Dear friends, listeners, and viewers of our Eagle Radio products:

It is with deep regret, we have made the decision to postpone our 2020 Eagle ROC’s Home and Garden Show originally scheduled for March 28th, 2020 at Alliance High School. Multiple factors went into this decision including, the closing of all Panhandle Schools until March 30th, 2020 as well as the safety of our vendors and our friends and neighbors that were planning to attend the Eagle ROC’s home and garden show this year.

It is important as a community and area we adhere to the safety and precautionary measures put into place by the CDC and the state of Nebraska to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Please adhere to social distancing for the foreseeable future, while being focused on hand washing and keeping yourself healthy!

We will be working towards rescheduling our Eagle ROC’s Home and Garden Show and will be excited to announce a new date in the near future. Thank you for your understanding and know we at Eagle Radio are committed to keeping our communities connected.

Dear friends, listeners, and viewers of our Eagle Radio products:It is with deep regret, we have made the decision to postpone our 2020 Eagle ROC’s Home and Garden Show originally scheduled for March 28th, 2020 at Alliance High School. Multiple factors went into this decision including, the closing of all Panhandle Schools until March 30th, 2020 as well as the safety of our vendors and our friends and neighbors that were planning to attend the Eagle ROC’s home and garden show this year.It is important as a community and area we adhere to the safety and precautionary measures put into place by the CDC and the state of Nebraska to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Please adhere to social distancing for the foreseeable future, while being focused on hand washing and keeping yourself healthy!We will be working towards rescheduling our Eagle ROC’s Home and Garden Show and will be excited to announce a new date in the near future. Thank you for your understanding and know we at Eagle Radio are committed to keeping our communities connected.Sincerely:Olivia Hasenauer, General Manager

Eagle Radio Home and Garden Show postponed

Carter's: Our prayer is that you don’t let the panic affect your daily life 

Alliance – After consulting with COVID-19 Unified Command, the Alliance Recreation Center is amending its services effective immediately. 24hr access to the weight room will remain available to ARC members with key fobs only. The following services will be suspended until further notice:

· Youth Programming including ARC After School

· The indoor gymnasium &amp; basement will be closed

· All guest pass &amp; day pass services (nonmembers will not be permitted to the facility)

Further, the Alliance Recreation Center will shut down from 1pm-3pm each day to allow for ARC staff to access the facility for deep cleaning. We ask ARC members not to attend the facility during this time to allow our staff the opportunity to safely clean and disinfect thoroughly.

We urge patrons using the weight room to wipe down equipment before and after use. We also stress the importance of good hygiene and safe practices as outlined by the CDC. More information can be found here:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention-treatment.html

With our community’s help, we can slow the spread of this virus. The ARC remains committed to the safety and health of our community and will take all necessary precautions to limit exposure. We continue to monitor this ongoing situation and will keep the public informed.

Alliance – After consulting with COVID-19 Unified Command, the Alliance Recreation Center is amending its services effective immediately. 24hr access to the weight room will remain available to ARC members with key fobs only. The following services will be suspended until further notice:· Youth Programming including ARC After School· Drop-in Child Watch· Adult sports leagues &amp; programs· Group Exercise classes· The indoor gymnasium &amp; basement will be closed· All guest pass &amp; day pass services (nonmembers will not be permitted to the facility)Further, the Alliance Recreation Center will shut down from 1pm-3pm each day to allow for ARC staff to access the facility for deep cleaning. We ask ARC members not to attend the facility during this time to allow our staff the opportunity to safely clean and disinfect thoroughly.We urge patrons using the weight room to wipe down equipment before and after use. We also stress the importance of good hygiene and safe practices as outlined by the CDC. More information can be found here:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention-treatment.htmlWith our community’s help, we can slow the spread of this virus. The ARC remains committed to the safety and health of our community and will take all necessary precautions to limit exposure. We continue to monitor this ongoing situation and will keep the public informed.

Alliance Recreation Center to temporarily suspend most services

Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Select Committee in Intelligence, issued the following statement regarding reports that the Department of Health and Human Services has been the target of a cyberattack.&nbsp;

“Here’s the reality of 21st century conflict: cyberattacks are&nbsp;massive weapons to&nbsp;kick opponents when they’re down. At a time when Americans face uncertainty and fear from coronavirus, we should expect an increase in cyberattacks and stay vigilant. There need to be consequences for these kinds of attacks.&nbsp;We can’t take our eye off the ball.”

Washington, D.C. -&nbsp;U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Select Committee in Intelligence, issued the following statement regarding reports that the Department of Health and Human Services has been the target of a cyberattack.&nbsp;“Here’s the reality of 21st century conflict: cyberattacks are&nbsp;massive weapons to&nbsp;kick opponents when they’re down. At a time when Americans face uncertainty and fear from coronavirus, we should expect an increase in cyberattacks and stay vigilant. There need to be consequences for these kinds of attacks.&nbsp;We can’t take our eye off the ball.”

Sen. Sasse statement on reported HHS cyberattack

       The ServSafe® Manager Training Program for food service managers and employees scheduled for April 16-17 in Bridgeport has been cancelled in accordance with University of Nebraska guidelines related to the COVID-19 disease outbreak.

Nebraska Extension is notifying those already registered that they will be kept posted on future classes. For food service employees who need ServSafe Certification this spring, an online course is available at <a href="https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager">https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager</a>.

      To schedule a proctor for the exam contact Tammie Ostdiek at 308-262-1022 or email tostdiek5@unl.edu. Or contact Jamie Goffena before May 1 at 308-432-3373 or email jgoffena2@unl.edu.

The ServSafe® Manager Training Program for food service managers and employees scheduled for April 16-17 in Bridgeport has been cancelled in accordance with University of Nebraska guidelines related to the COVID-19 disease outbreak. Nebraska Extension is notifying those already registered that they will be kept posted on future classes. For food service employees who need ServSafe Certification this spring, an online course is available at <a href="https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager">https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager</a>. To schedule a proctor for the exam contact Tammie Ostdiek at 308-262-1022 or email tostdiek5@unl.edu. Or contact Jamie Goffena before May 1 at 308-432-3373 or email jgoffena2@unl.edu.

ServSafe® Training at Bridgeport cancelled

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — As ski resorts across the United States grappled with how to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus without having to close, industry giants Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company decided Saturday they would shutter 49 of North America's most well-known resorts.

 Vail Resorts said it would shut down its 34 resorts for at least one week before reassessing while Alterra is closing its 15 until further notice.

  Other resorts that remain open are closing enclosed gondolas or aerial trams while others are encouraging skiers to ride lifts with only people they know as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.&nbsp;

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — As ski resorts across the United States grappled with how to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus without having to close, industry giants Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company decided Saturday they would shutter 49 of North America's most well-known resorts. Vail Resorts said it would shut down its 34 resorts for at least one week before reassessing while Alterra is closing its 15 until further notice. Other resorts that remain open are closing enclosed gondolas or aerial trams while others are encouraging skiers to ride lifts with only people they know as they adhere to social distancing guidelines.&nbsp;

Vail, Alterra close 49 ski resorts amid virus outbreak

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The daughter of billionaire investor Warren Buffett has been exposed to the new coronavirus and has isolated herself at her Omaha home for two weeks. 

Susie Buffett told the Omaha World-Herald on Sunday that she feels fine and doesn't think she's contracted COVID-19, which is caused by the virus that originated in China. 

She says she's not the least bit worried and says she hopes talking about her exposure brings down the fear in other people. 

She also says she hasn't been around her 89-year-old father since her exposure last week.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The daughter of billionaire investor Warren Buffett has been exposed to the new coronavirus and has isolated herself at her Omaha home for two weeks. Susie Buffett told the Omaha World-Herald on Sunday that she feels fine and doesn't think she's contracted COVID-19, which is caused by the virus that originated in China. She says she's not the least bit worried and says she hopes talking about her exposure brings down the fear in other people. She also says she hasn't been around her 89-year-old father since her exposure last week.

Daughter of billionaire Buffett reports virus exposure

Global markets and businesses big and small opened the week to a landscape seemingly altered by the coronavirus pandemic. National retail chains have closed all stores. Banks are taking steps to keep cash on hand, lots of it. Markets in Asia, Europe and the U.S. are plunging. Following is a quick look at how the outbreak is impacting the financial and business sector, as well as millions of workers and customers.

FINANCE: The biggest banks in the U.S. moved in unison to conserve cash through the first half of the year. The Financial Services Forum, which represents Bank of America, Bank of New York Mellon, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, State Street, and Wells Fargo, said members would suspend stock buybacks for first quarter and the second quarter due to the virus outbreak. In a prepared statement, the group said the decision "is consistent with our collective objective to use our significant capital and liquidity to provide maximum support to individuals, small businesses, and the broader economy through lending and other important services." The financial sector is among the hardest hit Monday. Shares of Citigroup, Bank of America and JPMorgan plunged as billions in bank valuation evaporated. Citigroup, down 18%, led the way.

The Fed on Sunday made an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cf1d8e5487eee5e9eb649f0c6700ded6" target="_blank">emergency cut</a>&nbsp;to its key interest rate, slashing it by a full percentage point to a range between zero and 0.25%. The central bank said it would stay there until it feels confident the economy can survive a near-shutdown of activity in the United States. The announcement was met U.S. markets that plunged so violently, it triggered mechanisms put into place to prevent panic selling.

MARKETS: Global stock markets are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bd3276744b861e2669fd761733e9d2b4" target="_blank">plunging&nbsp;</a>as airlines cut service and public facing companies shut their doors. Stocks are down about 9% after trading resumed on Wall Street following a temporary halt Monday morning. Markets are gyrating in the U.S. after steep losses in Asia and Europe.

ENERGY DRAIN: The price for a barrel of U.S. crude plunged below $30 per barrel Monday and S&amp;P cut Exxon Mobil's credit rating. Airlines are slashing capacity, factories are shutting down and people are canceling vacations. That all translates into cratering energy demand. Brent crude lost $3.80, or 11%, to $30.05 per barrel in London on Monday. Benchmark U.S. crude tumbled $2.73, or 8.5%, to $29.00 per barrel.

MANUFACTURING: Factory activity in New York state plunged in March. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Monday that its Empire State Manufacturing Survey plummeted by 34 points to minus-21.5 this month - the lowest level since the recession year 2009, statistical evidence that the coronavirus outbreak is devastating commerce.

PSA Group, whose cars include Peugeot and Citroen, is closing its factories in Europe until March 27 because of the virus. The French automaker said Monday that along with severe illnesses close to its production sites, it decided to close the factories because of supply chain disruptions and "the sudden decline in the automobile markets."

A MACRO VIEW: Kevin Hassett, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Donald Trump, said the global economy is sliding into a recession and forecast negative U.S. economic growth in the second quarter. Hassett said the April jobs report could reveal as many as a million jobs lost to the coronavirus. "I think that the odds of a global recession are close to 100% right now," Hassett told CNN on Monday.

