WASHINGTON (AP) — Describing himself as a “wartime president” fighting an invisible enemy, President Donald Trump invoked rarely used emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. Trump also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0373a78b0aacc49d1f6bd8901c8ccc67">an aid package</a>&nbsp;— which the Senate approved earlier Wednesday — that will guarantee sick leave to workers who fall ill.

Trump tapped his authority under the 70-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/16bf293467703f6b4fceae5a7f272ab5">Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to give the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.

Yet he seemed to minimize the urgency of the decision, later tweeting that he “only signed the Defense Production Act to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a7c233f0b3bcdb72c06cca6271ba6713">the Chinese Virus</a>&nbsp;should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future.”

“Hopefully there will be no need,” he added, “but we are all in this TOGETHER!”

The mixed messaging came as Trump took a series of other extraordinary steps to steady the nation, its day-to-day life suddenly and fundamentally altered.

The Canada-U.S. border, the world’s longest,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47f7d6b0de23ad98a6742aa725b30435">was effectively closed</a>, save for commerce and essential travel, while the administration pushed its plan to send relief checks to millions of Americans.

Trump said he will expand the nation’s diagnostic testing capacity and deploy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/379cf72b9fe2c0774d873a57afe44a94">a Navy hospital ship</a>&nbsp;to New York City, which is rapidly becoming an epicenter of the pandemic, and another such ship to the West Coast. And the Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April to help the growing number of Americans who face losing jobs and missing rent and mortgage payments.

But as Trump laid out efforts to help the economy, markets plummeted. Gone were nearly all the gains that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had made since Trump took office.

The administration announcements came on a fast-moving day of developments across the capital, its empty streets standing in contrast to the whirlwind of activity inside the grand spaces of the White House and the Capitol.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a second coronavirus response bill, which Trump signed Wednesday night. The vote was a lopsided 90-8 despite worries by many Republicans about a temporary new employer mandate to provide sick leave to workers who get COVID-19. The measure is also aimed at making tests for the virus free.

Meanwhile the administration pushed forward its broad economic rescue plan, which proposes $500 billion in checks to millions of Americans, with the first checks to come April 6 if Congress approves.

The White House urged hospitals to cancel all elective surgeries to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by cases. The president was pressed on why a number of celebrities, like professional basketball players, seemed to have easier access to diagnostic tests than ordinary citizens.

“Perhaps that’s the story of life,” Trump said. “I’ve heard that happens on occasion.”

Trump dismissed a suggestion from his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, that the nation could face 20% unemployment at least in the short term.

That’s an “absolute total worst case scenario,” Trump said. “We’re no way near it.”

The government has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.”

“It’s a war,” he said. “I view it as a, in a sense, a wartime president. It’s a very tough situation.”

No longer able to run for reelection on a healthy economy, he was taking on the mantle of a wartime leader after played down the severity of the crisis for weeks.

The president also employed more nativist, us-vs-them rhetoric at the briefing, continuing his recent habit of referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” which has been sharply criticized as racist. “It’s not racist at all,” Trump said. “It comes from China, that’s all.”

He was asked about a report that a White House aide had referred to the virus as the “Kung flu” when talking to an Asian-American reporter and Trump did not signal disapproval of the offensive term.

Trump later met nursing leaders and expressed “gratitude for those on the front lines in our war against the global pandemic” as he held out hope that the pandemic would be over soon.

“It’s been something, but we’re winning and we will win,” he said. “It’s a question of when and I think it’s going to go quickly. We hope it’s going to go quickly.”

A limited number of people gathered around a large table, their chairs spread apart in a display of social distancing.

The Defense Production Act gives the president broad authority to shape the domestic industrial base so that it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis. The law allows the president to require businesses and corporations to give priority to and accept contracts for required materials and services.

The executive order issued by Trump gives Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar the authority to determine “the proper nationwide priorities and allocation of all health and medical resources, including controlling the distribution of such materials ... in the civilian market, for responding to the spread of COVID-19 within the United States.” It also applies to certain health services.

Azar released a statement Wednesday night, saying, “we are coordinating closely with private suppliers, healthcare purchasers, and our federal partners like the Commerce Department to ensure that resources are going where they’re needed.”

Trump also said he would soon invoke a rarely used federal statute that would enable the U.S. to tighten controls along the southwest border because of the new coronavirus, based on a recommendation of the U.S. surgeon general.

The president said the law, intended to halt the spread of communicable diseases, would give authorities “great latitude” to help control the outbreak. Earlier, U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the administration would invoke the law to immediately turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico and to refuse people the right to claim asylum there.

More than eight weeks after the first U.S. case of the virus was detected, the federal government is still struggling to conduct widescale testing for the virus. Compounding the problem, laboratories are reporting shortages of supplies needed to run the tests, which officials urged to be given to those most likely to have COVID-19.

Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the White House response, cautioned that there has been a backlog of swabs waiting in labs to be tested, and as that backlog clears “we will see the number of people diagnosed dramatically increased” in the next few days.

Asked about the administration’s mixed messages when it comes to the threat posed by the virus, Birx said new studies about how long the virus can be transmissible on hard surfaces helped prompt the administration’s tightening of recommendations on social distancing. “None of us really understood” that, she said. “We’re still working out how much is by human transmission and how much is it by surface.” She added, “Don’t exposure yourself to surfaces outside the home.”

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.

As it tries to get its message to the public, the White House said a series of ads, digital and on television, will feature the president and first lady Melania Trump urging Americans to follow the guidelines. Birx also renewed her call for younger people to follow federal guidelines and stop meeting in groups.

She said there have been “concerning reports” from France and Italy about young people becoming seriously ill. The task force last week urged young generations to avoid going out to bars and restaurants and to avoid groups of more than 10 people.

“We cannot have these large gatherings that continue throughout the country for people who are off work,” Birx said. She added that the federal pandemic task force so far has not seen any “significant mortality” in children.

The White House has had several coronavirus-related health scares, with the president himself exposed to at least three people who later tested positive. Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Wednesday that she had tested negative for the virus. McDaniel, who met last week with the president and Senate Republicans, had previously been exposed to someone who tested positive.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate has overwhelming passed a second coronavirus response bill, and is sending it to President Donald Trump to enact with his signature. The vote was a lopsided 90-8 despite misgivings among many Republicans over a temporary new employer mandate to provide sick leave to workers who contract COVID-19. The measure is also aimed at making diagnostic tests for the virus free.  

Confronting twin health and economic crises, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will invoke emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against a coronavirus pandemic threatening to overwhelm hospitals and other treatment centers.

Trump described himself as a “wartime president” as virus cases surged and the markets fell, and he took a series of extraordinary steps to steady a battered nation, its day-to-day life fundamentally altered.

Most immediately, Trump said he would employ the Defense Production Act as needed, giving the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.

Trump also said he will expand the nation’s testing capacity and deploy a Navy hospital ship to New York City, which is rapidly becoming an epicenter of the pandemic, and another such ship to the West Coast.

The Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April. A growing number of Americans face losing jobs and missing rent and mortgage payments.

But as Trump laid out efforts to steady the economy, the markets plummeted. Gone were the last of the gains that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had made since Trump took office.

