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Ricketts addresses lack of shelter-at-home order in Nebraska

Posted at 1:59 PM, Apr 02, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-02 19:23:45-04

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts held his daily coronavirus briefing on Thursday. While most of the country has issued stay-at-home orders to residents, Ricketts said do not plan on seeing that in Nebraska.

Ricketts’ strategy centers on banning large gatherings at different parts of the state at different times. He worries issuing one blanket ban would wear people out and says shutting down businesses wouldn’t be productive.

“Closing a business actually doesn't accomplish that goal. If a business can keep ten or less customers and keep them spread out, that's fine,” he said. “It's about making sure you don't have more than ten people congregating together, that's the priority.”

According to the New York Times, Nebraska is one of 12 states not ordering residents to stay home.

When asked whether cities like Omaha or Lincoln can issue their own stay at home orders, Ricketts said he’s uncertain if they can legally do that.

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