SUPPLY-DEMAND SHOCKWAVE: A surge of new orders is putting Amazon.com operations under significant pressure. The company told members who are used to two-day shipping to expect that delivery window to grow as millions of people line pantry and storage room shelves with food and supplies. Amazon is struggling to keep items like toilet paper and cleaning solutions in stock. It now says to expect delivery times to at least double. The same supply and demand shockwaves are hitting tech and toy companies, manufacturers and retailers alike.

AIRLINE DETERIORATION: U.S. airlines are asking the federal government for grants, loans and tax relief that could easily top $50 billion to help them recover from a sharp downturn in travel. Airlines for America, the trade group representing the carriers, posted its request for financial help Monday as airlines announced a fresh wave of service and job cuts. United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz in a letter to employees said the carrier would slash 50% of its flying capacity in April and May and warned that the cuts could extend into the peak summer travel season. Even with thousands fewer flights every week, the airline expects its planes to be only 20% to 30% full at best. European budget carrier Norwegian Air said Monday that it would cut 90% of its workers - 7,300 people. The parent of British Airways and Spain's Iberia announced plans to cut capacity at least 75% in April or May compared with the same months last year. U.K.-based EasyJet warned of "further significant cancellations," and Irish discount carrier Ryanair said it expects to ground most of its fleet over the next seven to 10 days.

American Airlines on Monday suspended about 75% of its long-haul international flights and began grounding about 135 planes. It will cut passenger-carrying capacity in the U.S. by 20% in April and 30% in May. Airlines are talking to unions about taking cuts in pay or hours, and some are cutting executive and management salaries.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who's wife tested positive for the virus, is sealing the nation's borders to anyone not a citizen or a permanent resident, a devastating development for Canadian Airlines.

SORRY, WE'RE CLOSED: Shopping binges are out, social distancing is in. Nike, Under Armour, Warby Parker, Patagonia, REI, Urban Outfitters and American Girl have closed stores nationwide. Columbia Sportswear joined the list Monday, shuttering its North American stores until at least March 27. The company is offering "catastrophic paid leave" to employees most affected by COVID-19. The Gap cut store hours in the U.S. and Canada and following government guidance for further action.

TABLE FOR NONE: On Monday, the governors of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey essentially placed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7b277c0480aa0889b87e8d1d8cdc83db" target="_blank">curfew&nbsp;</a>on bars and restaurants. The three Northeastern states ordered bars, restaurants and movie theaters closed to the public by 8 p.m. Essential businesses like supermarkets and gas stations will be able to stay open after 8 p.m. Take-out and delivery orders from restaurants are not banned.

A number of states, California, Ohio, Massachusetts, Washington and Illinois among them, ordered restaurants, cafes and bars to close. National chains are trying to stay ahead. Starbucks is announcing it will fill only to-go orders for at least the next two weeks in the U.S. and Canada. The Seattle brewer completely closed company-owned stores in what were crowded areas such as malls and university campuses. Stores in communities with high clusters of COVID-19 cases will close or reduce hours. There are also&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%22Hill%20Restaurant%20Group%22&amp;src=trend_click" target="_blank">confrontations&nbsp;</a>between local governments and some restaurants that have ignored orders to close or reduce capacity. The economic damage to restaurants has already been immense. BTIG analyst Peter Saleh said restaurant sales plunged between 50% and 90% in San Francisco and Seattle. Fast food sales fell 20% to 30% in New York City over the last week. Casual dine-in chains like Applebee's or Olive Garden could be hardest hit, Saleh believes. Shares of the company that owns Olive Garden fell 11% Monday.

HOLLYWOOD: Box office ticket sales plunged to their lowest levels in at least 20 years in North America, leading to one of Hollywood's worst weekends on record. More people went to the movies the weekend after Sept. 11, 2001, than over the weekend. Not since 2000 have weekend box office revenues fallen so far, according to data firm Comscore. Between the previous weekend to the one that just passed, overall ticket sales plunged 45%, according to Comscore. The premiere of several big franchise films, including the newest James Bond film, have been postponed.

AMC Theaters, the largest movie chain in North America, will limit attendance at all screenings to 50 people to adhere to the CDC's latest social distancing guidelines. Cinemas in New York City and Los Angeles on Sunday were ordered closed by the city's respective mayors. Many art house theaters nationwide have also shuttered. While the largest chains in North America - AMC, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark have tried to keep their doors open, they began to limit theater capacity to 50% and increased cleaning regimens.

DISNEYLAND: The entertainment juggernaut shut down more operations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases new guidance on crowds. After closing hours Monday, all Disney stores in North America will remain closed. Disney has already announced the closures of theme parks in California and Florida. On Monday, it added hotels at Walt Disney World in Orlando to the list, including Disney's Vero Beach Resort on Florida's Atlantic Coast. Those locations will close Friday evening to give people time to change plans.

ORACLE OF OMAHA: The daughter of billionaire investor Warren Buffett has been exposed to the new coronavirus and has isolated herself at her Omaha home for two weeks. Susie Buffett told the Omaha World-Herald on Sunday that she feels fine and doesn't think she's contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. She has not been around her 89-year-old father since her exposure last week.

The Associated PressGlobal markets and businesses big and small opened the week to a landscape seemingly altered by the coronavirus pandemic. National retail chains have closed all stores. Banks are taking steps to keep cash on hand, lots of it. Markets in Asia, Europe and the U.S. are plunging. Following is a quick look at how the outbreak is impacting the financial and business sector, as well as millions of workers and customers.FINANCE: The biggest banks in the U.S. moved in unison to conserve cash through the first half of the year. The Financial Services Forum, which represents Bank of America, Bank of New York Mellon, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, State Street, and Wells Fargo, said members would suspend stock buybacks for first quarter and the second quarter due to the virus outbreak. In a prepared statement, the group said the decision "is consistent with our collective objective to use our significant capital and liquidity to provide maximum support to individuals, small businesses, and the broader economy through lending and other important services." The financial sector is among the hardest hit Monday. Shares of Citigroup, Bank of America and JPMorgan plunged as billions in bank valuation evaporated. Citigroup, down 18%, led the way.The Fed on Sunday made an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cf1d8e5487eee5e9eb649f0c6700ded6" target="_blank">emergency cut</a>&nbsp;to its key interest rate, slashing it by a full percentage point to a range between zero and 0.25%. The central bank said it would stay there until it feels confident the economy can survive a near-shutdown of activity in the United States. The announcement was met U.S. markets that plunged so violently, it triggered mechanisms put into place to prevent panic selling.MARKETS: Global stock markets are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bd3276744b861e2669fd761733e9d2b4" target="_blank">plunging&nbsp;</a>as airlines cut service and public facing companies shut their doors. Stocks are down about 9% after trading resumed on Wall Street following a temporary halt Monday morning. Markets are gyrating in the U.S. after steep losses in Asia and Europe.ENERGY DRAIN: The price for a barrel of U.S. crude plunged below $30 per barrel Monday and S&amp;P cut Exxon Mobil's credit rating. Airlines are slashing capacity, factories are shutting down and people are canceling vacations. That all translates into cratering energy demand. Brent crude lost $3.80, or 11%, to $30.05 per barrel in London on Monday. Benchmark U.S. crude tumbled $2.73, or 8.5%, to $29.00 per barrel.MANUFACTURING: Factory activity in New York state plunged in March. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Monday that its Empire State Manufacturing Survey plummeted by 34 points to minus-21.5 this month - the lowest level since the recession year 2009, statistical evidence that the coronavirus outbreak is devastating commerce.PSA Group, whose cars include Peugeot and Citroen, is closing its factories in Europe until March 27 because of the virus. The French automaker said Monday that along with severe illnesses close to its production sites, it decided to close the factories because of supply chain disruptions and "the sudden decline in the automobile markets."A MACRO VIEW: Kevin Hassett, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Donald Trump, said the global economy is sliding into a recession and forecast negative U.S. economic growth in the second quarter. Hassett said the April jobs report could reveal as many as a million jobs lost to the coronavirus. "I think that the odds of a global recession are close to 100% right now," Hassett told CNN on Monday.SUPPLY-DEMAND SHOCKWAVE: A surge of new orders is putting Amazon.com operations under significant pressure. The company told members who are used to two-day shipping to expect that delivery window to grow as millions of people line pantry and storage room shelves with food and supplies. Amazon is struggling to keep items like toilet paper and cleaning solutions in stock. It now says to expect delivery times to at least double. The same supply and demand shockwaves are hitting tech and toy companies, manufacturers and retailers alike.AIRLINE DETERIORATION: U.S. airlines are asking the federal government for grants, loans and tax relief that could easily top $50 billion to help them recover from a sharp downturn in travel. Airlines for America, the trade group representing the carriers, posted its request for financial help Monday as airlines announced a fresh wave of service and job cuts. United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz in a letter to employees said the carrier would slash 50% of its flying capacity in April and May and warned that the cuts could extend into the peak summer travel season. Even with thousands fewer flights every week, the airline expects its planes to be only 20% to 30% full at best. European budget carrier Norwegian Air said Monday that it would cut 90% of its workers - 7,300 people. The parent of British Airways and Spain's Iberia announced plans to cut capacity at least 75% in April or May compared with the same months last year. U.K.-based EasyJet warned of "further significant cancellations," and Irish discount carrier Ryanair said it expects to ground most of its fleet over the next seven to 10 days.American Airlines on Monday suspended about 75% of its long-haul international flights and began grounding about 135 planes. It will cut passenger-carrying capacity in the U.S. by 20% in April and 30% in May. Airlines are talking to unions about taking cuts in pay or hours, and some are cutting executive and management salaries.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who's wife tested positive for the virus, is sealing the nation's borders to anyone not a citizen or a permanent resident, a devastating development for Canadian Airlines.SORRY, WE'RE CLOSED: Shopping binges are out, social distancing is in. Nike, Under Armour, Warby Parker, Patagonia, REI, Urban Outfitters and American Girl have closed stores nationwide. Columbia Sportswear joined the list Monday, shuttering its North American stores until at least March 27. The company is offering "catastrophic paid leave" to employees most affected by COVID-19. The Gap cut store hours in the U.S. and Canada and following government guidance for further action.TABLE FOR NONE: On Monday, the governors of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey essentially placed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7b277c0480aa0889b87e8d1d8cdc83db" target="_blank">curfew&nbsp;</a>on bars and restaurants. The three Northeastern states ordered bars, restaurants and movie theaters closed to the public by 8 p.m. Essential businesses like supermarkets and gas stations will be able to stay open after 8 p.m. Take-out and delivery orders from restaurants are not banned.A number of states, California, Ohio, Massachusetts, Washington and Illinois among them, ordered restaurants, cafes and bars to close. National chains are trying to stay ahead. Starbucks is announcing it will fill only to-go orders for at least the next two weeks in the U.S. and Canada. The Seattle brewer completely closed company-owned stores in what were crowded areas such as malls and university campuses. Stores in communities with high clusters of COVID-19 cases will close or reduce hours. There are also&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%22Hill%20Restaurant%20Group%22&amp;src=trend_click" target="_blank">confrontations&nbsp;</a>between local governments and some restaurants that have ignored orders to close or reduce capacity. The economic damage to restaurants has already been immense. BTIG analyst Peter Saleh said restaurant sales plunged between 50% and 90% in San Francisco and Seattle. Fast food sales fell 20% to 30% in New York City over the last week. Casual dine-in chains like Applebee's or Olive Garden could be hardest hit, Saleh believes. Shares of the company that owns Olive Garden fell 11% Monday.HOLLYWOOD: Box office ticket sales plunged to their lowest levels in at least 20 years in North America, leading to one of Hollywood's worst weekends on record. More people went to the movies the weekend after Sept. 11, 2001, than over the weekend. Not since 2000 have weekend box office revenues fallen so far, according to data firm Comscore. Between the previous weekend to the one that just passed, overall ticket sales plunged 45%, according to Comscore. The premiere of several big franchise films, including the newest James Bond film, have been postponed.AMC Theaters, the largest movie chain in North America, will limit attendance at all screenings to 50 people to adhere to the CDC's latest social distancing guidelines. Cinemas in New York City and Los Angeles on Sunday were ordered closed by the city's respective mayors. Many art house theaters nationwide have also shuttered. While the largest chains in North America - AMC, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark have tried to keep their doors open, they began to limit theater capacity to 50% and increased cleaning regimens.DISNEYLAND: The entertainment juggernaut shut down more operations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases new guidance on crowds. After closing hours Monday, all Disney stores in North America will remain closed. Disney has already announced the closures of theme parks in California and Florida. On Monday, it added hotels at Walt Disney World in Orlando to the list, including Disney's Vero Beach Resort on Florida's Atlantic Coast. Those locations will close Friday evening to give people time to change plans.ORACLE OF OMAHA: The daughter of billionaire investor Warren Buffett has been exposed to the new coronavirus and has isolated herself at her Omaha home for two weeks. Susie Buffett told the Omaha World-Herald on Sunday that she feels fine and doesn't think she's contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. She has not been around her 89-year-old father since her exposure last week.

As virus seizes markets, it's no longer business as usual

Alliance – In an effort to assist with limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community, the City of Alliance will be closing non-essential facilities including the Senior Center, Alliance Public Library, SkyView Golf Course, Public Transit and The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center beginning March 16, 2020 and will remain in effect until further notice. 

Nutrition Site Meals will be delivered by volunteers and staff to ensure services continue through the facility closing. No other services will be offered during the closure and the facility will be closed to all patrons. &nbsp;Please Contact Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293 to make arrangements. 

Public Transit will be limited to medical necessity transportation only! If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 9-1-1.

The Utility Billing Office will be limited to drive-up business only. The utility billing drop box is available 24 hours, with staff assistance available via the drive-up window Monday through Friday, 8:00-5:00. Utility bills can also be paid on the city’s webpage at www.cityofalliance.net. 

If you would&nbsp;like to check out items from the library please utilize the online card catalog or call 762-1387 for assistance.&nbsp; Arrangements can be made to package items for pick up and &nbsp;items for return can be placed in the drop box on the east side of the building.

All rentals of meeting rooms at the Alliance Library, Knight Museum and other City operated facilities, including the Central Park Shelter House, will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date. 

The City encourages social distancing over the next two weeks. Therefore, all business conducted is encouraged to be done by telephone or email. &nbsp;The City will continue to provide updates as they are available and all necessary precautions will be practiced to lessen the impact on our community. &nbsp;For more information on the COVID-19 Virus visit http://www.pphd.org/.

Alliance – In an effort to assist with limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community, the City of Alliance will be closing non-essential facilities including the Senior Center, Alliance Public Library, SkyView Golf Course, Public Transit and The Knight Museum and Sandhills Center beginning March 16, 2020 and will remain in effect until further notice. Nutrition Site Meals will be delivered by volunteers and staff to ensure services continue through the facility closing. No other services will be offered during the closure and the facility will be closed to all patrons. &nbsp;Please Contact Angie Flesner at (308) 762-1293 to make arrangements. Public Transit will be limited to medical necessity transportation only! If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 9-1-1.The Utility Billing Office will be limited to drive-up business only. The utility billing drop box is available 24 hours, with staff assistance available via the drive-up window Monday through Friday, 8:00-5:00. Utility bills can also be paid on the city’s webpage at www.cityofalliance.net. If you would&nbsp;like to check out items from the library please utilize the online card catalog or call 762-1387 for assistance.&nbsp; Arrangements can be made to package items for pick up and &nbsp;items for return can be placed in the drop box on the east side of the building.All rentals of meeting rooms at the Alliance Library, Knight Museum and other City operated facilities, including the Central Park Shelter House, will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date. The City encourages social distancing over the next two weeks. Therefore, all business conducted is encouraged to be done by telephone or email. &nbsp;The City will continue to provide updates as they are available and all necessary precautions will be practiced to lessen the impact on our community. &nbsp;For more information on the COVID-19 Virus visit http://www.pphd.org/.

Alliance city facilities/programs temporarily closed

After consultation with COVID-19 Unified Command, it has been determined that all schools in the Nebraska Panhandle will be closed for the next two weeks.

 This decision will be re-evaluated on Friday, March 27, 2020, with parents and families updated accordingly and extended as needed. 

This is a precautionary measure; there are currently no cases in the Panhandle. 

The State of Nebraska has elevated the risk assessment, and Nebraskans, in general, maybe at the same risk as travelers from other areas in the nation and other parts of the world. 

School Superintendents met with Unified Command tonight and agreed this action would help prevent exposure to our area to flatten the curve and decrease the spread of disease.

We ask that students and community members immediately begin engaging in social distancing.

 There will be no practices or school activities during the 14 day period. Unified Command has asked that anyone who has traveled to areas with community transmission of COVID-19 to self-monitor and self-quarantine. At this time, there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle. Additional information will be forthcoming.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that worldwide, including many states in the U.S, community transmission is occurring. Some countries and communities have widespread, sustained transmission.

2. This weekend it was confirmed the first case of community transmission in Nebraska.

3. Our neighboring states are beginning to identify community transmission (Iowa)

4. Multiple large-scale exposure events have been identified in Omaha, which raises concerns about additional community transmission regionally and possibly statewide.

In light of these developments, we are modifying our risk assessment and the allocation of valuable public health resources. These updates are in reaction to the rapidly evolving epidemiology of this virus: community transmission changes everything. Nebraskans in general may soon be at the same risk as travelers from other areas in the nation and other parts of the world.

Public health recommendations for travelers:

A. All returning travelers have an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19

B. All returning travelers should limit public interactions, practice strict social-distancing, and self-monitor for symptoms

C. If a returning traveler develops fever or respiratory illness, they need to IMMEDIATELY self-isolate and report to a provider or call Panhandle Public Health District’s 24/7 line at 308-262-5764.

D. Returning travelers need to track the publicly reported COVID-19 disease burden in the areas to which they have travelled through both the local/state public health departments and public media websites. Areas with widespread sustained transmission, please see list below, are at increased risk and of special concern. Such travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days and immediately report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to their health care provider. Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with Scotts Bluff County: 308-630-1580, all other Panhandle counties: 308-262-5764.

E. Health care workers with a travel history from an area with widespread sustained transmission or other high-risk exposure should consult with a trained medical professional (e.g. infection preventionist or physician) at their facility and establish an infection control protocol (e.g., home quarantine, self-monitoring, PPE while at work etc.) that mitigates the risk of patient and co-worker exposure.

Areas with widespread sustained transmission, are at increased risk and of special concern. Such travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days and immediately report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to their health care provider. Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with Scotts Bluff County: 308-630-1580, all other Panhandle counties: 308-262-5764.

United States: Check here for updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-

· Yolo Colorado state counties · Eagle · Gunnison · Pitkin · Summit · All ski resorts Houston, Texas Iowa · Carroll · Dallas · Harrison · Johnson · Pottawattamie New York state · New York City Nassau · Suffolk Reno, Nevada Washington state counties · King o City of Seattle · Snohomish

Internationally: Check here for updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-

ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

· South Korea · Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City

We thank you for your cooperation, these are unprecedented times and it will take each person doing their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Students and families, please do not gather at alternate locations. Help keep our communities safe and protect our most vulnerable populations.&nbsp;

After consultation with COVID-19 Unified Command, it has been determined that all schools in the Nebraska Panhandle will be closed for the next two weeks. This decision will be re-evaluated on Friday, March 27, 2020, with parents and families updated accordingly and extended as needed. This is a precautionary measure; there are currently no cases in the Panhandle. The State of Nebraska has elevated the risk assessment, and Nebraskans, in general, maybe at the same risk as travelers from other areas in the nation and other parts of the world. School Superintendents met with Unified Command tonight and agreed this action would help prevent exposure to our area to flatten the curve and decrease the spread of disease.We ask that students and community members immediately begin engaging in social distancing. There will be no practices or school activities during the 14 day period. Unified Command has asked that anyone who has traveled to areas with community transmission of COVID-19 to self-monitor and self-quarantine. At this time, there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle. Additional information will be forthcoming.1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that worldwide, including many states in the U.S, community transmission is occurring. Some countries and communities have widespread, sustained transmission.2. This weekend it was confirmed the first case of community transmission in Nebraska.3. Our neighboring states are beginning to identify community transmission (Iowa)4. Multiple large-scale exposure events have been identified in Omaha, which raises concerns about additional community transmission regionally and possibly statewide.In light of these developments, we are modifying our risk assessment and the allocation of valuable public health resources. These updates are in reaction to the rapidly evolving epidemiology of this virus: community transmission changes everything. Nebraskans in general may soon be at the same risk as travelers from other areas in the nation and other parts of the world.Public health recommendations for travelers:A. All returning travelers have an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19B. All returning travelers should limit public interactions, practice strict social-distancing, and self-monitor for symptomsC. If a returning traveler develops fever or respiratory illness, they need to IMMEDIATELY self-isolate and report to a provider or call Panhandle Public Health District’s 24/7 line at 308-262-5764.D. Returning travelers need to track the publicly reported COVID-19 disease burden in the areas to which they have travelled through both the local/state public health departments and public media websites. Areas with widespread sustained transmission, please see list below, are at increased risk and of special concern. Such travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days and immediately report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to their health care provider. Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with Scotts Bluff County: 308-630-1580, all other Panhandle counties: 308-262-5764.E. Health care workers with a travel history from an area with widespread sustained transmission or other high-risk exposure should consult with a trained medical professional (e.g. infection preventionist or physician) at their facility and establish an infection control protocol (e.g., home quarantine, self-monitoring, PPE while at work etc.) that mitigates the risk of patient and co-worker exposure.Areas with widespread sustained transmission, are at increased risk and of special concern. Such travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days and immediately report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to their health care provider. Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with Scotts Bluff County: 308-630-1580, all other Panhandle counties: 308-262-5764.United States: Check here for updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.htmlCalifornia state counties· Contra Costa· Los Angeleso Cities of LosAngeles &amp;Anaheim· Riverside· Sacramento· San Bernardino· San Francisco· San Mateo· Santa Clara· Sonoma· Solano· Yolo Colorado state counties · Eagle · Gunnison · Pitkin · Summit · All ski resorts Houston, Texas Iowa · Carroll · Dallas · Harrison · Johnson · Pottawattamie New York state · New York City Nassau · Suffolk Reno, Nevada Washington state counties · King o City of Seattle · SnohomishInternationally: Check here for updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html· China· Italy· Iran· South Korea · Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican CityWe thank you for your cooperation, these are unprecedented times and it will take each person doing their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Students and families, please do not gather at alternate locations. Help keep our communities safe and protect our most vulnerable populations.&nbsp;

All panhandle public schools close down, No virus cases in panhandle 

By Dr. Troy Unzicker of Alliance Public Schools and Panhandle Public Health District

After consultation with COVID-19 Unified Command, it has been determined that Alliance Public Schools along with all other schools in the Nebraska Panhandle will be closed for the next two weeks. 

