation period, but in the meantime, we’re putting a hold on all funds going to World Health,” Trump said. He said the U.S. will continue to engage with the WHO in pursuit of “meaningful reforms.”

Trump has also complained that other countries give substantially less than the U.S., singling out China.

The American Medical Association immediately called on Trump to reconsider his decision.

“During the worst public health crisis in a century, halting funding to the World Health Organization is a dangerous step in the wrong direction that will not make defeating COVID-19 easier,” AMA President Patrice A. Harris said in a statement.

Harris said international cooperation is needed to fight the virus, along with science and data.

“Cutting funding to the WHO, rather than focusing on solutions, is a dangerous move at a precarious moment for the world,” she said.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. But it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death for some people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems. The vast majority of people recover.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586903005302.png" alt="President Trump made the announcement during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing from the White House Rose Garden" />
 <figcaption>President Trump made the announcement during Tuesday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing from the White House Rose Garden</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he was cutting off U.S. payments to the World Health Organization during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>, accusing the organization of failing to do enough to stop the virus from spreading when it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/68a9e1b91de4ffc166acd6012d82c2f9">first surfaced in China</a>.Trump, who had telegraphed his intentions last week, claimed the outbreak could have been contained at its source and that lives could have been saved had the U.N. health agency done a better job investigating the early reports coming out of China.“The WHO failed in its basic duty and must be held accountable,” Trump said at a Tuesday briefing. He said the U.S. would be reviewing the WHO’s actions to stop the virus before making any decision on resuming aid.There was no immediate comment from the Geneva-based organization on Trump’s announcement. But when asked about possible U.S. funding cuts during a regular U.N. briefing earlier Tuesday, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris responded, “Regardless of any issues, our work will go on.”U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres responded to Trump’s announcement by saying now is not the time to end support for the World Health Organization, calling the WHO “absolutely critical” to the global effort to combat COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.Guterres said that it is possible that different entities read the facts differently but that the appropriate time for a review is “once we have finally turned the page on this pandemic.”“But now is not that time,” he said, adding that it also is not the time to reduce resources for operations at the WHO or any other humanitarian group that is working to combat the virus.The United States contributed nearly $900 million to the WHO’s budget for 2018-19, according to information on the agency’s website. That represents one-fifth of its total $4.4 billion budget for those years. The U.S. gave nearly three-fourths of the funds in “specified voluntary contributions” and the rest in “assessed” funding as part of Washington’s commitment to U.N. institutions.A more detailed WHO budget document provided by the U.S. mission in Geneva showed that in 2019, the United States provided $452 million, including nearly $119 million in assessed funding. In its most recent budget proposal from February, the Trump administration called for slashing the U.S. assessed funding contribution to the WHO to $57.9 million.More than 125,000 deaths worldwide, including more than 25,000 in the U.S., have been blamed on the coronavirus,&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html" target="_blank">according to Johns Hopkins University</a>.Last week, Trump blasted the WHO for being “China-centric” and alleging that it had “criticized” his ban on travel from China as the COVID-19 outbreak was spreading from the city of Wuhan.The WHO generally takes care not to criticize countries on their national policies, and it was not immediately clear what specific criticism Trump was alluding to.Trump himself&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/be2b37d1a6c43aa662cf4469fb50b753">showed deference to China</a>&nbsp;at the beginning stages of the outbreak.“China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus,” he tweeted Jan. 24. “The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”Asked Tuesday about the appropriateness of seeking to cut the WHO’s funding in the middle of a worldwide viral outbreak, Trump said the review would last 60 to 90 days.“This is an evaluation period, but in the meantime, we’re putting a hold on all funds going to World Health,” Trump said. He said the U.S. will continue to engage with the WHO in pursuit of “meaningful reforms.”Trump has also complained that other countries give substantially less than the U.S., singling out China.The American Medical Association immediately called on Trump to reconsider his decision.“During the worst public health crisis in a century, halting funding to the World Health Organization is a dangerous step in the wrong direction that will not make defeating COVID-19 easier,” AMA President Patrice A. Harris said in a statement.Harris said international cooperation is needed to fight the virus, along with science and data.“Cutting funding to the WHO, rather than focusing on solutions, is a dangerous move at a precarious moment for the world,” she said.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. But it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death for some people, especially older adults and people with existing health problems. The vast majority of people recover.___

Trump ends US aid to WHO, says not enough done to stop virus

Unified Command confirms the first positive for COVID-19 in Morril County, one new case in Cheyenne County, and two new cases in Scotts Bluff County. 

The Morrill County case is a female in her 70s. &nbsp;The Cheyenne County case is a male in his 60s. The two new positives in Scotts Bluff County are both female, one in her 40s and the other in her teens. &nbsp;The initial investigations have begun, and more details will be released when they are complete. &nbsp;

Testing Results March 2-April 14, 2020

Total Tests Conducted in the Panhandle: 553

One has recovered and is out of isolation

Six have recovered and are out of isolation

Three 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.

The full list of community exposure locations can be found on the PPHD website http://www.pphd.org/potential_community_exposure_sites.html.

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 the first positive for COVID-19 in Morril County, one new case in Cheyenne County, and two new cases in Scotts Bluff County. The Morrill County case is a female in her 70s. &nbsp;The Cheyenne County case is a male in his 60s. The two new positives in Scotts Bluff County are both female, one in her 40s and the other in her teens. &nbsp;The initial investigations have begun, and more details will be released when they are complete. &nbsp; Testing Results March 2-April 14, 2020Total Tests Conducted in the Panhandle: 553Positive: 32Box Butte County: 1 caseCheyenne County: 3 casesOne has recovered and is out of isolationKimball County: 10 casesSix have recovered and are out of isolationMorrill County: 1 caseScotts Bluff County: 17 casesThree 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.The full list of community exposure locations can be found on the PPHD website http://www.pphd.org/potential_community_exposure_sites.html.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.

1st positive for COVID-19 in Morrill Co., new cases in Scotts Bluff/Cheyenne Co.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraskans who order takeout during the coronavirus pandemic may soon be able to get a side of bread, milk and toilet paper from their local restaurant.

 Gov. Pete Ricketts says he is relaxing state rules that govern what local eateries can sell to give them more flexibility as they struggle with sharp declines in business.

 The move would allow restaurants to sell food and other goods not labeled for retail sale, including eggs, butter, cereal, produce and disinfectants. 

The Nebraska Restaurant Association predicts that 6% of the state’s restaurants will close permanently because of the pandemic.

 Executive Director Zoe Olson says temporarily loosening the regulations could help some survive.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraskans who order takeout during the coronavirus pandemic may soon be able to get a side of bread, milk and toilet paper from their local restaurant. Gov. Pete Ricketts says he is relaxing state rules that govern what local eateries can sell to give them more flexibility as they struggle with sharp declines in business. The move would allow restaurants to sell food and other goods not labeled for retail sale, including eggs, butter, cereal, produce and disinfectants. The Nebraska Restaurant Association predicts that 6% of the state’s restaurants will close permanently because of the pandemic. Executive Director Zoe Olson says temporarily loosening the regulations could help some survive.

