NE Gov To Drop Most COVID Restrictions Amid Spike

Omaha’s NBC News affiliate reports:

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts will end nearly all of his state’s social-distancing restrictions on Monday even as the number of new coronavirus cases has trended upward over the last few months.

Ricketts said all counties except Lancaster County would move into Phase 4, which loosens restrictions and allows outdoor venues to have 100% occupancy and indoor venues to increase to 75% capacity.

Those planning large events of 500 or more people will still need to check with their local public health director to make sure all precautions are in place, Ricketts said.

Omaha’s CBS News affiliate reports:

While Labor Day Weekend normally means crowds go out to celebrate the holiday, the COVID-19 virus won’t take any days off. Nebraska’s weekly case count for new infections just hit the highest number in the past four months.

Health experts have warned large holiday crowds could trigger more spikes. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported 2,052 new coronavirus cases across the state last week. It’s the highest number since May 9.

In Lancaster County health officials reported 465 new infections — the highest weekly total since the pandemic started. The higher number coincides with the return of students to campus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.