COVID-19 pandemic in Nebraska

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
COVID-19 pandemic in Nebraska
Nebraska National Guard - 49822891988.jpg
Collecting COVID-19 test samples at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in Springfield
COVID-19 rolling 14day Prevalence in Nebraska by county.svg
Map of the outbreak in Nebraska by confirmed new infections per 100,000 people over 14 days; (click to see date updated)
  1,000+
  500–1,000
  200–500
  100–200
  50–100
  20–50
  10–20
  0–10
  No confirmed new cases or no/bad data
COVID-19 Prevalence in Nebraska by county.svg
Map of the outbreak in Nebraska by confirmed total infections per 100,000 people (click on map for date of update)
  10,000+
  3,000–10,000
  1,000–3,000
  300–1,000
  100–300
  30–100
  0–30
  No confirmed infected or no data
DiseaseCOVID-19
Virus strainSARS-CoV-2
LocationNebraska, U.S.
First outbreakWuhan, China
Index caseOmaha
Arrival dateMarch 6, 2020
Confirmed cases216,473
Hospitalized cases6,411
Recovered166,944
Deaths
2,336[1]
Government website
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services

The COVID-19 pandemic in Nebraska is an ongoing viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of April 18, 2021, there have been 216,473 confirmed cases and 2,213 deaths.[2]

As of May 28, 2021, Nebraska has administered 1,678,709 COVID-19 vaccine doses, and has fully vaccinated 745,974 people, equivalent to 38.96 percent of the population.[3]

Timeline[]

COVID-19 cases in Nebraska, United States  (
  • v
  • t
)
     Deaths        Recoveries        Active cases
20202021
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAug
Last 15 days
Date
# of cases
# of deaths
2021-08-03
​
​
​
 229,443(+0.11%) 2,281(+0.04%)
2021-08-04
​
​
​
 229,824(+0.17%) 2,285(+0.18%)
2021-08-05
​
​
​
 230,236(+0.18%) 2,289(+0.18%)
2021-08-06
​
​
​
 230,630(+0.17%) 2,289(=)
2021-08-07
​
​
​
 231,069(+0.19%) 2,290(+0.04%)
2021-08-08
​
​
​
 231,351(+0.12%) 2,290(=)
2021-08-09
​
​
​
 231,633(+0.12%) 2,290(=)
2021-08-10
​
​
​
 231,916(+0.12%) 2,287(−0.13%)
2021-08-11
​
​
​
 232,399(+0.21%) 2,285(−0.09%)
2021-08-12
​
​
​
 232,845(+0.19%) 2,285(=)
2021-08-13
​
​
​
 233,291(+0.19%) 2,285(=)
2021-08-14
​
​
​
 233,737(+0.19%) 2,285(=)
2021-08-15
​
​
​
 234,183(+0.19%) 2,285(=)
2021-08-16
​
​
​
 234,629(+0.19%) 2,285(=)
2021-08-17
​
​
​
 235,075(+0.19%) 2,302(+0.74%)
Cases: The number of cases confirmed in Nebraska.

Sources: DHHS.