Nebraska to let restaurants sell bread, milk, toilet paper

Unified Command confirms one positive for COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County from the recent National Guard testing conducted this past weekend. The case is a male in his teens and is a close contact of a previously positive case. His close contacts have been notified and quarantined. 

In this continually evolving situation, we have updated guidance that exposure is defined as at least 10 minutes, less than six feet apart. With this updated information, there are no more additional community exposure locations to report or list on our website. 

The remaining 98 tests conducted through the National Guard were negative.

“Scotts Bluff County healthcare workers, Emergency Medical Services (EMS, fire department, and law enforcement that were showing symptoms or have had exposure were prioritized for testing because they are important for community safety,” said Paulette Schnell, Director of Scotts Bluff County Health Department. “Confirming even one case out of a large testing pool is critical to decreasing risk and potential spread.”

She added, “Testing offers a point-in-time snapshot, even though a person tested negative today, they are not protected from COVID-19 exposure tomorrow. Extra precautions remain critical right now.” &nbsp;

Testing Results March 2-April 14, 2020

One case has recovered and is out of isolation

By PPHDUnified Command confirms one positive for COVID-19 in Scotts Bluff County from the recent National Guard testing conducted this past weekend. The case is a male in his teens and is a close contact of a previously positive case. His close contacts have been notified and quarantined. In this continually evolving situation, we have updated guidance that exposure is defined as at least 10 minutes, less than six feet apart. With this updated information, there are no more additional community exposure locations to report or list on our website. The remaining 98 tests conducted through the National Guard were negative.“Scotts Bluff County healthcare workers, Emergency Medical Services (EMS, fire department, and law enforcement that were showing symptoms or have had exposure were prioritized for testing because they are important for community safety,” said Paulette Schnell, Director of Scotts Bluff County Health Department. “Confirming even one case out of a large testing pool is critical to decreasing risk and potential spread.”She added, “Testing offers a point-in-time snapshot, even though a person tested negative today, they are not protected from COVID-19 exposure tomorrow. Extra precautions remain critical right now.” &nbsp;Testing Results March 2-April 14, 2020Total Tests Conducted in the Panhandle: 553Positive: 28Box Butte County: 1 caseCheyenne County: 2 casesOne case has recovered and is out of isolationKimball County: 10 CasesSix have recovered and are out of isolationScotts Bluff County: 15 CasesThree 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.

1 positive COVID-19 case from recent National Guard testing, remaining 98 samples were negative

Unified Command confirmed a second positive for COVID-19 in Cheyenne County on Saturday, April 11. The case was a female in her 60s and she has been isolating in her home since April 3. 

The investigation for the case in Cheyenne County confirmed on April 11 is complete. &nbsp;Close contacts have been quarantined and are being actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. &nbsp;Contacts that are currently showing symptoms are being tested. 

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is releasing updated numbers daily at 5pm MT/6 pm CT. Due to the timing of when information is released, sometimes numbers may not completely match with the numbers being issued by Panhandle Unified Command. 

Additionally, a person may actually reside in another state, but still show a Nebraska address. Those numbers will show up in Nebraska until the correction is made by the state. Unified Command communicates this information without providing privacy details only for the safety of Panhandle residents.

An example of this happened on Sunday in Cheyenne County when the number jumped from two to three. Upon review, it was determined the person was not tested in the Panhandle and has not been in the Panhandle for almost a year. This case was removed from the statewide map.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585876570095.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By PPHDUnified Command confirmed a second positive for COVID-19 in Cheyenne County on Saturday, April 11. The case was a female in her 60s and she has been isolating in her home since April 3. The investigation for the case in Cheyenne County confirmed on April 11 is complete. &nbsp;Close contacts have been quarantined and are being actively monitored twice daily for fever and respiratory symptoms by public health officials. &nbsp;Contacts that are currently showing symptoms are being tested. In this continually evolving situation, we have updated guidance that exposure is defined as at least 10 minutes, less than six feet apart. With this updated information, there are no more additional community exposure locations to report or list on our website. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is releasing updated numbers daily at 5pm MT/6 pm CT. Due to the timing of when information is released, sometimes numbers may not completely match with the numbers being issued by Panhandle Unified Command. Additionally, a person may actually reside in another state, but still show a Nebraska address. Those numbers will show up in Nebraska until the correction is made by the state. Unified Command communicates this information without providing privacy details only for the safety of Panhandle residents.An example of this happened on Sunday in Cheyenne County when the number jumped from two to three. Upon review, it was determined the person was not tested in the Panhandle and has not been in the Panhandle for almost a year. This case was removed from the statewide map.All 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.The full list of community exposure locations can be found on the PPHD website http://www.pphd.org/potential_community_exposure_sites.html.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.

Investigation details released on Cheyenne Co. case announced this past weekend

WASHINGTON (AP) — The $2.2 trillion federal rescue package could fail to deliver badly needed financial aid to thousands of smaller cities and counties where a majority of Americans live, according to documents and interviews with local officials.

The coronavirus outbreak has blown holes in the budgets of communities as the costs of battling the outbreak skyrocket and critical sources of revenue like sales and income taxes plummet.

The Coronavirus Relief Fund uses a formula based on population to parcel out tens of billions of dollars to the states while allowing local governments with more than 500,000 residents to apply directly to the Treasury Department for cash infusions. But localities below the half-million population threshold are in limbo.

Among those affected: New Rochelle,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>, one of the cities hardest hit by the outbreak.

“I cannot understand the logic,” said Noam Bramson, the Democratic mayor of about 80,000 people. “Cities with fewer than 500,000 people have been just as heavily impacted as those with more than 500,000 people. It strikes me as a completely arbitrary cutoff.”

Amid the uncertainty, lawmakers and advocacy groups that include the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors have been urging Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to ensure the relief fund money is fairly distributed. Guidelines for how the relief fund will operate are slated to be issued by the Treasury Department this week. The department announced Monday it had launched a web portal through which eligible parties could register to receive the money.

“Because of the lack of specificity in the legislation itself, it really is up for interpretation,” said Irma Esparza Diggs, director of federal advocacy for the National League of Cities. “Everybody’s just kind of holding their breath until Treasury comes out with their guidance."

Of the nearly 3,100 counties in the United States, 130 have populations of more than 500,000, according to the National Association of Counties. There are 36 cities over the half-million mark, the National League of Cities told President Donald Trump in a letter last week. More than half the country’s population lives in cities, towns and villages of fewer than 50,000 people, the letter noted.

Cities including Miami and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;City,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>, are under the cutoff, according to the most recent Census Bureau figures available.

“Depending on who you believe, we’re either at 470,000 or 510,000,” said Miami’s Republican mayor, Francis Suarez. “We’re projected to lose about $20 million a month while our economy has ground to a halt. The state of&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;is slated to get $8.3 billion, but we’re not sure if we’re going to get any of it.”

Every state will receive at least $1.25 billion in relief fund money. The state government gets the biggest share of the total — New York, for example, is projected to receive $7.5 billion, according to estimates prepared by the nonprofit Tax Foundation. The state gets $5.2 billion of that amount, and local governments that have more than 500,000 residents are eligible for the rest in direct payments.

