LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Pete Ricketts says Nebraska is seeing fewer new cases of the coronavirus and its hospitals are well-positioned to treat patients, but that could change quickly if residents don’t continue to take safety precautions.
Ricketts says the state could see another uptick in virus cases due to relaxed social distancing restrictions as well as the recent mass protests over the death of George Floyd after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck.
Nebraska officials confirmed 129 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, a number has been trending down from the high of 677 on May 7. Hospital capacity remained relatively strong, with 38% of its bed, 44% of its intensive care unit beds and 80% of its ventilators available for patients.
3 News Now Reporter Jon Kipper provided live updates from Ricketts' press conference:
Ricketts starts out by saying efforts to control the virus has absolutely worked.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
Nebraska’s unemployment rate is just over 5%, easily the lowest in the country, says Ricketts.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
At this point, if you sign up at Test Nebraska, you’ll be able to get a test.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
The Test Nebraska program will be shifting next week. The National Guard will stop assisting and local health providers will instead, be doing the testing.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
Ricketts now talking about the $1.084 billion in CARES Act money.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
About $85 million of that will be to the DHHS Community Cares program.
DHHS CEO, Dannette Smith, says the Communtity CARES money goes to charities and non-profits that suffered during the pandemic.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
The $ is hopefully used for meals, housing, behavioral health and outreach to minorities.
Smith says one time payments are going to child care providers and houses of worship, who suffered as well.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
$40 million is going to the one time payment of $12kz
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
Organziarjons that lost revenue or had extra expenses can apply Monday.
$43 million is going to competitive grants.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
Organizations can apply for these as well, with payments ranging from $50k to $2 million.
This is more comprehensive and requires a plan for the money, in order to be accepted.
Orgs. can start applying July 1.
$2 million is going to Healthy Places grants.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
This is for childcare providers and centers for worship.
This is for PPE and cleaning supplies. Payments between $250-500.
Now we’re talking non-coronavirus related vaccinations.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
Chief medical officer Gary Anthone says childhood vaccinations have been down since March.
Childhood Immunizations rates are down 2-35% from last year, depending on age.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
Anthone says if your child is late, to get them caught up now.
Ricketts says the state has about 720 contract tracers. Still trying to reach the goal of 1,000.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) June 25, 2020
You can watch the briefing below: