KEARNEY, Neb. (KGFW) – 41 counties are in a directed health measure – closing restaurant and bar dining areas, churches and schools. Police can also now enforce the 10 person gathering limit. Adams, Clay, Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Gosper, Harlan, Kearney, Phelps, Nuckolls and Webster Counties were added to the list yesterday after community-spread cases were found in Adams and Buffalo counties.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says 177 have tested positive but nearly 95% of tests have come back negative. A fourth person, a man in his 90’s in Buffalo County, has died.
The US now has nearly 190,000 reported cases. More than 4,000 have died. 82% of tests nationally are negative, according to covidtracking.com. Johns Hopkins University reports over 862,000 global cases. More than 42,000 have died. Over 178,000 have since recovered.
People 60 and older and those with underlying health conditions are at greater risk of severe symptoms. People 80 years and older are at even greater risk of death. However, 20% of those hospitalized are in their 20s to 40s. Most will show only mild or no symptoms at all. So, hospitals say do not go to the emergency room unless you’re having trouble breathing.
Keeping gatherings to 10 people or less is still recommended.
Buffalo County man 4th Nebraskan to die of COVID-19
The state says a Buffalo County man has died of COVID-19 – the fourth confirmed coronavirus death of a Nebraska resident. State health officials said Tuesday night that the man was in his 90s. Officials also reported that the total number of confirmed Nebraska cases had risen to 177. More than 3,000 people have tested negative. Earlier Tuesday, Gov. Pete Ricketts loosened restrictions on hospitals and other health care facilities so that they can respond to a possible surge in patients suffering from COVID-19. Ricketts also imposed tougher social distancing rules on Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties.
Virus forcing cancellation of Nebraska graduation ceremonies
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced cancellation of May graduation ceremonies at the state’s four University of Nebraska system campuses. Officials say the Lincoln campus intends to hold an online event, and the May graduates have been invited to attend August, December, May 2021 ceremonies or other future commencement. University of Nebraska at Omaha graduates will be recognized through an online streaming commencement on May 8. The Kearney campus plans to combine commencements for spring and summer graduates on July 31. The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha plans to hold virtual ceremonies May 7 and 9.
