LINCOLN- Gov. Ricketts rejected a series of White House COVID-19 task force assessments that told Nebraska it needs to issue a mask mandate in order to control the spread of the virus. "This is a plan that's right for Nebraska," the governor said during a COVID-19 news briefing. "We listen to all kinds of experts. This plan is tailored specifically for Nebraska."

He continues to ask people to wear a mask and social distance, but will not pass a statewide mandate. As the governor spoke, the state was only 100 hospitalizations away from the 25% of hospital patients being infected with COVID threshold that will force the governor to release more directed health measures.

The governor also believes it is unlikely that more federal coronavirus funding will be available this year, saying "..it's unlikely until the new president is sworn in."

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