Administration announcements came on a fast-moving day of developments across the nation’s capitol, its empty streets standing in contrast to the whirlwind of activity inside the grand spaces of the White House and the Capitol.

The Senate approved financial aid package, economic relief plan provides $500 billion in checks to millions of Americans, with the first checks to come April 6. 

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jointly announced that the U.S.-Canada border would be closed, except for essential personnel and for trade. The virus is afflicting people in both countries.

The White House urged hospitals to cancel all elective surgeries to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by rising cases. The president was pressed on why a number of celebrities, like professional basketball players, seemed to have easier access to diagnostic tests than ordinary citizens.

Trump dismissed talk from his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who suggested that the nation could face 20% unemployment at least in the short term.

The administration has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.”

No long able to run for reelection on a healthy economy, he was taking on the mantle of a wartime leader after played down the severity of the crisis for weeks.

The Defense Production Act gives the president a broad set of authorities to shape the domestic industrial base so that it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis.

The law allows the president to require businesses and corporations to prioritize and accept contracts for required materials and services. It also allows the president to provide incentives for the domestic industrial base to expand the production and supply of critical materials and goods, according to a March 2 report by the Congressional Research Service.

More than eight weeks after the first U.S. case of the virus was detected, the federal government is still struggling to conduct widescale testing for the virus. Compounding the problem, laboratories are reporting shortages of key supplies needed to run tests.

Vice President Mike Pence reiterated Wednesday that testing should give priority to those most likely to have COVID-19.

“It’s important to remember that people without symptoms should not get tested,” Pence said. “We want to make sure the supply of testing is there for those who need it most.”

Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the White House response, cautioned there has been a backlog of swabs waiting in labs to be tested, and as that backlog clears “we will see the number of people diagnosed dramatically increased” in the next few days.

Birx said the science discovering how long the virus can be transmissible on hard surfaces helped prompt the administration’s tightening of recommendations on social distancing. “None of us really understood the level of surface piece,” she said. “We’re still working out how much is it by human-human transmission and how much is it by surface.” She said: “Don’t exposure yourself to surfaces outside the home.”

Birx also renewed her call for younger people to follow federal guideline and stop meeting in groups.

