The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments on Friday related to the global economy, the work place and the spread of the virus.

CROWD CONTROL: Walmart still wants customers, just fewer of them at a time. The nation’s largest retailer said it will now allow no more than five customers for each 1,000 square feet at a given time, roughly about 20% of the average store’s capacity. To oversee the restriction, workers will mark a queue at a single-entry door, and direct arriving customers there, where they’ll be admitted one by one. Walmart joins Target and others in trying to limit the number of customers in the store to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Hobby Lobby announced in a new release Friday they will, after careful consideration, close the remainder of its stores, and furlough nearly all store employees and a large portion of corporate and distribution employees, effective Friday, April 3rd, at 8:00 p.m. The stores will remain closed until further notice.

AIRLINES: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest and JetBlue said they applied Friday for their share of $25 billion in federal grants designed to cover airline payrolls for the next six months. None disclosed the amount they are seeking.

The grant money was part of $2.2 trillion relief bill approved last week. Delta’s CEO says his airline is burning more than $60 million cash per day, and United’s president puts it at $100 million a day. Airline revenue has cratered during the coronavirus outbreak. Delta carried 38,000 passengers last Saturday. On a normal Saturday in late March it flies 600,000.

The number of travelers screened Thursday at airports nationwide was 124,000, a 95% drop from the same day last year.

And the global airline industry passed a milestone Friday: Half of all passenger jets are now grounded as airlines cut flights sharply. Aviation-data firm Cirium said that with another 530 parked since Thursday, there are now 12,635 jets in service and 13,655 grounded. The number of commercial flights is down 75%, according to tracking service

The Transportation Department, meanwhile, said it is getting more complaints from consumers who say airlines are giving travel vouchers instead of refunds after canceling flights. The department says vouchers aren’t easy to use because airlines are cutting so many flights due to the coronavirus outbreak. Airlines can offer vouchers — and usually do, even in normal times — but the Transportation Department said it is reminding carriers of a longstanding requirement to issue prompt refunds to passengers who want them.

COSTS MOUNT: The pandemic will cost the global economy as much as $4.1 trillion, or nearly 5% of all economic activity, according to new estimates from the Asian Development Bank.

The head of the International Monetary Fund said the recession sparked by the coronavirus pandemic is “way worse” than the 2008 global recession. At a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva described the situation as “a crisis like no other.”

SMALL BUSINESS: More than $875 million in loan applications had been processed through the new small business loan program, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said via&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/stevenmnuchin1/status/1246100166026936322" target="_blank">Twitter,&nbsp;</a>“almost all from community banks!” Mnuchin said in that tweet that big banks were also taking applications and would be submitting them shortly. However, there were signs that the program is off to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">rough start</a>.

HEAVY INDUSTRY: Toyota is halting production at five of its 18 plants in Japan as sales evaporate. The stoppage will last three days for most of the plants, but one plant will close until mid-April.

The affected plants produce vehicles for export, including Lexus luxury models and the Prius hybrid. Other Japanese automakers, such as Honda Motor Co., have also suspended production.

The U.S. auto industry is completely shut down.

CORONA SIDELINED BY CORONAVIRUS: The coronavirus pandemic is even closing the taps on Corona beer — along with most other brews across Mexico.

Major breweries announced Friday they are suspending operations in response to government orders for non-essential businesses to keep their workers at home.

Grupo Modelo, maker of Corona among other popular brands, said it will suspend its operations at plants around the country by Sunday. The company pointed out in a statement that thousands of farmers depend on it buying their grain. It said it has a plan that would allow it to continue production with 75% of its workforce at home if the government decides to allow it to continue operating.

Some Mexican states have also imposed dry laws that restrict the sale of alcohol during the health crisis.

MARKETS: U.S. stocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/62144c864d3f7c3ef08f270e0b809c2d">fell&nbsp;</a>Friday, leaving the S&amp;P 500 down 26.5% since its record set in February.

The losses came after the government reported that U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/996e9504177861cb29dd77dadec5d873">employers cut 701,000 jobs</a>&nbsp;in March, the monthly decline in nearly a decade. Because of the timing of the spread of COVID-19, the March report did not capture the extend of the damage. Economists are warning policy makers to brace for worse.

ROUNDING IT OUT: The U.S. typically has a unique response to crisis, and the coronavirus is no different.

Firearm sales spiked 85% last month compared with the March last year, according an analysis of the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System by Small Arms Analytics and Forecasting.

The laws of supply and demand also apply to arming up, of course, and the cost of adding guns the the shopping list will cost you.

“Much of the industry’s inventory will have been depleted, so that we anticipate that weapons and ammunition prices increased as well,” said Jurgen Brauer, SAAF’s chief economist.