This decision will be re-evaluated on Friday, March 27, 2020, with parents and families updated accordingly and extended as needed.&nbsp; 

The State of Nebraska has elevated the risk assessment, and Nebraskans, in general, maybe at the same&nbsp;risk as travelers from other areas in the nation and&nbsp;other parts of&nbsp;the world.

 School Superintendents met with Unified Command tonight and agreed this action would help prevent exposure to our area to flatten the curve and decrease the spread of disease. 

We ask that students and community members immediately begin engaging in social distancing.&nbsp; There will be no practices or school activities during the 14 day period.&nbsp; Unified Command has asked that anyone who has traveled to areas with community transmission of COVID-19 to self-monitor and self-quarantine.&nbsp; At this time, there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle.&nbsp; Additional information will be forthcoming.&nbsp;

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has&nbsp;declared that worldwide, including many states in the U.S,&nbsp;community transmission&nbsp;is occurring.&nbsp; Some countries and communities have&nbsp;widespread, sustained transmission.

This weekend it was confirmed the first case of community transmission in Nebraska.

Our neighboring states are beginning to identify&nbsp;community&nbsp;transmission (Iowa)&nbsp;

Multiple large-scale exposure events have been identified in Omaha, which raises concerns about additional community transmission regionally and possibly statewide.

In light of these developments, we&nbsp;are modifying&nbsp;our risk assessment and&nbsp;the allocation of&nbsp;valuable public health resources.&nbsp;These updates are in reaction to the rapidly evolving epidemiology of this virus:&nbsp;community&nbsp;transmission&nbsp;changes everything.&nbsp;Nebraskans in general&nbsp;may&nbsp;soon be at&nbsp;the same&nbsp;risk as travelers from other areas in the nation and&nbsp;other parts of&nbsp;the world.

Public health recommendations for travelers:&nbsp;

A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All returning travelers have an increased risk of exposure&nbsp;to COVID-19

B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All returning travelers should limit public interactions, practice strict social-distancing, and self-monitor for symptoms

C.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If a returning traveler develops fever or respiratory illness, they need to IMMEDIATELY self-isolate and report to a provider or call Panhandle Public Health District’s 24/7 line at 308-262-5764.

D.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Returning travelers need to track the publicly reported COVID-19 disease burden in the areas to which they have travelled through both the local/state public health departments and public media websites. &nbsp;Areas with&nbsp;widespread sustained transmission, please see list below, are at increased risk and of special concern.&nbsp; Such travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days and immediately report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to their health care provider. Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with Scotts Bluff County: 308-630-1580, all other Panhandle counties: 308-262-5764. 

E.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Health care workers with a travel history from an area with&nbsp;widespread sustained transmission&nbsp;or other high-risk exposure should consult with a trained medical professional (e.g. infection preventionist or physician) at their facility and establish an infection control protocol (e.g., home quarantine, self-monitoring,&nbsp;PPE while at work etc.) that mitigates the risk of patient and co-worker exposure.

Areas with&nbsp;widespread sustained transmission, are at increased risk and of special concern.&nbsp; Such travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days and immediately report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to their health care provider. Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with Scotts Bluff County: 308-630-1580, all other Panhandle counties: 308-262-5764. 

United States: Check here for updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html

Internationally: Check here for updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City

We thank you for your cooperation, these are unprecedented times and it will take each person doing their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Students and families, please do not gather at alternate locations. Help keep our communities safe and protect our most vulnerable populations!

By Dr. Troy Unzicker of Alliance Public Schools and Panhandle Public Health DistrictAfter consultation with COVID-19 Unified Command, it has been determined that Alliance Public Schools along with all other schools in the Nebraska Panhandle will be closed for the next two weeks. This decision will be re-evaluated on Friday, March 27, 2020, with parents and families updated accordingly and extended as needed.&nbsp; This is a precautionary measure; there are currently no cases in the Panhandle. The State of Nebraska has elevated the risk assessment, and Nebraskans, in general, maybe at the same&nbsp;risk as travelers from other areas in the nation and&nbsp;other parts of&nbsp;the world. School Superintendents met with Unified Command tonight and agreed this action would help prevent exposure to our area to flatten the curve and decrease the spread of disease. We ask that students and community members immediately begin engaging in social distancing.&nbsp; There will be no practices or school activities during the 14 day period.&nbsp; Unified Command has asked that anyone who has traveled to areas with community transmission of COVID-19 to self-monitor and self-quarantine.&nbsp; At this time, there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle.&nbsp; Additional information will be forthcoming.&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has&nbsp;declared that worldwide, including many states in the U.S,&nbsp;community transmission&nbsp;is occurring.&nbsp; Some countries and communities have&nbsp;widespread, sustained transmission.This weekend it was confirmed the first case of community transmission in Nebraska.Our neighboring states are beginning to identify&nbsp;community&nbsp;transmission (Iowa)&nbsp;Multiple large-scale exposure events have been identified in Omaha, which raises concerns about additional community transmission regionally and possibly statewide.In light of these developments, we&nbsp;are modifying&nbsp;our risk assessment and&nbsp;the allocation of&nbsp;valuable public health resources.&nbsp;These updates are in reaction to the rapidly evolving epidemiology of this virus:&nbsp;community&nbsp;transmission&nbsp;changes everything.&nbsp;Nebraskans in general&nbsp;may&nbsp;soon be at&nbsp;the same&nbsp;risk as travelers from other areas in the nation and&nbsp;other parts of&nbsp;the world.Public health recommendations for travelers:&nbsp;A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All returning travelers have an increased risk of exposure&nbsp;to COVID-19B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All returning travelers should limit public interactions, practice strict social-distancing, and self-monitor for symptomsC.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If a returning traveler develops fever or respiratory illness, they need to IMMEDIATELY self-isolate and report to a provider or call Panhandle Public Health District’s 24/7 line at 308-262-5764.D.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Returning travelers need to track the publicly reported COVID-19 disease burden in the areas to which they have travelled through both the local/state public health departments and public media websites. &nbsp;Areas with&nbsp;widespread sustained transmission, please see list below, are at increased risk and of special concern.&nbsp; Such travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days and immediately report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to their health care provider. Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with Scotts Bluff County: 308-630-1580, all other Panhandle counties: 308-262-5764. E.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Health care workers with a travel history from an area with&nbsp;widespread sustained transmission&nbsp;or other high-risk exposure should consult with a trained medical professional (e.g. infection preventionist or physician) at their facility and establish an infection control protocol (e.g., home quarantine, self-monitoring,&nbsp;PPE while at work etc.) that mitigates the risk of patient and co-worker exposure.Areas with&nbsp;widespread sustained transmission, are at increased risk and of special concern.&nbsp; Such travelers should self-quarantine for 14 days and immediately report any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection to their health care provider. Individuals unable to observe the 14-day self-quarantine should consult with Scotts Bluff County: 308-630-1580, all other Panhandle counties: 308-262-5764. United States: Check here for updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.htmlCalifornia state countiesContra CostaLos AngelesCities of Los Angeles &amp; AnaheimRiversideSacramentoSan BernardinoSan FranciscoSan MateoSanta ClaraSonomaSolanoYoloColorado state countiesEagleGunnisonPitkin Summit All ski resortsHouston, TexasIowaCarrollDallas HarrisonJohnsonPottawattamieNew York stateNew York City NassauSuffolkReno, NevadaWashington state countiesKingCity of SeattleSnohomishInternationally: Check here for updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.htmlChinaItalyIranSouth KoreaAustria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican CityWe thank you for your cooperation, these are unprecedented times and it will take each person doing their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Students and families, please do not gather at alternate locations. Help keep our communities safe and protect our most vulnerable populations!

Alliance Public Schools closes for two weeks 

LINCOLN –&nbsp;The first community&nbsp;transmitted case of coronavirus disease 2019 was identified in Douglas County yesterday. Today, contact investigations related to cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County also have identified several events and locations in the Omaha area and Sarpy County that&nbsp;could result in potentially high numbers of people exposed in the community and could affect Nebraskans statewide.

People who were at the following locations -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb3VnbGFzY291bnR5aGVhbHRoLmNvbS9sYXRlc3QtbmV3cyJ9.yuElkL_-01AnUEdeWxODnTzKu6QYI75sp2lnAG66BiY%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244053961&amp;sdata=lCF9ifbZUdbF22GFVZE6ukr%2FK1jkV5k6uCJsntSw9xU%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;during the time frames mentioned should self monitor for the development symptoms that include a fever, cough, shortness of breath and in some cases a sore throat. &nbsp;

“We are monitoring the situation for a second community-acquired case, said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public&nbsp;Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “The number of exposures associated with these events is potentially very high and may be beyond the ability for public health to continue to do complete contact tracing as we have been&nbsp;able to do up until this point.

“We need your help. DHHS is advising Nebraskans to stay home if they’re experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or other respiratory&nbsp;illnesses including fever, cough, shortness of breath and in some cases a sore throat. By staying home you protect those in your community.”

Social distancing and taking other actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 is critical. Slowing the spread of the virus will help decrease&nbsp;the potential strain on health care providers and facilities and help ensure care for those who may need it.

As we’ve already seen in some areas, Nebraskans should continue to expect closures and cancellations in their communities as we work to slow&nbsp;the spread of COVID-19. Guidance for events, public gatherings and schools is available on the DHHS website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.t7V3PuYpngFgK6yEA1-yTtaOQF6R3kgp_qpp4UF750M%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244063917&amp;sdata=3yUmDAowZPal0f8wcgrPJ%2BNbRj27EnD%2BdDcxg1X%2F2OQ%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

People experiencing symptoms who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should self-isolate and call ahead to their primary care provider to&nbsp;be screened over the phone. The provider can evaluate and determine if testing is necessary. Flu activity is also still high in Nebraska. Flu tests should be considered as a first test option before considering a COVID-19 test.

