Gov. Ricketts announces partnership with Univ. of Nebraska on quarantine housing

LINCOLN – Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference to announce that the State has entered into an agreement with the University of Nebraska System to provide quarantine housing.  He also gave an update on coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) testing in Nebraska and reviewed the State’s social distancing strategy to combat COVID-19. 

First Lady Susanne Shore joined the Governor to share information about Nebraska Impact’s COVID-19 relief fund.  Additionally, Labor Commissioner John Albin overviewed the State’s work to process unemployment claims during the pandemic.

Gov. Ricketts: Quarantine Housing

1. The State of Nebraska has signed contracts with the University of Nebraska to create bed space for three purposes:Quarantining individuals who need monitoring.People in isolation while waiting for testing results.Discharging patients who are convalescing.
2. Quarantining individuals who need monitoring.
3. People in isolation while waiting for testing results.
4. Discharging patients who are convalescing.
5. The contracts will provide about 2,100 beds with food and janitorial services.
6. The State and the federal government will cover the costs of these beds.
7. Our teammates are working to pull together the staffing for these facilities if they’re needed.

Gov. Ricketts: Nebraska’s Newest Directed Health Measure (DHM)

1. Last night, the State issued a new DHM covering 15 new counties in North and Central Nebraska.New counties include Antelope, Arthur, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Pierce, Rock, and Thomas.
2. New counties include Antelope, Arthur, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Pierce, Rock, and Thomas.
3. Overall, 56 counties are now covered by the State’s DHM (as of April 2, 2020).  For these counties, the DHM...Imposes an enforceable 10-person limit on social gatherings.Requires restaurants and bars to close their dining areas and move to takeout, delivery, and/or curbside service only. Prohibits medical and dental elective surgeries and procedures.Cancels veterinary procedures.  Veterinarians are urged to donate unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to local health departments and hospitals.
4. Imposes an enforceable 10-person limit on social gatherings.
5. Requires restaurants and bars to close their dining areas and move to takeout, delivery, and/or curbside service only. 
6. Prohibits medical and dental elective surgeries and procedures.
7. Cancels veterinary procedures.  Veterinarians are urged to donate unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to local health departments and hospitals.
8. The State’s latest DHM also orders all schools statewide to…Operate without students in their buildings through May 31st.Cancel extracurricular activities through May 31st.
9. Operate without students in their buildings through May 31st.
10. Cancel extracurricular activities through May 31st.