LINCOLN – As of June 22nd, in 89 counties, bars and restaurants can serve customers at 100% of their rated occupancy, with some restrictions remaining. Child care centers can step up the number of children allowed per room.Indoor gatherings, including arenas, can step up to 50% of their occupancy. Outdoor gatherings, including stadiums, can go to 75% occupancy.

In the four other counties — Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, and Dakota — the restrictions will be relaxed to the level where the other counties are now.

Ricketts said the state may see an increase in coronavirus cases because of the recent Black Lives Matter protests and because of increased testing for the virus, but he expressed confidence that Nebraska has the capacity to manage the disease. As of Monday evening, the state reported 16,851 positive tests for COVID-19 and 220 deaths. Statewide, 43% of hospital beds are available for patients, with 53% of ICU beds open and 76% of the state’s ventilators available.

“We probably have the fewest hospitalizations since the first week in May,” Ricketts said.

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