The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments on Friday related to the global economy, the work place and the spread of the virus.CROWD CONTROL: Walmart still wants customers, just fewer of them at a time. The nation’s largest retailer said it will now allow no more than five customers for each 1,000 square feet at a given time, roughly about 20% of the average store’s capacity. To oversee the restriction, workers will mark a queue at a single-entry door, and direct arriving customers there, where they’ll be admitted one by one. Walmart joins Target and others in trying to limit the number of customers in the store to curb the spread of the coronavirus.Hobby Lobby announced in a new release Friday they will, after careful consideration, close the remainder of its stores, and furlough nearly all store employees and a large portion of corporate and distribution employees, effective Friday, April 3rd, at 8:00 p.m. The stores will remain closed until further notice.AIRLINES: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest and JetBlue said they applied Friday for their share of $25 billion in federal grants designed to cover airline payrolls for the next six months. None disclosed the amount they are seeking.The grant money was part of $2.2 trillion relief bill approved last week. Delta’s CEO says his airline is burning more than $60 million cash per day, and United’s president puts it at $100 million a day. Airline revenue has cratered during the coronavirus outbreak. Delta carried 38,000 passengers last Saturday. On a normal Saturday in late March it flies 600,000.The number of travelers screened Thursday at airports nationwide was 124,000, a 95% drop from the same day last year.And the global airline industry passed a milestone Friday: Half of all passenger jets are now grounded as airlines cut flights sharply. Aviation-data firm Cirium said that with another 530 parked since Thursday, there are now 12,635 jets in service and 13,655 grounded. The number of commercial flights is down 75%, according to tracking serviceThe Transportation Department, meanwhile, said it is getting more complaints from consumers who say airlines are giving travel vouchers instead of refunds after canceling flights. The department says vouchers aren’t easy to use because airlines are cutting so many flights due to the coronavirus outbreak. Airlines can offer vouchers — and usually do, even in normal times — but the Transportation Department said it is reminding carriers of a longstanding requirement to issue prompt refunds to passengers who want them.COSTS MOUNT: The pandemic will cost the global economy as much as $4.1 trillion, or nearly 5% of all economic activity, according to new estimates from the Asian Development Bank.The head of the International Monetary Fund said the recession sparked by the coronavirus pandemic is “way worse” than the 2008 global recession. At a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva described the situation as “a crisis like no other.”SMALL BUSINESS: More than $875 million in loan applications had been processed through the new small business loan program, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said via&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/stevenmnuchin1/status/1246100166026936322" target="_blank">Twitter,&nbsp;</a>“almost all from community banks!” Mnuchin said in that tweet that big banks were also taking applications and would be submitting them shortly. However, there were signs that the program is off to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">rough start</a>.HEAVY INDUSTRY: Toyota is halting production at five of its 18 plants in Japan as sales evaporate. The stoppage will last three days for most of the plants, but one plant will close until mid-April.The affected plants produce vehicles for export, including Lexus luxury models and the Prius hybrid. Other Japanese automakers, such as Honda Motor Co., have also suspended production.The U.S. auto industry is completely shut down.CORONA SIDELINED BY CORONAVIRUS: The coronavirus pandemic is even closing the taps on Corona beer — along with most other brews across Mexico.Major breweries announced Friday they are suspending operations in response to government orders for non-essential businesses to keep their workers at home.Grupo Modelo, maker of Corona among other popular brands, said it will suspend its operations at plants around the country by Sunday. The company pointed out in a statement that thousands of farmers depend on it buying their grain. It said it has a plan that would allow it to continue production with 75% of its workforce at home if the government decides to allow it to continue operating.Some Mexican states have also imposed dry laws that restrict the sale of alcohol during the health crisis.MARKETS: U.S. stocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/62144c864d3f7c3ef08f270e0b809c2d">fell&nbsp;</a>Friday, leaving the S&amp;P 500 down 26.5% since its record set in February.The losses came after the government reported that U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/996e9504177861cb29dd77dadec5d873">employers cut 701,000 jobs</a>&nbsp;in March, the monthly decline in nearly a decade. Because of the timing of the spread of COVID-19, the March report did not capture the extend of the damage. Economists are warning policy makers to brace for worse.ROUNDING IT OUT: The U.S. typically has a unique response to crisis, and the coronavirus is no different.Firearm sales spiked 85% last month compared with the March last year, according an analysis of the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System by Small Arms Analytics and Forecasting.The laws of supply and demand also apply to arming up, of course, and the cost of adding guns the the shopping list will cost you.“Much of the industry’s inventory will have been depleted, so that we anticipate that weapons and ammunition prices increased as well,” said Jurgen Brauer, SAAF’s chief economist.Data on prices will be released soon.

Virus crowd control: Walmart limits store access

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Ten workers at a central Nebraska beef plant have tested positive for the new coronavirus as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise. 

The Central District Health Department says the cases were confirmed at the JBS beef plant in Grand Island. 

The plant will not be shut down, however, because the federal government considers food and agricultural production and processing facilities essential infrastructure.

 Hall County, which includes Grand Island, has the state’s second-highest number of confirmed positive cases, with 26 as of Friday afternoon. 

The most confirmed cases are in Douglas County, encompassing Omaha, where officials have logged 124 so far.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Ten workers at a central Nebraska beef plant have tested positive for the new coronavirus as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise. The Central District Health Department says the cases were confirmed at the JBS beef plant in Grand Island. The plant will not be shut down, however, because the federal government considers food and agricultural production and processing facilities essential infrastructure. Hall County, which includes Grand Island, has the state’s second-highest number of confirmed positive cases, with 26 as of Friday afternoon. The most confirmed cases are in Douglas County, encompassing Omaha, where officials have logged 124 so far.

10 workers at Nebraska beef plant test positive for COVID-19

NEW YORK (AP) — The federal government’s relief program for small businesses is off to a slow start Friday, with only some businesses able to apply and several banks either not accepting applications or seeing long waits to do approvals.

Millions of small businesses are expected to apply for these desperately needed rescue loans from the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which was put in place to help them retain workers and pay bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 5,200 loans valued at $.8 billion have been processed so far, said Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration., on Friday afternoon.

The program is being overseen by the SBA but banks are handling the application process. Some large lenders like Wells Fargo, Huntington Bank and Bank of America were ready to go at the program’s outset. BofA said its gotten 28,000 applications so far. But JPMorgan Chase only started accepting applications Friday afternoon after saying earlier that it wouldn’t.

Ted Stein, who operates a small software business in West Virginia, filled out an online form Thursday through PNC Bank, saying he was interested in applying. On Friday, a bank representative told Stein he was unaware that the form was on its website. After Stein explained to him where to find it, the representative told Stein the bank wasn’t accepting applications and that he should keep checking his online account for guidance in the coming hours and days, Stein said.

“It was almost comical, but heartbreaking. It’s tragicomedy, I guess,” he said.

Even those banks accepting applications were limited in who they could accept. Bank of America said the loans were available to customers who had business deposit accounts and business loans with the bank.

The program is part of the $2 trillion relief package signed into law last week, which was billed as a way to help local businesses that often form the fabric of communities stay afloat. The program will give businesses low-interest loans of about 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The loans will be fully or partially forgiven if businesses show that the money was used to retain or rehire employees and pay some overhead expenses through June 30.

Despite the hiccups Friday, the loan program got praise from former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who served in the Obama administration.

“It is ok to make some mistakes here” because the key need is for speed, Lew said in an interview on CNBC.

“For these small businesses, it is a matter of life and death,” Lew said, adding that if the businesses can’t rehire workers it will impede the effort to get a recovery started once the virus is contained.

Going into the program’s launch Friday, the banking industry had been trying to temper expectations about how many businesses will get the cash they need on Friday. Banks large and small will have to process these loans as quickly as possible in order to get their customers a slice of the program.

The banks have moved employees into new departments — a logistical challenge given many employees are working remotely — just to potentially keep up with the flood of applications. Not only that, but thousands of their employees are either sick or quarantined because of the virus.

Although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said money could be disbursed as early as Friday, at least some banks seemed to be hedging any bets on being able to deliver cash that quickly. When Jordan Gurrieri submitted his application to Bank of America, the receipt he got said, “we will process your application as soon as possible.”

Gurrieri, co-founder of New York-based app developer Blue Label Labs, called the process “rough.” It took him more than 30 minutes to submit his application to Bank of America, more than three times what some other owners have reported.

While Congress could approve more money later on, the program as it stands is expected to run out quickly. That could mean applicants who have the financial and legal expertise of a larger organization might be able to maximize their benefits, not leaving much for smaller businesses, especially those who wait or have problems applying.

Congress made the program as wide as possible. An expansive definition of “small business” in the law means that it will be open to much more than just Main Street shops as lenders start processing applications. Bankers recommend applying for the loans through the bank they already have accounts with to speed along the process as quickly as possible.

Independent contractors and the self-employed are not eligible to apply until April 10 under guidance from the Treasury Department. By then, banks could be overwhelmed with applications.

“It’s hard for me to say this: There is only $350 billion in this fund. Every big restaurant and hotel chain is going to be going after this money. It’s not going to last,” said Ron Feldman, chief development officer at ApplePie Capital, which has been helping businesses get ready to apply.

“If you want to get this loan, speed is your friend,” Feldman told 2,000 franchise industry officials on a conference call this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585947450768.png" alt="Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The federal government’s relief program for small businesses is off to a slow start Friday, with only some businesses able to apply and several banks either not accepting applications or seeing long waits to do approvals.Millions of small businesses are expected to apply for these desperately needed rescue loans from the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which was put in place to help them retain workers and pay bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 5,200 loans valued at $.8 billion have been processed so far, said Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration., on Friday afternoon.The program is being overseen by the SBA but banks are handling the application process. Some large lenders like Wells Fargo, Huntington Bank and Bank of America were ready to go at the program’s outset. BofA said its gotten 28,000 applications so far. But JPMorgan Chase only started accepting applications Friday afternoon after saying earlier that it wouldn’t.Ted Stein, who operates a small software business in West Virginia, filled out an online form Thursday through PNC Bank, saying he was interested in applying. On Friday, a bank representative told Stein he was unaware that the form was on its website. After Stein explained to him where to find it, the representative told Stein the bank wasn’t accepting applications and that he should keep checking his online account for guidance in the coming hours and days, Stein said.“It was almost comical, but heartbreaking. It’s tragicomedy, I guess,” he said.Even those banks accepting applications were limited in who they could accept. Bank of America said the loans were available to customers who had business deposit accounts and business loans with the bank.The program is part of the $2 trillion relief package signed into law last week, which was billed as a way to help local businesses that often form the fabric of communities stay afloat. The program will give businesses low-interest loans of about 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The loans will be fully or partially forgiven if businesses show that the money was used to retain or rehire employees and pay some overhead expenses through June 30.Despite the hiccups Friday, the loan program got praise from former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who served in the Obama administration.“It is ok to make some mistakes here” because the key need is for speed, Lew said in an interview on CNBC.“For these small businesses, it is a matter of life and death,” Lew said, adding that if the businesses can’t rehire workers it will impede the effort to get a recovery started once the virus is contained.Going into the program’s launch Friday, the banking industry had been trying to temper expectations about how many businesses will get the cash they need on Friday. Banks large and small will have to process these loans as quickly as possible in order to get their customers a slice of the program.The banks have moved employees into new departments — a logistical challenge given many employees are working remotely — just to potentially keep up with the flood of applications. Not only that, but thousands of their employees are either sick or quarantined because of the virus.Although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said money could be disbursed as early as Friday, at least some banks seemed to be hedging any bets on being able to deliver cash that quickly. When Jordan Gurrieri submitted his application to Bank of America, the receipt he got said, “we will process your application as soon as possible.”Gurrieri, co-founder of New York-based app developer Blue Label Labs, called the process “rough.” It took him more than 30 minutes to submit his application to Bank of America, more than three times what some other owners have reported.While Congress could approve more money later on, the program as it stands is expected to run out quickly. That could mean applicants who have the financial and legal expertise of a larger organization might be able to maximize their benefits, not leaving much for smaller businesses, especially those who wait or have problems applying.Congress made the program as wide as possible. An expansive definition of “small business” in the law means that it will be open to much more than just Main Street shops as lenders start processing applications. Bankers recommend applying for the loans through the bank they already have accounts with to speed along the process as quickly as possible.Independent contractors and the self-employed are not eligible to apply until April 10 under guidance from the Treasury Department. By then, banks could be overwhelmed with applications.“It’s hard for me to say this: There is only $350 billion in this fund. Every big restaurant and hotel chain is going to be going after this money. It’s not going to last,” said Ron Feldman, chief development officer at ApplePie Capital, which has been helping businesses get ready to apply.“If you want to get this loan, speed is your friend,” Feldman told 2,000 franchise industry officials on a conference call this week.

Small biz rescue off to slow start; some banks not ready

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem says she is activating the National Guard to set up temporary hospitals in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. 

The temporary hospitals will add 100 beds in each city as hospitals prepare for a surge of coronavirus patients. 

South Dakota health officials continue to report rising numbers of infections, announcing that 36 more people have confirmed infections. 

The governor says newly released unemployment figures are “alarming.” 6,645 people made new claims for unemployment benefits last week in the state. 

The governor has resisted mandating business closures or issuing stay-at-home orders. 

She argues that will help sustain some semblance of life and economic activity over the months of coronavirus infections.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem says she is activating the National Guard to set up temporary hospitals in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The temporary hospitals will add 100 beds in each city as hospitals prepare for a surge of coronavirus patients. South Dakota health officials continue to report rising numbers of infections, announcing that 36 more people have confirmed infections. The governor says newly released unemployment figures are “alarming.” 6,645 people made new claims for unemployment benefits last week in the state. The governor has resisted mandating business closures or issuing stay-at-home orders. She argues that will help sustain some semblance of life and economic activity over the months of coronavirus infections.

South Dakota Gov. tasks National Guard to expand hospitals in Rapid City, Sioux Falls

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Health officials say the death of a Gage County woman is Nebraska’s sixth from COVID-19. The officials said Thursday night that the woman was in her 90s and had underlying health conditions. 

Nearly 4,300 people have tested negative. Earlier Thursday, Gov. Pete Ricketts said he doesn’t plan to deviate from his regional approach for stay-at-home orders rather than issue a statewide order, as other governors have done to fight the pandemic’s spread. 

Ricketts says some of Nebraska’s rules are stricter than those in some states that have full shelter-in-place orders. 

He cites Florida’s order, which exempts religious services. Nebraska’s doesn’t allow the exemption.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Health officials say the death of a Gage County woman is Nebraska’s sixth from COVID-19. The officials said Thursday night that the woman was in her 90s and had underlying health conditions. Nearly 4,300 people have tested negative. Earlier Thursday, Gov. Pete Ricketts said he doesn’t plan to deviate from his regional approach for stay-at-home orders rather than issue a statewide order, as other governors have done to fight the pandemic’s spread. Ricketts says some of Nebraska’s rules are stricter than those in some states that have full shelter-in-place orders. He cites Florida’s order, which exempts religious services. Nebraska’s doesn’t allow the exemption.