She said there have been “concerning reports” from France and Italy about young people becoming seriously ill. The task force last week urged young generations to avoid going out to bars and restaurants and to not meet in groups of more than 10 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584547845573.png" alt="President Trump made the announcement Wednesday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump made the announcement Wednesday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Describing himself as a “wartime president” fighting an invisible enemy, President Donald Trump invoked rarely used emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus pandemic</a>. Trump also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0373a78b0aacc49d1f6bd8901c8ccc67">an aid package</a>&nbsp;— which the Senate approved earlier Wednesday — that will guarantee sick leave to workers who fall ill.Trump tapped his authority under the 70-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/16bf293467703f6b4fceae5a7f272ab5">Defense Production Act</a>&nbsp;to give the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.Yet he seemed to minimize the urgency of the decision, later tweeting that he “only signed the Defense Production Act to combat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a7c233f0b3bcdb72c06cca6271ba6713">the Chinese Virus</a>&nbsp;should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future.”“Hopefully there will be no need,” he added, “but we are all in this TOGETHER!”The mixed messaging came as Trump took a series of other extraordinary steps to steady the nation, its day-to-day life suddenly and fundamentally altered.The Canada-U.S. border, the world’s longest,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/47f7d6b0de23ad98a6742aa725b30435">was effectively closed</a>, save for commerce and essential travel, while the administration pushed its plan to send relief checks to millions of Americans.Trump said he will expand the nation’s diagnostic testing capacity and deploy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/379cf72b9fe2c0774d873a57afe44a94">a Navy hospital ship</a>&nbsp;to New York City, which is rapidly becoming an epicenter of the pandemic, and another such ship to the West Coast. And the Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April to help the growing number of Americans who face losing jobs and missing rent and mortgage payments.But as Trump laid out efforts to help the economy, markets plummeted. Gone were nearly all the gains that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had made since Trump took office.The administration announcements came on a fast-moving day of developments across the capital, its empty streets standing in contrast to the whirlwind of activity inside the grand spaces of the White House and the Capitol.The Senate overwhelmingly passed a second coronavirus response bill, which Trump signed Wednesday night. The vote was a lopsided 90-8 despite worries by many Republicans about a temporary new employer mandate to provide sick leave to workers who get COVID-19. The measure is also aimed at making tests for the virus free.Meanwhile the administration pushed forward its broad economic rescue plan, which proposes $500 billion in checks to millions of Americans, with the first checks to come April 6 if Congress approves.The White House urged hospitals to cancel all elective surgeries to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by cases. The president was pressed on why a number of celebrities, like professional basketball players, seemed to have easier access to diagnostic tests than ordinary citizens.“Perhaps that’s the story of life,” Trump said. “I’ve heard that happens on occasion.”Trump dismissed a suggestion from his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, that the nation could face 20% unemployment at least in the short term.That’s an “absolute total worst case scenario,” Trump said. “We’re no way near it.”The government has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.”“It’s a war,” he said. “I view it as a, in a sense, a wartime president. It’s a very tough situation.”No longer able to run for reelection on a healthy economy, he was taking on the mantle of a wartime leader after played down the severity of the crisis for weeks.The president also employed more nativist, us-vs-them rhetoric at the briefing, continuing his recent habit of referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” which has been sharply criticized as racist. “It’s not racist at all,” Trump said. “It comes from China, that’s all.”He was asked about a report that a White House aide had referred to the virus as the “Kung flu” when talking to an Asian-American reporter and Trump did not signal disapproval of the offensive term.Trump later met nursing leaders and expressed “gratitude for those on the front lines in our war against the global pandemic” as he held out hope that the pandemic would be over soon.“It’s been something, but we’re winning and we will win,” he said. “It’s a question of when and I think it’s going to go quickly. We hope it’s going to go quickly.”A limited number of people gathered around a large table, their chairs spread apart in a display of social distancing.The Defense Production Act gives the president broad authority to shape the domestic industrial base so that it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis. The law allows the president to require businesses and corporations to give priority to and accept contracts for required materials and services.The executive order issued by Trump gives Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar the authority to determine “the proper nationwide priorities and allocation of all health and medical resources, including controlling the distribution of such materials ... in the civilian market, for responding to the spread of COVID-19 within the United States.” It also applies to certain health services.Azar released a statement Wednesday night, saying, “we are coordinating closely with private suppliers, healthcare purchasers, and our federal partners like the Commerce Department to ensure that resources are going where they’re needed.”Trump also said he would soon invoke a rarely used federal statute that would enable the U.S. to tighten controls along the southwest border because of the new coronavirus, based on a recommendation of the U.S. surgeon general.The president said the law, intended to halt the spread of communicable diseases, would give authorities “great latitude” to help control the outbreak. Earlier, U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the administration would invoke the law to immediately turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico and to refuse people the right to claim asylum there.More than eight weeks after the first U.S. case of the virus was detected, the federal government is still struggling to conduct widescale testing for the virus. Compounding the problem, laboratories are reporting shortages of supplies needed to run the tests, which officials urged to be given to those most likely to have COVID-19.Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the White House response, cautioned that there has been a backlog of swabs waiting in labs to be tested, and as that backlog clears “we will see the number of people diagnosed dramatically increased” in the next few days.Asked about the administration’s mixed messages when it comes to the threat posed by the virus, Birx said new studies about how long the virus can be transmissible on hard surfaces helped prompt the administration’s tightening of recommendations on social distancing. “None of us really understood” that, she said. “We’re still working out how much is by human transmission and how much is it by surface.” She added, “Don’t exposure yourself to surfaces outside the home.”For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.As it tries to get its message to the public, the White House said a series of ads, digital and on television, will feature the president and first lady Melania Trump urging Americans to follow the guidelines. Birx also renewed her call for younger people to follow federal guidelines and stop meeting in groups.She said there have been “concerning reports” from France and Italy about young people becoming seriously ill. The task force last week urged young generations to avoid going out to bars and restaurants and to avoid groups of more than 10 people.“We cannot have these large gatherings that continue throughout the country for people who are off work,” Birx said. She added that the federal pandemic task force so far has not seen any “significant mortality” in children.The White House has had several coronavirus-related health scares, with the president himself exposed to at least three people who later tested positive. Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Wednesday that she had tested negative for the virus. McDaniel, who met last week with the president and Senate Republicans, had previously been exposed to someone who tested positive.___-----------WASHINGTON (AP) —The Senate has overwhelming passed a second coronavirus response bill, and is sending it to President Donald Trump to enact with his signature. The vote was a lopsided 90-8 despite misgivings among many Republicans over a temporary new employer mandate to provide sick leave to workers who contract COVID-19. The measure is also aimed at making diagnostic tests for the virus free. Confronting twin health and economic crises, President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will invoke emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against a coronavirus pandemic threatening to overwhelm hospitals and other treatment centers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I only signed the Defense Production Act to combat the Chinese Virus should we need to invoke it in a worst case scenario in the future. Hopefully there will be no need, but we are all in this TOGETHER!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1240391871026864130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump described himself as a “wartime president” as virus cases surged and the markets fell, and he took a series of extraordinary steps to steady a battered nation, its day-to-day life fundamentally altered.Most immediately, Trump said he would employ the Defense Production Act as needed, giving the government more power to steer production by private companies and try to overcome shortages in masks, ventilators and other supplies.Trump also said he will expand the nation’s testing capacity and deploy a Navy hospital ship to New York City, which is rapidly becoming an epicenter of the pandemic, and another such ship to the West Coast.The Housing and Urban Development Department will suspend foreclosures and evictions through April. A growing number of Americans face losing jobs and missing rent and mortgage payments.But as Trump laid out efforts to steady the economy, the markets plummeted. Gone were the last of the gains that the Dow Jones Industrial Average had made since Trump took office.Administration announcements came on a fast-moving day of developments across the nation’s capitol, its empty streets standing in contrast to the whirlwind of activity inside the grand spaces of the White House and the Capitol.The Senate approved financial aid package, economic relief plan provides $500 billion in checks to millions of Americans, with the first checks to come April 6. Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jointly announced that the U.S.-Canada border would be closed, except for essential personnel and for trade. The virus is afflicting people in both countries.The White House urged hospitals to cancel all elective surgeries to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed by rising cases. The president was pressed on why a number of celebrities, like professional basketball players, seemed to have easier access to diagnostic tests than ordinary citizens.“Perhaps that’s the story of life,” Trump said. “I’ve heard that happens on occasion.”Trump dismissed talk from his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who suggested that the nation could face 20% unemployment at least in the short term.That’s an “absolute total worst case scenario,” Trump said. “We’re no way near it.”The administration has told Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 people and the elderly to stay home while a pointed reminder was given to millennials to follow the guidelines and avoid social gatherings. Trump likened the effort to the measures taken during World War II and said it would require national “sacrifice.”“It’s a war,” he said. “I view it as a, in a sense, a wartime president. It’s a very tough situation.”No long able to run for reelection on a healthy economy, he was taking on the mantle of a wartime leader after played down the severity of the crisis for weeks.The president also employed more nativist, us-vs-them rhetoric at the briefing, continuing his recent habit of referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus,” which has been sharply criticized as racist. “It’s not racist at all,” Trump said. “It comes from China, that’s all.”He was asked about a report that a White House aide had referred to the virus as the “Kung flu” when talking to an Asian-American reporter and Trump did not signal disapproval of the offensive term.The Defense Production Act gives the president a broad set of authorities to shape the domestic industrial base so that it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed in a national security crisis.The law allows the president to require businesses and corporations to prioritize and accept contracts for required materials and services. It also allows the president to provide incentives for the domestic industrial base to expand the production and supply of critical materials and goods, according to a March 2 report by the Congressional Research Service.Trump also said he would soon invoke a rarely used federal statute that would enable the U.S. to tighten controls along the southwest border because of the new coronavirus, based on a recommendation of the U.S. surgeon general.The president said the law, intended to halt the spread of communicable diseases, would give authorities “great latitude” to help control the outbreak. Earlier, U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the administration would invoke the law to immediately turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico and to refuse people the right to claim asylum there.More than eight weeks after the first U.S. case of the virus was detected, the federal government is still struggling to conduct widescale testing for the virus. Compounding the problem, laboratories are reporting shortages of key supplies needed to run tests.Vice President Mike Pence reiterated Wednesday that testing should give priority to those most likely to have COVID-19.“It’s important to remember that people without symptoms should not get tested,” Pence said. “We want to make sure the supply of testing is there for those who need it most.”Deborah Birx, who is coordinating the White House response, cautioned there has been a backlog of swabs waiting in labs to be tested, and as that backlog clears “we will see the number of people diagnosed dramatically increased” in the next few days.Birx said the science discovering how long the virus can be transmissible on hard surfaces helped prompt the administration’s tightening of recommendations on social distancing. “None of us really understood the level of surface piece,” she said. “We’re still working out how much is it by human-human transmission and how much is it by surface.” She said: “Don’t exposure yourself to surfaces outside the home.”For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.Birx also renewed her call for younger people to follow federal guideline and stop meeting in groups.She said there have been “concerning reports” from France and Italy about young people becoming seriously ill. The task force last week urged young generations to avoid going out to bars and restaurants and to not meet in groups of more than 10 people.“We cannot have these large gatherings that continue throughout the country for people who are off work,” Birx said. She added that the federal pandemic task force so far has not seen any “significant mortality” in children.___

The Latest: Trump taps emergency powers as virus relief plan proceeds

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Public health officials in Omaha have confirmed a second coronavirus case whose origins can't be traced. In addition to that “community spread” case discovered in a 46-year-old man, Douglas County health officials said three other travel-related cases have been confirmed in the Omaha area.

 The news comes as Nebraska officials scramble to increase the number of tests they can conduct each day. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday that roughly 500 people have been tested so far. 

The state now has 28 confirmed cases including 23 in the Omaha area. 

Ricketts says he expects more tests to become available soon.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Public health officials in Omaha have confirmed a second coronavirus case whose origins can't be traced. In addition to that “community spread” case discovered in a 46-year-old man, Douglas County health officials said three other travel-related cases have been confirmed in the Omaha area. The news comes as Nebraska officials scramble to increase the number of tests they can conduct each day. Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday that roughly 500 people have been tested so far. The state now has 28 confirmed cases including 23 in the Omaha area. Ricketts says he expects more tests to become available soon.

Ricketts: Omaha sees 2nd virus case of unknown origin

By Mary Mockerman, Box Butte General Hospital

Box Butte General Hospital clarifications on visitor policies.

· All patients and visitor or support person will be screened at the entrances of the hospital and clinic according to CDC guidelines

· Visitors or support person are limited to one individual per patient

· Do not bring more than one visitor or support person with you to your scheduled appointment.

· For Labor and Delivery, one designated visitor or support person is allowed.

· When you arrive, please go directly to your destination and eliminate conversations in hallways.

For the safety of our staff, patients, and the public these rules are in effect in all departments of the hospital. Special circumstances will be evaluated by hospital personnel. This is in direct response to decreasing the contact between individuals upon Gov. Pete Ricketts’ direction.

Box Butte General Hospital is also suspending services at the clinics in Hemingford and Hyannis until further notice. 

Patients currently scheduled in Hemingford and Hyannis will be rescheduled in Alliance. The length of closure will be re-evaluated each week. All patients are currently being seen at Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services in Alliance. Please call ahead with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat for evaluation before your scheduled visit.

Telehealth and telephone appointments are rapidly developing as an alternative to being seen in the clinic. Please watch for further details about what types of appointments qualify. If you need an appointment with your primary care provider, please call the clinic at 308.762.7244.

Employers should encourage their staff to stay home if sick instead of recommending getting tested for COVID-19. The PPHD recommends staying at home if sick, as there is not a large stockpile of tests available, and a majority of people who have the virus are able recover at home without complications.

Hospital personnel are closely monitoring the recommendations from the CDC and Panhandle Public Health District as situations develop. Thank you for your patience and help in reducing the spread of Coronavirus.

To stay up-to-date, please follow these links: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/Mass-Gatherings-Document_FINAL.pdf http://www.pphd.org/

By Mary Mockerman, Box Butte General HospitalBox Butte General Hospital clarifications on visitor policies.· All patients and visitor or support person will be screened at the entrances of the hospital and clinic according to CDC guidelines· Visitors or support person are limited to one individual per patient· Do not bring more than one visitor or support person with you to your scheduled appointment.· No visitors under the age of 19.· For Labor and Delivery, one designated visitor or support person is allowed.· When you arrive, please go directly to your destination and eliminate conversations in hallways.· Wash your hands frequently.For the safety of our staff, patients, and the public these rules are in effect in all departments of the hospital. Special circumstances will be evaluated by hospital personnel. This is in direct response to decreasing the contact between individuals upon Gov. Pete Ricketts’ direction.Box Butte General Hospital is also suspending services at the clinics in Hemingford and Hyannis until further notice. Patients currently scheduled in Hemingford and Hyannis will be rescheduled in Alliance. The length of closure will be re-evaluated each week. All patients are currently being seen at Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services in Alliance. Please call ahead with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat for evaluation before your scheduled visit.Telehealth and telephone appointments are rapidly developing as an alternative to being seen in the clinic. Please watch for further details about what types of appointments qualify. If you need an appointment with your primary care provider, please call the clinic at 308.762.7244.Employers should encourage their staff to stay home if sick instead of recommending getting tested for COVID-19. The PPHD recommends staying at home if sick, as there is not a large stockpile of tests available, and a majority of people who have the virus are able recover at home without complications.Hospital personnel are closely monitoring the recommendations from the CDC and Panhandle Public Health District as situations develop. Thank you for your patience and help in reducing the spread of Coronavirus.To stay up-to-date, please follow these links: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/Mass-Gatherings-Document_FINAL.pdf http://www.pphd.org/

BBGH visitor policies, suspending service to Hyannis and Hemingford

Hastings, Neb&nbsp;– South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) is announcing the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the four-county health district.

The individual is an Adams County female in her 40s who traveled to Europe. She is currently self-isolating at home.&nbsp;

SHDHD is leading this response at the community level with support from DHHS. Local public health officials have initiated a contact investigation to identify people who may have been exposed so that they can take next steps and prevent further spread.

All identified close contacts will be notified, asked to self-quarantine (stay home) and be actively monitored twice daily by SHDHD for fever and respiratory symptoms.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel you are ill, please call your provider prior to visiting their facility and follow their next steps.

People can help protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:

SHDHD encourages residents to stay informed by checking&nbsp;SHDHD’s website&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southheartlandhealth.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C155cedf5fa594360a81308d7cb944318%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637201709950293587&amp;sdata=hGLZzd74NPOv7pAptQuMH0BHsavyzHKEUFmD082m0FI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.southheartlandhealth.org</a>&nbsp;for local information and updates, as well as links to the state and national websites.

There is a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed: (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

News ReleaseHastings, Neb&nbsp;– South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) is announcing the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the four-county health district.The individual is an Adams County female in her 40s who traveled to Europe. She is currently self-isolating at home.&nbsp;SHDHD is leading this response at the community level with support from DHHS. Local public health officials have initiated a contact investigation to identify people who may have been exposed so that they can take next steps and prevent further spread.All identified close contacts will be notified, asked to self-quarantine (stay home) and be actively monitored twice daily by SHDHD for fever and respiratory symptoms.Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel you are ill, please call your provider prior to visiting their facility and follow their next steps.People can help protect themselves from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:<ol>
 <li>Avoiding close contact with sick people and staying home if you are sick.</li><li>Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.</li><li>Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.</li><li>Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash, or cough in your sleeve.</li><li>Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.</li>
 </ol>SHDHD encourages residents to stay informed by checking&nbsp;SHDHD’s website&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southheartlandhealth.org%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C155cedf5fa594360a81308d7cb944318%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637201709950293587&amp;sdata=hGLZzd74NPOv7pAptQuMH0BHsavyzHKEUFmD082m0FI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.southheartlandhealth.org</a>&nbsp;for local information and updates, as well as links to the state and national websites.There is a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed: (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

1st COVID-19 case confirmed in South Heartland District

LINCOLN, Neb. – In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has temporarily closed public access to its Lincoln headquarters until further notice.

Game and Parks’ district offices in North Platte, Norfolk and Alliance, and service centers in Kearney and Bassett will temporarily close Friday, March 20 until further notice. The agency’s Omaha service center has been closed to the public since March 16.

All Game and Parks visitor centers and park offices will temporarily close to the public on Monday, March 23. This closure will include the Peter Kiewit Lodge at Mahoney State Park and the Fort Robinson State Park Lodge. Guests with reservations for lodge rooms at those facilities will be contacted by park personnel to discuss rescheduling or refund options. The closure of the Kiewit Lodge also will include the restaurant and dining room.

Park grounds remain open for day use, and park cabins and campgrounds remain open. Guests with reservations are encouraged to contact the park offices for payment and check-in instructions. Guests can purchase park permits at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.b755BLbTk30pO4WgyFmqSQvG0TloReOqYHijZeDl9ig/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;or at a self-service station.

The Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area field office near Crawford and other wildlife field offices are now temporarily closed to the public.

As the situation develops, Game and Parks may close additional facilities to public access.

Announcements will be posted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.0VNnjC1ZHiE2nuOO0EfNweuCIRN_1OTs8GKZvQYcd8Q/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>.

For a list of all Game and Parks cancellations, postponements and closures, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9oZWFsdGhpbmZvLyJ9.LAeTdqvPilwiQL33g9iShLgftsDtC4hZvDPpoJQT9lk/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/healthinfo</a>. For more detailed information about how COVID-19 cancellations may affect customers, check the Frequently Asked Questions page at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9jb3ZpZDE5ZmFxcy8ifQ.wr8ZpyXQdvnVcqD642uVP4_hWuu-TGfbnxNpKNgU-Ow/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/covid19faqs</a>.

Nebraska’s state park areas and wildlife areas are open-space landscapes that offer tremendous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this spring, even under current circumstances. Nebraska has the nation’s best turkey hunting opportunities, and spring turkey archery season will begin March 25. Trout are being stocked in lakes across the state this month for fishing opportunities. In addition, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing all can be enjoyed at state park and wildlife areas.

The public can purchase hunting, fishing and parks permits and get other information at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.TW6e5kqfwFF8fmPEEWDvfoUJJQvjoEonMwmXRVp4OqY/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>.

LINCOLN, Neb. – In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has temporarily closed public access to its Lincoln headquarters until further notice.Game and Parks’ district offices in North Platte, Norfolk and Alliance, and service centers in Kearney and Bassett will temporarily close Friday, March 20 until further notice. The agency’s Omaha service center has been closed to the public since March 16.All Game and Parks visitor centers and park offices will temporarily close to the public on Monday, March 23. This closure will include the Peter Kiewit Lodge at Mahoney State Park and the Fort Robinson State Park Lodge. Guests with reservations for lodge rooms at those facilities will be contacted by park personnel to discuss rescheduling or refund options. The closure of the Kiewit Lodge also will include the restaurant and dining room.Park grounds remain open for day use, and park cabins and campgrounds remain open. Guests with reservations are encouraged to contact the park offices for payment and check-in instructions. Guests can purchase park permits at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.b755BLbTk30pO4WgyFmqSQvG0TloReOqYHijZeDl9ig/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>&nbsp;or at a self-service station.The Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area field office near Crawford and other wildlife field offices are now temporarily closed to the public.As the situation develops, Game and Parks may close additional facilities to public access.Announcements will be posted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.0VNnjC1ZHiE2nuOO0EfNweuCIRN_1OTs8GKZvQYcd8Q/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>.For a list of all Game and Parks cancellations, postponements and closures, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9oZWFsdGhpbmZvLyJ9.LAeTdqvPilwiQL33g9iShLgftsDtC4hZvDPpoJQT9lk/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org/healthinfo</a>. For more detailed information about how COVID-19 cancellations may affect customers, check the Frequently Asked Questions page at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi9jb3ZpZDE5ZmFxcy8ifQ.wr8ZpyXQdvnVcqD642uVP4_hWuu-TGfbnxNpKNgU-Ow/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.gov/covid19faqs</a>.Nebraska’s state park areas and wildlife areas are open-space landscapes that offer tremendous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this spring, even under current circumstances. Nebraska has the nation’s best turkey hunting opportunities, and spring turkey archery season will begin March 25. Trout are being stocked in lakes across the state this month for fishing opportunities. In addition, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing all can be enjoyed at state park and wildlife areas.The public can purchase hunting, fishing and parks permits and get other information at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTguMTg5NTM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vb3V0ZG9vcm5lYnJhc2thLmdvdi8ifQ.TW6e5kqfwFF8fmPEEWDvfoUJJQvjoEonMwmXRVp4OqY/br/76312757432-l" target="_blank">OutdoorNebraska.org</a>.

Game and Parks temporarily closing public access to more facilities in response to virus

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Today,&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts hosted a press conference to update Nebraskans on the reliability and accessibility of the state’s food supply.&nbsp; The Governor also clarified the State’s guidance on social gatherings.&nbsp; Gov. Ricketts was joined by Kathy Siefken, Executive Director of the Nebraska Grocers Association; Zoe Olson, Executive Director of the Nebraska Restaurant Association; and Theresa Thibodeau, owner of Primrose School—an educational childcare center—in Papillion.

“As our state goes through this unprecedented public health challenge, I want Nebraskans to know that we will have plenty of food available,” said Governor Ricketts.&nbsp; “The U.S. has the most efficient supply chain of food in the world, and it’s operating effectively.&nbsp; Grocery stores are open, and restaurants will continue to serve Nebraskans throughout the pandemic with takeout and drive-thru options.”

In keeping with federal guidelines, the State of Nebraska has issued guidance limiting public gatherings to 10 people or less. &nbsp;This social distancing measure is part of a nationwide effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). &nbsp;At today’s press conference, Gov. Ricketts provided additional information about how the guidance affects childcare centers and preschools.

The State’s general guidance on social gatherings (as of March 18, 2020) is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fxydt3l8je28fzox%2FDHHS%2520Guidance%25203.16.2020%25207.40pm.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cd8af9c88898a4e42ddc308d7cb904bda%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637201692917348834&amp;sdata=wjLV0Rznb%2FRInuVxV5R2rZqm09RQdj%2BDqsXjmit1O0U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. &nbsp;Cities and counties may issue more restrictive local guidelines in the interest of public health.&nbsp; For example, Douglas County has issued a Directed Health Measure.

News ReleaseLINCOLN –&nbsp;Today,&nbsp;Governor Pete Ricketts hosted a press conference to update Nebraskans on the reliability and accessibility of the state’s food supply.&nbsp; The Governor also clarified the State’s guidance on social gatherings.&nbsp; Gov. Ricketts was joined by Kathy Siefken, Executive Director of the Nebraska Grocers Association; Zoe Olson, Executive Director of the Nebraska Restaurant Association; and Theresa Thibodeau, owner of Primrose School—an educational childcare center—in Papillion.“As our state goes through this unprecedented public health challenge, I want Nebraskans to know that we will have plenty of food available,” said Governor Ricketts.&nbsp; “The U.S. has the most efficient supply chain of food in the world, and it’s operating effectively.&nbsp; Grocery stores are open, and restaurants will continue to serve Nebraskans throughout the pandemic with takeout and drive-thru options.”In keeping with federal guidelines, the State of Nebraska has issued guidance limiting public gatherings to 10 people or less. &nbsp;This social distancing measure is part of a nationwide effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). &nbsp;At today’s press conference, Gov. Ricketts provided additional information about how the guidance affects childcare centers and preschools.The State’s general guidance on social gatherings (as of March 18, 2020) is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fxydt3l8je28fzox%2FDHHS%2520Guidance%25203.16.2020%25207.40pm.pdf%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cd8af9c88898a4e42ddc308d7cb904bda%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637201692917348834&amp;sdata=wjLV0Rznb%2FRInuVxV5R2rZqm09RQdj%2BDqsXjmit1O0U%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. &nbsp;Cities and counties may issue more restrictive local guidelines in the interest of public health.&nbsp; For example, Douglas County has issued a Directed Health Measure.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KSTTt_-tuH8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Gov. Ricketts assures Nebraskans of food availability, expresses gratitude for 'social distancing' practices

LINCOLN – The Nebraska State Colleges are offering refunds to students who choose to move out of the residence halls because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chadron, Peru, and Wayne State students who move out for the remainder of the Spring semester and complete necessary paperwork will receive a 60 percent prorated refund of room and board costs based&nbsp;on their residence hall arrangements and dining plan, effective March 15. Refunds will be processed according to the checkout date and applied to student accounts. If the refund results in a credit balance, the amount of that credit balance will be sent to&nbsp;the student at their permanent address on file.

Students who do not notify the college about their intent to check out by March 23 will be asked to communicate their plans to residence life. Students who check out and choose not to immediately&nbsp;remove their belongings from residence halls will be able to schedule a time to do so at a later date.

For those students who wish to remain on our campuses, our residence halls, dining services, and other student services will remain open. We recognize that going home may be difficult, particularly&nbsp;for our international students. If that is the case, students are welcome to stay at Chadron, Peru, or Wayne State College.

Academic courses will continue in a remote format beginning March 23 and for the remainder of the semester, so no refunds will be offered for tuition or student fees.

The Nebraska State Colleges will continue to monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation, in order to make the best decisions for our students. To keep updated on NSCS notifications regarding the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/coronavirus">https://www.nscs.edu/coronavirus</a>.

By NSCS OfficeLINCOLN – The Nebraska State Colleges are offering refunds to students who choose to move out of the residence halls because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Chadron, Peru, and Wayne State students who move out for the remainder of the Spring semester and complete necessary paperwork will receive a 60 percent prorated refund of room and board costs based&nbsp;on their residence hall arrangements and dining plan, effective March 15. Refunds will be processed according to the checkout date and applied to student accounts. If the refund results in a credit balance, the amount of that credit balance will be sent to&nbsp;the student at their permanent address on file.Students who do not notify the college about their intent to check out by March 23 will be asked to communicate their plans to residence life. Students who check out and choose not to immediately&nbsp;remove their belongings from residence halls will be able to schedule a time to do so at a later date.For those students who wish to remain on our campuses, our residence halls, dining services, and other student services will remain open. We recognize that going home may be difficult, particularly&nbsp;for our international students. If that is the case, students are welcome to stay at Chadron, Peru, or Wayne State College.Academic courses will continue in a remote format beginning March 23 and for the remainder of the semester, so no refunds will be offered for tuition or student fees.The Nebraska State Colleges will continue to monitor and assess the COVID-19 situation, in order to make the best decisions for our students. To keep updated on NSCS notifications regarding the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nscs.edu/coronavirus">https://www.nscs.edu/coronavirus</a>.

NSCS State Colleges to offer room, board refunds to students

By Tim Lordino, Chadron Police Chief&nbsp;

The Chadron&nbsp;Handi-bus is continuing to operate Monday through&nbsp;Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

We will continue following and monitor the guidelines and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and our local Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD)

Starting today, on our bus, the front row will be closed and we are asking riders to keep one person to the remaining seats so that we try and maintain the CDC’s recommendation on Social Distancing for the driver and the other passengers. We are also disinfecting the bus twice a day.

If you are sick, we encourage you to stay home&nbsp;or seek an alternate means of transportation over the next several weeks or until we return to normal operations.

 We will continue to operate daily, but that could change based on the recommendations from the CDC and PPHD. 

We will provide updates as things change.&nbsp;

By Tim Lordino, Chadron Police Chief&nbsp;The Chadron&nbsp;Handi-bus is continuing to operate Monday through&nbsp;Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will continue following and monitor the guidelines and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and our local Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD)Starting today, on our bus, the front row will be closed and we are asking riders to keep one person to the remaining seats so that we try and maintain the CDC’s recommendation on Social Distancing for the driver and the other passengers. We are also disinfecting the bus twice a day.If you are sick, we encourage you to stay home&nbsp;or seek an alternate means of transportation over the next several weeks or until we return to normal operations. We will continue to operate daily, but that could change based on the recommendations from the CDC and PPHD. We will provide updates as things change.&nbsp;

City of Chadron's handi bus continues to operate 

LINCOLN, Neb.-In response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in Nebraska, the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is taking a number of steps to help flatten the curve. Effective immediately, the DMV will no longer be conducting drive tests statewide until further notice. Steps to introduce social distancing will be implemented at State DMV offices, limiting the number of individuals able to congregate in the lobby. While the measures introduced will vary by office, they may include such actions as limiting the number of customers allowed inside the office, or asking customers to wait outside or in their vehicle.

“We understand that these measures may seem inconvenient, or lead to longer wait times, but any steps we can take to flatten the curve are essential to keeping our residents safe,” said Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles. “Most of our customers are able to complete their transactions online. I would urge our customers to visit our website and take advantage of the online services available.”

Following the closure of County Treasurer offices in Lancaster County, no in-person DMV services will be available at these locations. Legislative changes, which came into effect in September 2019, mean the majority of customers are able to renew their license online twice before visiting a DMV office.

“We are working to balance the delivery of services with keeping our examiners and customers safe,” said Sara O’Rourke, Administrator of the Driver Licensing Services Division. “I ask for our customers’ patience and understanding as we implement these measures. We will continue to communicate with our customers through all media channels as the situation continues to unfold.”

The Nebraska DMV has dozens of services available online. Customers are able to update their address, renew or replace their driver’s license or state identification card, and renew their vehicle registration, among many other services. A full list of services is available at dmv.nebraska.gov/services.

LINCOLN, Neb.-In response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in Nebraska, the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is taking a number of steps to help flatten the curve. Effective immediately, the DMV will no longer be conducting drive tests statewide until further notice. Steps to introduce social distancing will be implemented at State DMV offices, limiting the number of individuals able to congregate in the lobby. While the measures introduced will vary by office, they may include such actions as limiting the number of customers allowed inside the office, or asking customers to wait outside or in their vehicle.“We understand that these measures may seem inconvenient, or lead to longer wait times, but any steps we can take to flatten the curve are essential to keeping our residents safe,” said Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles. “Most of our customers are able to complete their transactions online. I would urge our customers to visit our website and take advantage of the online services available.”Following the closure of County Treasurer offices in Lancaster County, no in-person DMV services will be available at these locations. Legislative changes, which came into effect in September 2019, mean the majority of customers are able to renew their license online twice before visiting a DMV office.“We are working to balance the delivery of services with keeping our examiners and customers safe,” said Sara O’Rourke, Administrator of the Driver Licensing Services Division. “I ask for our customers’ patience and understanding as we implement these measures. We will continue to communicate with our customers through all media channels as the situation continues to unfold.”The Nebraska DMV has dozens of services available online. Customers are able to update their address, renew or replace their driver’s license or state identification card, and renew their vehicle registration, among many other services. A full list of services is available at dmv.nebraska.gov/services.

Nebraska DMV helps 'flatten the curve'

🔊 CSC Sports Journal Podcast: Associate AD Chris Green on COVID-19 impact to athletics

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Testing has revealed the new coronavirus in eight more people in Wyoming including seven linked to an assisted-living center resident who tested positive earlier. 

Health officials said Tuesday an older man in southeast Wyoming's Laramie County also has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. 

The number of Wyomingites known to be infected rose to 11 with the eight new cases. 

Health officials say people in recent, close contact with those testing positive will be monitored for fever, coughing and other symptoms of the illness. 

Testing revealed Wyoming's first case of the COVID-19 virus in Sheridan County on Wednesday.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Testing has revealed the new coronavirus in eight more people in Wyoming including seven linked to an assisted-living center resident who tested positive earlier. Health officials said Tuesday an older man in southeast Wyoming's Laramie County also has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The number of Wyomingites known to be infected rose to 11 with the eight new cases. Health officials say people in recent, close contact with those testing positive will be monitored for fever, coughing and other symptoms of the illness. Testing revealed Wyoming's first case of the COVID-19 virus in Sheridan County on Wednesday.

Wyoming COVID-19 jumps with new Lander, Laramie County cases

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Officials have announced South Dakota's public health lab has halted COVID-19 testing due to a shortage of supplies. 

The lab had to stop this week after running out of supplies both from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private suppliers.

 It ran tests for medium and high risk patients on Monday. 

The Department of Health said there is “no timeframe” for when tests will be available due to a nationwide shortage of testing supplies. 

Two of the largest healthcare providers in South Dakota have indicated they are working to develop testing.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Officials have announced South Dakota's public health lab has halted COVID-19 testing due to a shortage of supplies. The lab had to stop this week after running out of supplies both from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private suppliers. It ran tests for medium and high risk patients on Monday. The Department of Health said there is “no timeframe” for when tests will be available due to a nationwide shortage of testing supplies. Two of the largest healthcare providers in South Dakota have indicated they are working to develop testing.

South Dakota halts COVID-19 testing

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Food banks and pantries across the U.S. are scrambling to meet an expected surge in demand as the coronavirus causes many people to at least temporarily lose their jobs. 

This is happening even as older volunteers have been told to stay home. 

Also, calls for social distancing are complicating efforts to package and distribute food. 

Pantries are shifting from letting people select items to giving them a sack filled with food to limit interaction and lessen the chance of passing along the virus. 

Officials say it makes them less efficient, but they don't have better options.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Food banks and pantries across the U.S. are scrambling to meet an expected surge in demand as the coronavirus causes many people to at least temporarily lose their jobs. This is happening even as older volunteers have been told to stay home. Also, calls for social distancing are complicating efforts to package and distribute food. Pantries are shifting from letting people select items to giving them a sack filled with food to limit interaction and lessen the chance of passing along the virus. Officials say it makes them less efficient, but they don't have better options.

Food banks face virus dilemma: More demand, fewer volunteers

LINCOLN&nbsp;– As Nebraskans are taking preventative measures against COVID-19, the Drinking&nbsp;Water&nbsp;division of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) would like to remind everyone that drinking&nbsp;water&nbsp;remains safe to use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking&nbsp;water, and that conventional&nbsp;water&nbsp;treatment methods of filtration and disinfection — which are in most municipal drinking&nbsp;water&nbsp;systems — should remove or inactivate the virus causing COVID-19.

“Common disinfection methods used in&nbsp;water&nbsp;and wastewater treatment are expected to be effective for inactivation of coronaviruses when executed properly,” said Sue Dempsey, administrator of the DHHS Drinking&nbsp;Water&nbsp;Division.

Dempsey advises&nbsp;water&nbsp;system operators to continue monitoring drinking&nbsp;water&nbsp;disinfection processes for systems with upstream wastewater impacts both during and after the outbreak for infectious coronaviruses.

Although drinking&nbsp;water&nbsp;from the tap is safe for public consumption, federal guidance also recommends that the public consider maintaining a supply of bottled&nbsp;water. If people are ill and have to isolate in their own homes, it is easiest to use bottled&nbsp;water&nbsp;rather than sanitizing&nbsp;water&nbsp;glasses that might be shared with the rest of the household.

Stay up to date on the latest news regarding the Coronavirus with the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTcuMTg4NTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53aG8uaW50L2VtZXJnZW5jaWVzL2Rpc2Vhc2VzL25vdmVsLWNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLTIwMTkifQ.9MlZsG1iOb2P9itqc15Rr4LQIlazTol4asRmijjOS-s%2Fbr%2F76208711714-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C34d9944b227c4c8f7d1f08d7ca85d09c%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637200548387058076&amp;sdata=5Hsyg2WOhFlmKreewwkfOgtiGmq1xOAaaVrT0TpglEc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTcuMTg4NTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9pbmRleC5odG1sIn0.lWZ5RCsT2y8hjTEk81oeVWCfhV1zrF_5fMcMxHPxK4Y%2Fbr%2F76208711714-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C34d9944b227c4c8f7d1f08d7ca85d09c%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637200548387068066&amp;sdata=mk3p2plIYCoza0tN2Pg3zXy2odrE8RJTzy6ngHu1Xxs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">CDC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTcuMTg4NTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ29yb25hdmlydXMuYXNweCJ9.ju_ysXs_8q16bLMdimqAZh0NfqX_bGsphHkM5BEdz7U%2Fbr%2F76208711714-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C34d9944b227c4c8f7d1f08d7ca85d09c%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637200548387078057&amp;sdata=6CdZKBsPeJp31Dn9FnWcci%2Fz1UXDQED0QL5BjrfVOwY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">DHHS</a>.

LINCOLN&nbsp;– As Nebraskans are taking preventative measures against COVID-19, the Drinking&nbsp;Water&nbsp;division of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) would like to remind everyone that drinking&nbsp;water&nbsp;remains safe to use.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking&nbsp;water, and that conventional&nbsp;water&nbsp;treatment methods of filtration and disinfection — which are in most municipal drinking&nbsp;water&nbsp;systems — should remove or inactivate the virus causing COVID-19.“Common disinfection methods used in&nbsp;water&nbsp;and wastewater treatment are expected to be effective for inactivation of coronaviruses when executed properly,” said Sue Dempsey, administrator of the DHHS Drinking&nbsp;Water&nbsp;Division.Dempsey advises&nbsp;water&nbsp;system operators to continue monitoring drinking&nbsp;water&nbsp;disinfection processes for systems with upstream wastewater impacts both during and after the outbreak for infectious coronaviruses.Although drinking&nbsp;water&nbsp;from the tap is safe for public consumption, federal guidance also recommends that the public consider maintaining a supply of bottled&nbsp;water. If people are ill and have to isolate in their own homes, it is easiest to use bottled&nbsp;water&nbsp;rather than sanitizing&nbsp;water&nbsp;glasses that might be shared with the rest of the household.Stay up to date on the latest news regarding the Coronavirus with the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTcuMTg4NTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy53aG8uaW50L2VtZXJnZW5jaWVzL2Rpc2Vhc2VzL25vdmVsLWNvcm9uYXZpcnVzLTIwMTkifQ.9MlZsG1iOb2P9itqc15Rr4LQIlazTol4asRmijjOS-s%2Fbr%2F76208711714-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C34d9944b227c4c8f7d1f08d7ca85d09c%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637200548387058076&amp;sdata=5Hsyg2WOhFlmKreewwkfOgtiGmq1xOAaaVrT0TpglEc%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTcuMTg4NTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9pbmRleC5odG1sIn0.lWZ5RCsT2y8hjTEk81oeVWCfhV1zrF_5fMcMxHPxK4Y%2Fbr%2F76208711714-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C34d9944b227c4c8f7d1f08d7ca85d09c%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637200548387068066&amp;sdata=mk3p2plIYCoza0tN2Pg3zXy2odrE8RJTzy6ngHu1Xxs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">CDC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTcuMTg4NTkwMzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ29yb25hdmlydXMuYXNweCJ9.ju_ysXs_8q16bLMdimqAZh0NfqX_bGsphHkM5BEdz7U%2Fbr%2F76208711714-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C34d9944b227c4c8f7d1f08d7ca85d09c%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637200548387078057&amp;sdata=6CdZKBsPeJp31Dn9FnWcci%2Fz1UXDQED0QL5BjrfVOwY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">DHHS</a>.