  • v
  • t
COVID-19 pandemic medical cases in Nebraska by county
County[a] Cases[b][c] Deaths[d][e] Population[f] Cases / 100k
93 / 93 223,054 2,249 1,934,408 11,530.9
Adams 2,992 – 31,363 9,539.9
Antelope 536 – 6,298 8,510.6
Arthur 22 – 463 4,751.6
Banner 36 – 745 4,832.2
Blaine 21 – 465 4,516.1
Boone 584 – 5,192 11,248.1
Box Butte 942 – 10,783 8,736.0
Boyd 176 – 1,919 9,171.4
Brown 220 – 2,955 7,445.0
Buffalo 5,520 – 49,659 11,115.8
Burt 671 – 6,459 10,388.6
Butler 850 – 8,016 10,603.8
Cass 2,676 – 26,248 10,195.1
Cedar 776 – 8,402 9,235.9
Chase 463 – 3,924 11,799.2
Cherry 301 – 5,689 5,290.9
Cheyenne 938 – 8,910 10,527.5
Clay 706 – 6,203 11,381.6
Colfax 1,593 – 10,709 14,875.3
Cuming 1,056 – 8,846 11,937.6
Custer 852 – 10,777 7,905.7
Dakota 3,938 – 20,026 19,664.4
Dawes 749 – 8,589 8,720.5
Dawson 2,888 – 23,595 12,239.9
Deuel 107 – 1,794 5,964.3
Dixon 611 – 5,636 10,841.0
Dodge 4,964 – 36,565 13,575.8
Douglas 71,742 – 571,327 12,557.1
Dundy 185 – 1,693 10,927.3
Fillmore 507 – 5,462 9,282.3
Franklin 242 – 2,979 8,123.5
Frontier 193 – 2,627 7,346.8
Furnas 508 – 4,676 10,864.0
Gage 2,187 – 21,513 10,165.9
Garden 113 – 1,837 6,151.3
Garfield 153 – 1,969 7,770.4
Gosper 184 – 1,990 9,246.2
Grant 41 – 623 6,581.1
Greeley 214 – 2,356 9,083.2
Hall 7,860 – 61,353 12,811.1
Hamilton 966 – 9,324 10,360.4
Harlan 219 – 3,380 6,479.3
Hayes 61 – 922 6,616.1
Hitchcock 255 – 2,762 9,232.4
Holt 864 – 10,067 8,582.5
Hooker 54 – 682 7,917.9
Howard 559 – 6,445 8,673.4
Jefferson 669 – 7,046 9,494.7
Johnson 642 – 5,071 12,660.2
Kearney 690 – 6,495 10,623.6
Keith 723 – 8,034 8,999.3
Keya Paha 54 – 806 6,699.8
Kimball 422 – 3,632 11,618.9
Knox 887 – 8,332 10,645.7
Lancaster 31,454 – 319,090 9,857.4
Lincoln 3,866 – 34,914 11,072.9
Logan 82 – 748 10,962.6
Loup 42 – 664 6,325.3
Madison 4,301 – 35,099 12,253.9
McPherson 29 – 494 5,870.4
Merrick 788 – 7,755 10,161.2
Morrill 513 – 4,642 11,051.3
Nance 414 – 3,519 11,764.7
Nemaha 694 – 6,972 9,954.1
Nuckolls 431 – 4,148 10,390.5
Otoe 1,473 – 16,012 9,199.4
Pawnee 234 – 2,613 8,955.2
Perkins 294 ��� 2,891 10,169.5
Phelps 1,001 – 9,034 11,080.4
Pierce 642 – 7,148 8,981.5
Platte 4,151 – 33,470 12,402.2
Polk 585 – 5,213 11,221.9
Red Willow 1,211 – 10,724 11,292.4
Richardson 737 – 7,865 9,370.6
Rock 102 – 1,357 7,516.6
Saline 2,045 – 14,224 14,377.1
Sarpy 22,849 – 187,196 12,205.9
Saunders 2,534 – 21,578 11,743.4
Scotts Bluff 4,191 – 35,618 11,766.5
Seward 1,757 – 17,284 10,165.5
Sheridan 530 – 5,246 10,102.9
Sherman 212 – 3,001 7,064.3
Sioux 39 – 1,166 3,344.8
Stanton 373 – 5,920 6,300.7
Thayer 495 – 5,003 9,894.1
Thomas 53 – 722 7,340.7
Thurston 848 – 7,224 11,738.6
Valley 327 – 4,158 7,864.4
Washington 2,198 – 20,729 10,603.5
Wayne 1,090 – 9,385 11,614.3
Webster 391 – 3,487 11,213.1
Wheeler 39 – 783 4,980.8
York 1,768 – 13,679 12,924.9
Updated May 24, 2021 with data through the previous day
Data is publicly reported by
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services[4]
  1. ^ County where individuals with a positive case reside. Location of diagnosis and treatment may vary.
  2. ^ Reported confirmed cases. Actual case numbers are probably higher.
  3. ^ Includes 1,889 cases from unknown counties.
  4. ^ "–" denotes that no data is currently available for that county, not that the value is zero.
  5. ^ Includes 2,249 deaths from unknown counties.
  6. ^ July 2019 population estimate from "U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts: Nebraska". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 8, 2020.

2020[]

February[]

February 7, 2020, 57 Americans were evacuated from Wuhan, China to Nebraska. University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine supported the federal quarantine operation at Camp Ashland, a Nebraska National Guard facility near Omaha.[5]  On February 17, thirteen Americans were repatriated to University of Nebraska Medical Center from the Diamond Princess off the coast of Japan. Ten had tested positive, and three others had been exposed. Three days later, eleven of these people tested positive.[6][7]

March[]

On March 6, Governor Pete Ricketts announced Nebraska's first presumptive case, a 36-year-old woman from Omaha who had recently returned from a trip to England.[8] On March 19, Ricketts began to institute restrictions on commerce and public gatherings via the "Directed Health Measures" (DHM) system, within individual counties based on the number of active infections in a region.[9][10] Nebraska's first two deaths were announced on March 27; the state had reached 83 confirmed cases.[11][12] A third death was announced on March 30, followed by a fourth the next day.[13][14]

April[]

A fifth death was confirmed on April 1.[15] followed by another on April 2 (also the first case in Gage County).[16] Two new deaths were confirmed on April 4, both in Douglas County; the state's total number of cases was 321.[17] On April 7, four new deaths were announced, with two in Douglas County, and one each from Custer and Hall counties.[18] By April 9, the state had reached 577 cases and 15 deaths.[19] By April 17, the number of statewide cases had surpassed 1000.[20] In mid-April, a notable spike in cases attributed to meat packing plants began to emerge; by April 21, 237 cases had been attributed to a JBS facility in Grand Island alone, accounting for roughly 40% of all cases in the Central District Health Department region.[21] By April 28, Nebraska had reached 3,374 cases in total.[22]

May[]

On May 5, Governor Ricketts announced that the state would not publish data on the number of cases from meat processing plants "on a specific company by company basis."[23][24] By May 8, there were 6,771 cases in Nebraska, with Governor Ricketts estimating that approximately one sixth of them were tied to meat packing facilities.[25]

By late-May, cases had begun to increase among staff of the Nebraska State Penitentiary.[26] Hospital capacity had become stable in Lincoln.[27]

June[]

Ali Khan, Dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, stated that transmission of COVID-19 in Nebraska was still "relatively uncontrolled",[28]

On June 24, it was reported that Nebraska had the fourth-lowest COVID-19 fatality rate of all U.S. states, behind only Arkansas, South Dakota, and Utah.[29]

July[]

Amidst major increases in other parts of the country, it was reported that new cases in Nebraska were "about as stable as we've ever been", and active hospitalizations at their lowest point since mid-April. Ricketts and other government officials encouraged residents to continue following government guidelines and health measures over the Independence Day weekend to prevent the spikes that had been seen elsewhere.[30]

On July 10, Ricketts reported that cases continued to remain steady and that hospitalizations were down.[31]

August[]

On August 20, seven cases in the Panhandle were traced to exposures at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.[32]

September[]

A spike in cases was reported in Douglas County, especially among younger residents, with officials suggesting that Labor Day weekend activities may have led to them.[33]

In September 2020, the state saw its largest 14-day increase in cases since May. Test positivity rates have remained lower than they were at the onset of the pandemic, although the availability of testing had also been expanded since.[34][35]

October[]

On October 4, the state passed 500 cumulative deaths attributed to coronavirus.[36] 54 percent have attributed to individuals in the 75-85+ age group.

2021[]

February[]

The city council of Omaha convened to debate a proposal to extend the mask mandate from February 23 until May 25. Protesters opposing the mandate met outside city hall and attended the meeting without masks.[37]

July[]

On June 28, Governor Ricketts issued an executive over which declared that Nebraska's emergency declaration would expire at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, and that almost all remaining COVID-19-related orders would expire July 30. Due to HIPAA and state medical privacy laws that were overridden by the state of emergency, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) shut down its online dashboard, ceased the publication of new data, and refused requests from the media for data. Local governments could still publish COVID-19-related data, as they were not considered a covered entity under HIPAA. The TestNebraska program was also phased out.[38][39][40]

On July 14, amid criticism of the decision with the spread of Delta variant, the state announced plans to publish weekly data on a new website.[41]

August[]

The expiration of COVID-19 executive orders on July 31 prohibits counties with a population of less than 20,000 from publishing COVID-19 data, as per the safe harbor standards of the HIPAA Privacy Rule.[42]

Government response[]

Health care[]

On March 27, Governor Ricketts announced that the state would waive certain license fees and background checks in order to expedite the entry of retired, inactive, and out-of-state health professionals to help in managing the pandemic.[12]

Offutt Air Force Base chaplain conducting virtual mass

On April 21, Ricketts announced a program known as TestNebraska to expand testing via partnerships with private companies, with a goal to reach 3,000 tests per-day within the next five weeks. The $27 million program was modeled upon a similar program in Utah, and involves companies based in the area such as Domo, Nomi Health, Qualtrics, and SafeLine Health. Iowa had also signed a contract with the same companies for a similar program.[43][44][45]

The rollout of the program faced criticism; on May 11, Democratic state senators Machaela Cavanaugh, Carol Blood, Megan Hunt, and Rick Kolowski called for Nebraska to cancel its contracts with the firms, questioning Nomi's expertise in the field, and arguing that Nebraska should have made investments in local companies to run the testing program. Ricketts defended the TestNebraska program, stating that "they should be happy that we’re doing the tests", and that "the senators just don’t understand what this all involves to pull together something like this so quickly."[45]

