Less stringent health directives in effect June 1
On, May 21, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced updated directed health measures which will go into effect Monday, June 1.
There are two phases to the reopening DHMs: Phase I applies to reopening in the Central District Health Department (which includes Hall, Hamilton and Merrick counties) and Dakota County, and Phase II applies to the rest of Nebraska.
Starting June 1, travel quarantine rules have changed. Now, all individuals returning from international travel will be required to quarantine upon returning to Nebraska for 14 days. This does not apply to those traveling for military service or for employment at a health care facility.
Sports have been broken into three categories based on contact level: contact, limited-contact and non-contact. Limited and non-contact team sports (baseball, softball and volleyball) may have games beginning on June 18. Contact sports such as basketball, tackle football, soccer, wrestling, etc. remain prohibited for the time being. Rodeo events may begin starting June 1.
Restaurants are able to remain open, and bars, bottle clubs and gentlemen’s clubs are now allowed to reopen. The businesses are limited to 50% of their rated occupancy at a time, and must have six feet of space between different parties. Entertainers, performers, dancers and patrons must also remain six feet apart. Food may not be consumed at a bar seating, and games such as pool, darts and arcade games are prohibited.
Childcare facilities will remain at a maximum of 15 children per room or space. The same rules from the past DHM will continue to apply for these facilities.
Perhaps the most exciting for communities is the increase in people allowed at gatherings. While households must still remain six feet apart, gatherings are now permitted to allow up to 25 people excluding staff, or 25% of the rated occupancy though occupancy should not exceed 3,000.
This applies for indoor or outdoor arenas and 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.
Parades, carnivals, midways, beer gardens, dances and street dances are prohibited through June 30, though this timeline may extend further into the future.
Drive-in movie theaters can open at full capacity so long as patrons remain in their vehicles while viewing the movie. Congregating at concessions stands or restroom areas is not allowed.
Plans for reopening must be submitted to the local health departments and approved for all venues that hold 500 or more people. The plan must contain the number of guests planned, how the location will meet guidelines for social distancing and sanitation guidelines.
Gyms, fitness centers, health clubs and health spas will be limited to 25 people or 50% the rated occupancy. Six feet of space must be kept between individuals in the building.
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