LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — On Wednesday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and other officials held a coronavirus briefing.
Ricketts started by providing an update on TestNebraska. He says, as of last night, health directors will have faster access to results which will aid in the reporting and tracing of cases. He also provided a phone number, 402-207-9377, for people who have questions from TestNebraska.
When asked what distinguishes a bar from a restaurant, Ricketts said restaurants generally operate with a food license and at least 50% of the business is dedicated to serving diners. Bars that serve a few food items do not qualify and therefore will not be allowed to serve patrons inside the business. They will continue to be able to sell to-go orders though. He recommended talking to local health departments if businesses have questions regarding the policy.
Ricketts and health officials also provided an update on long-term care facilities in Nebraska. They said:
- 55 facilities have been affected
- 291 residents have tested positive
- 223 staff members have tested positive
- 73 deaths, off of which have been residents, have been reported
In regards to sports and practices, Ricketts said adult sports are still prohibited but youth baseball and softball will begin in June.
He also said no plans have been made in regards to the state fair but it won’t look the same if it goes on.
If you have any questions regarding TestNebraska, you can call 402-207-9377. Call center based in Utah by those who understand the software.
— Jennifer Griswold (@griswoldkmtv) May 13, 2020
This is not a number to call to schedule a test.
Info during Gov. Ricketts' news conference.
Gov. Ricketts says about 400 vials of remdesivir will be coming to NE from federal govt.
— Jennifer Griswold (@griswoldkmtv) May 13, 2020
A study showed this drug shortened recovery times for COVID-19 patients and seemed to improve mortality rates.
Will go to severe cases.
More + NE connection: https://t.co/ZxRgr9UNMp
Looking for was to help Nebraskans impacted by the pandemic?
— Jennifer Griswold (@griswoldkmtv) May 13, 2020
First Lady Susanne Shore just spoke at @GovRicketts' news conference about Nebraska Impact.
You'll find resources for how to donate and initiatives, here: https://t.co/Jua4MFlrz2
To all the selfless seamstresses out there, here's another way to make/donate masks: https://t.co/Y2IgwBKU5W https://t.co/c1KMZPH373
— Jennifer Griswold (@griswoldkmtv) May 13, 2020
Governor asked what distinguishes between a bar and restaurant. For example, can place that pops popcorn or makes pizza open under restaurant rules. He says no, it's places with a food license. Specific questions? he says ask your local health dept.
— Jennifer Griswold (@griswoldkmtv) May 13, 2020
Governor asked what distinguishes between a bar and restaurant. For example, can place that pops popcorn or makes pizza open under restaurant rules. He says no, it's places with a food license. Specific questions? he says ask your local health dept.
— Jennifer Griswold (@griswoldkmtv) May 13, 2020
If a baseball/softball player becomes sick (once play is allowed) then does everyone on that team + team(s) they played have to isolate?
— Jennifer Griswold (@griswoldkmtv) May 13, 2020
Ricketts: (paraphrasing) would work like it does now, contact tracers would determine who the person had contact w/, ask them to quarantine
COVID-19 at long term care facilities in Nebraska:
— Jennifer Griswold (@griswoldkmtv) May 13, 2020
55 facilities affected
291 residents have tested positive
223 staff members have tested positive
73 deaths, all have been residents, not staff
Watch the full press conference below: