Nebraska is imposing tighter restrictions statewide as the daily number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations break records.
Governor Pete Ricketts announced a new directed health measure that goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and lasts until Nov. 30.
Details include:
- Requiring 6-feet separation in public places like gyms, bars, churches ect. (Previous DHM listed as a recommendation.)
- Eight people per table or party at a restaurant
- Masks are required in businesses where close contact occurs for more than 15 minutes. Businesses include tattoo, massage, salons and barber shops.
- Bar/restaurant patrons need to be seated if not wearing masks
- Sporting event crowds for high school or club sports are limited to only household members.
- Gatherings are limited to 25-percent occupancy with no more than 10,000 people. (Previous DHM listed at 50-percent.)
- Dancing at weddings is not allowed unless you can do it at your table.
- All events must be approved by local health departments.
“We really need folks to pitch in and help out, so we can slow the spread of the virus and protect hospital capacity,” he says.
Full details are expected to be released later today by the Governor’s office.
During his question and answer period, Ricketts says he will not institute a statewide mask mandate.
“Mandates breed resistance. Look at Omaha City Council meetings. We need to continue to educate people when to use masks.”
Ricketts says they’re not considering a shelter in place order. He said they need time to see if the current DHM will work.