Beth Beam, Ph.D., assistant professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing and project director for HEROES, which provides emergency preparedness training and education for health care providers.

Beth Beam, Ph.D., assistant professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing and project director for HEROES, which provides emergency preparedness training and education for health care providers.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lHeY8FWk4sE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥UNMC expert demonstrates how to make homemade mask

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska state employees’ union will deliver more than 1,600 petitions to Gov. Pete Ricketts’ office demanding that he give all state workers the option to work from home if their jobs allow it. 

The petitions also call for an extra $2 an hour in “hazard pay” for those who have to work in-person during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Justin Hubly of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees says many employees are concerned about their safety. 

Ricketts has said it isn’t possible for all state employees to work from home because the state still has to provide essential services.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska state employees’ union will deliver more than 1,600 petitions to Gov. Pete Ricketts’ office demanding that he give all state workers the option to work from home if their jobs allow it. The petitions also call for an extra $2 an hour in “hazard pay” for those who have to work in-person during the coronavirus pandemic. Justin Hubly of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees says many employees are concerned about their safety. Ricketts has said it isn’t possible for all state employees to work from home because the state still has to provide essential services.

Nebraska state workers petition for option to work from home

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (The Kansas City Star) — Newly unsealed court documents say a Missouri man who was planning to bomb a Kansas City-area hospital was distressed by the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis. 

Timothy Wilson, of Raymore, died March 24 in a firefight with FBI agents. The violent take-down followed a long-running domestic terrorism investigation that began in 2019. 

The Kansas City Star reports that Wilson considered attacking the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, before settling on a plan to attack Belton Regional Medical Center. 

Investigators say he was motivated by racial, religious and anti-government animus, and moved up his timeline as the coronavirus made its way to Missouri.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (The Kansas City Star) — Newly unsealed court documents say a Missouri man who was planning to bomb a Kansas City-area hospital was distressed by the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis. Timothy Wilson, of Raymore, died March 24 in a firefight with FBI agents. The violent take-down followed a long-running domestic terrorism investigation that began in 2019. The Kansas City Star reports that Wilson considered attacking the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, before settling on a plan to attack Belton Regional Medical Center. Investigators say he was motivated by racial, religious and anti-government animus, and moved up his timeline as the coronavirus made its way to Missouri.

FBI: Government's response to virus spurred would-be bomber

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — A Wyoming man has become the state’s first person to die of the coronavirus. 

For almost two weeks, Wyoming was the only U.S. state without known deaths from the virus causing the COVID-19 illness. 

The Johnson County man’s death was announced Monday by the Wyoming Department of Health. 

State health officials say the man had health conditions that put him at higher risk of complications from the virus and he’d been hospitalized in Buffalo. 

State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist called it a sad development they had hoped Wyoming wouldn't see.

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — A Wyoming man has become the state’s first person to die of the coronavirus. For almost two weeks, Wyoming was the only U.S. state without known deaths from the virus causing the COVID-19 illness. The Johnson County man’s death was announced Monday by the Wyoming Department of Health. State health officials say the man had health conditions that put him at higher risk of complications from the virus and he’d been hospitalized in Buffalo. The man died last week. State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist called it a sad development they had hoped Wyoming wouldn't see.

Wyoming man dies of COVID-19; state was last without a death

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two additional COVID-19 related deaths were reported Tuesday, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 20, according to the Nebraska Department of Human Services.

The Douglas County Public Health Department reported its seventh death, that of a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb3VnbGFzY291bnR5aGVhbHRoLmNvbS9sYXRlc3QtbmV3cyJ9.yIoUwpnnhMImxBiRJcBJ7mXijffKOMBZ4NsDaup0fDg%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297350522&amp;sdata=8ob7h1UBwV32QrTlHzGbZkOQFCZ3%2BVZUxBfJCtcP2zQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news</a>

The Loup Basin Public Health Department announced its second death, that of a Custer County man in his 80s with underlying health conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vbGJwaGQub3JnLyJ9.Qg9WzIpoHgITMGpwj6_4w8gzOq0fjaNzhJXvOTiLQjM%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297350522&amp;sdata=7lNPxmVLcXBrwX0788waFUk%2F28GSZtAQd9OowP2u8jA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/</a>

That brings the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 20, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Saline County also reported its first case Tuesday.

Today’s state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 901. DHHS launched a new data dashboard that updates the state's COVID-19 case totals daily. You can find it at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.uIZZ4C6de5tn5im3wX7WcxD68cgR1QN8Mh9a7D3c4Ww%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297360481&amp;sdata=Xl2S19D4u357TrCJroQBrPuR6ik%2FfrUQclcvaH2NjeE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.

