In a press conference on Monday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced new Directed Health Measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. The changes are in effect statewide starting on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 until at least November 30, 2020. Following is a summary of the new restrictions outlined by Governor Ricketts:
Gatherings
- These include, but are not limited to outdoor arenas, indoor or outdoor auctions, stadiums, tracks, fairgrounds, festivals, zoos, auditoriums, large event conference rooms, meeting halls, indoor theaters, libraries, swimming pools or any other confined indoor or outdoor space.
- Indoor gatherings are limited to 25% occupancy and outdoor gatherings can remain at 100% occupancy. No more than 8 people per group and there must be at least 6 feet between groups.
- Indoor carnivals and dances are prohibited. Dance recitals are permitted but must follow the above requirements. Dancing at wedding receptions is allowed if people remain at their table/seat and maintain social distancing.
Masks
- Masks are required for all staff and patrons at salons, barbershops, massage therapy, bowling alleys, pool halls, body art establishments and any other business where staff and patrons are within 6 feet of each other for 15 minutes or more.
- Bar patrons playing games such as darts or shuffleboard are required to wear masks when not eating or drinking.
Restaurants
- No more than 8 people per table and tables must be at least 6 feet apart.
- Patrons must be seated unless placing an order, using the restroom or playing games.
Beauty Services
- Masks are required for staff and customers, although customers can remove their masks during a face treatment, but the mask must be put back on at the end of the treatment and there must be at least 6 feet of separation between customers.
- The types of businesses included are salons, barbershops, spas, massage therapy and tattoo parlors.
Places of Worship
- There is no limit on the number of people who can attend, but groups must be separated into household groups and there must be at least 6 feet of separation between groups.
Youth Sports
- For indoor events, attendance is limited to participants’ household members and there must be at least 6 feet of distance between household groups.
- This applies to both school and club activities.
To access the full Directed Health Measure, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website (http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/SCHD-DHM-November9.pdf).