The Treasury Department guidelines may permit below-the-threshold counties and cities to appeal directly to the governor for a portion of the state’s relief find allotment, according to Matt Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties. But that may heighten the potential for political alliances to be formed in the quest for money or behind-the-scenes lobbying campaigns to get a piece of the state’s share.

“Each local government would have to go hat in hand to the governor and say, ’Can we have part of your allocation?'" said Chase, who added, “We don’t need a lot of politics right now.”

The population threshold was included as a tradeoff as lawmakers scrambled to put the relief package together, according to a letter 16 Republican senators sent to Mnuchin last week. Getting the relief dollars delivered quickly was essential, they said, and “requiring Treasury to process applications and calculate payment calculations for every local government in the United States would have created a bureaucratic morass that would have held up the distribution of these critical funds.”

The senators expressed concern over comments Mnuchin made during a recent briefing for lawmakers on the status of the rescue package. The Treasury secretary suggested the department would interpret the law narrowly and “issue guidance that unintentionally creates obstacles to states supporting their front line,” the senators said.

That’s at odds with Trump’s own promises that the federal government would be there to backstop local and state officials, said Bryan K. Barnett, the Republican mayor of Rochester Hills,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/michigan">Michigan</a>, and the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

“The word from their lips to our ears is that this whole effort would be locally executed and federally supported,” Barnett said.

There are 16 states that have no counties, cities or other municipalities with populations above 500,000, including&nbsp;Wyoming,&nbsp;Alaska&nbsp;and&nbsp;Montana. Without a mechanism that allows or requires states to share coronavirus relief money, there’s no clear way to prevent them from keeping the entire pot to help make up their own budget shortfalls.

New York state has a deficit of more than $10 billion from fighting the coronavirus, and the $5.2 billion it’s to receive from the relief fund could help close that gap.

Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties, said those budgetary pressures made it unlikely local governments under the population threshold will get any of the state’s money.

“The states will exert jurisdiction over that money,

and the thousands of local governments who will have needs, it will be very difficult to get that money,” Acquario said.

Cameron Diehl, executive director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/utah">Utah</a>&nbsp;League of Cities and Towns, said the state legislature is expected to meet in a special virtual session this week and on its agenda is the creation of a legal framework to accept $1.25 billion from the relief fund. “There are a lot of questions about the logistics, and it’s hard to plan around this much uncertainty,” Diehl said.

In&nbsp;Ohio, an income tax is one of the primary ways that government is financed.

“If nobody is working, we’re not going to have any money,” said Dayton, Ohio, Mayor Nan Whaley.

“I just can’t explain to you the level of frustration of mayors who are working so hard for their communities and see that it could all go away because there’s no help coming,” the Democrat added. “It’s just so painful for all of us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586818253618.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin&nbsp; and President Trump answer questions during Monday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing." />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin&nbsp; and President Trump answer questions during Monday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The $2.2 trillion federal rescue package could fail to deliver badly needed financial aid to thousands of smaller cities and counties where a majority of Americans live, according to documents and interviews with local officials.The coronavirus outbreak has blown holes in the budgets of communities as the costs of battling the outbreak skyrocket and critical sources of revenue like sales and income taxes plummet.The Coronavirus Relief Fund uses a formula based on population to parcel out tens of billions of dollars to the states while allowing local governments with more than 500,000 residents to apply directly to the Treasury Department for cash infusions. But localities below the half-million population threshold are in limbo.Among those affected: New Rochelle,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>, one of the cities hardest hit by the outbreak.“I cannot understand the logic,” said Noam Bramson, the Democratic mayor of about 80,000 people. “Cities with fewer than 500,000 people have been just as heavily impacted as those with more than 500,000 people. It strikes me as a completely arbitrary cutoff.”Amid the uncertainty, lawmakers and advocacy groups that include the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors have been urging Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to ensure the relief fund money is fairly distributed. Guidelines for how the relief fund will operate are slated to be issued by the Treasury Department this week. The department announced Monday it had launched a web portal through which eligible parties could register to receive the money.“Because of the lack of specificity in the legislation itself, it really is up for interpretation,” said Irma Esparza Diggs, director of federal advocacy for the National League of Cities. “Everybody’s just kind of holding their breath until Treasury comes out with their guidance."Of the nearly 3,100 counties in the United States, 130 have populations of more than 500,000, according to the National Association of Counties. There are 36 cities over the half-million mark, the National League of Cities told President Donald Trump in a letter last week. More than half the country’s population lives in cities, towns and villages of fewer than 50,000 people, the letter noted.Cities including Miami and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;City,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>, are under the cutoff, according to the most recent Census Bureau figures available.“Depending on who you believe, we’re either at 470,000 or 510,000,” said Miami’s Republican mayor, Francis Suarez. “We’re projected to lose about $20 million a month while our economy has ground to a halt. The state of&nbsp;Florida&nbsp;is slated to get $8.3 billion, but we’re not sure if we’re going to get any of it.”Every state will receive at least $1.25 billion in relief fund money. The state government gets the biggest share of the total — New York, for example, is projected to receive $7.5 billion, according to estimates prepared by the nonprofit Tax Foundation. The state gets $5.2 billion of that amount, and local governments that have more than 500,000 residents are eligible for the rest in direct payments.The Treasury Department guidelines may permit below-the-threshold counties and cities to appeal directly to the governor for a portion of the state’s relief find allotment, according to Matt Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties. But that may heighten the potential for political alliances to be formed in the quest for money or behind-the-scenes lobbying campaigns to get a piece of the state’s share.“Each local government would have to go hat in hand to the governor and say, ’Can we have part of your allocation?'" said Chase, who added, “We don’t need a lot of politics right now.”The population threshold was included as a tradeoff as lawmakers scrambled to put the relief package together, according to a letter 16 Republican senators sent to Mnuchin last week. Getting the relief dollars delivered quickly was essential, they said, and “requiring Treasury to process applications and calculate payment calculations for every local government in the United States would have created a bureaucratic morass that would have held up the distribution of these critical funds.”The senators expressed concern over comments Mnuchin made during a recent briefing for lawmakers on the status of the rescue package. The Treasury secretary suggested the department would interpret the law narrowly and “issue guidance that unintentionally creates obstacles to states supporting their front line,” the senators said.That’s at odds with Trump’s own promises that the federal government would be there to backstop local and state officials, said Bryan K. Barnett, the Republican mayor of Rochester Hills,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/michigan">Michigan</a>, and the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.“The word from their lips to our ears is that this whole effort would be locally executed and federally supported,” Barnett said.There are 16 states that have no counties, cities or other municipalities with populations above 500,000, including&nbsp;Wyoming,&nbsp;Alaska&nbsp;and&nbsp;Montana. Without a mechanism that allows or requires states to share coronavirus relief money, there’s no clear way to prevent them from keeping the entire pot to help make up their own budget shortfalls.New York state has a deficit of more than $10 billion from fighting the coronavirus, and the $5.2 billion it’s to receive from the relief fund could help close that gap.Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties, said those budgetary pressures made it unlikely local governments under the population threshold will get any of the state’s money.“The states will exert jurisdiction over that money,and the thousands of local governments who will have needs, it will be very difficult to get that money,” Acquario said.Cameron Diehl, executive director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/utah">Utah</a>&nbsp;League of Cities and Towns, said the state legislature is expected to meet in a special virtual session this week and on its agenda is the creation of a legal framework to accept $1.25 billion from the relief fund. “There are a lot of questions about the logistics, and it’s hard to plan around this much uncertainty,” Diehl said.In&nbsp;Ohio, an income tax is one of the primary ways that government is financed.“If nobody is working, we’re not going to have any money,” said Dayton, Ohio, Mayor Nan Whaley.“I just can’t explain to you the level of frustration of mayors who are working so hard for their communities and see that it could all go away because there’s no help coming,” the Democrat added. “It’s just so painful for all of us.”