All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.1TVYGIgBllk6Vs9kXcG-uGRmEedmg-q191SCvjK-LbM%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297360481&amp;sdata=6A%2FnFB9N0asa4h68RPOPOrx5czlDqosYQ1aEVG8RT4E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.

In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ09WSUQtMTktRGlyZWN0ZWQtSGVhbHRoLU1lYXN1cmVzLmFzcHgifQ.sKJlQ5ItNh1-8pzpSQTfdzE9Y2JmXH1A6U0yQOsA8lo%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297370436&amp;sdata=HVWZPebftX46xUtsrA2SAd4%2F5CKG%2FNhr5KI7V7vOc8M%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</a>

DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;

Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay9jbG90aC1mYWNlLWNvdmVyLWZhcS5odG1sIn0.TkmYMJ8wLf02JMJvRJO1XoSIn1Y40vl_IvTG_RpO9II%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297370436&amp;sdata=CbEiVRK8J9WM6uIPpp5yrQCQI%2FBtEIJ%2FirY3xxQMEHg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html</a>.

Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.

Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.JxLCqxmTLsqt3DxUW1GmM4aTbkZnUu0cfocqzomSjH0%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297380391&amp;sdata=TvJHY64Roc%2B2kTAwzD%2B0YXslMRkFqbvzC04Kw1YiuqY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.LF7IUtOUlcYF78LbgEU9Iw-OsNf3hqn91Zcu5HSj1BY%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297380391&amp;sdata=xwjMODooSMknFjA2B%2BGLgvOau3YfsqE2y%2B%2FCeuW2rIk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

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

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.STQdZkG5KRO1phAofpl3V40zOFMZXfnhGizoY1NQKPc%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297380391&amp;sdata=cv8fyQpR%2BB893hyMDmyIpyRiSF3b6mLzC%2FR46%2BbGuG8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

LINCOLN –&nbsp;Two additional COVID-19 related deaths were reported Tuesday, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 20, according to the Nebraska Department of Human Services.The Douglas County Public Health Department reported its seventh death, that of a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kb3VnbGFzY291bnR5aGVhbHRoLmNvbS9sYXRlc3QtbmV3cyJ9.yIoUwpnnhMImxBiRJcBJ7mXijffKOMBZ4NsDaup0fDg%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297350522&amp;sdata=8ob7h1UBwV32QrTlHzGbZkOQFCZ3%2BVZUxBfJCtcP2zQ%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news</a>The Loup Basin Public Health Department announced its second death, that of a Custer County man in his 80s with underlying health conditions.&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mYWNlYm9vay5jb20vbGJwaGQub3JnLyJ9.Qg9WzIpoHgITMGpwj6_4w8gzOq0fjaNzhJXvOTiLQjM%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297350522&amp;sdata=7lNPxmVLcXBrwX0788waFUk%2F28GSZtAQd9OowP2u8jA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lbphd.org/</a>That brings the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 20, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).Saline County also reported its first case Tuesday.Today’s state case total, as of 5:45 pm Central Daylight Time, is 901. DHHS launched a new data dashboard that updates the state's COVID-19 case totals daily. You can find it at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.uIZZ4C6de5tn5im3wX7WcxD68cgR1QN8Mh9a7D3c4Ww%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297360481&amp;sdata=Xl2S19D4u357TrCJroQBrPuR6ik%2FfrUQclcvaH2NjeE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>.All 93 Nebraska counties are now covered by state Directed Health Measures (DHMs).&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.1TVYGIgBllk6Vs9kXcG-uGRmEedmg-q191SCvjK-LbM%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297360481&amp;sdata=6A%2FnFB9N0asa4h68RPOPOrx5czlDqosYQ1aEVG8RT4E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>. It's critical that Nebraskans follow these enforceable state Directed Health Measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. These measures help protect each other and those who are more vulnerable to severe illness and death, and help hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed so they can continue to provide care to families, friends and neighbors who need it.In addition to the state-issued DHM, some Local Health Departments have issued additional restrictions -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvUGFnZXMvQ09WSUQtMTktRGlyZWN0ZWQtSGVhbHRoLU1lYXN1cmVzLmFzcHgifQ.sKJlQ5ItNh1-8pzpSQTfdzE9Y2JmXH1A6U0yQOsA8lo%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297370436&amp;sdata=HVWZPebftX46xUtsrA2SAd4%2F5CKG%2FNhr5KI7V7vOc8M%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Directed-Health-Measures.aspx</a>DHHS supports Governor Ricketts in urging Nebraskans to follow the&nbsp;Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy.&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Stay home.&nbsp; No non-essential errands and no social gatherings.&nbsp; Respect the ten-person limits.</li><li>Socially distance your work.&nbsp; Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.&nbsp;</li><li>Shop alone.&nbsp; Do this only once a week and do not take your family with you.</li><li>Help kids social distance. Play at home, no group sports and no playgrounds.</li><li>Help seniors stay at home.&nbsp; This can be done by shopping for them.&nbsp; Do not visit long-term facilities.&nbsp;</li><li>Exercise daily.&nbsp; Do your best to stay as healthy and safe as you can.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Recent studies show that a significant portion of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms and those who eventually develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay9jbG90aC1mYWNlLWNvdmVyLWZhcS5odG1sIn0.TkmYMJ8wLf02JMJvRJO1XoSIn1Y40vl_IvTG_RpO9II%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297370436&amp;sdata=CbEiVRK8J9WM6uIPpp5yrQCQI%2FBtEIJ%2FirY3xxQMEHg%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html</a>.Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Public health officials continue to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus.Here's where to find tools and resources for individuals and families, schools, communities, businesses, healthcare facilities, and first responders on the DHHS website -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vZGhocy5uZS5nb3YvY29yb25hdmlydXMifQ.JxLCqxmTLsqt3DxUW1GmM4aTbkZnUu0cfocqzomSjH0%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297380391&amp;sdata=TvJHY64Roc%2B2kTAwzD%2B0YXslMRkFqbvzC04Kw1YiuqY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus</a>&nbsp;and CDC's website –&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.LF7IUtOUlcYF78LbgEU9Iw-OsNf3hqn91Zcu5HSj1BY%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297380391&amp;sdata=xwjMODooSMknFjA2B%2BGLgvOau3YfsqE2y%2B%2FCeuW2rIk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The CDC's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information -&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA0MTUuMjAxNTQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2NvdmlkMTkifQ.STQdZkG5KRO1phAofpl3V40zOFMZXfnhGizoY1NQKPc%2Fbr%2F77409954827-l&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ctaylor.gage%40nebraska.gov%7Cdc4d31280dcf4e6c1c8708d7e0e1ef87%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637225133297380391&amp;sdata=cv8fyQpR%2BB893hyMDmyIpyRiSF3b6mLzC%2FR46%2BbGuG8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/covid19&nbsp;</a>.

19th, 20th COVID-19 related deaths reported in Nebraska

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>

HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;The former Kansas Secretary of State and an adviser on election 
security to the Trump administration believes that mail in voting is <a href="https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/04/08/kobach-the-coronavirus-is-no-excuse-for-opening-the-door-to-election-fraud/">not a good response</a> to the COVID-19 pandemic, because there are several types of fraud that are possible with that type of voting.

"Double
 voting, where a person votes in two different states," Kris Kobach 
said. "We prosecuted many individuals who had double voted in Kansas and
 in another state. The second one is ballot harvesting. That's the kind 
of fraud we saw in North Carolina in 2018, where people collect other 
people's ballots and say I'm going to deliver them for you at the 
election office and then they only deliver some of them, because they 
calculate some ballots are for the candidate they don't like and so 
those ballots wind up in the trash can. Another type of fraud is voting 
someone else's ballot falsely, either intercepting it at the mailbox or 
falsely requesting it, on that person's behalf, to go to a different 
place."

There are states that have all mail in voting already, 
like Colorado, Washington and Oregon. Kobach says they are subject to 
another kind of fraud, because every voter on the rolls gets a ballot.

"There
 are, in any given state, thousands and in big states, hundreds of 
thousands of bad names on the voter rolls," Kobach said. "These are 
deceased individuals, duplicates, someone might be in the voter rolls 
under the name of Charles and Charlie, Bill and William and the names of
 people who have moved out of state."

Kobach believes that the solutions Kansas has put in for its absentee ballots make the process much more secure here.

"When
 you request a mail in ballot in Kansas, your signature is verified," 
Kobach said. "The county will check to see that your signature on the 
ballot request form matches the signature the state has on file. You 
have to send in a photocopy of a photo ID, or write your entire Kansas 
Driver's License number on the request form. We have effectively stopped
 these forms of fraud in Kansas."