Public health officials, health care providers, and laboratories are working daily to increase Nebraska’s capacity to test more people for&nbsp;COVID-19.

Currently, testing supplies are limited and testing is only being done on people who have symptoms.

While we work to increase supplies and testing, health care providers and local health departments are screening people to prioritize testing&nbsp;for those who have the highest likelihood of being exposed to or having COVID-19 including:

New testing resources for people and providers

Health care providers can find the latest guidance for COVID-19 testing here –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvSGVhbHRoLUFsZXJ0LU5ldHdvcmsuYXNweCJ9.YL1__m_b-BMKKpAaeaswlVO_oXK9hjcH8qhagsa-7qo%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244083829&amp;sdata=2flUkefm4Ht19JmQlztkOQ7uapyBcxqyCt2Q6J4qXZY%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Health-Alert-Network.aspx</a>.

Public health partners across the state continue to take action to protect the health of Nebraskans.

Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions&nbsp;like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, according to the CDC.

People in these higher-risk groups should:

Everyone can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:&nbsp;

Here’s where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first&nbsp;responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.YHxF44SASoeA9zuUHobWJKDQz-SM8bE5Lzc2BFXoCHY%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244113699&amp;sdata=39CJuV1ZWa9xoYUAqRZFQYqz5L3L%2Fen1kO8WZQOlYqM%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC’s website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%252Bv%252FUt%252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%252BtQ9zJVd%252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%252FFI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcovid19%26I%3D20200228212559.00000572228f%2540mail6-42-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%253D%26S%3DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244113699&amp;sdata=w3fzFcqpmwXrG3jQMoKbxZNl8SLs3%2Fr6L5c2toSShXs%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

DHHS opened a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources&nbsp;with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is&nbsp;<a href="tel:+14025526645">(402) 552-6645</a>; 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&nbsp;is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%252Bv%252FUt%252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%252BtQ9zJVd%252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%252FFI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcovid19%26I%3D20200228212559.00000572228f%2540mail6-42-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%253D%26S%3DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244123654&amp;sdata=je0e0MwMoPNWbOMWpo0FhreWrOSLRAybmyFu7i1XJnc%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;The first community&nbsp;transmitted case of coronavirus disease 2019 was identified in Douglas County yesterday. Today, contact investigations related to cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County also have identified several events and locations in the Omaha area and Sarpy County that&nbsp;could result in potentially high numbers of people exposed in the community and could affect Nebraskans statewide.People who were at the following locations -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb3VnbGFzY291bnR5aGVhbHRoLmNvbS9sYXRlc3QtbmV3cyJ9.yuElkL_-01AnUEdeWxODnTzKu6QYI75sp2lnAG66BiY%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244053961&amp;sdata=lCF9ifbZUdbF22GFVZE6ukr%2FK1jkV5k6uCJsntSw9xU%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;during the time frames mentioned should self monitor for the development symptoms that include a fever, cough, shortness of breath and in some cases a sore throat. &nbsp;“We are monitoring the situation for a second community-acquired case, said Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public&nbsp;Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “The number of exposures associated with these events is potentially very high and may be beyond the ability for public health to continue to do complete contact tracing as we have been&nbsp;able to do up until this point.“We need your help. DHHS is advising Nebraskans to stay home if they’re experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or other respiratory&nbsp;illnesses including fever, cough, shortness of breath and in some cases a sore throat. By staying home you protect those in your community.”Social distancing and taking other actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 is critical. Slowing the spread of the virus will help decrease&nbsp;the potential strain on health care providers and facilities and help ensure care for those who may need it.As we’ve already seen in some areas, Nebraskans should continue to expect closures and cancellations in their communities as we work to slow&nbsp;the spread of COVID-19. Guidance for events, public gatherings and schools is available on the DHHS website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.t7V3PuYpngFgK6yEA1-yTtaOQF6R3kgp_qpp4UF750M%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244063917&amp;sdata=3yUmDAowZPal0f8wcgrPJ%2BNbRj27EnD%2BdDcxg1X%2F2OQ%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.People experiencing symptoms who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should self-isolate and call ahead to their primary care provider to&nbsp;be screened over the phone. The provider can evaluate and determine if testing is necessary. Flu activity is also still high in Nebraska. Flu tests should be considered as a first test option before considering a COVID-19 test.COVID-19 testingPublic health officials, health care providers, and laboratories are working daily to increase Nebraska’s capacity to test more people for&nbsp;COVID-19.Currently, testing supplies are limited and testing is only being done on people who have symptoms.While we work to increase supplies and testing, health care providers and local health departments are screening people to prioritize testing&nbsp;for those who have the highest likelihood of being exposed to or having COVID-19 including:<ol>
 <li>Hospitalized patients who have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19.</li><li>People with symptoms such as, older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease&nbsp;and lung disease that may put them at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.</li><li>People who have had close contact with a suspect or confirmed COVID-19 patient in the last 14 days and have symptoms starting&nbsp;after this contact.</li><li>People who have a history of travel from affected areas (international or U.S. - (<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3d25jLmNkYy5nb3YvdHJhdmVsL25vdGljZXMjYWxlcnQifQ.gEFGuLViCC0ccXzRLeS-phWSABa4xdSu6PJkpq40_ts%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244063917&amp;sdata=H%2FMm5EAZDK5pRmsa0DKwj%2BF%2BNacUDorvnr12xjvN%2FO4%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices#alert</a>)&nbsp;in the last 14 days and have symptoms starting after this contact.</li><li>Other factors may also help guide COVID-19 testing decisions like COVID-19 infections in a certain area and known community&nbsp;transmission.</li>
 </ol>New testing resources for people and providers<ol>
 <li>General guidance and testing information for Nebraskans -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvRG9jdW1lbnRzL0d1aWRhbmNlJTIwdG8lMjBQdWJsaWMlMjBhbmQlMjBUZXN0aW5nLnBkZiJ9.wOrc7SRIASy3GJr09rR48WWRNGdNmXWW-MbGiWMYsWc%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244073872&amp;sdata=WGet3Mz%2BH%2B91AxTClubDYLhNsbPfM3yg3OZIoXpGY5M%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/Guidance%20to%20Public%20and%20Testing.pdf</a></li><li>Testing site information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvRG9jdW1lbnRzL1Rlc3RpbmclMjBMb2NhdGlvbnMucGRmIn0.JXJEqLkKwjD8E5Jhpk5y4XPtjaaEFpTkWjov67kHo0w%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244073872&amp;sdata=8jxeD9iciDmXoGUSbpfgUrrKXxrVEiOt8IQ%2BaUeUL%2BU%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/Testing%20Locations.pdf</a></li><li>Healthcare providers and clinics and facilities testing information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvRG9jdW1lbnRzL1Rlc3RpbmclMjBHdWlkYW5jZSUyMHRvJTIwUHJvdmlkZXJzLnBkZiJ9.6GekJy9YPhZeinNrvgT4ycSvl-JP3h6ZJKTR5-pLluk%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244083829&amp;sdata=dBSp21NHL5grdWaIa4clcKaDMddkGkV4XVPDGWxPKzI%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/Testing%20Guidance%20to%20Providers.pdf</a></li>
 </ol>Health care providers can find the latest guidance for COVID-19 testing here –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvSGVhbHRoLUFsZXJ0LU5ldHdvcmsuYXNweCJ9.YL1__m_b-BMKKpAaeaswlVO_oXK9hjcH8qhagsa-7qo%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244083829&amp;sdata=2flUkefm4Ht19JmQlztkOQ7uapyBcxqyCt2Q6J4qXZY%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Health-Alert-Network.aspx</a>.Public health partners across the state continue to take action to protect the health of Nebraskans.Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions&nbsp;like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, according to the CDC.People in these higher-risk groups should:<ol>
 <li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNIYXZlLXN1cHBsaWVzLW9uLWhhbmQifQ.VCjfOuO-sOOtCQdxzKMfBsAGj8rIFW2oxLXtF0BI2G4%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244093785&amp;sdata=M6PsU5P0o1IJCbPlAlGB8Zic59g1T7Y7aJUwXmre3xE%3D&amp;reserved=0">Stock up on supplies</a>, including extra necessary medications.</li><li>Take&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCN0YWtlLWV2ZXJ5ZGF5LXByZWNhdXRpb25zIn0.Yk6k0TZ7cX-fJIwbdPl2MsvTiG_d--C5gadjJaUUxrk%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244093785&amp;sdata=DMkP1nMCcsLo30brHq%2FBH2knDfAq%2BnJo0KrvYWBcsDs%3D&amp;reserved=0">everyday precautions</a>&nbsp;to keep space between yourself and others.</li><li>When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.</li><li><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNhdm9pZC1jcm93ZHMifQ.EamiU9npDO_rPK9c9p4hB4X-9rKCkfc68epdhZTWKjI%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244103741&amp;sdata=NvmPMKHVQB1cUbp%2Bva7WTgk63QoXqaw%2FkpexzJjmd1o%3D&amp;reserved=0">Avoid crowds</a>&nbsp;as much as possible.</li><li>Avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3d25jLmNkYy5nb3YvdHJhdmVsL3BhZ2UvY292aWQtMTktY3J1aXNlLXNoaXAifQ.9IUJqx-sROiIVNEVgwyaKw5URoml9Cr9dJ2qWt-DyMk%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244103741&amp;sdata=v%2BZGmO2CdLCnDs5ZkU3iS%2BxSTLeMGj68QHqV0kbyRcI%3D&amp;reserved=0">cruise travel</a>&nbsp;and non-essential air travel.</li><li>If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9zcGVjaWZpYy1ncm91cHMvaGlnaC1yaXNrLWNvbXBsaWNhdGlvbnMuaHRtbCNzdGF5LWhvbWUifQ.Crdd4lHNnPlfiEU8BeJtHHdLzOigj0bSkspznCxaBvQ%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244113699&amp;sdata=upjMj5PO2%2FPtaEjdBqEIY413qcE5oEdRN2NgTaH71Xk%3D&amp;reserved=0">stay home</a>&nbsp;as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.</li>
 </ol>Everyone can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Avoiding close contact with sick people and stay 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&nbsp;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.</li><li>Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.</li>
 </ol>Here’s where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first&nbsp;responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDAzMTUuMTg3Njk2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.YHxF44SASoeA9zuUHobWJKDQz-SM8bE5Lzc2BFXoCHY%2Fbr%2F76149287570-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244113699&amp;sdata=39CJuV1ZWa9xoYUAqRZFQYqz5L3L%2Fen1kO8WZQOlYqM%3D&amp;reserved=0">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC’s website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%252Bv%252FUt%252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%252BtQ9zJVd%252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%252FFI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcovid19%26I%3D20200228212559.00000572228f%2540mail6-42-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%253D%26S%3DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244113699&amp;sdata=w3fzFcqpmwXrG3jQMoKbxZNl8SLs3%2Fr6L5c2toSShXs%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.DHHS opened a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources&nbsp;with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is&nbsp;<a href="tel:+14025526645">(402) 552-6645</a>; 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&nbsp;is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ficm-tracking.meltwater.com%2Flink.php%3FDynEngagement%3Dtrue%26H%3DqJ9juQrYQnz1cqUgIm8psgUQ75z%252Bv%252FUt%252BmzLgDhho6nnEEJMrQdYl6oy7vczWA37VWVZ3XG5jDNfUyfwrz8XAk5ETFXv5UBHpCO%252BtQ9zJVd%252FyD93cuXutxGJ8rf%252BRXdj64Fg2MDo%252FFI%253D%26G%3D0%26R%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.cdc.gov%252Fcovid19%26I%3D20200228212559.00000572228f%2540mail6-42-usnbn1%26X%3DMHwxMDQ2NzU4OjVlNTk4NTVhMGJmYzRiOWViOTgxMWI3ODs%253D%26S%3DZzjcgDmQ4xMygm9EK4HNx8nmH8Bk9uriJycy51nrpsE&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7C48baaac9079c463586c808d7c93c537a%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637199133244123654&amp;sdata=je0e0MwMoPNWbOMWpo0FhreWrOSLRAybmyFu7i1XJnc%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19</a>.

