OMAHA- In the past week, Nebraska broke their record for cases and hospitalizations. With that, the governor has reintroduced directed health measures to attempt to slow the spread. The average return rate of test has been slowed to 4.3 days on average. This means people who are possibly infected are waiting almost an entire workweek to know for sure.
The governor is continuing to be reluctant in creating a statewide mask mandate, however new DHM’s have been issued requiring bars and restaurants to not allow any standing room, and limit their seating. Governor Ricketts stated he wanted to get this measure out before Husker football begins this week. UNMC officials say that the current COVID-19 conditions do not allow for businesses and schools to be open as usual. The White House Coronavirus Task Force has asked the state to increase restrictions, which the state has failed to do.
Governor Ricketts is continuing to hope Nebraskans will take personal responsibility for wearing masks instead of mandating them.
This week Nebraska is ranked number 7 for new cases per capita In the United States. On May 8th, the average rate of infection was at 23.2, that figure is now at 35.3 cases per 100,000 residents. Dr. Birx and Governor Ricketts know the majority of cases are now coming from small family gatherings. Officials from UNMC say the state is now entering a very dangerous period of the pandemic. This is especially potent in rural Nebraska as cases have skyrocketed in the past few days. In Hamilton County, the rate of infection is at 53.6 per 100,000 people.