Governor adds more COVID-19 directives

On April 9, Governor Pete Ricketts announced even more stringent  COVID-19-related Directed Health Measures (DHM) The DHMs will will remain in effect until April 30, unless renewed.  

In addition to his previous orders, the governor closed all beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, gentlemen’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor theaters, and tattoo parlors/studios until April 30.

All organized team sports, youth and adult, including but not limited to club sports, are suspended until May 31, 2020.

Thus far, western Nebraska counties on a line from Grant County south to Dundy County and east to Harlan County have no reported cases of the virus. 

“Southwest Nebraska residents are doing a very good job to prevent the spread of COVID19” said Myra Stoney, Health Director of the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department.  

She remind residents throughout the region to continue to keep communities healthy through social distancing, proper handwashing and staying home if you are sick.

PCHS stands ready

Neil Hilton, CEO of Perkins County Health Services, said they stand ready to treat  residents who test positive for the virus. 

Thus far, he said they have tested a total of nine people—three from Perkins County; three from Chase County; and others from Lincoln and Duell Counties. 

Each of those people tested negative for the virus. 

Hilton said people have been very vigilant in following the governor’s health directives to keep the virus from spreading.

Continuing to do so will help get people back to work and revive the economy.

The directives have halted any elective surgeries but emergency surgeries and new baby deliveries are continuing as needed. 

He said a reduction in patients and fewer procedures impacts revenue significantly.