Nebraska Ag Connection - 11 South-Central Counties Now Under Health Measure

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11 South-Central Counties Now Under Health Measure
Nebraska Ag Connection - 04/02/2020

Wednesday, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the State's sixth and seventh COVID-19 related Directed Health Measures (DHMs) include Adams, Buffalo, Clay, Dawson, Franklin, Gosper, Harlan, Kearney, Nuckolls, Phelps, and Webster counties. They were in effect beginning Wednesday at 10 p.m. and will last until May 11, unless renewed.

The quarantine measures are for individuals who are COVID-19 positive or develop fever, sudden onset of a dry cough, or sudden onset of shortness of breath without provocation (such as walking up stairs, running, choking, etc.). This excludes those with seasonal allergies, COPD, or other diagnoses that may produce respiratory symptoms. Additionally, the directive doesn't apply to patients who have an alternative non-COVID-19 diagnosis from a healthcare provider. These patients should follow the treatment and guidance provided by their healthcare provider for such conditions.

The first DHM, issued on March 18, applies to Cass, Douglas, and Sarpy counties and is in effect until at least April 30.

The second DHM, issued on March 25, applies to Dodge, Lancaster, Saunders, and Washington counties and is in effect until at least May 6.

The third DHM, issued on March 28, applies to Butler, Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, Polk, Seward, and York counties and is in effect until May 6, unless renewed.

The fourth DHM, issued on March 29, applies to Burt, Cuming, Madison, and Stanton counties and is in effect until May 6, unless renewed.

The fifth DHM, issued on March 30, applies to Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties and is in effect until May 11, unless renewed.

The sixth DHM, issued on March 31, applies to Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster counties and is in effect until May 11, unless renewed.

The seventh DHM, also issued on March 31, applies to Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Gosper, Harlan, Kearney, and Phelps counties and is in effect until May 11, unless renewed.

The DHM imposes an enforceable limit on public gatherings. Among other steps, the DHM requires restaurants and bars in these areas to close their dining areas immediately and move to takeout, delivery, and/or curbside service only until further notice. Additionally, schools in these areas are directed to operate without students in their buildings. This restriction does not apply to school staff working in school buildings. It also does not apply to daycares that may be operated at a school per the Governor's executive order regarding childcare.

Counties other than those noted above remain under the guidance issued March 18 by the Governor's Office. If further community transmission cases of COVID-19 occur in other regions of the state, the Governor will announce DHMs covering the additional regions.

In addition to the DHMs issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Douglas County Public Health Director Dr. Adi M. Pour has issued an order covering Douglas County from March 18 through April 30. Full details of the order can be found on the Douglas County Health Department website (douglascountyhealth.com).

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department also issued a DHM, which lasts until May 6.

Furthermore, the Sarpy/Cass Health Department issued a DHM, which lasts until April 30.

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