In regards to accusations over a disparity in the number of positive results generated from TestNebraska, Ricketts noted that the program was initially focusing on testing healthcare workers and those with fewer or no symptoms; that past Friday, the program was expanded add workers in the meat packing industry and seniors over 65 as priorities.[45] The program initially stated that results would be returned in 48 hours; however, after missing this target due to various factors (such as some of the required equipment arriving late), the window was extended to 72.[45][46]

An editorial in the Grand Island Independent stated that the addresses of those tested were not being supplied to the local health department. When asked about the editorial on May 13, Ricketts explained that they had begun doing so on May 12, and added that "we rushed [TestNebraska] to get this out as quickly as possible. We certainly could have spent a month or two testing it. But we thought the better deal here was to make sure we got it out testing, even if it wasn't a perfect solution, we weren't going to let the perfect be the enemy of the good here."[47]

In early-July 2020, some testing sites began to experience shortages in lab supplies due to increased demand in other states with spikes. These have led to delays in the processing of results, and in some cases, temporary closures of testing sites.[48][49]

Governor Pete Ricketts (R) threatens that undocumented residents may not receive the vaccine.[50]

Directed health measures[]

Rather than implement a state-wide stay-at-home order, Nebraska employed a framework of "Directed Health Measures" (DHM), which included enforceable restrictions on public gatherings of more than 10 people, elective medical procedures, restaurants (restricted to take-out service only), schools (must close to students through May 31, no extracurricular activities), and social distancing. These measures were phased in on a county-by-county basis based on active infections among the regions.[9][10]

  • March 19: Cass, Douglas, and Sarpy counties.[51] (through May 3)[52][53]
  • March 25: Dodge, Lancaster, Saunders, and Washington counties. (through May 6)[52]
  • March 28: Butler, Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, Polk, Seward, and York counties.[54] (through May 6)[52]
  • March 29: Burt, Cuming, Madison, and Stanton counties.[55] (through May 6)[52]
  • March 30: Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties.[56] (through May 11)[52]
  • March 31: Adams, Buffalo, Clay, Dawson, Franklin, Gosper, Harlan, Kearney, Nuckolls, Phelps, and Webster counties.[57] (through May 11)[52]
  • April 1: Antelope, Arthur, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Pierce, Rock, and Thomas counties.[58][51] (through May 11)[52]
  • April 3: All other counties not already under a DHM.[10]

Ricketts stated on April 2 that their goal was to avoid imposing a full stay-at-home order like other states, arguing that Nebraska's rules were stricter than those of some areas that had actually imposed stay-at-home orders.[59] On April 3, all other counties not yet under a Directed Health Measure became subject to one through May 11.[52]

On April 9, Governor Ricketts announced guidance known as "21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy in Nebraska", including recommendations for residents to avoid non-essential errands and travel, and to respect other restrictions prescribed by the DHMs.[19]

As part of the guidance, a new state-wide DHM ordered the closure of all personal care services (such as salons and tattoo parlors),[60] gentleman's clubs, bottle clubs, and indoor theaters, through April 30, and suspended all organized team sports through May 31. Auto races were also specifically classified as a type of public gathering.[52] Once again, Ricketts did not impose a legally-enforceable stay-at-home order, stating that it was "about asking Nebraskans to do what's right", and that compliance with the existing guidance had been "really good".[19]

DHMs for reopenings[]

On April 24, it was announced that the state-wide DHM would be extended through May 3, and be superseded on May 4 by 19 new DHMs effective through May 31. These new measures would be administered by Nebraska's local health departments, and contain some loosening of prior restrictions. Elective medical procedures would be allowed to resume (with limited capacity at hospitals), and places of worship would be allowed to operate with social distancing between household groups.[53]

In the Douglas County, Sarpy Cass, East Central, Four Corners, Loup Basin, North Central, Northeast Nebraska, Panhandle Public, Southeast District, and Southwest Nebraska health regions, some restrictions were further-relaxed. Restaurants were allowed to offer dine-in service at half capacity (with a maximum of six patrons per-party, no self-service or buffets, and alcohol only served to those with an intent to dine), and personal care facilities could re-open (provided both employees and customers wear face coverings). Bars, cinemas, bottle clubs, and gentleman's clubs remained closed through at least May 31.[53][61] On May 12, the South Heartland District joined this phase as well.[62]