Potential high numbers of community exposures in Douglas Co.

By&nbsp;Dr. Caroline B. Winchester, Chadron Public Schools Superintendent

After consultation with Panhandle Public Health District and COVID-19 Unified Command, it has been determined that Chadron Public Schools&nbsp;along with the other ESU 13 schools in the Nebraska Panhandle will be closed for the next&nbsp;two weeks. 

The State of Nebraska has elevated the risk assessment this evening and schools are engaging in preemptive dismissal to try to decrease the spread of disease.

We ask that students and community members immediately begin engaging in social distancing. There will be no practices or school activities during the 14 day period. Unified Command and Regional West have asked that anyone who has traveled to areas with community&nbsp;transmission of COVID-19 to self-monitor and self-quarantine. At this time there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle. 

Additional information will be forthcoming.&nbsp;

By&nbsp;Dr. Caroline B. Winchester, Chadron Public Schools SuperintendentAfter consultation with Panhandle Public Health District and COVID-19 Unified Command, it has been determined that Chadron Public Schools&nbsp;along with the other ESU 13 schools in the Nebraska Panhandle will be closed for the next&nbsp;two weeks. The State of Nebraska has elevated the risk assessment this evening and schools are engaging in preemptive dismissal to try to decrease the spread of disease.We ask that students and community members immediately begin engaging in social distancing. There will be no practices or school activities during the 14 day period. Unified Command and Regional West have asked that anyone who has traveled to areas with community&nbsp;transmission of COVID-19 to self-monitor and self-quarantine. At this time there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Panhandle. Additional information will be forthcoming.&nbsp;

Chadron Public Schools closes for two weeks 

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Grand Island Public Schools officials have announced the closure of public schools in the city, and they say the closure may last several weeks.

The announcement was made to the public on the school district's Facebook page:

GRAND ISLAND, Neb.-Grand Island Public Schools officials have announced the closure of public schools in the city, and they say the closure may last several weeks.The announcement was made to the public on the school district's Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGrandIslandPublicSchools%2Fposts%2F2895655110480478&width=500" width="500" height="294" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Grand Island Public Schools close due to virus outbreak

OMAHA-One of the most popular attractions in Nebraska is temporarily closing its doors in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Henry Doorly Zoo and aquarium announced the temporary closure on their Facebook page:

OMAHA-One of the most popular attractions in Nebraska is temporarily closing its doors in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.Henry Doorly Zoo and aquarium announced the temporary closure on their Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOmahaZoo%2Fposts%2F10157941296850851&width=500" width="500" height="518" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>

Henry Doorly Zoo to close until end of the month

NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted multiple religious faiths to change or cancel services as houses of worship try to help contain the disease. But some church leaders are also tackling another task: communicating a message that elevates both faith and science.

That goal is particularly challenging in a time of sharp political polarization, as partisan scuffles over religion’s influence on policymaking can caricature Christians as skeptical of science. For pastors across Christian denominations, however, rising public anxiety over coronavirus only reinforces the importance of believing in God while heeding the advice of public health experts.

“Science is a wonderful arena of truth and understanding truth. It is an amazing tool that can help human flourishing. We just believe it can’t address all truth that exists,” said D.J. Jenkins, pastor at Anthology Church in Studio City, Calif.

Jenkins, who got his undergraduate degree in biology, acknowledged that “for a lot of folks, it’s probably pretty strange to see” a Christian or other devout person “asking for divine help -- and then also trusting in science and health professionals and doctors. But it’s not strange for me.”

While past natural disasters have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/151633f83b7ed2452ca1c8ab7135af8e">found a few</a>&nbsp;high-profile Christians asserting a link to specific divine punishment, the coronavirus outbreak has generated little if any of that religious rhetoric. Instead, churches are rising to the moment with a mixture of spiritual aid and practical counsel that presents its own challenges, beyond the political tensions kicked up by the virus.

Scott Sauls, senior pastor at Nashville’s Christ Presbyterian Church, said he’s discussing ways to “move toward the pain rather than away from it,” acting on his faith’s edict to love one’s neighbor amid rising anxiety.

But that goal is complicated by the social distancing that’s been recommended as a best practice to slow down the disease, Sauls noted, since “Christians’ responsibility is to, No. 1, not send the irresponsible, unloving message” of downplaying the virus’ risk. He said conversations about how best to help have so far focused on assisting the high-risk elderly and health care workers overtaxed by the crisis.

National Association of Evangelicals President Walter Kim said his guidance to denominations is prioritizing the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and other experts, because “the sense of reassurance we want to give is coupled with prudence in seeking out the best information.”

Citing the high religiosity among early scientific pioneers such as Isaac Newton, Kim said that although friction between faith and science has occurred in the past, “the scientific community and people of faith really should serve as collaborators.”

Religious institutions from coast to coast have upended their service schedules to prevent close contact that could spread coronavirus, with Kentucky’s governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cf943036e5e71ae85c827a66f4adedf">encouraging&nbsp;</a>churches to cancel their services this week. While not every church in the state plans to fully close, pastors such as Steve Weaver, of Farmdale Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky., said they are keenly aware of both scientific and faith considerations.

“We want to take seriously the health challenges that experts are describing and their prescriptions to address those challenges,” Weaver said by email. “However, we have to balance that by our responsibility to continue our regular expressions of worshiping and gathering, which I believe is commanded of us as Christians.”

In Washington state’s King County, where the outbreak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e27307edc5b133a67f3ba2036a97dc27">has claimed</a>&nbsp;more than two dozen victims, pastors are already dealing with the spiritual struggles wrought by the pandemic.

“There’s a lot of fear right now, so we have an opportunity to be bearers of hope and peace,” said Andrew Fouché, pastor of Sunset Community Church in Renton, Wash. Fouché added that he resists “pat answers” about prayer providing complete protection.

Aaron Monts, pastor at United Church Seattle, said he’s seen “a tension of fear and faith” among congregants who are not yet directly affected by the virus but facing growing isolation. Last Sunday, Monts said, his church suggested a way for believers to blend worship with doctors’ advice: reciting a 20-second prayer while washing their hands.

“We taught, let’s do something a little more intentional with this space” than the increasingly popular advice to sing 20 seconds of “Happy Birthday,” Monts said.

Yet the act of prayer itself often proves fodder for political division over faith and science, and the government’s response to coronavirus is no exception. When Vice President Mike Pence tweeted a photo of a group prayer before a meeting of the Trump administration’s virus response task force that he leads, one commentator’s online pushback met with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkMeadows/status/1234526122014126081?s=20" target="_blank">condemnation from</a>&nbsp;prominent Republicans who accused progressives of maligning religion.

In fact, Pence’s photo sparked a complex reaction from Christians who said prayer is valuable but not the sole solution to a crisis, whether personal or pandemic.

Chris Green, professor of theology at Southeastern University, said he has seen “magical thinking” about the power of prayer among both conservative and liberal Christians, but “that is a minority, very clearly a quieter voice in the conversation.”

“Overwhelmingly, I think the groups I work with would say, pray and work” to solve problems, said Green, who’s also a teaching pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa.

Katelyn Beaty, a former veteran editor at Christianity Today, described the Pence photo as a politicized bid to court conservative Christian support. But she separated that critical response from her view of prayer itself -- as not incompatible with respect for scientific fact.

A majority of Americans pray at least daily, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/frequency-of-prayer/" target="_blank">2014 poll</a>&nbsp;by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Referring to Muslim and Jewish neighbors who communicate with God, Beaty said that she “would never ... assume that because they pray, they’re also distrustful of science.”

Beaty added that “the ‘divide’ between faith and science is much more about culture wars and the politicization of everything in our common life than it is about what people think and believe.”

Underscoring that point, Pew polling also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/10/22/science-and-religion/" target="_blank">has found</a>&nbsp;that while 59% of Americans view religion and science as often in conflict, only 30% said science conflicts with their own personal beliefs.

James Dew Jr., president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, acknowledged what he called the “warfare” theory of faith’s relationship to science but offered an alternate view of religion and science as “dialogue partners.”

“We need God’s grace more than ever before,” said Dew, who writes extensively on theology and philosophy. “We also need our medical community to do its best work right now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584278183206.png" alt="Trinity Episcopal in Lawrence, Kansas&nbsp; is among many churches not holding public worship Sunday in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Until after March 29, the church will not be hosting any ministry or group functions, according to it's website- Google image" />
 <figcaption>Trinity Episcopal in Lawrence, Kansas&nbsp; is among many churches not holding public worship Sunday in light of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Until after March 29, the church will not be hosting any ministry or group functions, according to it's website- Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has prompted multiple religious faiths to change or cancel services as houses of worship try to help contain the disease. But some church leaders are also tackling another task: communicating a message that elevates both faith and science.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/kpaGEAzRZY">https://t.co/kpaGEAzRZY</a>&mdash; Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence/status/1239176998045519873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>That goal is particularly challenging in a time of sharp political polarization, as partisan scuffles over religion’s influence on policymaking can caricature Christians as skeptical of science. For pastors across Christian denominations, however, rising public anxiety over coronavirus only reinforces the importance of believing in God while heeding the advice of public health experts.“Science is a wonderful arena of truth and understanding truth. It is an amazing tool that can help human flourishing. We just believe it can’t address all truth that exists,” said D.J. Jenkins, pastor at Anthology Church in Studio City, Calif.Jenkins, who got his undergraduate degree in biology, acknowledged that “for a lot of folks, it’s probably pretty strange to see” a Christian or other devout person “asking for divine help -- and then also trusting in science and health professionals and doctors. But it’s not strange for me.”While past natural disasters have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/151633f83b7ed2452ca1c8ab7135af8e">found a few</a>&nbsp;high-profile Christians asserting a link to specific divine punishment, the coronavirus outbreak has generated little if any of that religious rhetoric. Instead, churches are rising to the moment with a mixture of spiritual aid and practical counsel that presents its own challenges, beyond the political tensions kicked up by the virus.Scott Sauls, senior pastor at Nashville’s Christ Presbyterian Church, said he’s discussing ways to “move toward the pain rather than away from it,” acting on his faith’s edict to love one’s neighbor amid rising anxiety.But that goal is complicated by the social distancing that’s been recommended as a best practice to slow down the disease, Sauls noted, since “Christians’ responsibility is to, No. 1, not send the irresponsible, unloving message” of downplaying the virus’ risk. He said conversations about how best to help have so far focused on assisting the high-risk elderly and health care workers overtaxed by the crisis.National Association of Evangelicals President Walter Kim said his guidance to denominations is prioritizing the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and other experts, because “the sense of reassurance we want to give is coupled with prudence in seeking out the best information.”Citing the high religiosity among early scientific pioneers such as Isaac Newton, Kim said that although friction between faith and science has occurred in the past, “the scientific community and people of faith really should serve as collaborators.”Religious institutions from coast to coast have upended their service schedules to prevent close contact that could spread coronavirus, with Kentucky’s governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6cf943036e5e71ae85c827a66f4adedf">encouraging&nbsp;</a>churches to cancel their services this week. While not every church in the state plans to fully close, pastors such as Steve Weaver, of Farmdale Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky., said they are keenly aware of both scientific and faith considerations.“We want to take seriously the health challenges that experts are describing and their prescriptions to address those challenges,” Weaver said by email. “However, we have to balance that by our responsibility to continue our regular expressions of worshiping and gathering, which I believe is commanded of us as Christians.”In Washington state’s King County, where the outbreak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e27307edc5b133a67f3ba2036a97dc27">has claimed</a>&nbsp;more than two dozen victims, pastors are already dealing with the spiritual struggles wrought by the pandemic.“There’s a lot of fear right now, so we have an opportunity to be bearers of hope and peace,” said Andrew Fouché, pastor of Sunset Community Church in Renton, Wash. Fouché added that he resists “pat answers” about prayer providing complete protection.Aaron Monts, pastor at United Church Seattle, said he’s seen “a tension of fear and faith” among congregants who are not yet directly affected by the virus but facing growing isolation. Last Sunday, Monts said, his church suggested a way for believers to blend worship with doctors’ advice: reciting a 20-second prayer while washing their hands.“We taught, let’s do something a little more intentional with this space” than the increasingly popular advice to sing 20 seconds of “Happy Birthday,” Monts said.Yet the act of prayer itself often proves fodder for political division over faith and science, and the government’s response to coronavirus is no exception. When Vice President Mike Pence tweeted a photo of a group prayer before a meeting of the Trump administration’s virus response task force that he leads, one commentator’s online pushback met with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkMeadows/status/1234526122014126081?s=20" target="_blank">condemnation from</a>&nbsp;prominent Republicans who accused progressives of maligning religion.In fact, Pence’s photo sparked a complex reaction from Christians who said prayer is valuable but not the sole solution to a crisis, whether personal or pandemic.Chris Green, professor of theology at Southeastern University, said he has seen “magical thinking” about the power of prayer among both conservative and liberal Christians, but “that is a minority, very clearly a quieter voice in the conversation.”“Overwhelmingly, I think the groups I work with would say, pray and work” to solve problems, said Green, who’s also a teaching pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa.Katelyn Beaty, a former veteran editor at Christianity Today, described the Pence photo as a politicized bid to court conservative Christian support. But she separated that critical response from her view of prayer itself -- as not incompatible with respect for scientific fact.A majority of Americans pray at least daily, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/frequency-of-prayer/" target="_blank">2014 poll</a>&nbsp;by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. Referring to Muslim and Jewish neighbors who communicate with God, Beaty said that she “would never ... assume that because they pray, they’re also distrustful of science.”Beaty added that “the ‘divide’ between faith and science is much more about culture wars and the politicization of everything in our common life than it is about what people think and believe.”Underscoring that point, Pew polling also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/10/22/science-and-religion/" target="_blank">has found</a>&nbsp;that while 59% of Americans view religion and science as often in conflict, only 30% said science conflicts with their own personal beliefs.James Dew Jr., president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, acknowledged what he called the “warfare” theory of faith’s relationship to science but offered an alternate view of religion and science as “dialogue partners.”“We need God’s grace more than ever before,” said Dew, who writes extensively on theology and philosophy. “We also need our medical community to do its best work right now.”___

Pray and wash: Religion joins with science amid virus crisis

With the coronavirus causing school to be canceled, my son brought his schoolwork home.&nbsp;He shared with us a Greek mythology worksheet about Pandora’s Box. If you aren’t familiar, the Greek god Zeus gave a wedding present to beautiful Pandora but instructed her not to open it.&nbsp;Like many of us, impatience and curiosity got the best of her and she opened it anyway which caused a lot of new problems.

1Similarly, with Covid-19, this new virus is already out of the box. This is a global pandemic and we are being asked to be patient and conform to social distancing to help slow down the spread. This is our current challenge.&nbsp;Every day we hear about sporting events, concerts, schools, and travel plans being cancelled. This is the best-known method to slow the spread of Covid-19.&nbsp;The less we are mixing and mingling, the less the virus is spreading.&nbsp;

When we slow the spread, we give our healthcare systems the best chance at having the resources on hand to keep up with the number of people who need help at any given time. In areas of the world where cases of Covid-19 were allowed to spike, the healthcare systems are overwhelmed.&nbsp;Some hospitals don’t have enough beds, enough ventilators, enough medicine to treat everyone that needs help.&nbsp;They don’t have enough masks and gowns to protect their staff. In these situations, doctors are having to decide who gets treatment, and who doesn’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thankfully, of those who become infected, possibly 80 percent will have only mild symptoms. Some may not have symptoms at all. However, we need to understand that some will become very sick and some will die.&nbsp;Unlike influenza, Covid-19 is a new virus. Therefore, none of us have immunity from the past or from immunizations.&nbsp;There is no herd immunity.&nbsp;

1That is why events are cancelled.&nbsp;That is why social distancing is urged. Since most people will only have mild symptoms and some people may not have symptoms at all, the virus can be spread easily without us realizing it.&nbsp;We all need to be patient and follow the instructions from health officials. By doing so, we can hopefully prevent a large spike of a lot of sick people at once and avoid a worst-case scenario.

My son’s main impression from his school lesson was that despite the sickness and problems that were released, Pandora closed the lid and held hope inside the box.&nbsp;I have hope that together we will contain this virus and, in the end, this, too, shall pass.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrew Ellsworth, MD is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairiedoc.org/">www.prairiedoc.org</a>&nbsp;and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streamed most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584291986998.jpeg" alt="Andrew Ellsworth, MD" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Ellsworth, MD</figcaption>
 </figure>By Andrew Ellsworth, MDWith the coronavirus causing school to be canceled, my son brought his schoolwork home.&nbsp;He shared with us a Greek mythology worksheet about Pandora’s Box. If you aren’t familiar, the Greek god Zeus gave a wedding present to beautiful Pandora but instructed her not to open it.&nbsp;Like many of us, impatience and curiosity got the best of her and she opened it anyway which caused a lot of new problems.1Similarly, with Covid-19, this new virus is already out of the box. This is a global pandemic and we are being asked to be patient and conform to social distancing to help slow down the spread. This is our current challenge.&nbsp;Every day we hear about sporting events, concerts, schools, and travel plans being cancelled. This is the best-known method to slow the spread of Covid-19.&nbsp;The less we are mixing and mingling, the less the virus is spreading.&nbsp;When we slow the spread, we give our healthcare systems the best chance at having the resources on hand to keep up with the number of people who need help at any given time. In areas of the world where cases of Covid-19 were allowed to spike, the healthcare systems are overwhelmed.&nbsp;Some hospitals don’t have enough beds, enough ventilators, enough medicine to treat everyone that needs help.&nbsp;They don’t have enough masks and gowns to protect their staff. In these situations, doctors are having to decide who gets treatment, and who doesn’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully, of those who become infected, possibly 80 percent will have only mild symptoms. Some may not have symptoms at all. However, we need to understand that some will become very sick and some will die.&nbsp;Unlike influenza, Covid-19 is a new virus. Therefore, none of us have immunity from the past or from immunizations.&nbsp;There is no herd immunity.&nbsp;1That is why events are cancelled.&nbsp;That is why social distancing is urged. Since most people will only have mild symptoms and some people may not have symptoms at all, the virus can be spread easily without us realizing it.&nbsp;We all need to be patient and follow the instructions from health officials. By doing so, we can hopefully prevent a large spike of a lot of sick people at once and avoid a worst-case scenario.My son’s main impression from his school lesson was that despite the sickness and problems that were released, Pandora closed the lid and held hope inside the box.&nbsp;I have hope that together we will contain this virus and, in the end, this, too, shall pass.&nbsp;&nbsp;Andrew Ellsworth, MD is part of The Prairie Doc® team of physicians and currently practices family medicine in Brookings, South Dakota. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.prairiedoc.org/">www.prairiedoc.org</a>&nbsp;and follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&amp;A show streamed most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Prairie Doc® Perspectives: Work Together to Contain COVID-19



The Chadron State College High School Invitational track and field meet, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 21, has been canceled. No makeup date is set at this time.

The CSC track and field coaching staff will be in touch with high school coaches regarding any further details.

Chadron State's current Mid-Term Break was extended on Friday until March 22, in light of public health recommendations regarding the COVID-19 virus, and the NCAA placed a mandatory dead period on recruiting that extends through April 15.



Courtesy: CSC Athletics

The Chadron State College High School Invitational track and field meet, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 21, has been canceled. No makeup date is set at this time.The CSC track and field coaching staff will be in touch with high school coaches regarding any further details.Chadron State's current Mid-Term Break was extended on Friday until March 22, in light of public health recommendations regarding the COVID-19 virus, and the NCAA placed a mandatory dead period on recruiting that extends through April 15.

CSC High School Track-&-Field Invite canceled

The Latest on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">world's coronavirus pandemic</a>, which has infected more than 156,000 people and killed more than 5,800. The disease for most people causes only mild or moderate symptoms but for some, especially the elderly or people with underlying health conditions, it can cause more severe illness. Nearly 74,000 people have recovered from it so far, mostly in China.

A top member of the White House task force on combating the spread of coronavirus says the administration has “not seriously discussed” restricting travel within the United States.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, said on ABC’s “This Week” that the idea of domestic travel restrictions have come up during administration deliberations but such action is unlikely “right now or in the immediate future.”

Fauci’s comments come a day after President Donald Trump told reporters that he was considering imposing restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The president said Saturday he was also adding the United Kingdom and Ireland to a list of countries that would face sweeping travel restrictions over the next 30 days. Last week, Trump announced a temporary suspension of travel into the U.S. for foreigners who had recently spent time in the 26-nation Schengen area, the European Union's border-free travel zone.

By The Associated PressThe Latest on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">world's coronavirus pandemic</a>, which has infected more than 156,000 people and killed more than 5,800. The disease for most people causes only mild or moderate symptoms but for some, especially the elderly or people with underlying health conditions, it can cause more severe illness. Nearly 74,000 people have recovered from it so far, mostly in China.A top member of the White House task force on combating the spread of coronavirus says the administration has “not seriously discussed” restricting travel within the United States.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, said on ABC’s “This Week” that the idea of domestic travel restrictions have come up during administration deliberations but such action is unlikely “right now or in the immediate future.”Fauci’s comments come a day after President Donald Trump told reporters that he was considering imposing restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.The president said Saturday he was also adding the United Kingdom and Ireland to a list of countries that would face sweeping travel restrictions over the next 30 days. Last week, Trump announced a temporary suspension of travel into the U.S. for foreigners who had recently spent time in the 26-nation Schengen area, the European Union's border-free travel zone.___The government’s top official on infectious diseases says he’s worried about the health risks of long lines and crowding at U.S. airports amid new coronavirus travel restrictions.Dr. Anthony Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, told “Fox News Sunday” that “we’d like to not see crowds like that” as Americans and other travelers return from Europe. He cited the aim of social distancing to prevent spread of COVID-19.Fauci says it’s understandable with a travel ban, people would immediately feel they want to “hunker and get home,” but if you’re an American citizen, you can get back “there is no need to rush back.”Weary travelers returning to the U.S. amid coronavirus-related travel restrictions have been greeted by long lines and hourslong waits for required medical screenings at airports.___Health authorities in Spain say deaths from the coronavirus have more than doubled in 24 hours, while total infections approached 8,000.The Health Ministry said Spain has recorded 288 deaths since the start of the pandemic, up from 136 on Saturday. The European Union nation has 7,753 infections, up from 5,700 on Saturday, with around half of them concentrated in the capital of Madrid.The jump comes a day after Spain’s government declared a state of emergency and took extraordinary measures to limit movement to commuting to work and necessary errands. It has also closed restaurants, bars, most retail shops and reduced public transport.___The Vatican says all Holy Week ceremonies will take place without the “physical presence of the faithful” because of the health emergency over the coronavirus.The Vatican tweeted Sunday citing an announcement by the office of the pontifical household said that until April 12, when Easter Sunday is celebrated this year, all the general audiences on Wednesday as well as Pope Francis weekly Sunday noon prayer will be streamed by the Vatican.Among popular Holy Week ceremonies is the Good Friday Way of the Cross torchlit procession at Rome's Colosseum.Holy Week ceremonies usually draw tens of thousands of people to Rome, but with Italy the European center of the COVID-19 outbreak, tourism in the country has vanished.__Indonesian President Joko Widodo is undergoing a test for COVID-19 on Sunday afternoon after his transportation minister, Budi Karya Sumadi, was tested positive with coronavirus on Friday. In an official video released by the presidential office, Widodo said that his cabinet ministers have taken the same test.___Britain’s top health official says the government plans to set out emergency powers this week to deal with the viral outbreak, including requiring the elderly to self-isolate and banning mass gatherings.Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday the government’s bill laying out its emergency action plan would be unveiled on Tuesday and published Thursday.Britain has taken a different approach and hasn’t yet heavily restricted everyday activities in the same way other countries across Europe have done, but Hancock’s comments suggested the government was ready to escalate its efforts. Britain has 1,140 confirmed virus cases and 21 deaths.___Pope Francis has praised people for their continuing efforts to help vulnerable communities, including the poor and the homeless, amid the coronavirus pandemic.Francis for a second Sunday delivered noon remarks and the spoken blessing from inside the Apostolic Library instead of from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.As he did a week earlier, he later waved from the window and gave a silent blessing with his arm, but this time there were no members of the public in the square.___Italians are being left even more isolated Sunday amid a national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus.Italy’s transport minister signed a decree Saturday banning passengers from taking ferries to Sardinia, a large Mediterranean island.Sardinia’s governor had asked for the ban to stop travelers from bringing possible infection from the mainland peninsula. Cargo can still go by ferry to the island, but every day people will need special permission from the governor to hop aboard.The minister also banned overnight train trips, which many in the north had been taking to reach homes and families in the south. Italy has the largest outbreak outside of China, with 21,000 infections and 1,441 deaths.___Spain awoke to its first day of a nationwide quarantine on Sunday after the government declared a two-week state of emergency.The government imposed the special measures including the confinement of people to their homes unless shopping for food and medicine, going to and from work, and to meet other basic needs.Restaurants and hotels are closed and public transport reduced.In Barcelona, people who ventured out on quiet streets to buy bread at one bakery formed long lines with a meter (about three feet) in between each person as recommended by authorities to reduce the risk of contagion. Police patrolled parks and told people who weren't taking their dog on a quick walk to go home.The state of emergency declared by the government of Pedro Sánchez includes the temporary centralization of Spain’s health care system which is run by regional authorities.Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau said Sunday that "if we show solidarity and think about one another we can get through this.___Austria’s leader says his government is limiting people’s movement nationwide.Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told the Austria Press Agency Sunday that there should be only three reasons for people to leave home: essential work, essential purchases such as food, and helping other people.He said people will be able to go out “only alone or with the people they live in their apartment."Kurz’s comments came shortly after the governor of Tyrol province had announced a lockdown for his Alpine region. Austria, a country of some 8 million people, has confirmed 800 infections with the new coronavirus.___More and more countries are taking border measures and restricting movement to try to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.Norway is set to close its airports and harbors due as of Monday, Prime Erna Solberg told Norwegian media. By midday Sunday, Norway has confirmed 1,133 cases of the virus.Slovenia’s government has announced the closure of all public transport, including buses and trains in the small Alpine state. Authorities also plan to order the closure of all shopping malls, restaurants and bars. Only food shops and pharmacies will remain open. The country of about 2 million people that borders Italy has 181 officially confirmed COVID-19 cases and one death.Uzbekistan announced that international air and highway connections will be cut beginning Monday and all mass events, including observations of the holiday of Nowruz, are canceled.Kazakhstan has declared a state of emergency that closes the borders to all forms of transport and closes shopping malls, theaters and other places of mass gatherings.___Austria’s Tyrol province is ordering a lockdown to fight the coronavirus, initially for a one-week period.The provincial governor, Guenther Platter, announced Sunday that people will be allowed to leave their homes only for reasons such as buying food and medicine, visiting the doctor, getting cash or walking the dog.Tyrol, an Alpine region that is popular with skiers, borders northern Italy and is one of the worst-hit areas of Austria, which already has largely shut down public life.The lockdown measures mirror those already taken by Italy and Spain. Austria has confirmed 758 cases of the new coronavirus and one death.___Singapore has announced that all travelers arriving from Southeast Asian countries, Japan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom or with a travel history to these countries within 14 days upon arrival will have to self-isolate under new efforts to battle the coronavirus.The health ministry said the measure, starting Sunday, will also apply to Singapore residents. Southeast Asian visitors will also be required to submit information on their health for approval before their travel, it said.The city-state, which has recorded 212 virus cases, has already banned visitors from China, Iran, Italy, France, Germany, South Korea and Spain. The new measure will not apply to sea and land crossings with Malaysia due to high inter-dependency between the neighbors.___Sri Lanka has closed all of its national parks, zoos and botanical gardens as a part of measures to combat the spreading of the coronavirus.The Indian Ocean island nation's government says the country's 26 national wildlife parks, two zoos and two botanical gardens will be closed for visitors for two weeks starting Sunday.Sri Lanka has confirmed 11 cases of the coronavirus.___The Republic of Congo, which is home to the World Health Organization’s regional Africa headquarters, has reported its first case of the coronavirus. The new case means 25 of Africa’s 54 countries now have cases of the virus.___Turkey has set up quarantine locations for more than 10,300 people returning from pilgrimages to Islam’s holy sites in Saudi Arabia.The Youth and Sport Ministry said Sunday that beds had been made available in university dormitories in the capital, Ankara, and the central Anatolian city of Konya for those returning from Umrah, a pilgrimage that can be made at any time of the year. Returnees will be quarantined for 14 days.___Austria is further tightening restrictions on public life, closing restaurants and sports facilities and halting flights to a number of countries in an effort to fight the coronavirus.Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the new measures in a parliamentary session on Sunday. The Austria Press Agency reported that he announced flight bans for Britain, Ukraine and Russia.Restaurants will now have to close entirely starting on Tuesday.Austria has confirmed 758 cases of the new coronavirus, including one death.___Travelers returning to the U.S. from Europe have been greeted with hourslong waits for required medical screenings at airports.While American citizens, green card holders and some others are allowed to return to the U.S. amid new European travel restrictions, they're being funneled to 13 U.S. airports where they're subject to health screenings and quarantine orders.Acting Secretary Chad Wolf says the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is trying to add additional screening capacity and work with airlines to expedite the process.Videos and photos posted to social media showed packed, winding lines of returning travelers. On Twitter, airports like Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare acknowledged the delays and asked for patience. But local politicians were incensed.___South Korea’s president has declared southeastern parts of the country hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak as “special disasters zones,” a designation that makes residents there eligible for emergency relief, tax benefits and other state financial support.President Moon Jae-in’s office says he on Sunday approved a proposal by his prime minister to declare the Daegu city and some areas in the southeastern Gyeongsang province as such disaster zones.It’s the first time for South Korea to declare any area a special disaster zone due to an infectious disease.South Korea has so far reported 8,162 coronavirus cases, about 88% of them in the southeastern region. More than 830 people have recovered.___Australia's prime minister says all travelers arriving in the country will have to self-isolate for 14 days to try and stem the spread of the new coronavirus.Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement Sunday after a phone hookup with the leaders of Australian states and territories leaders under a new national cabinet meeting.Morrison told reporters in Sydney that the measures are indefinite and will be reviewed periodically.Morrison also banned all cruise ships from docking in Australian ports for at least 30 days. The measures are similar to what New Zealand announced on Saturday.___Just across the Hudson River from New York City, a New Jersey city is imposing a curfew on residents amid the virus outbreak.Hoboken residents must stay in their homes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Monday, a daily curfew that's among the first and most far-reaching such measures taken in the U.S.Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced Saturday night that exceptions will be made for emergencies and people required to work. He also said bars and restaurants can only offer takeout and delivery services. Bars that don't serve food will shut down altogether Sunday.New Jersey has 69 virus cases statewide and two virus-related deaths.___In New Zealand, passengers aboard a cruise ship in the South Island tourist town of Akaroa are not being allowed off the vessel while three passengers are tested for the new coronavirus.Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said Sunday that one of the passengers on the Golden Princess is being treated as a suspected case.The news came just one day after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the country was banning cruise ships from entering its waters as it took a more aggressive approach to COVID-19. The Golden Princess was already in New Zealand at the time Ardern spoke.The cruise ship departed from Melbourne, Australia.

Coronavirus Update