Updated, 4:30pm Thursday –
Lincoln will be extending restrictions through May 10 according to Governor Pete Ricketts and later confirmed by city officials.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird says they’ll continue to monitor the factors they issued earlier this week as the date approaches.
“We reserve the right to reconsider the relaxation of measures if the status of our community demands us to do so,” she said.
Gaylor Baird said she spoke with Governor Pete Ricketts earlier and said the conversation was productive and the goal is to operate in “concert” with them.
However, places of worship in Lincoln should be able to hold services after the state-wide directed health measure opening them with restrictions takes effect on Monday, May 4.
“There have been a lot of discussions with our faith leaders across the state on what is needed to be done to ensure the safety of individuals,” Pat Lopez, interim director for the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said.
Lopez says there will be guidance from the state coming soon.
At today’s gubernatorial COVID-19 briefing, Ricketts said then, on May 11th, the county will fall under the same guidelines as other counties who have loosened measures on May 4th.
That means certain businesses forced to close such as barbershops, nail salons, and tattoo parlors will be able to open with restrictions.
City officials are asking businesses for input on what guidance they should follow when Lincoln begins reopening.
Lopez says they’re looking at innovative ways to combine public health and business.
“We want business owners to take the opportunity to provide input to ensure practice guidance documents are implemented for their specific industry,” Lopez says.
A draft for the guidance can be found on the city’s website using the keyword “guidance.” Suggestions are due at 5pm on May 1.