Gage County COVID-19 death reported as Nebraska's 6th

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Deb Wegehoft, Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer, will only schedule phone appointments for April to explain 2020 Medicare enrollment procedures and help beneficiaries enroll in prescription drug plans. &nbsp;

To schedule a phone appointment for Monday, April 13, 2020, call Deb at 308-762-3129. &nbsp;Leave a message with your name and phone number. &nbsp;Your call will be returned.

By Deb WegehoftDue to the coronavirus pandemic, Deb Wegehoft, Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer, will only schedule phone appointments for April to explain 2020 Medicare enrollment procedures and help beneficiaries enroll in prescription drug plans. &nbsp;To schedule a phone appointment for Monday, April 13, 2020, call Deb at 308-762-3129. &nbsp;Leave a message with your name and phone number. &nbsp;Your call will be returned.

Medicare assistance in Alliance by phone appointments only 

Lincoln&nbsp;—&nbsp;A teammate at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC) in Kearney has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).&nbsp; The individual contacted the facility as per DHHS guidance to make them aware of his symptoms and has not returned to work.&nbsp; A contact investigation is underway.

The Department of Health and Human Services was and continues to be proactive in its efforts to deal with this pandemic.&nbsp; Each of our youth and adult care facilities developed a pandemic plan that outlines preparations and actions the facility will take to detect and contain COVID-19, while maintaining operations and meeting the basic needs of the facility. The plans include spaces identified for potential quarantine or isolation areas for residents as needed. &nbsp;Additionally, the facility staff began to log daily temperature checks for all staff on March 19, 2020 and residents beginning March 25, 2020. Visitors were monitored as well starting March 14 through March 23, 2020, when physical visitation was suspended until further notice and virtual visitation commenced. All staff are checked before entering the facility and not allowed to work if they are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.

Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our residents. Physical preparations to mitigate or reduce potential spread of COVID-19 began in mid-February at the facility, such as deep cleaning and posting signage as reminders to practice good hygiene. All 24-hour facility staff received a letter on March 20, 2020 explaining how the facility would manage a potential exposure and what was occurring to reduce the chances for exposure as a follow-up to a number of communications in the preceding weeks, that included messages from the CEO and FAQs designed for teammates to address preparedness efforts across DHHS.

CEO, Dannette R. Smith stated, “We have continued to assess the needs of our YRTCs and other 24-hour facilities in anticipation of possible community spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; We did not take suspending physical visitation lightly, but we know that we must protect our youth in our care.&nbsp; I am pleased that proactive measures were in place and that the daily temperature log was recorded, as it has helped our epidemiological team to conduct a swift and thorough investigation.&nbsp; I wish for a speedy recovery of our teammate.”&nbsp;

The teammate has been off work for five days and will not return until a full recovery is documented by a medical professional. DHHS is working closely with the local county health department to determine next steps for screening staff and the youth at the program.

Lincoln&nbsp;—&nbsp;A teammate at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC) in Kearney has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).&nbsp; The individual contacted the facility as per DHHS guidance to make them aware of his symptoms and has not returned to work.&nbsp; A contact investigation is underway.The Department of Health and Human Services was and continues to be proactive in its efforts to deal with this pandemic.&nbsp; Each of our youth and adult care facilities developed a pandemic plan that outlines preparations and actions the facility will take to detect and contain COVID-19, while maintaining operations and meeting the basic needs of the facility. The plans include spaces identified for potential quarantine or isolation areas for residents as needed. &nbsp;Additionally, the facility staff began to log daily temperature checks for all staff on March 19, 2020 and residents beginning March 25, 2020. Visitors were monitored as well starting March 14 through March 23, 2020, when physical visitation was suspended until further notice and virtual visitation commenced. All staff are checked before entering the facility and not allowed to work if they are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our residents. Physical preparations to mitigate or reduce potential spread of COVID-19 began in mid-February at the facility, such as deep cleaning and posting signage as reminders to practice good hygiene. All 24-hour facility staff received a letter on March 20, 2020 explaining how the facility would manage a potential exposure and what was occurring to reduce the chances for exposure as a follow-up to a number of communications in the preceding weeks, that included messages from the CEO and FAQs designed for teammates to address preparedness efforts across DHHS.CEO, Dannette R. Smith stated, “We have continued to assess the needs of our YRTCs and other 24-hour facilities in anticipation of possible community spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; We did not take suspending physical visitation lightly, but we know that we must protect our youth in our care.&nbsp; I am pleased that proactive measures were in place and that the daily temperature log was recorded, as it has helped our epidemiological team to conduct a swift and thorough investigation.&nbsp; I wish for a speedy recovery of our teammate.”&nbsp;The teammate has been off work for five days and will not return until a full recovery is documented by a medical professional. DHHS is working closely with the local county health department to determine next steps for screening staff and the youth at the program.

YRTC teammate tests positive for COVID-19, contact investigation underway

Hot Springs, SD — Fall River Health Services continues their efforts to address COVID-19 concerns and has the best interest of their community at heart. For the safety of all of our patients and staff, everyone will be screened as they enter our campus.

• It is still highly recommended that if you are wondering if you should be screened for COVID-19, or if you are unsure whether you should come to the clinic for evaluation of any concerns, please call FRHS Rural Health Clinic at 745.8928 in advance.

• Starting Tuesday, March 31, 2020, all patients will be screened in their vehicles as they enter the FRHS campus. Once screened, patients will be directed to where they will be either checked in or evaluated by our skilled nurse triage team. Medical tents will be set up for nursing staff to do a more in-depth assessment and the providers may be able to treat you outside of the facility. We are doing our best to prevent COVID-19 from entering FRHS. If a patient requires treatment within the facility, FRHS will take full precautions to keep staff and patients safe.

• Fall River Health Services asks that you prepare to answer the following questions when calling for an appointment or entering the facility campus:

FRHS asks their patients to please be honest when answering these questions. How you answer them will not impede your care, but rather allow you to be seen in the most appropriate place to keep you and our staff safe.

1. Have you, or anyone in your household, been in direct contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID19? If so, when?

2. Have you, or anyone in your household, traveled outside of a 150 mile radius of Hot Springs within the last 14 days? If yes, where?

3. Are you a resident of Fall River County? If not, where are you from?

4. Are you currently having the following symptoms? Did they start within the last 14 days?

• Currently there are no disruption for scheduled appointments. Please plan on arriving early to allow time to go through our screening processes.