Drinking water safe during COVID-19 pandemic

By Gregory Yanker, City of Chadron

The City of Chadron has been monitoring various governmental agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO, Centers for Disease Control (CDC, Nebraska State Government including the Governor’s office, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD).

The CDC along with the Governor’s Office has updated their recommendation that groups of 10 or more should not gather, especially if the participants are arriving from other communities, which would increase the chances of the virus being transmitted into our community and participants then becoming infected and transmitting it back to their own communities.

While there are no confirmed cases in the Panhandle, in the interest of public safety and the safety for our employees, effective immediately Chadron City Hall will be restricted to employees only and limited to customers by appointment only for the next two weeks. Staff will be available by appointment, telephone or email should you need to conduct business. However, the preferred method to conduct business at this time is through telephone or email correspondence. 

To make a utility payment several options are available:

-Payments Online (Credit/Debit Card) - https://www.chadron-nebraska.com/

-Payments over the Phone (Credit/Debit Card) – 1-866-233-0912

The City is also cancelling all meetings held by outside entities at all City facilities. The Chadron Area Aquatics and Wellness Center and the Chadron Public Library will remain closed to the public for the next two weeks as previously announced. Other City facilities that also remain closed to the public include the Police Department, Street Shop, Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities, and Parks Shop.

The City will continue to provide essential services which include law enforcement, water, wastewater, Fire and EMS.

The Chadron Municipal Airport is still in operation and commercial flights are still being operated by Boutique Air. 

The Chadron Public Transportation “Handi Bus” is still in operation. We request that individuals requesting a ride notify dispatch of any symptoms including cough, fever, shortness of breath in order for our drivers to better be prepared.

While these decisions are never easy, we continue to strive to provide the best quality of service for the residents of our great city. 

We again will continue to provide more updates as this event unfolds during these next two weeks. 

For general information please contact city hall at 308-432-0505 or visit ourwebsite at <a href="http://chadron-nebraska.com">chadron-nebraska.com</a>.

By Gregory Yanker, City of ChadronThe City of Chadron has been monitoring various governmental agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO, Centers for Disease Control (CDC, Nebraska State Government including the Governor’s office, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD).The CDC along with the Governor’s Office has updated their recommendation that groups of 10 or more should not gather, especially if the participants are arriving from other communities, which would increase the chances of the virus being transmitted into our community and participants then becoming infected and transmitting it back to their own communities.While there are no confirmed cases in the Panhandle, in the interest of public safety and the safety for our employees, effective immediately Chadron City Hall will be restricted to employees only and limited to customers by appointment only for the next two weeks. Staff will be available by appointment, telephone or email should you need to conduct business. However, the preferred method to conduct business at this time is through telephone or email correspondence. To make a utility payment several options are available:-Drop Box Payment - Front of City Hall-Payments Online (Credit/Debit Card) - https://www.chadron-nebraska.com/-Payments over the Phone (Credit/Debit Card) – 1-866-233-0912The City is also cancelling all meetings held by outside entities at all City facilities. The Chadron Area Aquatics and Wellness Center and the Chadron Public Library will remain closed to the public for the next two weeks as previously announced. Other City facilities that also remain closed to the public include the Police Department, Street Shop, Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities, and Parks Shop.The City will continue to provide essential services which include law enforcement, water, wastewater, Fire and EMS.The Chadron Municipal Airport is still in operation and commercial flights are still being operated by Boutique Air. The Chadron Public Transportation “Handi Bus” is still in operation. We request that individuals requesting a ride notify dispatch of any symptoms including cough, fever, shortness of breath in order for our drivers to better be prepared.While these decisions are never easy, we continue to strive to provide the best quality of service for the residents of our great city. We again will continue to provide more updates as this event unfolds during these next two weeks. For general information please contact city hall at 308-432-0505 or visit ourwebsite at <a href="http://chadron-nebraska.com">chadron-nebraska.com</a>.

City of Chadron public facilities closures, updates

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police say shots were fired inside an Omaha grocery store, but there were no shooting victims and a suspect was in custody. 

Police and medics were called to the Hy-Vee store on the city's southwest side just after 6:30 p.m. 

Officials say an off-duty officer and a customer grabbed him and subdued him after a short scuffle for the gun. 

The suspect was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. 

A woman also suffered minor injuries while fleeing the scene, he said. 

An off-duty officer and a customer grabbed him and subdued him after a short scuffle for the gun.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Police say shots were fired inside an Omaha grocery store, but there were no shooting victims and a suspect was in custody. Police and medics were called to the Hy-Vee store on the city's southwest side just after 6:30 p.m. Officials say an off-duty officer and a customer grabbed him and subdued him after a short scuffle for the gun. The suspect was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. A woman also suffered minor injuries while fleeing the scene, he said. An off-duty officer and a customer grabbed him and subdued him after a short scuffle for the gun.

Omaha police: Shots fired in grocery store but nobody shot

BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — A doctor who worked at a hospital south of Omaha over the weekend has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Hospital spokesman Taylor Wilson says the doctor saw patients at Bellevue Medical Center and then developed symptoms. 

Wilson says the hospital employees and the nine patients who had contact with the doctor have been notified. 

He also says the doctor's initial test results are awaiting confirmation by federal authorities.

 The doctor is experiencing mild symptoms and is in isolation at home. 

Also Tuesday, the state reported that the total of known Nebraska cases had risen to 24.

BELLEVUE, Neb. (AP) — A doctor who worked at a hospital south of Omaha over the weekend has tested positive for COVID-19. Hospital spokesman Taylor Wilson says the doctor saw patients at Bellevue Medical Center and then developed symptoms. Wilson says the hospital employees and the nine patients who had contact with the doctor have been notified. He also says the doctor's initial test results are awaiting confirmation by federal authorities. The doctor is experiencing mild symptoms and is in isolation at home. Also Tuesday, the state reported that the total of known Nebraska cases had risen to 24.

NE Doctor tested positive for COVID-19

LINCOLN, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — Shoppers across Nebraska and the nation are having trouble finding enough toilet paper as they hunker down to avoid the spread of the new coronavirus. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (Lincoln Journal Star) — Shoppers across Nebraska and the nation are having trouble finding enough toilet paper as they hunker down to avoid the spread of the new coronavirus. But some people in Nebraska are finding it — and stealing it — at Interstate 80 rest stops. The rest areas are managed by the state Transportation Department. A spokeswoman told the Lincoln Journal Star that some are staffed and some are not. The rest areas will be closed as a result of the thefts when an attendant is not present. The spokeswoman says truck parking should remain open even if the rest area buildings are closed.

Coronavirus Update