On June 1, new DHMs were issued, divided into "Phase I" and "Phase II". Phase I applied inside Dakota, Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick counties, and allowed restaurants to offer dine-in service at half capacity, and gyms and personal care facilities to open with a limit of 10 customers at a time. Outside of these counties, Phase II allowed bars and gentleman's clubs to open to half capacity (with no recreational activities), gatherings (including cinemas, entertainment venues, gyms, and other venues) allowed to be held with a maximum of 25 people or half of rated occupancy (whichever is greater), and practice allowed to begin in low-contact sports such as baseball/softball, rodeos, and tennis (with games allowed to begin June 18). Individuals returning from international travel must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.[63][64][65]

Nebraska recommends, but has not mandated the wearing of face masks in public spaces. Governor Ricketts has threatened that the state would withhold CARES Act relief funding from counties that require the wearing of masks at government offices and courthouses, citing that being taxpayers "outweigh[ed] the fact that we recommend that they wear a mask". This stance has faced criticism from local officials, who felt that Ricketts was penalizing compliance with federal guidance. His decision echoes similar stances against mask mandates by President Donald Trump and his supporters.[66][67][68]

Lincoln County announced its intent to enshrine recommendations for restaurants (including the wearing of masks by public-facing employees, and cleaning protocols) in law under its DHM.[69]

On June 15, Governor Ricketts announced details for Phase III, which began June 22 for health regions previously in Phase II. Bars and restaurants were allowed to reopen to full capacity (though groups of eight or more must be split among tables, and self-service remains prohibited), and recreational activities can be offered. Patrons must remain seated unless partaking in a recreational activity. Indoor gatherings can be held at a maximum of 50% occupancy, and outdoor gatherings at 75% occupancy, both capped at 10,000, and with social distancing between groups. Fitness and health centers are raised to 75% capacity. Capacity of child care services also increased. Public events such as carnivals and parades remain prohibited. State-wide, elective surgeries also resumed on June 22, and contact sports were allowed to resume play on July 1.[70][71]

Counties in Phase I entered Phase II at this time.[70] Plans were announced for in-person classes to resume at schools in the fall, subject to guidance to be issued by the Nebraska Department of Education.[70][71] On June 30, Dakota, Hall, Hamilton and Merrick moved to Phase III, joining the rest of the state.[72]

On July 24, Central Nebraska's Loup Basin health region became the first to enter Phase IV,[73][74] under which legal enforcement of most of the existing regulations is suspended (being converted to guidance instead), besides those on capacity of indoor gatherings (75%), and social distancing. Events larger than 500 people (1000 in Douglas County) remain subject to the approval of local health authorities, and require submission of a written plan.[70][71][75] By September 8, four health regions had entered Phase IV.[76] On September 14, the majority of the state entered Phase IV, excluding Lancaster County (which intends to retain Phase III restrictions for the time being).[77][75]

Municipal responses[]

On April 3, Mayor of Omaha Jean Stothert threatened to close the city's parks if visitors do not practice social distancing, citing crowding at various local parks over the past weekend.[78]

On July 17, Lancaster County enacted a mandate for residents to wear face masks when social distancing is not possible, which took effect July 20. Governor Ricketts has challenged local authorities' ability to issue mask mandates, stating that "generally local health departments have to check in with us and so they're not going to be able to make those mandates without us."[79] On July 20, Mayor of Lincoln Leirion Gaylor Baird enacted a local mask mandate.[80] Douglas County attempted to introduce a mask mandate, but backtracked after the Attorney General's office challenged its legality.[81]

On August 11, Omaha passed a similar ordinance.[82]

Other reactions[]

Research[]

Amid shortages of personal protective equipment, the University of Nebraska Medical Center conducted experiments in using UV light to disinfect and reuse masks.[83] The University also partnered with students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha to develop a COVID-19 app for self-assessment on iOS, using Apple's CareKit and ResearchKit frameworks.[84]

Sports[]

On March 12, the NCAA cancelled all of its remaining tournaments for the academic year. This included the 2020 College World Series baseball tournament, which is hosted by Omaha under a long-term agreement. The cancellation is expected to have a major economic impact, especially on businesses near TD Ameritrade Park (such as bars, restaurants, and shops) that rely on the influx of fans for their revenue.[85] Spring sports at Nebraska's high schools were also cancelled.[86]

In horse racing, Fonner Park in Grand Island suspended races on March 16,[87] before resuming its season behind closed doors beginning March 23 with enhanced safety protocols (initially for a two-week "trial" period), and holding racedays from Monday to Wednesday instead of on weekends.[88][89] As one of the few U.S. tracks to continue operations, off-track betting simulcasts from Fonner Park would attract national attention to the relatively obscure track:[90][91] Fonner Park set a record single-day handle of $1.3 million on March 23 (exceeding the previous record of $1.2 million),[92] and the average daily handle reached $2.1 million by the end of the "trial"—prompting the track to continue with this format for the remainder of the season.[93] Fonner Park handled $71.3 million in wagers from February through April 2020, an increase of $63.8 million over 2019.[90][91]

In August 2020, the Big Ten Conference indefinitely delayed the start of its 2020 college football season. The Nebraska Cornhuskers football team declared an intent to play in the fall as an independent, but its Commissioner stated that they could not do so without consequences. A group of players also attempted to sue the conference, disputing whether its council properly voted on the delay.[94][95] In mid-September, the Big Ten approved a shortened season to begin in late-October.[96]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Nebraska Coronavirus Map and Case Count". The New York Times. 2021-04-18. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
  2. ^ "Nebraska dashboard". Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  3. ^ "Nebraska - COVID-19 Overview - Johns Hopkins". Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Retrieved 2021-05-28.
  4. ^ "Covid19 Experience Builder". Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  5. ^ Mervosh, Sarah (2020-02-18). "First Ebola, Now Coronavirus. Why an Omaha Hospital Gets the Toughest Cases". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
  6. ^ World-Herald. "Coronavirus timeline: How the pandemic unfolded in Omaha". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2020-05-18.
  7. ^ "Coronavirus (Covid-19) Data in the United States". GitHub. New York Times. Retrieved 2020-05-18.
  8. ^ Kelly, Bill (2020-03-06). "Nebraska Confirms First COVID-19 Case". NET News. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b "DHHS announces new Directed Health Measures for several Nebraska counties". 10/11 Now. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Ricketts announces Direct Health Measure for remaining counties". Nebraska.tv. Sinclair Broadcast Group. 2020-04-03. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  11. ^ "2 deaths from COVID-19 reported in Nebraska". KETV. Hearst Television. 2020-03-27. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b "Nebraska Gov. Ricketts waives healthcare license restrictions, fees". WOWT 6 News. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  13. ^ Gaarder, Nancy. "Nebraska records third coronavirus death, a Lincoln County man in his 90s". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  14. ^ Gaarder, Nancy World. "Nebraska records fourth COVID-19 death, a Buffalo County man in his 90s". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  15. ^ Sangimino, Pat. "Nebraska's fifth death from COVID-19 reported". JournalStar.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  16. ^ "Sixth Nebraska COVID-19 death reported". Boone News-Republican. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  17. ^ "Nebraska COVID-19 case update: 2 more deaths reported in Douglas County". WOWT News 6. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  18. ^ "Nebraska COVID-19 update: Douglas County Health center confirms 2nd death; county reports 8 new cases". WOWT News 6. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b c Stoddard, Martha (2020-04-10). "Ricketts urges Nebraskans to stay home for 21 days to 'really knock this virus down'". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  20. ^ Gaarder, Nancy (2020-04-17). "Nebraska coronavirus cases top 1,000; two more deaths reported". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  21. ^ Duffy, Erin (2020-04-21). "237 coronavirus cases tied to JBS beef plant in Grand Island; disease specialists are touring plants". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  22. ^ Gaarder, Nancy (2020-04-28). "New Nebraska coronavirus cases include 36 in Grand Island area, 16 in Douglas County". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  23. ^ "Infection rates were climbing at Nebraska meatpacking plants. Then health officials stopped reporting the numbers". Washington Post. 2020-05-10. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  24. ^ "Gov. Ricketts speaks on meat shortage, will not disclose case numbers from processing plants". WOWT News 6. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  25. ^ "Ricketts: Nearly 1 in 6 Nebraska cases linked to meat plants". NTV. Sinclair Broadcast Group. 2020-05-08. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  26. ^ "Cases grow among Nebraska prisons staff". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  27. ^ Walton, Don. "Coronavirus hospitalization eases in Omaha, stable in Lincoln". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  28. ^ Stone, Alexandra (2020-06-17). "Doctor says Nebraska has 'relatively uncontrolled transmission' of COVID-19". KETV. Retrieved 2020-06-17.
