OMAHA, NE — Following a meeting Wednesday morning, the Douglas County Health Department has ordered a public gathering restriction of no more than 10 people through April 30th.
There are several notable exceptions to the restrictions. It does not apply to medical facilities, the airport, private businesses, courts, public transportation, grocery stores, or gas stations.
Daycare facilities will be allowed to continue operations, but no more than 10 children are allowed to be in the same room together, and each group of the same 10 children must be kept together.
"Try to follow these rules," said County Health Director Adi Pour. "Don't think you are special because you are not. The virus doesn't think were you in a public space or a private space. The virus is tiny. It's tiny! Its 1/900th of a hair. And it hits you right on your sputum and on your cough droplets. It's there."
The order came following a meeting Wednesday morning in which Pour addressed the county board of health.
"It's not about finding loopholes," Pour said. "It's about having common sense. I would encourage everyone in the community not to play with words. But take it what it says. You should not have more than 10 people in a room because its all about social distancing. The data is so clear.
Douglas County Health Resource Specialist Phil Rooney tells 3NewsNow that the order will be legally enforced, but for now, action will only be taken if someone files a complaint.
Officials said while testing is "loosening up a little bit," by no means is testing available for everyone. Those at high risk are more likely to get tested. If you are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, you may not get tested.
Read the full order from the Douglas County Health Department below.