• Fall River Health Services reminds you that the Emergency Room is not for COVID-19 testing or advice; please call FRHS Rural Clinic at 745.8928 for these needs. It's important that our Emergency Department team is available for patients with emergency symptoms.

FRHS continues its facility-wide visitor restriction policy to protect our patients, residents and staff.

• Fall River Health Services asks that you to continue social distancing. To help minimize the spread of COVID19, please stay at home when possible and do not congregate in areas or groups that are more than 10 people.

We ask that you continue to wash your hands, practice smart social distancing, and covering your coughs and sneezes.

“We stay here for you. Please stay home for us,” Fall River Health Services Staff. Visit our website, <a href="http://www.frhssd.org">www.frhssd.org</a>, cdc.gov or Covid.sd.gov for further information.

Hot Springs, SD — Fall River Health Services continues their efforts to address COVID-19 concerns and has the best interest of their community at heart. For the safety of all of our patients and staff, everyone will be screened as they enter our campus.• It is still highly recommended that if you are wondering if you should be screened for COVID-19, or if you are unsure whether you should come to the clinic for evaluation of any concerns, please call FRHS Rural Health Clinic at 745.8928 in advance.• Starting Tuesday, March 31, 2020, all patients will be screened in their vehicles as they enter the FRHS campus. Once screened, patients will be directed to where they will be either checked in or evaluated by our skilled nurse triage team. Medical tents will be set up for nursing staff to do a more in-depth assessment and the providers may be able to treat you outside of the facility. We are doing our best to prevent COVID-19 from entering FRHS. If a patient requires treatment within the facility, FRHS will take full precautions to keep staff and patients safe.• Fall River Health Services asks that you prepare to answer the following questions when calling for an appointment or entering the facility campus:FRHS asks their patients to please be honest when answering these questions. How you answer them will not impede your care, but rather allow you to be seen in the most appropriate place to keep you and our staff safe.1. Have you, or anyone in your household, been in direct contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID19? If so, when?2. Have you, or anyone in your household, traveled outside of a 150 mile radius of Hot Springs within the last 14 days? If yes, where?3. Are you a resident of Fall River County? If not, where are you from?4. Are you currently having the following symptoms? Did they start within the last 14 days?FeverCoughChest congestionSore throatShortness of breath• Currently there are no disruption for scheduled appointments. Please plan on arriving early to allow time to go through our screening processes.• Fall River Health Services reminds you that the Emergency Room is not for COVID-19 testing or advice; please call FRHS Rural Clinic at 745.8928 for these needs. It's important that our Emergency Department team is available for patients with emergency symptoms.FRHS continues its facility-wide visitor restriction policy to protect our patients, residents and staff.• Fall River Health Services asks that you to continue social distancing. To help minimize the spread of COVID19, please stay at home when possible and do not congregate in areas or groups that are more than 10 people.We ask that you continue to wash your hands, practice smart social distancing, and covering your coughs and sneezes.“We stay here for you. Please stay home for us,” Fall River Health Services Staff. Visit our website, <a href="http://www.frhssd.org">www.frhssd.org</a>, cdc.gov or Covid.sd.gov for further information.

Fall River Health Services patient screening update

COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) - Deputies found and arrested a man suspected of leaving the scene near Columbus after his pickup truck fatally struck a woman walking on a street, authorities said.

The 56-year-old man was driving west a little before 1 a.m. Thursday when the woman was struck about a mile east of Columbus. She was pronounced dead at a hospital. She's been identified as Jaqueline Robledo, 19, who lived in Columbus.

Platte County Sheriff Ed Wemhoff said the man drove away but was spotted a few minutes later and taken into custody. Online court records don't show that he's been formally charged.

COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) - Deputies found and arrested a man suspected of leaving the scene near Columbus after his pickup truck fatally struck a woman walking on a street, authorities said.The 56-year-old man was driving west a little before 1 a.m. Thursday when the woman was struck about a mile east of Columbus. She was pronounced dead at a hospital. She's been identified as Jaqueline Robledo, 19, who lived in Columbus.Platte County Sheriff Ed Wemhoff said the man drove away but was spotted a few minutes later and taken into custody. Online court records don't show that he's been formally charged.

Authorities: Driver found, arrested after fatal hit-and-run

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as the president is aggressively defending his response to the public health crisis.

The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, were expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.

President Donald Trump, who was tested again for coronavirus Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated he would support such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they can,” he said.

“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had said earlier in the week.

The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”

Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus-related deaths to a minimum.

The discussions on face masks came as the White House moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical professionals.

Trump sent a politically tinged letter to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York objecting to his criticism of the administration’s response. “The Federal Government is merely a back-up for state governments,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, your state needed far more of a back-up than most others.”

Trump said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies before the pandemic.

Vice President Mike Pence also announced Thursday that the White House was considering direct payments to hospitals to cover COVID-19 treatment costs for uninsured Americans.

The emerging guidance on masks appeared to be more limited than a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance, which suggested the recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.

Officials were expected to limit its geographic scope to just those areas where the virus was spreading rapidly, the official said. The formal announcement was expected as soon as Friday.

Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.

On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the U.S.

In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.

The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.

U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.

But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.

Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.

The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.

The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.

The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.

“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.

That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”

Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.

Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585909675405.png" alt="President Trump during Thursday's Coronavirus Task force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during Thursday's Coronavirus Task force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, as the president is aggressively defending his response to the public health crisis.The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, were expected to apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home — for instance, at the grocery store or pharmacy. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the proposed guidance before its public release.President Donald Trump, who was tested again for coronavirus Thursday using a new rapid test, indicated he would support such a recommendation. “If people wanted to wear them, they can,” he said.“It’s not a bad idea, at least for a period of time,” Trump had said earlier in the week.The White House said Trump’s latest test returned a negative result in 15 minutes, and said Trump was “healthy and without symptoms.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Deborah Birx, the task force’s coordinator, told reporters the White House was concerned that the mask guidance would lead to a “false sense of security” for Americans. She said new data show that the administration’s social-distancing guidelines were not being followed to the extent necessary to keep virus-related deaths to a minimum.The discussions on face masks came as the White House moved aggressively to defend its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly its efforts to speed the distribution of ventilators and protective equipment needed by medical professionals.Trump sent a politically tinged letter to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York objecting to his criticism of the administration’s response. “The Federal Government is merely a back-up for state governments,” Trump wrote. “Unfortunately, your state needed far more of a back-up than most others.”Trump said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies before the pandemic.Vice President Mike Pence also announced Thursday that the White House was considering direct payments to hospitals to cover COVID-19 treatment costs for uninsured Americans.The emerging guidance on masks appeared to be more limited than a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draft of the guidance, which suggested the recommendation apply to nearly all Americans, all over the country, according to a federal official who has seen the draft but was not authorized to discuss it.Officials were expected to limit its geographic scope to just those areas where the virus was spreading rapidly, the official said. The formal announcement was expected as soon as Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Under the previous guidance, only the sick or those at high risk of complications from the respiratory illness were advised to wear masks. The new proposal was driven by research showing that some infections are being spread by people who seem to be healthy.On Wednesday, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, urged his city’s 4 million residents to wear masks when they’re in public. On Thursday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio followed suit in his city, the epicenter of the virus’ spread in the U.S.In response to recent studies, the CDC on Wednesday changed how it was defining the risk of infection for Americans. It essentially says anyone may be a considered a carrier, whether they have symptoms or not.The virus spreads mostly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, though experts stress that the germ is still not fully understood.U.S. officials have been telling people to stay at home as much as possible, and keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others when they do go out. Other advice includes frequent hand washing and not touching your face.But until now federal officials have stopped short of telling people to cover their faces out in public.Scientists can’t rule out that infected people sometimes exhale COVID-19 virus particles, rather than just when coughing or sneezing, but there isn’t enough evidence to show if that can cause infection, according to a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to advise the White House.The question has to do with whether the new coronavirus spreads mostly by droplets that don’t linger for long in the air, or also by tinier “aerosolized” particles. Certain medical procedures, such as inserting breathing tubes, can create those tiny particles, which is why health care workers wear close-fitting N95 masks during such care.The committee cited one study that detected airborne viral RNA in and just outside some hospital isolation rooms, but noted that it was unclear if that could infect someone.U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has repeatedly admonished Americans not to wear face masks, saying they don’t prevent the people who wear them from catching the virus. He and other officials have stressed that surgical face masks and other protective medical equipment have been in short supply and must be prioritized for people such as health-care workers.The World Health Organization on Monday reiterated its advice that the general population doesn’t need to wear masks unless they’re sick. Since the epidemic began in China, the WHO has said masks are for the sick and people caring for them.“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any particular benefit,” WHO’s epidemic chief Dr. Mike Ryan said during a news conference. “In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite,” he added, noting risks from an improperly fitted mask or improperly putting it on or taking it off.That’s in addition to the problem that health care workers who do need masks are facing “a massive global shortage,” Ryan said. “The thought of them not having masks is horrific, so we have to be very careful on supply, but that is not the primary reason why WHO has advised against using masks.”Many people have taken it upon themselves to make their own masks, but one North Carolina health system found that such DIY products vary in how well they work. Wake Forest Baptist Health doctors and scientists tested 13 different designs made by community volunteers. They found that some were better at filtering than off-the-shelf surgical masks but others were barely better than wearing no mask at all.Separately, a 2013 study tested whether homemade masks might help during a flu pandemic. It found surgical masks were three times more effective in catching droplets from coughing people than masks made from cotton T-shirts, though it’s not clear if the new coronavirus behaves exactly like flu viruses.

Trump tested again for virus; new face mask guidelines expected

NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists offered more evidence Wednesday that the coronavirus is spread by seemingly healthy people who show no clear symptoms, and the federal government issued new guidance warning that anyone exposed to the disease can be considered a carrier.

A study by researchers in Singapore became the latest to estimate that somewhere around 10% of new infections may be sparked by people who carry the virus but have not yet suffered its flu-like symptoms.

In response to that study and others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed how it defined the risk of infection for Americans. The agency’s new guidance targeted people who have no symptoms but were exposed to others with known or suspected infections. It essentially says that anyone may be a carrier, whether that person has symptoms or not.

The findings complicate efforts to gain control of the pandemic and reinforce the importance of social distancing and other measures designed to stop the spread, experts said.

“You have to really be proactive about reducing contacts between people who seem perfectly healthy,” said Lauren Ancel Meyers, a University of Texas at Austin researcher who has studied coronavirus transmission in different countries.

The newest research was published online by the CDC. It focused on 243 cases of coronavirus reported in Singapore from mid-January through mid-March, including 157 infections among people who had not traveled recently. Scientists found that so-called pre-symptomatic people triggered infections in seven different clusters of disease, accounting for about 6% of the locally acquired cases.

One of those infections was particularly striking. A 52-year-old woman’s infection was linked to her sitting in a seat at a church that had been occupied earlier in the day by two tourists who showed no symptoms but later fell ill, investigators said after they reviewed closed-circuit camera recordings of church services.

An earlier study that focused on China, where the virus was first identified, suggested that more than 10% of transmissions were from people who were infected but did not yet feel sick.

The seemingly healthy people who can transmit the virus are believed to fall into three categories: pre-symptomatic, who do not have symptoms when they spread but develop illness a couple of days later; asymptomatic, who never develop symptoms; and post-symptomatic, who get sick and recover but remain contagious. The Singapore and China studies focused on pre-symptomatic infections.

It remains unclear how many new infections are caused by each type of potential spreader, said Meyers, who was not involved in the Singapore study but was part of the earlier one focused on China.

CDC officials say they have been researching asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections, but the studies are not complete.

In an interview Tuesday with a radio station in Atlanta, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield cited an estimate that 25% of infected people may be asymptomatic. It was not clear what that estimate was based on, or if it included people who were pre-symptomatic or post-symptomatic. The AP requested more information from the CDC, but the agency did not provide those details.

Redfield’s comment was in response to a question about whether the agency is going to recommend that people who seem healthy wear masks or face coverings when they go out. He said the agency is reviewing its guidance, looking at research in Singapore, China and other places in making that decision.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom this week said he planned to announce new state guidelines on wearing masks.

Wearing scarves or bandanas over noses and mouths is “not necessarily going to protect you, but if you are carrying the disease, it may reduce the amount you transmit,” said Carl Bergstrom, a University of Washington evolutionary biologist who studies emerging infectious diseases.

In the initial months of the pandemic, health officials based their response on the belief that most of the spread came from people who were sneezing or coughing droplets that contained the virus.

Another kind of coronavirus caused the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which was first identified in Asia in 2003 and caused a frightening but relatively short-lived international outbreak that never spread as widely as the new virus.

Although some asymptomatic infections were discovered, none were found to have spread the disease. Because symptomatic people were the spreaders, health officials could focus on them to see an outbreak happening and could better isolate infected people and stop the spread.

“It was much, much easier” to contain, Bergstrom said. With the new coronavirus, “we clearly have asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission,” he added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582725655069.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists offered more evidence Wednesday that the coronavirus is spread by seemingly healthy people who show no clear symptoms, and the federal government issued new guidance warning that anyone exposed to the disease can be considered a carrier.A study by researchers in Singapore became the latest to estimate that somewhere around 10% of new infections may be sparked by people who carry the virus but have not yet suffered its flu-like symptoms.In response to that study and others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed how it defined the risk of infection for Americans. The agency’s new guidance targeted people who have no symptoms but were exposed to others with known or suspected infections. It essentially says that anyone may be a carrier, whether that person has symptoms or not.The findings complicate efforts to gain control of the pandemic and reinforce the importance of social distancing and other measures designed to stop the spread, experts said.“You have to really be proactive about reducing contacts between people who seem perfectly healthy,” said Lauren Ancel Meyers, a University of Texas at Austin researcher who has studied coronavirus transmission in different countries.The newest research was published online by the CDC. It focused on 243 cases of coronavirus reported in Singapore from mid-January through mid-March, including 157 infections among people who had not traveled recently. Scientists found that so-called pre-symptomatic people triggered infections in seven different clusters of disease, accounting for about 6% of the locally acquired cases.One of those infections was particularly striking. A 52-year-old woman’s infection was linked to her sitting in a seat at a church that had been occupied earlier in the day by two tourists who showed no symptoms but later fell ill, investigators said after they reviewed closed-circuit camera recordings of church services.An earlier study that focused on China, where the virus was first identified, suggested that more than 10% of transmissions were from people who were infected but did not yet feel sick.The seemingly healthy people who can transmit the virus are believed to fall into three categories: pre-symptomatic, who do not have symptoms when they spread but develop illness a couple of days later; asymptomatic, who never develop symptoms; and post-symptomatic, who get sick and recover but remain contagious. The Singapore and China studies focused on pre-symptomatic infections.It remains unclear how many new infections are caused by each type of potential spreader, said Meyers, who was not involved in the Singapore study but was part of the earlier one focused on China.CDC officials say they have been researching asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections, but the studies are not complete.In an interview Tuesday with a radio station in Atlanta, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield cited an estimate that 25% of infected people may be asymptomatic. It was not clear what that estimate was based on, or if it included people who were pre-symptomatic or post-symptomatic. The AP requested more information from the CDC, but the agency did not provide those details.Redfield’s comment was in response to a question about whether the agency is going to recommend that people who seem healthy wear masks or face coverings when they go out. He said the agency is reviewing its guidance, looking at research in Singapore, China and other places in making that decision.California Gov. Gavin Newsom this week said he planned to announce new state guidelines on wearing masks.Wearing scarves or bandanas over noses and mouths is “not necessarily going to protect you, but if you are carrying the disease, it may reduce the amount you transmit,” said Carl Bergstrom, a University of Washington evolutionary biologist who studies emerging infectious diseases.In the initial months of the pandemic, health officials based their response on the belief that most of the spread came from people who were sneezing or coughing droplets that contained the virus.Another kind of coronavirus caused the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, which was first identified in Asia in 2003 and caused a frightening but relatively short-lived international outbreak that never spread as widely as the new virus.Although some asymptomatic infections were discovered, none were found to have spread the disease. Because symptomatic people were the spreaders, health officials could focus on them to see an outbreak happening and could better isolate infected people and stop the spread.“It was much, much easier” to contain, Bergstrom said. With the new coronavirus, “we clearly have asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission,” he added.

More evidence indicates healthy people can spread coronavirus

Lincoln - Today, Scott R. Frakes, director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) announced that staff members will be required to wear face masks&nbsp;while at work. The mandate will apply to staff members who work in the agency’s 10 prison facilities, Cornhusker State Industries (CSI) and in all office buildings and warehouses.

“We continue to take steps as circumstances warrant that will best protect our teammates, our inmates and the public,” said Dir. Frakes.

In addition to staff members, anyone who has business within an NDCS building will be asked to don a mask prior to entry. The list will include contractors, vendors, members of the Board&nbsp;of Parole, attorneys, and others. The masks are designed and manufactured by CSI. They can be hand washed and reused each day. Distribution of the masks will be prioritized, starting at the prison facilities. By early next week, all staff members in every&nbsp;building will have one.

In addition to wearing masks, anyone entering an NDCS building will undergo an expanded screening process that includes answering questions pertaining to potential exposure to COVID-19.&nbsp;Screening of outside visitors has been happening for some time. Staff screening started last week.

“The landscape is changing daily in terms of new information that we receive about this illness and how best to prevent it,” admitted Dir. Frakes. “NDCS will do what is necessary to stay&nbsp;one step ahead of the curve.”

“Handwashing, excellent sanitation, social distancing and limiting community contact remain just as important as the use of a mask,” said Dir. Frakes. “We don’t want teammates to think&nbsp;that a mask is the ultimate form of protection. We must continue to fire on all cylinders if we are to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585855586804.jpeg" alt="Dir. Frakes wearing one of the new staff masks." />
 <figcaption>Dir. Frakes wearing one of the new staff masks.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln - Today, Scott R. Frakes, director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) announced that staff members will be required to wear face masks&nbsp;while at work. The mandate will apply to staff members who work in the agency’s 10 prison facilities, Cornhusker State Industries (CSI) and in all office buildings and warehouses.“We continue to take steps as circumstances warrant that will best protect our teammates, our inmates and the public,” said Dir. Frakes.In addition to staff members, anyone who has business within an NDCS building will be asked to don a mask prior to entry. The list will include contractors, vendors, members of the Board&nbsp;of Parole, attorneys, and others. The masks are designed and manufactured by CSI. They can be hand washed and reused each day. Distribution of the masks will be prioritized, starting at the prison facilities. By early next week, all staff members in every&nbsp;building will have one.In addition to wearing masks, anyone entering an NDCS building will undergo an expanded screening process that includes answering questions pertaining to potential exposure to COVID-19.&nbsp;Screening of outside visitors has been happening for some time. Staff screening started last week.“The landscape is changing daily in terms of new information that we receive about this illness and how best to prevent it,” admitted Dir. Frakes. “NDCS will do what is necessary to stay&nbsp;one step ahead of the curve.”“Handwashing, excellent sanitation, social distancing and limiting community contact remain just as important as the use of a mask,” said Dir. Frakes. “We don’t want teammates to think&nbsp;that a mask is the ultimate form of protection. We must continue to fire on all cylinders if we are to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.”

All NDCS staff to wear masks on the job

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Wyoming courts are extending measures to discourage spread of the coronavirus by another seven weeks. 

The series of measures announced by the Wyoming Supreme Court in March apply to all state courts in Wyoming. 

They include suspending many types of in-person proceedings, rescheduling trials, allowing for remote administration of oaths, conducting proceedings by video conference and making paper document filings optional. 

The measures set to expire April 10 will now continue through May 31. 

Wyoming had at least 130 cases of the coronavirus confirmed in 16 of its 23 counties as of Wednesday. 

Thirty-one of those people have recovered.

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — Wyoming courts are extending measures to discourage spread of the coronavirus by another seven weeks. The series of measures announced by the Wyoming Supreme Court in March apply to all state courts in Wyoming. They include suspending many types of in-person proceedings, rescheduling trials, allowing for remote administration of oaths, conducting proceedings by video conference and making paper document filings optional. The measures set to expire April 10 will now continue through May 31. Wyoming had at least 130 cases of the coronavirus confirmed in 16 of its 23 counties as of Wednesday. Thirty-one of those people have recovered.

Wyoming courts extend coronavirus measures through May

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska saw another record-setting surge in unemployment claims last week as the new coronavirus forced more businesses to close and lay off workers. 

The U.S. Department of Labor says Nebraska officials received 24,572 unemployment claims during the week that ended March 29. 

The previous record of 15,700 was set in the prior week as state officials imposed tough new restrictions on businesses and residents hunkered down at home to keep the virus from spreading. 

Nebraska has now had about 40,000 jobless claims in the last two weeks, which is about as many as it normally gets in a year.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska saw another record-setting surge in unemployment claims last week as the new coronavirus forced more businesses to close and lay off workers. The U.S. Department of Labor says Nebraska officials received 24,572 unemployment claims during the week that ended March 29. The previous record of 15,700 was set in the prior week as state officials imposed tough new restrictions on businesses and residents hunkered down at home to keep the virus from spreading. Nebraska has now had about 40,000 jobless claims in the last two weeks, which is about as many as it normally gets in a year.

Nebraska unemployment surges again as virus forces closures

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — A coroner has determined that a boy who went missing in central Wyoming last fall died of exposure and it was an accident.

 Natrona County sheriff's Sgt. Taylor Courtney says no crime was committed in the death of 16-year-old Joey Peterson and the investigation is closed. 

Two people on horseback found Peterson's body Sunday about 4 miles from his family's rural home. 

The Casper Star-Tribune reports a coroner concluded from an autopsy he died of exposure and hypothermia. 

Peterson left  home in November wearing only pajamas and a sweatshirt. 

Peterson had high-functioning autism and officials described him as not self-sufficient.

CASPER, Wyo. (Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune) — A coroner has determined that a boy who went missing in central Wyoming last fall died of exposure and it was an accident. Natrona County sheriff's Sgt. Taylor Courtney says no crime was committed in the death of 16-year-old Joey Peterson and the investigation is closed. Two people on horseback found Peterson's body Sunday about 4 miles from his family's rural home. The Casper Star-Tribune reports a coroner concluded from an autopsy he died of exposure and hypothermia. Peterson left home in November wearing only pajamas and a sweatshirt. Peterson had high-functioning autism and officials described him as not self-sufficient.

Coroner concludes missing Wyoming boy died of exposure

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police say they are investigating human remains that were discovered near a creek on a Rapid City golf course. 

A grounds keeper at the Rapid City Elks Golf Course discovered a human skull on Tuesday. 

The Rapid City Police Department's investigations unit searched the area and located most of the remains. 

They say it appears to be an adult. Police are trying to find the cause of death, but said the outbreak of the coronavirus has slowed down the investigation.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Police say they are investigating human remains that were discovered near a creek on a Rapid City golf course. A grounds keeper at the Rapid City Elks Golf Course discovered a human skull on Tuesday. The Rapid City Police Department's investigations unit searched the area and located most of the remains. They say it appears to be an adult. Police are trying to find the cause of death, but said the outbreak of the coronavirus has slowed down the investigation.

Police investigating human remains at Rapid City golf course

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A judge has ruled the federal government is required to provide adequate health care to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe as part of a 1868 treaty. 

Federal Judge Roberto Lange ruled this week the Treaty of Fort Laramie guaranteed the government would provide some level of health care in return for the land the Sioux Nation forfeited. 

The tribe sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Indian Health Service in 2016 after the Rosebud IHS Hospital emergency room was closed because of problems at the facility. 

Tribal members were diverted to hospitals some 50 miles away.&nbsp;

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A judge has ruled the federal government is required to provide adequate health care to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe as part of a 1868 treaty. Federal Judge Roberto Lange ruled this week the Treaty of Fort Laramie guaranteed the government would provide some level of health care in return for the land the Sioux Nation forfeited. The tribe sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Indian Health Service in 2016 after the Rosebud IHS Hospital emergency room was closed because of problems at the facility. Tribal members were diverted to hospitals some 50 miles away.&nbsp;

Judge: Government required to provide health care to Rosebud

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former Omaha TV weatherman and spokesman for a former mayor has been accused of emailing death threats to the director of Douglas County Health Department over her handling of the new coronavirus outbreak. 

The Douglas County Sheriff's office says Ronald Gerrard Penzkowski was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of making terroristic threats and stalking.

 Investigators say he sent emails to Dr. Adi Pour, threatening to “lynch” her and to “slice” her throat. 

Sheriff's Capt. Wayne Hudson told the Omaha World-Herald that the emails referred to public health measures, such as stay-at-home orders intended to slow the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former Omaha TV weatherman and spokesman for a former mayor has been accused of emailing death threats to the director of Douglas County Health Department over her handling of the new coronavirus outbreak. The Douglas County Sheriff's office says Ronald Gerrard Penzkowski was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of making terroristic threats and stalking. Investigators say he sent emails to Dr. Adi Pour, threatening to “lynch” her and to “slice” her throat. Sheriff's Capt. Wayne Hudson told the Omaha World-Herald that the emails referred to public health measures, such as stay-at-home orders intended to slow the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Ex-Omaha weatherman accused of targeting health director

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State prisons officials say a 27-year-old Nebraska State Penitentiary inmate has died at a Lincoln hospital. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — State prisons officials say a 27-year-old Nebraska State Penitentiary inmate has died at a Lincoln hospital. A news release from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says Jackson Hendrick died around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Officials did not say in the release why or when he had been taken to the hospital, and a department spokeswoman did not immediately respond to questions about whether his death was related to the new coronavirus outbreak or was caused by something else. Hendrick was serving a 20- to 30-year sentence out of Lancaster County for first degree sexual assault of a minor.&nbsp;