Dec 03, 2020

Mask orders stay at forefront of virus outbreak in Nebraska

Posted Dec 03, 2020 5:59 PM

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Cities in Nebraska juggle the issue of whether to require masks as the state's governor continues to resist issuing a statewide mask mandate while the coronavirus pandemic takes a toll on the state.

The Omaha suburb of Papillion is voting Thursday on a proposal to require masks in public buildings.

Grand Island police have made clear they'll enforce that city's mandate, passed last week, by charging violators with public nuisance counts.

A surge in cases in recent weeks led Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts to reissue some statewide restrictions, including requiring masks in salons and tattoo parlors.

But Ricketts has refused to impose a statewide mask mandate.