  29. ^ Schammert, Bill (2020-06-24). "COVID-19: Nebraska with 4th lowest fatality rate in US, varies greatly with age". 10/11 Now. Retrieved 2020-06-25.
  30. ^ Anderson, Julie. "Nebraska COVID-19 case counts stable as numbers rise in much of nation". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  31. ^ Williams, Jack; Costello, Becca (2020-07-10). "COVID-19 in Nebraska: New Cases Increase Slightly While Testing, Hospitalizations Go Down". NET News. Retrieved 2020-07-11.
  32. ^ Loeks, Maunette. "Seven cases of COVID-19 tied to Sturgis rally; three possible exposure sites announced". Scottsbluff Star Herald. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
  33. ^ Cornell, Julie (2020-09-21). "Douglas County COVID-19 cases spike with 20-30-year-olds". KETV. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
  34. ^ Cloninger, Kit. "Nebraska sets new 2-week record for COVID-19 cases". KSNB Local 4. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
  35. ^ KHGI (2020-10-06). "COVID-19: A comparison between April & today". KHGI. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
  36. ^ "OCT. 4: Nebraska surpasses 500 COVID-19 deaths". KMEG. 2020-10-04. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  37. ^ https://www.ketv.com/article/hours-long-public-hearing-as-council-debates-extending-mask-mandate-in-omaha/35399617
  38. ^ Bandur, Michelle (2021-07-08). "Health clinics race to get people vaccinated as variants spread". KETV. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  39. ^ "State Law Preventing Release of COVID-19 Data, DHHS Working on Solution". Nebraska Public Media. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  40. ^ "Gov. Ricketts Ends Coronavirus State of Emergency". dhhs.ne.gov. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  41. ^ "Nebraska to resume reporting coronavirus statistics". KTIV. Associated Press. 2021-07-14. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  42. ^ "Nebraska Has a Public Information Problem With COVID-19". GovTech. 2021-08-04. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  43. ^ "Ricketts unveils Test Nebraska COVID-19 initiative, urges Nebraskans to take online assessment". WOWT News 6. Gray Television. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  44. ^ Dunker, Chris. "Senators call on governor to end Test Nebraska contracts". JournalStar.com. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  45. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Hammel, Paul; Stoddard, Martha (2020-05-11). "Ricketts rejects calls to cancel TestNebraska contract, name nursing homes with coronavirus cases". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  46. ^ "CDHD: Test Nebraska's COVID-19 results slow due to system glitches". KSNB Local 4. Gray Television. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  47. ^ Knapp, Fred. "Drug shipment arrives; Ricketts defends TestNebraska". NET News. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  48. ^ Duffy, Erin. "As coronavirus surges elsewhere, Nebraska labs report supply shortages, long wait times". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2020-07-09.
  49. ^ Eihausen, Kelsey. "South Omaha COVID Testing Clinic Closed Due to Lab Supply Shortage | netnebraska.org". NET News. Retrieved 2020-07-09.
  50. ^ Armus, Teo. "Nebraska governor says citizens, legal residents will get vaccine priority over undocumented immigrants". Washington Post. Retrieved January 13, 2021. (pay site)
  51. ^ Jump up to: a b reports, Telegraph staff. "Governor issues directed health measure for Lincoln County". North Platte Nebraska's Newspaper. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  52. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i "Gov. Ricketts Adds Additional Businesses To State's Directed Health Measure". DHHS. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  53. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Ricketts announces major changes to Nebraska directed health measure". KLKN-TV. 2020-04-24. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  54. ^ "Gov. Ricketts Announces Butler, Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, Polk, Seward, And York Counties Now Included In State's Directed Health Measure". DHHS. Retrieved 2020-03-28.
  55. ^ "Gov. Ricketts Announces Burt, Cuming, Madison, & Stanton Counties Now Included In State's Directed Health Measure". DHHS. Retrieved 2020-03-29.
  56. ^ "Gov. Ricketts Announces Panhandle Counties Now Included In State's Directed Health Measure". DHHS. Retrieved 2020-03-30.
  57. ^ "Gov. Ricketts Announces 11 Counties In South-Central Nebraska Now Included In State's Directed Health Measure". DHHS. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
  58. ^ "Gov. Ricketts Announces 15 Counties In North And Central Nebraska Now Included In State's Directed Health Measure". Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  59. ^ "Gov. Ricketts maintains stay at home order not necessary in Nebraska". KETV. 2020-04-02. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  60. ^ Koeller, Austin. "Local salons see business impacts with mandated closure". The Grand Island Independent. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  61. ^ "Gov. Ricketts easing COVID-19 restrictions beginning May 4". KETV. 2020-04-25. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  62. ^ "State moves to relax additional COVID-19 restrictions in South Heartland district". Hastings Tribune. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
