Governor’s order adds restrictions statewide; schools remain closed

Governor Pete Ricketts rolled out Directed Health Measures (DHMs) for the entire state of Nebraska last Friday.

Chase County was among those not included in the first DHMs Ricketts established in many of the state’s 93 counties leading up to last week’s statewide declaration.

For all counties, Ricketts’ order mandates no gatherings of more than 10 people anywhere, school and all activities have been canceled through May 31 and in-house, sit-down  dining at restaurants is no longer allowed. 

The Southwest Nebraska Public Health District (SWNPHD) reiterated those restrictions in its own press release Friday.

When it comes to enforcement, Taylor Gage in the Governor’s office said they are asking local law enforcement to monitor if the DHM is being followed in their communities.

Imperial Police Chief Ryan Wisnieski said he has received emails from the state, via Mayor Dwight Coleman and Emergency Manager Duane Dreiling, about the DHM boundaries now in place.

He said so far everyone is doing great.

“If any of the restrictions are not being followed here, we are supposed to talk with them,” Wisnieski said.

“If they choose not to (meet the restrictions after that), we are to call the Governor’s office,” and a strategy will be determined from there, he said.

On Tuesday, the SWNPHD website continued to list no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the nine counties it encompasses, including Chase County.

At a Monday press briefing, the Governor said the next month will be a decisive stage in the war against the coronavirus.  

He urged Nebraskans to “stay home, stay healthy and stay connected” over the coming weeks, and again emphasized social distancing guidelines.

Ricketts said everyone should “work, go home and shop once a week.” Stores in Imperial were taking that to heart with suggestions that people not shop in groups.

As of Tuesday night, Nebraska had recorded 12 COVID-19 deaths from a total of 478 cases.

In nearby Lincoln County, which includes the city of North Platte, there have been 16 confirmed COVID-19 cases. 

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