Cities, counties fear losing out on US virus rescue funding

SCOTTSBLUFF― Regional West, along with many other hospitals and health systems across the country, has experienced a temporary decline in patient volumes with procedures, testing, and clinic visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Regional&nbsp;West is beginning to identify staff that will be furloughed on a temporary basis beginning April 19, but their core benefits will continue to be available. 

Regional West is also making other temporary pay reductions throughout the health system to include&nbsp;the executive and leadership teams as well as providers during this period.

The temporary furlough is not a reduction in force or layoffs. At this time there is not a hiring freeze, therefore Regional West will continue to hire some essential positions.

“We deeply appreciate our staff’s dedication, resolve, and sacrifices for our community through this unprecedented time. Leadership across Regional West meets daily to continuously evaluate and update response tactics, operational plans, and&nbsp;to develop innovative strategies to provide healthcare services,” said John Mentgen, President and CEO of Regional West Health Services.

“Regional West believes these actions, along with the support from recently passed federal and state legislation, will help diminish the financial impact to our staff and health system,” he said.

<a href="http://www.rwhs.org/">Regional West Health Services</a>&nbsp;in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the&nbsp;state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 in-network providers, and 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive&nbsp;and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

SCOTTSBLUFF― Regional West, along with many other hospitals and health systems across the country, has experienced a temporary decline in patient volumes with procedures, testing, and clinic visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional&nbsp;West is beginning to identify staff that will be furloughed on a temporary basis beginning April 19, but their core benefits will continue to be available. Regional West is also making other temporary pay reductions throughout the health system to include&nbsp;the executive and leadership teams as well as providers during this period.The temporary furlough is not a reduction in force or layoffs. At this time there is not a hiring freeze, therefore Regional West will continue to hire some essential positions.“We deeply appreciate our staff’s dedication, resolve, and sacrifices for our community through this unprecedented time. Leadership across Regional West meets daily to continuously evaluate and update response tactics, operational plans, and&nbsp;to develop innovative strategies to provide healthcare services,” said John Mentgen, President and CEO of Regional West Health Services.“Regional West believes these actions, along with the support from recently passed federal and state legislation, will help diminish the financial impact to our staff and health system,” he said.<a href="http://www.rwhs.org/">Regional West Health Services</a>&nbsp;in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the&nbsp;state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 in-network providers, and 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive&nbsp;and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Regional West announces 30-day initiatives, temporary furloughs

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $64,602,994 in airport aid to 71 airports in Nebraska to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This historic grant funding is part of the Trump Administration’s newly created&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L2FpcnBvcnRzL2NhcmVzX2FjdC8ifQ.UONalmTamT8VwXhq9JGCXc7kNe2E_iGP2-zqD6aG-5A/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program</a>, an effort to provide unprecedented and immediate relief to American families, workers, and businesses.&nbsp;

“This $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments.

“Thank you to the dedicated men and women from the FAA’s Office of Airports for creating an entirely new program in record time to assist airport sponsors in desperate need of these funds,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.&nbsp;

View a list of Nebraska airports receiving funding on an&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZhYS5nb3YvYWlycG9ydHMvY2FyZXNfYWN0L21hcC8ifQ.5rJOc88GwFLAd9AgZphMisuIsOBo0kL4H39J_WxfWIE/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">interactive map</a>, along with funding for all U.S. airports on FAA’s website.

The FAA encourages airport sponsors to spend the grant funds immediately to help minimize any adverse impact from the current public health emergency. Airport sponsors should work with their local&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L2FpcnBvcnRzLyJ9.DIVDSKFdlrs6C2TWmY6WIg6SaRFGUl1PfqfS65hdIUs/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">FAA Office of Airports</a>&nbsp;field office on the application and grant-agreement process.

The CARES Act also provides funds to increase the Federal share to 100 percent for grants awarded under the fiscal year 2020 appropriations for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Supplemental Discretionary grants. Under normal circumstances, AIP grant recipients contribute a matching percentage of the project costs. Providing this additional funding and eliminating the local share will allow critical safety and capacity projects to continue as planned regardless of airport sponsors’ current financial circumstances.

The FAA will use a streamlined application and grant-agreement process to make this funding immediately available for critical airport needs. The funds will be available as soon as the airport sponsor executes a grant agreement.

The CARES Act provides new funds distributed by various formulas for all airports that are part of the national airport system. This includes all commercial service airports, all reliever airports and some public-owned general aviation airports.

There is additional program information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L2FpcnBvcnRzL2NhcmVzX2FjdC8ifQ.N6HdbFBVhXjDsYvw65MjVjnzM6gmG49Vqte1uQZwwlo/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">CARES Act</a>&nbsp;website and a listing of&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZhYS5nb3YvYWlycG9ydHMvY2FyZXNfYWN0L21lZGlhL0NBUkVTLUFjdC1haXJwb3J0LWdyYW50LWFtb3VudHMucGRmIn0.84h1AtWiMf_YFLqw_NZSEEWHwQAAXeG4ro4hgYG36ks/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">CARES Act grants</a>. The FAA issued the following guidance documents:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L25ld3MvbWVkaWEvYXR0YWNobWVudHMvVVBEQVRFRCUyMEluZm9ybWF0aW9uJTIwZm9yJTIwQWlycG9ydCUyMFNwb25zb3JzJTIwQ29uc2lkZXJpbmclMjBDT1ZJRC0xOSUyMFJlc3RyaWN0aW9ucyUyMG9yJTIwQWNjb21tb2RhdGlvbnMucGRmIn0.poEsApOk30S6VFqPjoIgQgwz_K0zVlhyKqtAk4KWmDQ/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">Information for Airport Sponsors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L25ld3MvbWVkaWEvYXR0YWNobWVudHMvQ0FSRVMlMjBBY3QlMjBBaXJwb3J0JTIwR3JhbnRzJTIwJUUyJTgwJTkzJTIwRnJlcXVlbnRseSUyMEFza2VkJTIwUXVlc3Rpb25zLnBkZiJ9.ul7WmaznVHHi1Ya_9qPD0gsBdidJb1VHmI8fm1vthYA/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">CARES Act Program FAQs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1567349798460.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $64,602,994 in airport aid to 71 airports in Nebraska to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This historic grant funding is part of the Trump Administration’s newly created&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L2FpcnBvcnRzL2NhcmVzX2FjdC8ifQ.UONalmTamT8VwXhq9JGCXc7kNe2E_iGP2-zqD6aG-5A/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program</a>, an effort to provide unprecedented and immediate relief to American families, workers, and businesses.&nbsp;“This $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments.“Thank you to the dedicated men and women from the FAA’s Office of Airports for creating an entirely new program in record time to assist airport sponsors in desperate need of these funds,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.&nbsp;View a list of Nebraska airports receiving funding on an&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZhYS5nb3YvYWlycG9ydHMvY2FyZXNfYWN0L21hcC8ifQ.5rJOc88GwFLAd9AgZphMisuIsOBo0kL4H39J_WxfWIE/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">interactive map</a>, along with funding for all U.S. airports on FAA’s website.The FAA encourages airport sponsors to spend the grant funds immediately to help minimize any adverse impact from the current public health emergency. Airport sponsors should work with their local&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L2FpcnBvcnRzLyJ9.DIVDSKFdlrs6C2TWmY6WIg6SaRFGUl1PfqfS65hdIUs/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">FAA Office of Airports</a>&nbsp;field office on the application and grant-agreement process.The CARES Act also provides funds to increase the Federal share to 100 percent for grants awarded under the fiscal year 2020 appropriations for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Supplemental Discretionary grants. Under normal circumstances, AIP grant recipients contribute a matching percentage of the project costs. Providing this additional funding and eliminating the local share will allow critical safety and capacity projects to continue as planned regardless of airport sponsors’ current financial circumstances.The FAA will use a streamlined application and grant-agreement process to make this funding immediately available for critical airport needs. The funds will be available as soon as the airport sponsor executes a grant agreement.The CARES Act provides new funds distributed by various formulas for all airports that are part of the national airport system. This includes all commercial service airports, all reliever airports and some public-owned general aviation airports.There is additional program information on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L2FpcnBvcnRzL2NhcmVzX2FjdC8ifQ.N6HdbFBVhXjDsYvw65MjVjnzM6gmG49Vqte1uQZwwlo/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">CARES Act</a>&nbsp;website and a listing of&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZhYS5nb3YvYWlycG9ydHMvY2FyZXNfYWN0L21lZGlhL0NBUkVTLUFjdC1haXJwb3J0LWdyYW50LWFtb3VudHMucGRmIn0.84h1AtWiMf_YFLqw_NZSEEWHwQAAXeG4ro4hgYG36ks/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">CARES Act grants</a>. The FAA issued the following guidance documents:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L25ld3MvbWVkaWEvYXR0YWNobWVudHMvVVBEQVRFRCUyMEluZm9ybWF0aW9uJTIwZm9yJTIwQWlycG9ydCUyMFNwb25zb3JzJTIwQ29uc2lkZXJpbmclMjBDT1ZJRC0xOSUyMFJlc3RyaWN0aW9ucyUyMG9yJTIwQWNjb21tb2RhdGlvbnMucGRmIn0.poEsApOk30S6VFqPjoIgQgwz_K0zVlhyKqtAk4KWmDQ/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">Information for Airport Sponsors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMjk1NDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWEuZ292L25ld3MvbWVkaWEvYXR0YWNobWVudHMvQ0FSRVMlMjBBY3QlMjBBaXJwb3J0JTIwR3JhbnRzJTIwJUUyJTgwJTkzJTIwRnJlcXVlbnRseSUyMEFza2VkJTIwUXVlc3Rpb25zLnBkZiJ9.ul7WmaznVHHi1Ya_9qPD0gsBdidJb1VHmI8fm1vthYA/br/77385967025-l" target="_blank">CARES Act Program FAQs</a>.

FAA awards over $64M in airport aid to 71 Nebraska airports; NP Regional Airport to get $3,859,446

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem continues to resist calls for a stay-at-home order amid an outbreak in Sioux Falls. But she says South Dakota will run a comprehensive trial for the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to potentially treat and prevent COVID-19. 

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has requested the governor to issue a stay-at-home order for the city. 

Noem says she is evaluating the request, but says people are voluntarily following precautions. 

The Republican governor says the trial is a way to “go on offense” against the coronavirus. 

President Donald Trump has championed the drug, while some doctors say it may have severe side effects.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem continues to resist calls for a stay-at-home order amid an outbreak in Sioux Falls. But she says South Dakota will run a comprehensive trial for the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to potentially treat and prevent COVID-19. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has requested the governor to issue a stay-at-home order for the city. Noem says she is evaluating the request, but says people are voluntarily following precautions. The Republican governor says the trial is a way to “go on offense” against the coronavirus. President Donald Trump has championed the drug, while some doctors say it may have severe side effects.

Noem: No stay-at-home order in SD, state to test anti-malaria drug

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP Business Wire)-Cummins (NYSE: CMI) has reached an agreement with 3M (NYSE: MMM) to manufacture high-efficiency particulate filters for use in 3M's Powered Air Purifying Respirators, or PAPRs.

Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are an important piece of equipment for front-line healthcare workers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. PAPRs use a battery-powered blower that sends filtered air into a hood or head top that covers the wearer's head or face; and can provide increased levels of respiratory protection, especially for critical healthcare situations such as aerosol-generating procedures. PAPRs may also be more comfortable to wear for those who need respiratory protection for long periods of time.

The partnership has the potential to more than double the current production of filters for 3M's PAPRs. The additional filters are needed as 3M has ramped up the production of PAPRs to meet a surge in demand for personal protective equipment due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Cummins has been striving to find ways to help during the COVID-19 crisis," said Tom Linebarger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cummins. "Working with 3M, we discovered our technologies and manufacturing expertise could be relevant as we partner in new ways to help protect healthcare professionals."

Cummins will use existing manpower and equipment at its Neillsville, Wisconsin facility to pleat the media, assemble it into cartridge housings and do final testing before shipping the filters to Valley, Nebraska, where 3M's PAPRs are manufactured. Production of the filters at Cummins' Neillsville location is expected to begin by the end of April.

"3M continues to work around the clock to get personal protective equipment, including PAPRs, to the heroic healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight," said Mike Roman, 3M Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. "Our partnership with Cummins will help us produce more of this critical equipment in the coming months."

Cummins' Filtration business designs, manufactures and sells air, fuel, hydraulic and lube filtration, as well as chemical technology products for diesel and gas-powered equipment around the world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586878904190.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP Business Wire)-Cummins (NYSE: CMI) has reached an agreement with 3M (NYSE: MMM) to manufacture high-efficiency particulate filters for use in 3M's Powered Air Purifying Respirators, or PAPRs.Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are an important piece of equipment for front-line healthcare workers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. PAPRs use a battery-powered blower that sends filtered air into a hood or head top that covers the wearer's head or face; and can provide increased levels of respiratory protection, especially for critical healthcare situations such as aerosol-generating procedures. PAPRs may also be more comfortable to wear for those who need respiratory protection for long periods of time.The partnership has the potential to more than double the current production of filters for 3M's PAPRs. The additional filters are needed as 3M has ramped up the production of PAPRs to meet a surge in demand for personal protective equipment due to the COVID-19 outbreak."Cummins has been striving to find ways to help during the COVID-19 crisis," said Tom Linebarger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cummins. "Working with 3M, we discovered our technologies and manufacturing expertise could be relevant as we partner in new ways to help protect healthcare professionals."Cummins will use existing manpower and equipment at its Neillsville, Wisconsin facility to pleat the media, assemble it into cartridge housings and do final testing before shipping the filters to Valley, Nebraska, where 3M's PAPRs are manufactured. Production of the filters at Cummins' Neillsville location is expected to begin by the end of April."3M continues to work around the clock to get personal protective equipment, including PAPRs, to the heroic healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight," said Mike Roman, 3M Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. "Our partnership with Cummins will help us produce more of this critical equipment in the coming months."Cummins' Filtration business designs, manufactures and sells air, fuel, hydraulic and lube filtration, as well as chemical technology products for diesel and gas-powered equipment around the world.

Cummins and 3M partner to respond to COVID-19 pandemic

DENVER (AP) — A Colorado girl with a rare form of epilepsy whose recovery inspired the name of a medical marijuana oil that drew families to the state has died. 

Charlotte Figi died Tuesday April 7 at the age of 13. 

Her mother says she died after being hospitalized and treated as a likely coronavirus patient. 

Paige Figi said her daughter suffered a seizure Tuesday that resulted in cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. 

She tested negative for the coronavirus on her first hospital stay but was still treated as a likely COVID-19 case when she returned after the seizure because her whole family had been sick for a month with suspected coronavirus symptoms.&nbsp;

DENVER (AP) — A Colorado girl with a rare form of epilepsy whose recovery inspired the name of a medical marijuana oil that drew families to the state has died. Charlotte Figi died Tuesday April 7 at the age of 13. Her mother says she died after being hospitalized and treated as a likely coronavirus patient. Paige Figi said her daughter suffered a seizure Tuesday that resulted in cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. She tested negative for the coronavirus on her first hospital stay but was still treated as a likely COVID-19 case when she returned after the seizure because her whole family had been sick for a month with suspected coronavirus symptoms.&nbsp;

Girl who inspired Charlotte's Web marijuana oil dies

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Ten workers at a central Nebraska beef processing plant have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

 The South Heartland District Health Department reported the cases at Western Reserve Beef in Hastings. 

The department says it's working closely with Western Reserve management to complete the contact investigations, provide recommendations for employee safety, and provide additional testing for their workforce. 

Hastings is just south of Grand Island, a coronavirus hot spot in Nebraska. 

On Monday, Lincoln Premium Poultry announced its first COVID-19 case at its Fremont chicken plant. 

The plant supplies Costco with millions of rotisserie chickens and employs 1,100 people.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Ten workers at a central Nebraska beef processing plant have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus. The South Heartland District Health Department reported the cases at Western Reserve Beef in Hastings. The department says it's working closely with Western Reserve management to complete the contact investigations, provide recommendations for employee safety, and provide additional testing for their workforce. Hastings is just south of Grand Island, a coronavirus hot spot in Nebraska. On Monday, Lincoln Premium Poultry announced its first COVID-19 case at its Fremont chicken plant. The plant supplies Costco with millions of rotisserie chickens and employs 1,100 people.

10 central Nebraska beef plant workers diagnosed with virus

The Nebraska National Guard is in North Platte this morning with plans to test around 100 individuals.&nbsp;

Their main emphasis will be healthcare workers, Bailey Yard employees, and employees of the Walmart Distribution Center.

The Nebraska National Guard is in North Platte this morning with plans to test around 100 individuals.&nbsp;Their main emphasis will be healthcare workers, Bailey Yard employees, and employees of the Walmart Distribution Center.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwcdhd%2Fvideos%2F239864080466470%2F&show_text=0&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥National Guard conducting COVID-19 testing in North Platte

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Three Rivers Public Health Department (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRocmVlcml2ZXJzcHVibGljaGVhbHRoLm9yZy8ifQ.XIxZzepm8NYT0VbsSoVWsUedFOZndZDcnNVbAxSUfVo%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674790541&amp;sdata=C4hPH85QHqLuW3GVWRSXXwJTpUBASVkseUoEt%2FXjIUg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.threeriverspublichealth.org</a>)&nbsp;reported the first COVID-19 related death in Washington County Monday, that of a man in his 90s with underlying health conditions. That brings the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 18, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Today’s state case total, as of 6:30 pm Central Daylight Time, is 871. DHHS launched a new data dashboard that updates the state's COVID-19 case totals daily. You can find it at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.9yE313y7MVrMmuMpBjQe6BH5A6KZywFgklW_QZY6W2Q%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674790541&amp;sdata=CjXaGWh1cwZIT2Ju33DgrzRAy56G5M0L6VB504psvPo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.avsvsUa_RohPLCjH1jWvZFxxLsqZfcFnbgptxKGkQb8%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674800496&amp;sdata=2okuREU0UIYUfjyvuCo484EtN7Db49%2BxQUR9d%2BJwlg0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.

In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ09WSUQtMTktRGlyZWN0ZWQtSGVhbHRoLU1lYXN1cmVzLmFzcHgifQ.BklFbIlTrjgYSyeh438SCdjb_A-KFyywqgaQKNeO5z4%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674800496&amp;sdata=W6I9BfuFZ1xTVoXJYnVjhSMaBSnQccBqm5S2hEoD%2FUU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</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://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay9jbG90aC1mYWNlLWNvdmVyLWZhcS5odG1sIn0.H2YaobJsRRhkxxaZsp7MKUabKBbKR-rhtIanI6ZkXCM%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674810455&amp;sdata=LgtnrD0Wg9ezpVNspKMO2uLyg5ZaZeFXXJ8%2BoGzRWpY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html</a>.

Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social 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="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.FO0uK7qxAQ5INOnl9iv8VcdgNRmPj9EbEwdKfUUHau0%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674810455&amp;sdata=SIx01E6ABcCK8a8Q1ptX%2B8D%2Fjd5SOpwIljlwKYyGR2A%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.paTl3mVxtgb9eXSYHIWHsnUks54m8ar6AjxGXdPlgro%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674820407&amp;sdata=bcjfh2TNl9Mq%2FOXUhyxc5HJK0vv6suqrE46vICmClF0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 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://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.iXt6v_MtrcDoKgfidWjSf0XuuCbPwVPLtHHxNmP9XOU%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674820407&amp;sdata=IoqjzwQgnuhA%2Fe9b26zKsixui92OI8SNjLo%2FcMkauiI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Three Rivers Public Health Department (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnRocmVlcml2ZXJzcHVibGljaGVhbHRoLm9yZy8ifQ.XIxZzepm8NYT0VbsSoVWsUedFOZndZDcnNVbAxSUfVo%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674790541&amp;sdata=C4hPH85QHqLuW3GVWRSXXwJTpUBASVkseUoEt%2FXjIUg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.threeriverspublichealth.org</a>)&nbsp;reported the first COVID-19 related death in Washington County Monday, that of a man in his 90s with underlying health conditions. That brings the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 18, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).Today’s state case total, as of 6:30 pm Central Daylight Time, is 871. DHHS launched a new data dashboard that updates the state's COVID-19 case totals daily. You can find it at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.9yE313y7MVrMmuMpBjQe6BH5A6KZywFgklW_QZY6W2Q%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674790541&amp;sdata=CjXaGWh1cwZIT2Ju33DgrzRAy56G5M0L6VB504psvPo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.avsvsUa_RohPLCjH1jWvZFxxLsqZfcFnbgptxKGkQb8%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674800496&amp;sdata=2okuREU0UIYUfjyvuCo484EtN7Db49%2BxQUR9d%2BJwlg0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ09WSUQtMTktRGlyZWN0ZWQtSGVhbHRoLU1lYXN1cmVzLmFzcHgifQ.BklFbIlTrjgYSyeh438SCdjb_A-KFyywqgaQKNeO5z4%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674800496&amp;sdata=W6I9BfuFZ1xTVoXJYnVjhSMaBSnQccBqm5S2hEoD%2FUU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</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://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay9jbG90aC1mYWNlLWNvdmVyLWZhcS5odG1sIn0.H2YaobJsRRhkxxaZsp7MKUabKBbKR-rhtIanI6ZkXCM%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674810455&amp;sdata=LgtnrD0Wg9ezpVNspKMO2uLyg5ZaZeFXXJ8%2BoGzRWpY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html</a>.Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social 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="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.FO0uK7qxAQ5INOnl9iv8VcdgNRmPj9EbEwdKfUUHau0%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674810455&amp;sdata=SIx01E6ABcCK8a8Q1ptX%2B8D%2Fjd5SOpwIljlwKYyGR2A%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.paTl3mVxtgb9eXSYHIWHsnUks54m8ar6AjxGXdPlgro%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674820407&amp;sdata=bcjfh2TNl9Mq%2FOXUhyxc5HJK0vv6suqrE46vICmClF0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 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://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTQuMjAxMDE1ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.iXt6v_MtrcDoKgfidWjSf0XuuCbPwVPLtHHxNmP9XOU%2Fbr%2F77357968052-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C556e0ad6072649ed3eda08d7e01f9bf0%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637224298674820407&amp;sdata=IoqjzwQgnuhA%2Fe9b26zKsixui92OI8SNjLo%2FcMkauiI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

18th COVID-19 related death reported in Nebraska

Our COVID-19 crisis has been escalating quickly and with it, the 
potential collision with the First Amendment over issues involving 
religious liberty and the right of assembly.

Last month, we thought that stopping the spread of the virus was a 
matter of washing our hands thoroughly and avoiding touching our faces.

Now, we’re unable to assemble in groups and many of us are confined to our homes.

Three weeks ago, President Trump dreamed of packed churches on Easter Sunday. At the time, many medical experts found that overly optimistic (or as one put it, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/24/coronavirus-response-trump-wants-to-reopen-us-economy-by-easter.html" target="_blank">“not rooted in reality.”</a>) Now, with the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-us-maps-and-cases/" target="_blank">U.S. approaching 430,000 cases and the death toll nearing 15,000</a>, it seems like an impossibility. Or at least, it should.

But as recently as this past Saturday, President Trump was <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-discusses-opening-country-coronavirus-peaks-areas/story?id=69979743" target="_blank">floating the possibility</a>
 of making a special allowance for churches to have Easter services. 
He’s not the only politician to contemplate loosening the reins for the 
holidays. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster <a href="https://www.wistv.com/2020/04/07/south-carolinians-under-home-or-work-order-could-face-criminal-charges-disobeying/" target="_blank">recently issued a stay-at-home order</a>
 but still recommended that Easter services continue. Kansas, Michigan 
and New Mexico currently exempt worship services from their orders 
prohibiting gatherings in large groups.

The fact that some government officials think this is worth the risk 
reflects the push back we’ve seen from some religious leaders ever since
 state and local governments started prohibiting large gatherings and 
shutting down non-essential businesses, including churches, synagogues 
and other houses of worship. For example, Louisiana pastor Tony Spell has <a href="https://www.insider.com/pastor-tony-spell-charged-speaks-out-about-continuing-services-2020-4" target="_blank">continued to lead in-person services</a>, calling the closure of his Life Tabernacle Church religious persecution and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/24/us/louisiana-pastor-spell-coronavirus/index.html" target="_blank">questioning why</a>
 retailers were deemed essential but churches not. “We hold our 
religious rights dear and we are going to assemble no matter what 
someone says,” <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/news/490657-worshippers-gather-for-louisiana-church-service-after-pastor-charged" target="_blank">Spell said in an interview</a>.

But while Spell is framing the state’s order as a violation of his 
First Amendment rights, that’s not actually the case. Along with being 
rooted in the public’s best interest, it’s also important to note that 
the orders restricting the size of gatherings and shutting down 
non-essential businesses are, at this time, the least restrictive 
options available to protect public health. In short, this means they’re
 almost certainly constitutional — but granting an exemption to one of 
these orders for houses of worship may not be.

The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause requires that the 
government treat secular and religious organizations equally, without 
favoring one over the other. As Rachel Laser, president and chief executive officer of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, <a href="https://www.au.org/media/press-releases/religious-services-shouldnt-be-excluded-from-bans-against-large-gatherings-to" target="_blank">put it</a>,
 “[W]hen health experts and public officials determine that large 
gatherings must be cancelled for the public good, we must follow their 
lead and apply these guidelines to secular and religious gatherings 
equally. The Constitution not only permits it, but demands it. 
Such restrictions do not violate religious freedom; they ensure 
religious freedom is not misused in ways that risk people’s lives.”

This week I had the pleasure of moderating a (virtual) Freedom Forum panel on<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/event/you-mean-i-cant-what-religious-freedom-in-difficult-times/" target="_blank"> religious freedom in the time of COVID-19</a> and discussing these issues and more with legal experts Richard Foltin and Maggie Garrett, atheist thought leader Mandisa Thomas and seminary-trained religious liberty advocate Charles Watson Jr.
 One question from the audience that stood out to me was from an 
attendee who wondered if there was more to the conversation than just 
religious freedom versus public health. Did these two values have to be 
on opposing sides? Weren’t there things that religious communities could
 proactively do in service of public health — starting with asking their
 members to stay at home, of course, but going beyond that to encourage 
them to volunteer their time and monetary resources, donate blood and 
generally provide assistance to the most vulnerable members of our 
population? You can find the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfpbwKjKPNA" target="_blank">full webinar</a> on the Freedom Forum’s YouTube channel.

It was a reminder to me of the crucial charitable function that 
religious organizations have often served in crisis situations. As 
Baylor University professors Byron Johnson and Thomas Kidd <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/03/29/responding-to-covid-19-would-be-a-lot-harder-without-churches-and-christian-groups/?utm_source=link_newsv9&amp;utm_campaign=item_307619&amp;utm_medium=copy" target="_blank">point out</a>, “When
 it comes to confronting contemporary social turmoil, communities of 
faith have always played an important role in working toward solutions.”
 Many religious organizations are doing this right now. Leaders from the
 National Association of Evangelicals and Christianity Today <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/march-web-only/walter-kim-nae-timothy-dalrymple-cancel-church-or-not.html" target="_blank">published a joint statement </a>reminding
 people that “God cannot be consigned to a place.” They added: “It is 
one thing to risk your own life in order to worship together in person; 
it is quite another to risk the lives of countless others, when so many 
churches are finding creative and compelling ways to carry on in worship
 and community from a distance.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter 
Day Saints <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/live-blog/coronavirus-updates-live-u-s-slaps-travel-restrictions-most-europe-n1156266/ncrd1157411#blogHeader" target="_blank">suspended all services worldwide on March 12</a>
 (a lifetime ago in the COVID-19 timeline). Houses of worship have been 
providing crucial material and social support to those who suddenly find
 themselves in need of it. &nbsp;

As the pandemic continues, my hope is that these narratives become 
more common and stories of church leaders risking the lives of their 
congregants seem like a distant memory.

Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow. Contact her via email at <a href="mailto:lnott@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">lnott@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/latanott" target="_blank">@LataNott</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579206978168.png" alt="Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow." />
 <figcaption>Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow.</figcaption>
 </figure>Our COVID-19 crisis has been escalating quickly and with it, the 
potential collision with the First Amendment over issues involving 
religious liberty and the right of assembly.Last month, we thought that stopping the spread of the virus was a 
matter of washing our hands thoroughly and avoiding touching our faces.Now, we’re unable to assemble in groups and many of us are confined to our homes.Three weeks ago, President Trump dreamed of packed churches on Easter Sunday. At the time, many medical experts found that overly optimistic (or as one put it, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/24/coronavirus-response-trump-wants-to-reopen-us-economy-by-easter.html" target="_blank">“not rooted in reality.”</a>) Now, with the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/health/coronavirus-us-maps-and-cases/" target="_blank">U.S. approaching 430,000 cases and the death toll nearing 15,000</a>, it seems like an impossibility. Or at least, it should.But as recently as this past Saturday, President Trump was <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-discusses-opening-country-coronavirus-peaks-areas/story?id=69979743" target="_blank">floating the possibility</a>
 of making a special allowance for churches to have Easter services. 
He’s not the only politician to contemplate loosening the reins for the 
holidays. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster <a href="https://www.wistv.com/2020/04/07/south-carolinians-under-home-or-work-order-could-face-criminal-charges-disobeying/" target="_blank">recently issued a stay-at-home order</a>
 but still recommended that Easter services continue. Kansas, Michigan 
and New Mexico currently exempt worship services from their orders 
prohibiting gatherings in large groups.The fact that some government officials think this is worth the risk 
reflects the push back we’ve seen from some religious leaders ever since
 state and local governments started prohibiting large gatherings and 
shutting down non-essential businesses, including churches, synagogues 
and other houses of worship. For example, Louisiana pastor Tony Spell has <a href="https://www.insider.com/pastor-tony-spell-charged-speaks-out-about-continuing-services-2020-4" target="_blank">continued to lead in-person services</a>, calling the closure of his Life Tabernacle Church religious persecution and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/24/us/louisiana-pastor-spell-coronavirus/index.html" target="_blank">questioning why</a>
 retailers were deemed essential but churches not. “We hold our 
religious rights dear and we are going to assemble no matter what 
someone says,” <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/news/490657-worshippers-gather-for-louisiana-church-service-after-pastor-charged" target="_blank">Spell said in an interview</a>.But while Spell is framing the state’s order as a violation of his 
First Amendment rights, that’s not actually the case. Along with being 
rooted in the public’s best interest, it’s also important to note that 
the orders restricting the size of gatherings and shutting down 
non-essential businesses are, at this time, the least restrictive 
options available to protect public health. In short, this means they’re
 almost certainly constitutional — but granting an exemption to one of 
these orders for houses of worship may not be.The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause requires that the 
government treat secular and religious organizations equally, without 
favoring one over the other. As Rachel Laser, president and chief executive officer of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, <a href="https://www.au.org/media/press-releases/religious-services-shouldnt-be-excluded-from-bans-against-large-gatherings-to" target="_blank">put it</a>,
 “[W]hen health experts and public officials determine that large 
gatherings must be cancelled for the public good, we must follow their 
lead and apply these guidelines to secular and religious gatherings 
equally. The Constitution not only permits it, but demands it. 
Such restrictions do not violate religious freedom; they ensure 
religious freedom is not misused in ways that risk people’s lives.”This week I had the pleasure of moderating a (virtual) Freedom Forum panel on<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/event/you-mean-i-cant-what-religious-freedom-in-difficult-times/" target="_blank"> religious freedom in the time of COVID-19</a> and discussing these issues and more with legal experts Richard Foltin and Maggie Garrett, atheist thought leader Mandisa Thomas and seminary-trained religious liberty advocate Charles Watson Jr.
 One question from the audience that stood out to me was from an 
attendee who wondered if there was more to the conversation than just 
religious freedom versus public health. Did these two values have to be 
on opposing sides? Weren’t there things that religious communities could
 proactively do in service of public health — starting with asking their
 members to stay at home, of course, but going beyond that to encourage 
them to volunteer their time and monetary resources, donate blood and 
generally provide assistance to the most vulnerable members of our 
population? You can find the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfpbwKjKPNA" target="_blank">full webinar</a> on the Freedom Forum’s YouTube channel.It was a reminder to me of the crucial charitable function that 
religious organizations have often served in crisis situations. As 
Baylor University professors Byron Johnson and Thomas Kidd <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/03/29/responding-to-covid-19-would-be-a-lot-harder-without-churches-and-christian-groups/?utm_source=link_newsv9&amp;utm_campaign=item_307619&amp;utm_medium=copy" target="_blank">point out</a>, “When
 it comes to confronting contemporary social turmoil, communities of 
faith have always played an important role in working toward solutions.”
 Many religious organizations are doing this right now. Leaders from the
 National Association of Evangelicals and Christianity Today <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/march-web-only/walter-kim-nae-timothy-dalrymple-cancel-church-or-not.html" target="_blank">published a joint statement </a>reminding
 people that “God cannot be consigned to a place.” They added: “It is 
one thing to risk your own life in order to worship together in person; 
it is quite another to risk the lives of countless others, when so many 
churches are finding creative and compelling ways to carry on in worship
 and community from a distance.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter 
Day Saints <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/live-blog/coronavirus-updates-live-u-s-slaps-travel-restrictions-most-europe-n1156266/ncrd1157411#blogHeader" target="_blank">suspended all services worldwide on March 12</a>
 (a lifetime ago in the COVID-19 timeline). Houses of worship have been 
providing crucial material and social support to those who suddenly find
 themselves in need of it. &nbsp;As the pandemic continues, my hope is that these narratives become 
more common and stories of church leaders risking the lives of their 
congregants seem like a distant memory.Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow. Contact her via email at <a href="mailto:lnott@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">lnott@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/latanott" target="_blank">@LataNott</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Religious communities can play huge role — but not by gathering for services

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts is rejecting a call from two state lawmakers to resume normal school and business activities in Nebraska right away. 

He says doing so could lead to a surge in new cases that might overwhelm the state’s hospitals.

 Ricketts says he will stick with the state’s current plan, which includes statewide school closures and restrictions on businesses and social gatherings until at least April 30. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts is rejecting a call from two state lawmakers to resume normal school and business activities in Nebraska right away. He says doing so could lead to a surge in new cases that might overwhelm the state’s hospitals. Ricketts says he will stick with the state’s current plan, which includes statewide school closures and restrictions on businesses and social gatherings until at least April 30. His remarks at his daily coronavirus press briefing came in response to a question about a newspaper column by state Sens. Steve Halloran and Steve Erdman. Both are conservatives who normally agree with the Republican governor.

Coronavirus Update