  63. ^ "Statewide DHM changes go into effect throughout Nebraska". KMTV. 2020-06-01. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  64. ^ Larsen, Cal. "Majority of counties entering phase two of DHM". KSNB Local 4. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  65. ^ "Governor announces new Directed Health Measures for June". 10/11 Now. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  66. ^ Cillizza, Chris. "This governor is trying to one-up Trump on masks". CNN. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  67. ^ Hammel, Paul. "Ricketts tells local governments they won't get federal COVID-19 money if they require masks". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  68. ^ Hammel, Paul. "To require masks or not? It's all over the board at government offices in Nebraska". Omaha.com. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  69. ^ Johnson, Riley. "Face masks, employee temperature checks required for Lincoln businesses". JournalStar.com. Retrieved 2020-06-06.
  70. ^ Jump up to: a b c d White, Steve (2020-06-15). "Gov. Ricketts eases restrictions, expects schools to open with students". NTV. Sinclair Broadcast Group. Retrieved 2020-06-17.
  71. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Gov. Ricketts announces Phase 3 of Directed Health Measures". 1011now. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2020-06-17.
  72. ^ Costello, Becca. "Dakota County, Grand Island Join Rest Of Nebraska In Phase 3 Reopeningg". NET News. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  73. ^ Olberding, Matt. "Loup Basin is first health district to move to Phase 4 of reopening in Nebraska". JournalStar.com. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  74. ^ Dietrich, Lauren. "Nine Central Nebraska Counties To Enter 'Phase 4' Reopening On Friday". NET News. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  75. ^ Jump up to: a b "Most of Neb. will head to Phase 4 on Monday". Nebraska.tv. Sinclair Broadcast Group. 2020-09-10. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  76. ^ KHGI (2020-09-08). "Fourth local health department to move to Phase 4". Nebraska.tv. Sinclair Broadcast Group. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  77. ^ Newbill, Taleisha (2020-09-14). "Majority of Nebraska is in Phase 4". KPTM Fox 42. Sinclair Broadcast Group. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  78. ^ "Mayor Stothert: Stop crowding in Omaha parks, or the city will close them". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
  79. ^ Staff, NET News. "Lincoln-Lancaster Co. Mandate Masks In Public; Gov. Ricketts 'Exploring Legal Options' To Challenge | netnebraska.org". netnebraska.org. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  80. ^ "Lincoln mayor mandates masks in public places due to rising COVID-19 concerns". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved 2020-07-28.
  81. ^ "No Mask Mandate for Omaha after Douglas County and AG's Office Disagree on Authority". netnebraska.org. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  82. ^ Costello, Becca. "Omaha City Council Passes Mask Mandate, Rule Takes Effect Immediately | netnebraska.org". netnebraska.org. Retrieved 2020-09-03.
  83. ^ Kolata, Gina (20 March 2020). "As Coronavirus Looms, Mask Shortage Gives Rise to Promising Approach". The New York Times. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  84. ^ "UNMC and UNO develop mobile screening app for COVID-19". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
  85. ^ Saenz, Natalie. "After cancellation of College World Series, businesses near ballpark try to stay in the game". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  86. ^ "The cancellation of spring sports is uncharted territory for state of Nebraska". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
  87. ^ McDermott, Brandon. "Fonner Park In Grand Island Closes Because Of Coronavirus Concerns". NET. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  88. ^ Hamar, Bob. "Masks a must for horsemen and workers at Fonner Park". The Grand Island Independent. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  89. ^ KHGI (2020-03-21). "Fonner Park announces no-spectator trial period of racing". KHGI. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  90. ^ Jump up to: a b "Fonner Park, in the heart of Nebraska, is now the center of the horse racing world". The Grand Island Independent. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  91. ^ Jump up to: a b Drape, Joe; Kessler, Calla (2020-05-12). "Starved for Action, Bettors Turn Nebraska Horse Track Into Must-See TV". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  92. ^ White, Steve (2020-03-24). "Fan-less Fonner Park sets "melancholy record"". NTV. Sinclair Broadcast Group. Retrieved 2020-05-26.
  93. ^ "Fonner Park begins final week, which includes a pick five mandatory payout". Daily Racing Form. Retrieved 2020-05-26.
  94. ^ Gabriel, Parker. "Warren updates stance, says Huskers cannot play this fall without consequences". JournalStar.com. Retrieved 2020-09-09.
  95. ^ Martin, Jill. "8 Nebraska Huskers football players sue the Big Ten". CNN. Retrieved 2020-09-08.
  96. ^ "Big Ten football to resume weekend of Oct. 24". ESPN.com. 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2020-09-16.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""