Kobach will be on the ballot at 
least for the primary in August, as he is running to replace the 
retiring Pat Roberts in the United States Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582891209105.jpeg" alt="Kris Kobach" />
 <figcaption>Kris Kobach</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;The former Kansas Secretary of State and an adviser on election 
security to the Trump administration believes that mail in voting is <a href="https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/04/08/kobach-the-coronavirus-is-no-excuse-for-opening-the-door-to-election-fraud/">not a good response</a> to the COVID-19 pandemic, because there are several types of fraud that are possible with that type of voting."Double
 voting, where a person votes in two different states," Kris Kobach 
said. "We prosecuted many individuals who had double voted in Kansas and
 in another state. The second one is ballot harvesting. That's the kind 
of fraud we saw in North Carolina in 2018, where people collect other 
people's ballots and say I'm going to deliver them for you at the 
election office and then they only deliver some of them, because they 
calculate some ballots are for the candidate they don't like and so 
those ballots wind up in the trash can. Another type of fraud is voting 
someone else's ballot falsely, either intercepting it at the mailbox or 
falsely requesting it, on that person's behalf, to go to a different 
place."There are states that have all mail in voting already, 
like Colorado, Washington and Oregon. Kobach says they are subject to 
another kind of fraud, because every voter on the rolls gets a ballot."There
 are, in any given state, thousands and in big states, hundreds of 
thousands of bad names on the voter rolls," Kobach said. "These are 
deceased individuals, duplicates, someone might be in the voter rolls 
under the name of Charles and Charlie, Bill and William and the names of
 people who have moved out of state."Kobach believes that the solutions Kansas has put in for its absentee ballots make the process much more secure here."When
 you request a mail in ballot in Kansas, your signature is verified," 
Kobach said. "The county will check to see that your signature on the 
ballot request form matches the signature the state has on file. You 
have to send in a photocopy of a photo ID, or write your entire Kansas 
Driver's License number on the request form. We have effectively stopped
 these forms of fraud in Kansas."Kobach will be on the ballot at 
least for the primary in August, as he is running to replace the 
retiring Pat Roberts in the United States Senate.

Kobach: Keep away from mail-in ballots, unless using Kansas method

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow in South Dakota, with 121 new cases reported Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 988. 

The vast majority of the cases — a total of 768 — are in Minnehaha County. 

That's where the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant is located. The plant is the site of one of the largest known clusters or COVID-19 cases in the country. 

Gov. Kristi Noem said 70% of Minnehaha County's cases stem from the plant: 438 Smithfield Foods employees and 107 people in contact with plant employees have tested positive.&nbsp;

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow in South Dakota, with 121 new cases reported Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 988. The vast majority of the cases — a total of 768 — are in Minnehaha County. That's where the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant is located. The plant is the site of one of the largest known clusters or COVID-19 cases in the country. Gov. Kristi Noem said 70% of Minnehaha County's cases stem from the plant: 438 Smithfield Foods employees and 107 people in contact with plant employees have tested positive.&nbsp;

South Dakota nears 1,000 COVID cases; no stay-at-home order

MADISON, Neb. (AP) — A sheriff in northeastern Nebraska says one person has died in a two-vehicle crash near Madison.

 Madison County Sheriff Todd Volk says in a written release that the crash happened around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Highways 81 and 32. 

Investigators say a northbound sport utility vehicle collided with an eastbound car. 

Volk says a male passenger in the car died at the scene of the crash, while the car's driver was taken to a hospital with severe injuries. 

Volk says two adults and an infant in a car seat inside the SUV were all taken to a nearby hospital with injuries. 

The names of those involved in the crash have not been released.

MADISON, Neb. (AP) — A sheriff in northeastern Nebraska says one person has died in a two-vehicle crash near Madison. Madison County Sheriff Todd Volk says in a written release that the crash happened around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Highways 81 and 32. Investigators say a northbound sport utility vehicle collided with an eastbound car. Volk says a male passenger in the car died at the scene of the crash, while the car's driver was taken to a hospital with severe injuries. Volk says two adults and an infant in a car seat inside the SUV were all taken to a nearby hospital with injuries. The names of those involved in the crash have not been released.

Man killed in 2-vehicle crash near Madison

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military is bracing for a months-long struggle against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>, looking for novel ways to maintain a defensive crouch that sustains troops’ health without breaking their morale — while still protecting the nation.

Unlike talk in the Trump administration of possibly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/420a38ec14101eab70e07be367ee6422">reopening the country</a>&nbsp;as early as May, military leaders are suggesting that this summer may be the best-case scenario of tiptoeing toward a return to normal activities. Even that is uncertain, and for now the focus is on adjusting as the pandemic’s threat evolves.

“We are going to need to change and adapt, because even over the coming months the virus isn’t going to go away. We’re going to have to be able to operate in a COVID environment,” Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist said recently, referring to the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Officials have frozen most forces in place overseas, stopped troops and their families from moving to new assignments, and cut back access to the Pentagon. The military services have halted or restricted recruit training, canceled major exercises, and isolated troops in the most sensitive units. The new Space Force has delayed a satellite launch, and the Navy this week postponed the return of the USS Harry S. Truman, keeping the aircraft carrier at sea to shield its crew from virus exposure at home.

