Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird announced Lancaster County will adhere to a directed health measure set to expire May 11 and fall in line with the state.
“We have a high-risk situation in Lincoln and Lancaster County.”
Lincoln and Lancaster County will be lifting its current directed health measure on May 10 relaxing some restrictions adhering to the state’s policy.
Baird says she wanted to extend the restrictions beyond May 11.
“We really appreciated that extension and continue to impress upon the State our concerns and desires for even a lengthier extension.”
The mayor says the numbers surrounding the outbreak in Crete are concerning but cites local and state consistency is important.
Health officials link 183 cases to the Smithfield Meat Packing plant – 40 percent – of the overall total. Additionally, 272 cases or 53 percent of the cases were reported within the last week.
The DHM includes restaurants and personal services to reopen but with strict measures still in place.
“We were, the, disappointed to hear the Governor’s remarks during his briefing earlier this week that he would entertain no further extension of the State’s current DHM for Lancaster County. Our goal, to be clear, has always been to be working in sync with the State to protect the public,” Baird said
Baird said she’s looking for greater containment of the virus, for increased testing and more personal protective equipment for businesses.
“I want to be clear, these directed health measures provide the foundation for our next steps forward together as a community but we can also do more. We’re asking our community members to be vigilant and to think not just about what you can do but also what you should do.”
Baird also says they’re creating an economic task force to help businesses and create a dial to help understand the factors they’re using to loosen restrictions further.