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Gretna, Ralston and other cities consider mask mandates

Posted at 3:47 PM, Nov 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-18 18:17:32-05

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — More Nebraska cities are passing mask mandates as the number of virus cases continues to surge across the state, but Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts continues to reject the idea of a statewide mask mandate.

Kearney and Beatrice passed mask requirements Tuesday to join Lincoln and Omaha as Nebraska cities that require citizens to wear masks.

According to a release from the city, Ralston is also poised to consider a mask mandate Thursday at 2 p.m. during an "emergency meeting" with board of health officials.

Gretna will be considering a mandate on Monday, Nov. 25. Several other cities, including Grand Island and Hastings are also considering mask rules.

Nebraska continues to have the sixth-highest rate of new cases in the country. Over the past week, one out of every 120 people in the state has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

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