These steps to protect the force have parallels in civilian society, but a far-flung military can’t function by staying at home.

“This will be a new way of doing business that we have to focus in on,” says Air Force Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “We’re adjusting to that new world as we speak today.”

The notion of “normal” in the military may never be the same.

“We’ve all deployed and fought enemies abroad, however, today’s enemy is here in our communities,” said Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of the Air Force’s training and education command. “We don’t know what ‘new normal’ will look like until we get to the other side.”

Defense Secretary Mark Esper has been consistent in saying it will take time to determine when to begin lifting restrictions on the military, and he has faced little public pressure — from military families or the White House — to rush things. In civilian society, there is an open split between those like President Donald Trump who want the country reopened soon to mitigate economic damage and those, including many state governors, who fear reopening prematurely will undermine progress against the virus.

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the the pandemic has spread so far and wide, potentially creating instability in some countries, that the U.S. military cannot return to business as usual.

“We have got to take a hard look at how we as a military, we as a Department of Defense, conduct operations in the future,” he said.

In a further sign of uncertainty, Esper said Tuesday that he will extend a “stop movement” order halting what are called permanent change-of-station moves by troops and their families. He did not say how long he will extend the order, aimed at protecting troops and originally set to expire May 11. If it continues into the summer, military members with children could face serious hardship, since they need time to settle and enroll their children in new schools.

Coronavirus has been less deadly in the military than in the rest of American society, but the number of confirmed cases is still rising. As of Tuesday the total exceeded 2,600, up from 1,521 a week earlier. Two troops have died of the disease — a National Guard member in March and a Navy sailor on Monday.

Even after the number of the military’s coronavirus cases crests, a degree of uncertainty about restoring normalcy will linger. The Navy’s top doctor, Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, says the virus wields a “secret power” that the military must take into account as it adjusts in the weeks and months ahead.

“What we’ve learned, certainly in the Navy with regard to COVID-19, (is) that stealth, in the form of asymptomatic transmission, is this adversary’s secret power,” he told reporters. “And so we recognize that despite really our best efforts, we’re going to have to learn how to operate with the virus.”

Webb, the Air Force training commander, said his service is doing about 99% of its recruiting online rather than with traditional in-person pitches. And while the way ahead isn’t clear, he said, “I think we have the opportunity now to never go back to old ways.”

For the Army, a major priority is keeping combat brigades healthy but also ready for war. Prior to the coronavirus crisis, more than half of the brigades were at high readiness levels, but in the past month training has significantly slowed down.

“We’re in good shape but you’ve got to be able to turn it back on,” said Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. He says that increased coronavirus testing capabilities will allow the Army to test units and then send them out for large battalion and company-sized exercises where they can remain in a bubble.

“We’re going to have to do that, and that’s where you’re going to have to manage the risk until there’s a vaccine,” he said. “We’re preparing ourselves to do just that.”

Even as they take precautions, defense officials are eager to bat down any idea that they are so focused on protecting troops’ health that the force has been weakened or is unable to fight if needed.

“I don’t want anyone out there in the world to think that somehow the U.S. military’s readiness is significantly degraded. It is not,” Milley said last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585777681665.png" alt="Defense Secretary Mark Esper gave a presentation during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-White House image" />
 <figcaption>Defense Secretary Mark Esper gave a presentation during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military is bracing for a months-long struggle against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>, looking for novel ways to maintain a defensive crouch that sustains troops’ health without breaking their morale — while still protecting the nation.Unlike talk in the Trump administration of possibly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/420a38ec14101eab70e07be367ee6422">reopening the country</a>&nbsp;as early as May, military leaders are suggesting that this summer may be the best-case scenario of tiptoeing toward a return to normal activities. Even that is uncertain, and for now the focus is on adjusting as the pandemic’s threat evolves.“We are going to need to change and adapt, because even over the coming months the virus isn’t going to go away. We’re going to have to be able to operate in a COVID environment,” Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist said recently, referring to the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.Officials have frozen most forces in place overseas, stopped troops and their families from moving to new assignments, and cut back access to the Pentagon. The military services have halted or restricted recruit training, canceled major exercises, and isolated troops in the most sensitive units. The new Space Force has delayed a satellite launch, and the Navy this week postponed the return of the USS Harry S. Truman, keeping the aircraft carrier at sea to shield its crew from virus exposure at home.These steps to protect the force have parallels in civilian society, but a far-flung military can’t function by staying at home.“This will be a new way of doing business that we have to focus in on,” says Air Force Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “We’re adjusting to that new world as we speak today.”The notion of “normal” in the military may never be the same.“We’ve all deployed and fought enemies abroad, however, today’s enemy is here in our communities,” said Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of the Air Force’s training and education command. “We don’t know what ‘new normal’ will look like until we get to the other side.”Defense Secretary Mark Esper has been consistent in saying it will take time to determine when to begin lifting restrictions on the military, and he has faced little public pressure — from military families or the White House — to rush things. In civilian society, there is an open split between those like President Donald Trump who want the country reopened soon to mitigate economic damage and those, including many state governors, who fear reopening prematurely will undermine progress against the virus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585777561924.png" alt="General Mark Milley answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>General Mark Milley answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the the pandemic has spread so far and wide, potentially creating instability in some countries, that the U.S. military cannot return to business as usual.“We have got to take a hard look at how we as a military, we as a Department of Defense, conduct operations in the future,” he said.In a further sign of uncertainty, Esper said Tuesday that he will extend a “stop movement” order halting what are called permanent change-of-station moves by troops and their families. He did not say how long he will extend the order, aimed at protecting troops and originally set to expire May 11. If it continues into the summer, military members with children could face serious hardship, since they need time to settle and enroll their children in new schools.Coronavirus has been less deadly in the military than in the rest of American society, but the number of confirmed cases is still rising. As of Tuesday the total exceeded 2,600, up from 1,521 a week earlier. Two troops have died of the disease — a National Guard member in March and a Navy sailor on Monday.Even after the number of the military’s coronavirus cases crests, a degree of uncertainty about restoring normalcy will linger. The Navy’s top doctor, Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, says the virus wields a “secret power” that the military must take into account as it adjusts in the weeks and months ahead.“What we’ve learned, certainly in the Navy with regard to COVID-19, (is) that stealth, in the form of asymptomatic transmission, is this adversary’s secret power,” he told reporters. “And so we recognize that despite really our best efforts, we’re going to have to learn how to operate with the virus.”Webb, the Air Force training commander, said his service is doing about 99% of its recruiting online rather than with traditional in-person pitches. And while the way ahead isn’t clear, he said, “I think we have the opportunity now to never go back to old ways.”For the Army, a major priority is keeping combat brigades healthy but also ready for war. Prior to the coronavirus crisis, more than half of the brigades were at high readiness levels, but in the past month training has significantly slowed down.“We’re in good shape but you’ve got to be able to turn it back on,” said Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. He says that increased coronavirus testing capabilities will allow the Army to test units and then send them out for large battalion and company-sized exercises where they can remain in a bubble.“We’re going to have to do that, and that’s where you’re going to have to manage the risk until there’s a vaccine,” he said. “We’re preparing ourselves to do just that.”Even as they take precautions, defense officials are eager to bat down any idea that they are so focused on protecting troops’ health that the force has been weakened or is unable to fight if needed.“I don’t want anyone out there in the world to think that somehow the U.S. military’s readiness is significantly degraded. It is not,” Milley said last week.___

Military sees no quick exit from 'new world' of coronavirus

By Lance de la Rosa, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Sam’s Club

Mr. Sam once said that the best ideas come from our associates and we believe this to be true now more than ever.

Previously a few of our clubs invited healthcare workers and first responders for early shopping hours with our associates. What an act of kindness and consideration for those on the front lines! It’s inspiring to watch the ways our associates serve those around them.

Our heroes (Sam’s Club associates) can shop the club early every Sunday from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and we’re following the lead of those thoughtful clubs by expanding the audience for this shopping period to include healthcare workers and first responders.

On that note, we are announcing today that first responders and healthcare workers will be welcomed chainwide into our clubs for special shopping hours on Sundays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. These Hero Hours will kick off Sunday, April 19 and continue until further notice. All shoppers entering clubs will be provided with a mask for safety.

Most importantly I want to thank all our heroes, healthcare workers, first responders and our associates for all you’re doing and the way you’re helping our communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586952872208.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Lance de la Rosa, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Sam’s ClubMr. Sam once said that the best ideas come from our associates and we believe this to be true now more than ever.Previously a few of our clubs invited healthcare workers and first responders for early shopping hours with our associates. What an act of kindness and consideration for those on the front lines! It’s inspiring to watch the ways our associates serve those around them.Our heroes (Sam’s Club associates) can shop the club early every Sunday from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and we’re following the lead of those thoughtful clubs by expanding the audience for this shopping period to include healthcare workers and first responders.On that note, we are announcing today that first responders and healthcare workers will be welcomed chainwide into our clubs for special shopping hours on Sundays from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. These Hero Hours will kick off Sunday, April 19 and continue until further notice. All shoppers entering clubs will be provided with a mask for safety.Most importantly I want to thank all our heroes, healthcare workers, first responders and our associates for all you’re doing and the way you’re helping our communities.

Sam's Club offering 'Hero Hours' for first responders, healthcare workers to shop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska to let restaurants sell bread, milk, toilet paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The states will exert jurisdiction over that money,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cities, counties fear losing out on US virus rescue funding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — Police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found in a field in Rapid City. 

Someone called 911 about 7 a.m. Monday to report an unconscious person in the field near a dead end in an area with homes and a warehouse. 

Officers found the woman dead and said there was no signs of trauma. 

The Rapid City Journal reports an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death. The woman has not been identified.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — Police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found in a field in Rapid City. Someone called 911 about 7 a.m. Monday to report an unconscious person in the field near a dead end in an area with homes and a warehouse. Officers found the woman dead and said there was no signs of trauma. The Rapid City Journal reports an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death. The woman has not been identified.&nbsp;

Death of woman found in Rapid City field investigated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Girl who inspired Charlotte's Web marijuana oil dies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 central Nebraska beef plant workers diagnosed with virus

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Prosecutors say a Maryland man who operated an online drug dealing website engaged in extensive plans to bomb and burn down a competing pharmacy. 

A judge ordered 32-year-old William Burgamy of Hanover, Maryland, jailed pending trial after a detention hearing Monday in federal court in Alexandria.

 An FBI agent testified that Burgamy received his drug supply from a Nebraska pharmacist. 

The pair believed that if the rival pharmacy were firebombed, Burgamy's supplier would be able to grow his legitimate operation and order larger amounts of drugs without drawing suspicion.

 Burgamy allegedly sold drugs on the Darknet using the store name NeverPressedRx.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Prosecutors say a Maryland man who operated an online drug dealing website engaged in extensive plans to bomb and burn down a competing pharmacy. A judge ordered 32-year-old William Burgamy of Hanover, Maryland, jailed pending trial after a detention hearing Monday in federal court in Alexandria. An FBI agent testified that Burgamy received his drug supply from a Nebraska pharmacist. The pair believed that if the rival pharmacy were firebombed, Burgamy's supplier would be able to grow his legitimate operation and order larger amounts of drugs without drawing suspicion. Burgamy allegedly sold drugs on the Darknet using the store name NeverPressedRx.

Online drug dealer planned to bomb Nebraska pharmacy

Demand is shifting more to supermarkets now that restaurant business is curtailed

MANHATTAN – On a recent Thursday evening, Kansas State University hosted a meeting of more than 100 people. That’s not unusual, but this time because of the pandemic sweeping the country, the gathering was held&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/news/recent-videos/ongoing-effects-livestock-markets-covid-19-pandemic">online</a>&nbsp;rather than in person, and focused on what COVID-19 means for livestock producers.

So far, it’s meant falling cattle and hog prices linked to shifting demand and changes in the supply chain, said Glynn Tonsor, K-State Research and Extension agricultural economics professor and extension livestock market specialist.

He spoke to participants via a new series of online gatherings, each focused on a different aspect of how COVID-19 is impacting agriculture.

“Everybody, not just the ag and livestock sector, is adjusting to many things for the first time in their life in many ways. The (meat) supply chain is taxed and that shows up in the marketplace and even analysts and folks like me are taxed, so we’re doing our best,” Tonsor said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586869713367.png" alt="K-State Research &amp; Extension photo" />
 <figcaption>K-State Research &amp; Extension photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Demand is shifting more to supermarkets now that restaurant business is curtailed</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – On a recent Thursday evening, Kansas State University hosted a meeting of more than 100 people. That’s not unusual, but this time because of the pandemic sweeping the country, the gathering was held&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/news/recent-videos/ongoing-effects-livestock-markets-covid-19-pandemic">online</a>&nbsp;rather than in person, and focused on what COVID-19 means for livestock producers.So far, it’s meant falling cattle and hog prices linked to shifting demand and changes in the supply chain, said Glynn Tonsor, K-State Research and Extension agricultural economics professor and extension livestock market specialist.He spoke to participants via a new series of online gatherings, each focused on a different aspect of how COVID-19 is impacting agriculture.“Everybody, not just the ag and livestock sector, is adjusting to many things for the first time in their life in many ways. The (meat) supply chain is taxed and that shows up in the marketplace and even analysts and folks like me are taxed, so we’re doing our best,” Tonsor said.He noted that CME cattle and hog futures prices for April delivery have fallen 20% to 40% since January 11 when the first death from COVID-19 was reported in China.Live cattle futures for April delivery, for example fell 26%, from $127.96 per hundredweight (cwt) on Jan. 10 to $94.28 on April 9. Hog futures plummeted 42% from $74.13 per cwt to $42.90.Cattle and hog futures for October delivery have also been down, Tonsor said, but not as significantly, indicating there is optimism the agricultural sector will make adjustments between April and October.To help provide a view into how the global pandemic is affecting the cattle industry, Tonsor authored the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-meat-demand-monitor-survey-data/meat-demand-monitor-covid19">Cattle Industry’s COVID-19 Economic Damage Assessment</a>.U.S. meat demand is good during stronger economic times and weaker during poor economic times, he said, noting that beef demand, in particular is “extra sensitive” to the macroeconomic environment, and it’s become more so over time.&nbsp;“That is particularly worrisome because most folks who are macroeconomists think we have a weaker macroeconomic environment today than we did two months ago,” he said. “It’s pretty hard to argue that point.”He noted that meat demand is shifting, from foodservice to grocery demand. Prior to the pandemic, strong demand from institutional customers – hotels, restaurants and schools helped drive prices. With schools across the country closed and restaurants reducing operations to curbside or delivery only, demand has lessened for higher-priced meat cuts typically sought by restaurants but increased for meat products typically bought in grocery stores, such as ground beef.The difficulty he said, is “we raise whole animals and we produce a lot of different products. Some of those products traditionally go primarily through foodservice and some go largely&nbsp;&nbsp;through retail.&nbsp;“When we have a shock where one of those channels, in this case foodservice, is closed off, it creates challenges to repurpose parts of the animal,” he said.He gave the example of bacon, most of which typically goes through foodservice channels to restaurants, rather than to consumers’ tables via grocery stories. Bacon is currently “stacking up” without that traditional primary outlet, which is a factor weighing on pork prices.Tonsor launched a resource in February called the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-meat-demand-monitor-survey-data/meat-demand-monitor-covid19">Monthly Meat Demand Monitor</a>&nbsp;to help industry participants monitor consumer preferences, views and demand for meat. The tool is supported by checkoff funding from the beef and pork industries.&nbsp;He noted that the temporary closure of several meat packing plants linked to COVID-19 is creating a bottleneck in the livestock supply chain.“I think the industry is doing the best it can to deal with that, but it’s not surprising that this week we’ve had some unfortunate developments that are leading to slowdowns and temporary pauses in running some of our plants,” Tonsor said.&nbsp;While no one plant represents more than 7% of national capacity, he said, the challenge is that no one knows how many plants the virus will affect and for how long.After crunching numbers for various beef cuts over the past several weeks, Tonsor said “In aggregate, I think demand for beef is down, even though we’ve had a run on ground beef.”Because there are so many unknowns about the pandemic, it’s unclear what the ultimate effect will be on the livestock market, Tonsor said. He and Iowa State University agricultural economist Lee Schulz estimate, however, that 20% less utilization of meat packing plants (because of COVID-19) would result in a 27% reduction in fed cattle prices and a 36% reduction in market hog prices.Tonsor noted that the Livestock Marketing Information Center or LMIC on April 3 projected 2020 prices to be down because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but its projections were more optimistic than the futures market suggests. However, those projections likely have changed given news of temporary plant closures since those estimates came out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Markets often operate like a pendulum, Tonsor said, but added that it’s premature to say markets have hit their bottom from the pandemic.Longer term, he believes market disruptions will squeeze out some independent producers who did not have price protection in place and may also have an impact on how price reporting and price discovery occur.“Populism” was already growing before the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. and around the world,” he said, “with people questioning the role of globalization. Certainly during COVID we have ramped up this discussion and action to improve domestic security, whether that’s on food, medical supplies or other supplies, there’s definitely a lot of effort in that space.”If the current trend away from globalization of markets continues, he said, it will mean less international trade: “That would not be good for the U.S. ag sector. To support the size of the industry in the U.S. we need to sustain a presence in a global world.”Relationships, whether personal or financial may be more important now than ever, he said. He encouraged producers to reach out to their lenders, plus those they buy from or sell products to.“I have full faith that we will adjust,” Tonsor said. “The U.S. is going to remain a very large ag producer. I’m not doomsday to that level. I have concerns that we’re in the midst of lots of shocks, but at the end of the day in the aggregate, I remain optimistic for the industry and for society as a whole.”A recording of the session is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/news/recent-videos/ongoing-effects-livestock-markets-covid-19-pandemic">online</a>. More information about how COVID-19 is affecting agriculture and about agricultural economics in general is available on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/news/recent-videos/ongoing-effects-livestock-markets-covid-19-pandemic">agmanager.info</a>.