LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts says the White House is using bad data that makes Nebraska look bad.
Just last week, the White House put the state of Nebraska into the 'red zone' due to a rising number of covid-19 cases, specifically a high positivity rate.
Ricketts claims the White House doubled certain individuals to get a higher positivity rate. He also mentioned that Dr. Deborah Birx, who's on the White House coronavirus task force, will be in Lincoln soon as a part of a Midwest tour.
He has no other details as of yet.
Watch Monday's press conference below or click here to watch on our Facebook page.
3 News Now Reporter Jon Kipper provided live updates via Twitter:
Nebraska state colleges getting ready to open schools for fall classes. Chancellor Paul Turman says:
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
-Masks required
-Attendance will be checked in every class
-Students won't be penalized for missing class
-Every class has the capability to go remote at any given time
Darrin Good, president of Nebraska Wesleyan, representing private colleges, says masks are required, testing protocols are in place, they have Test Nebraska kits and are removing desks to better socially distance in classrooms.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
Gov. Ricketts mentions Nebraska getting put on the WH 'red zone.' He says they were using bad data, saying he "doesn't think the president's advisors are serving him well, giving him bad data."
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
Ricketts says the WH counted people multiple times.
*here
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
Darrin Good says there is no specific protocol to going remote on state campuses. Says it'll be done individually at each college.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
He says he'll likely keep students on campus if they do go full remote.
Dr. Good with Nebraska Wesleyan a college campus is more of a bubble than everyday life, and therefore it can considered safe to return, with restrictions in place.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
He did say a 'bubble' isn't a perfect analogy, as you can enter and exit it easily.
Also says it's important to play sports within the conference, even if there is no national championship.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
Chancellor Turman says a faculty member at the state colleges can force students to leave class if they're not wearing masks.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
A faculty member can also be disciplined to *not* enforce a campus mask mandate.
Chancellor Turman says students need to be willing to get tested frequently. Says they should all get tested before they leave for campus and when they return home.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
Says the state has the testing capability to do it.
Dr. Good with Wesleyan says certain students need to step up and be role models. Says if students do decide to go to large parties and such, sports will go away and school will go online.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
Gov. Ricketts asked about 'grand compromise' that includes property tax relief, business incentives & future funding for UNMC.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
Says he didn't get everything he wanted but supports the bill, saying "compromise works that way. And "not everybody gets what they want."
Ricketts says Dr. Deborah Birx is planning on going to Lincoln soon, as a part of a tour through midwest states. Doesn't have any other details as of now.
— Jon Kipper (@jonnykip21) August 10, 2020
