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Nebraska Joint Information Center Update

RELEASE DATE: Apr 10, 2020

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COVID-19 Case Updates

Nebraska   As of April 10 at noon, the current case numbers for Nebraska are:

635 positive tests —  8,719 negative tests  —   15 deaths

Nebraska numbers include negative results from NPHL and commercial labs. Both state and local health departments are testing and publicly reporting their cases. In the event of a discrepancy between DHHS cases and cases reported by local public health officials, data reported by the local health department should be considered the most up-to-date.The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) data dashboard provides daily updates to the state’s COVID-19 case totals and is online at http://dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirusU.S.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website reports:

427,460 cases  —  14,696 deaths

These statistics include both confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/covid19.

Globally     As of April 10 at 3 a.m., World Health Organization Situation Report

1,521,252 cases  —  92,798 deaths

  1. State of Nebraska UpdatesGov. Pete Ricketts’ Office https://governor.nebraska.gov/NEW           At his 2 p.m. news conference today, Gov. Ricketts said that Nebraskans are coming together to address the COVID-19 pandemic. He offered a reminder of the program he introduced yesterday: 21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy — Six Rules to Keep Nebraska HealthyStay home. No non-essential errands and no social gatherings. Respect the 10-person limit.

  2. Socially distance your work. Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.

  3. Shop alone and only shop once a week. Do not take family with you.

  4. Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports and no playgrounds.

  5. Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. Do not visit long-term care facilities.

  6. Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.

Gov. Ricketts said the rules will keep people healthy and prevent the spread of COVID 19. He asked that Nebraskans do their part to keep themselves and other’s safe. For three weeks, Gov. Ricketts is asking that Nebraskans follow these six simple rules. Pickup basketball games and other group exercise can wait until after the 21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy.

NEW Corrections Director Scott Frakes joined the Governor at the news conference today. Director Frakes said about 200 people transition out of correctional facilities each month in Nebraska. Now, more than ever, Corrections’ staff is working to give people the tools they need to transition back to society.

Frakes said his department has more than 200 skilled nursing staff and 130 mental health care staff and they continue to work to keep inmates healthy.

“We plan, train, drill, revise and repeat,” Frakes said. “We have done an exceptional job of keeping COVID-19 out of prisons and we are not going to let up now.

”NEW On Monday, April 13 Gov. Ricketts’ news conference on COVID -19 will be held at 1 p.m. and it will be followed at 2 p.m. by his monthly radio call in show. On April 14, his news conference will return to the 2 p.m. time slot.UPDATE The Governor issued the State’s tenth COVID-19 related Directed Health Measure (DHM) on Thursday and it closed new businesses and suspended team sports.  The measure brings greater consistency between state and local DHMs, which had previously closed a handful of categories not covered by the state. Across the state, the following businesses will be closed until April 30: beauty/nail salons, barbershops, massage therapy services, gentlemen’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor theatres and tattoo parlors/studios.In addition, all organized team sports, youth and adult, including but not limited to club sports, are suspended until May 31. Auto racing is now specifically listed in the social gathering section and drivers and their crews are considered patrons/invitees, not staff.State-Issued DHM Provisions (Apply Statewide)

  • Imposes an enforceable, 10-person limit on public gatherings.  

  • Prohibits medical and dental elective surgeries and procedures.

  • Requires schools (public, private, and parochial) to operate without students through May 31, 2020.

  • Cancels all school-related extracurricular activities through May 31, 2020.

  • Requires restaurants and bars to close their dining areas and move to takeout, delivery, and/or curbside service only. 

  • Requires individuals to home quarantine for at least 14 days if:

    • They have tested positive for COVID-19.

    • They have a fever of 100.4° F or above.

    • They have experienced sudden onset of a cough and/or shortness of breath.

    • They reside or have resided with individuals who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or have the above symptoms.

      • NOTE: The quarantine requirement excludes those individuals with seasonal allergies, COPD, or other diagnoses that may produce respiratory symptoms.  Additionally, the directive doesn’t apply to patients who have an alternative non-COVID-19 diagnosis from a healthcare provider.  These patients should follow the treatment and guidance provided by their healthcare provider for such conditions.

    • Some individuals in home quarantine may not experience the onset of symptoms until the latter half of their 14-day quarantine period.  In this case, the length of their quarantine may exceed 14 days.  Individuals should remain in quarantine until 7 days have passed since onset of symptoms, symptoms have improved, and they have been fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.  

      • NOTE: See the DHM for additional direction on household members living with those in quarantine.

  • The DHM’s limitation on public gatherings does not apply to:

    • Retail or grocery stores where people should maintain six feet of distance from one another.

    • Child care centers that may be operated at a school per the Governor’s executive order regarding childcare, which you can access by clicking here.

    • Other locations detailed in the DHM.

REMINDER Gov. Ricketts proclaimed Sunday as a Statewide Day of Prayer. He asked that Nebraskans pray for the people being impacted by COVID-19, for people who are ill, for nurses and doctors, police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and for people in nursing homes. REMINDER Gov. Ricketts asked people to stay home and celebrate Easter only with members of their household.

Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Information | DHHS News Releases

NEW Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for those experiencing domestic violence, staying home may be a dangerous prospect, especially as job losses and financial strain continue to escalate. If you are experiencing abuse, having a safety plan laid out can help you to protect yourself during this stressful time. A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. You can learn more about safety plans here, and you can find an interactive guide to safety planning here.

Reach out to the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence at https://www.nebraskacoalition.org/get_help/ or at (402) 476-6256. The coalition maintains an online list of Nebraska’s network of domestic violence and sexual assault programs, spanning the state from Gering to Omaha. The Nebraska Family Helpline can be reached at (888) 866-8660.

NEW Emergency SNAP Supplements to be Issued April 11 and May 7 In response to Congress passing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, DHHS filed a request with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutritional Service (FNS) to provide emergency allotment funds for Nebraska households that are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. These emergency allotments will be used to increase the amount of funds SNAP recipients receive for the months of March and April 2020.

No action is needed from SNAP recipients to receive the supplemental support. SNAP recipients will be issued increased benefits on their current EBT cards. Supplemental benefits for March will be issued April 11 and supplemental benefits for April will be issued May 7.

Many Nebraska households rely on SNAP benefits to help purchase groceries. DHHS estimates the emergency allotment from the USDA will be $8,646,530 per month. SNAP is 100% federally funded.

Households receiving SNAP benefits will see supplements to their benefits based on a maximum allotment scale. If there are four individuals in a household and that household is currently receiving $500 in benefits, the supplement will raise their benefits to the maximum allowed for households of four, which is $646 per month – or an increase of $146. Total benefits will be different based on each household’s regular monthly allotments for the months of March and April.

Nebraska Children and Family Services (CFS) director Stephanie Beasley believes this emergency allotment is critical to the health of Nebraska’s most vulnerable.

“Right now there is a growing sense of uncertainty in the economy and many people are being laid off or have a family member who was laid off,” Beasley said. “It is important to make sure Nebraska’s most vulnerable are being well taken care of. Congress is giving us an opportunity to provide even more resources to SNAP recipients and we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to secure those benefits.”

Household Size - Maximum Size Allotment

1

$194

2

$355

3

$509

4

$646

5

$768

6

$921

7

$1,018

8

$1,164

 

DHHS Links and Information COVID-19 Information | DHHS News Releases

  • Nebraska COVID-19 Information Line: (402) 552-6645.  Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST – every day.

  • State agencies are sharing information using the #NECOVID19 Hashtag

  • DHHS has produced COVID-19 announcements available in English and En Español. Directed Health Measures translated in Spanish and Vietnamese are now available for Douglas, Cass, Sarpy and Lancaster counties. http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx#SectionLink1

Review the Health Alert Network (HAN) for recent information and guidelines for health care providers.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency         https://nema.nebraska.gov/news

REMINDER NEMA has several Twitter lists you can follow by visiting https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets/lists. Consider Subscribing to the Nebraska State Government List or to the Nebraska County and Regional Emergency Managers List. REMINDER COVID-19 can affect persons of any age. Do your part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by:

  • Frequently wash your hands

  • Frequently disinfect surfaces

  • Practice physical distancing (at least six feet from other people)

Stay home as much as possible.REMINDER There is no essential staffing list maintained by the State of Nebraska for people who have jobs to perform. Individuals leaving their homes in order to perform an activity or function for their jobs DO NOT need to carry or present any letter, identification card or other paper proving that they are allowed to leave their home.

Attorney General’s Office Our COVID-19 Information page offers a quick info download to copy and pass along to neighbors, friends, or relatives that do not have internet access. If you are delivering meals or groceries to Seniors or shut-ins, consider making a copy of this information sheet and include it with your delivery.Scammers and others may use COVID-19 as an opportunity to defraud Nebraskans. Learn more at ProtectTheGoodLife.Nebraska.Gov. If you suspect fraud, file a consumer complaint , send an email to ago.consumer@nebraska.gov or call us at (800) 727-6432.

 Department of Administrative Services

A number of state agencies and private organizations have received inquiries from Nebraska manufacturers that have the capabilities to provide needed medical equipment for hospitals and medical providers. The Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has partnered with the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NMEP) to help organize the manufacturers with these capabilities and connect them with the medical community.

 

For manufacturers please visit https://go.unl.edu/criticalmanufacturing  to register your company and list the products your company is able to produce in short deadlines. For people in the medical community that want to access these companies and order needed supplies, please contact: Doug Carlson, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of Nebraska, doug.carlson@nebraska.gov , 402-471-0972

 Department of Agriculture (NDA) nda.nebraska.gov

NDA has a COVID-19 webpage available to the public with information pertaining to agricultural producers. Go to nda.nebraska.gov/COVID-19 for more information.

Department of Banking and Finance

https://ndbf.nebraska.gov/about/covid-19-consumer-and-industry-guidance

Department of Corrections corrections.nebraska.gov

NDCS has released a new video to its teammates about additional efforts to screen people entering all NDCS buildings and reminders about how to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Go to https://corrections.nebraska.gov/ndcs-coronavirus-health-update.

Department of Economic Development     https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/nded-covid19/

DED is working to inform and assist businesses during Nebraska’s ongoing response to COVID-19. Information for businesses is available on the DED website. DED is committed to serving Nebraskans facing financial challenges during this time, and understands that local economic leaders will play an important role in creating regional solutions for businesses and their workforce. The department’s Field Services Team is working with business leaders in these regions to address ongoing COVID-19 challenges. 

Department of Environment and Energy               http://dee.ne.gov

NDEE has developed a COVID-19 information webpage that includes a message from the Director, links to state and federal resources, and NDEE-related issues.  Webpage address is: http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/onWeb/COVID

Department of Insurance

The Department of Insurance has completed a comprehensive telehealth survey of the primary health insurers selling major medical in Nebraska.  The questions and responses from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bright Health, Medica, and United Health Care can be found at https://doi.nebraska.gov/sites/doi.nebraska.gov/files/doc/TELEHEALTH%20QUESTIONS%20AND%20RESPONSES.pdf.Department of Labor            NEworks.nebraska.gov and dol.nebraska.gov

The American Job Center at Heartland Workforce Solutions in Omaha has temporarily relocated to Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus at 5300 N. 30th St., Building 7. The location change is anticipated to last through at least April 13.Customers needing assistance should use the Army Entrance off 30th street at the north end of campus or the 30th and Fort St entrance.  The 32nd and Sorenson entrance is closed due to construction.Since all job centers are adhering to social distancing guidelines, call 531-622-6173 before visiting the center. Customers with questions regarding their unemployment insurance claims should go to NEworks.nebraska.gov and view their Claim Summary or call 855-995-8863.Call Heartland Workforce Solutions at 402-444-4700 for local workforce system programs and for employers seeking talent.

Department of Motor Vehicles        DMV news releases

Department of Natural Resources To support National Flood Insurance Program policyholders amid the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA is extending its 30-day grace period for policy renewals up to 120 days. This is effective for National Flood Insurance Program policies with an expiration date between February 13 – June 15, 2020.For more information, visit the FEMA website https://nfipservices.floodsmart.gov/FEMA also has some guidance on flood insurance claims during this time.  It allows for the claims to be adjusted remotely without an adjustor visiting the property.Our agency also continues to ensure that critical water related information remains available (see https://dnr.nebraska.gov/. It is being updated continuously, including real-time streamgaging information.

Department of Revenue

Revenue Ruling 99-20-1: All Nebraska Taxes, Signature Requirements You can now file your Petition for Redetermination (Protest) Electronically. This applies to Notices of Deficiency Determinations issued by the Nebraska Department of Revenue (DOR). This does not apply to protests or appeals filed with the Property Assessment Division.The Nebraska Department of Revenue (DOR) has issued new guidance with specific instructions and information regarding signature requirements, which will assist taxpayers, especially in situations where the individuals responsible for signing tax returns are working from home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For most forms and filings, for which there is no separate DOR taxpayer filing system, DOR will accept as a taxpayer signature, any mark, handwritten or digitally rendered that is applied with actual or apparent intention to authenticate the filing. More information is available at the Nebraska Department of Revenue website revenue.nebraska.gov; or contact the Department by email or phone here.

Lottery   https://nelottery.com/homeapp/article/4220/display

Nebraska Lottery players with prizes up to $19,999 are encouraged to claim by mail. Instructions for claiming prizes by mail can be found at https://nelottery.com/homeapp/article/4220/display Regional Lottery Claim Centers in Grand Island, Norfolk, North Platte, and Scottsbluff are closed to the public, but Nebraska Lottery headquarters in Lincoln and the Omaha Claim Center are open. Call 402-471-6100 to confirm office hours before claiming a prize in person at these locations.

Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)

While Nebraskans work to flatten the curve by practicing social distancing, we know a strong infrastructure is critical to our state and the nation. NDOT remains committed to the citizens of Nebraska & our industry partners to continue to achieve our mission. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmgJpq-x66w

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

The Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs is hiring at all four veterans' homes, with openings for food service workers, housekeepers, RNs, LPNs, CNAs and more. If you are interested in becoming a CNA, we offer CNA classes that pay an hourly wage during training, pay for supplies and the certification exam, and come with a job in the facility upon completion of the training. Our teammates have great state benefits, job security, a friendly work environment, and a chance to serve those who served. Join our team of heroes helping heroes. Find openings and apply at statejobs.nebraska.gov. Applicants can expect to have a virtual interview rather than in-personGame and Parks Commission http://outdoornebraska.gov/healthinfo/

In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is prohibiting overnight camping at state parks, state recreation areas and wildlife management areas through Friday, May 8, with a possible extension. The closure of state park area lodging and cabins also continues through May 8.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services recommends travelers coming to Nebraska or back to Nebraska from out-of-state should limit public interactions, practice strict social distancing, self-monitor for symptoms and self-quarantine for 14 days.

State parks and recreation areas will remain open for day use so guests may enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing while maintaining proper physical distancing of at least six feet. A limited number of restrooms, which will be disinfected regularly using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols, will be available.

The closures are in keeping with national recommendations from the CDC; cities and states across the nation are taking similar proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Game and Parks’ top priority is the health and well-being of the public and its staff.

Refunds will be given to campers who have prepaid fees. The camping closure will be reevaluated in the future to determine if an extension is necessary.

Those still enjoying outdoor recreation should follow CDC guidelines. They include staying home for people who are sick, have knowingly been exposed to a sick individual or are coming from any area of community spread of the virus. People also should avoid crowds, adhere to the 10-person-limit guideline, and bring supplies from home, including food and hygiene products, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.

For a list of all Game and Parks cancellations, postponements and closures, go to: OutdoorNebraska.org/healthinfo. For more detailed information about how coronavirus cancellations may affect customers, check the Frequently Asked Questions page at OutdoorNebraska.gov/covid19faqs or use the Contact Us form at OutdoorNebraska.gov/contact. Past news release are available online: http://magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/category/news/

Military Department

A total of 177 Nebraska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are supporting COVID-19 response efforts in Nebraska.The third team of Nebraska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen completed mobile testing in Kimball and will now collect samples at a mobile testing site in Scottsbluff.The first and second teams supporting DHHS continue mobile testing in Grand Island and Kearney.The Nebraska National Guard continues to provide logistical and planning support to our state and federal partners.

National Guard personnel supporting COVID-19 response are receiving health checks themselves at least twice daily.The Nebraska National Guard will be updating this album with photos throughout the COVID-19 response

Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH)

NCDHH has the following VLOGs online relating to COVID-19:

COVID-19: Educational Resources & Communication Access NCDHH Executive Director John Wyvill discusses the importance of ensuring you and your child are prepared and receiving education information during transition to remote-learning.

COVID-19: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Organizations Stress Importance of Communication Access NCDHH Behavioral Health Coordinator Carly Weyers provides information on how to best keep informed with full communication access on announcements related to COVID-19.

COVID-19: NCDHH Offices and Social Distancing Information regarding preventative measures to keep you and the NCDHH team healthy featuring Behavioral Health Coordinator, Carly Weyers.

Nebraska State Patrol

Nebraska State Troopers continue to patrol roads and investigate crime throughout the state. Troopers have seen a dramatic increase in excessive speeding violations over the last few weeks. Since March 19, when the first directed health measures were issued in Nebraska, troopers have cited 66 drivers for speeding at more than 100 miles per hour. Those 66 speeding violations have occurred in 18 different counties. For comparison, the period of March 19 through April 9, 2019 had only 36 such speeding violations of 100 miles per hour or more.     Several of those dangerous drivers have been reported to NSP by other motorists on the road. Any motorist who observes a dangerous or impaired driver can call *55 or 800-525-5555 to reach NSP dispatchers, who will share that information with troopers on the road. NSP’s patrol efforts remain at normal staffing levels throughout the state.

Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Unclaimed Property Division offices are closed to the public. Treasurer’s Office staff are available by phone at 402-471-8497 or 877-572-9688 and will continue to process claims mailed into the Lincoln office or filed online.

Office of the Chief Information Officer Website

Malicious cyber threat actors are capitalizing on the global attention surrounding COVID-19 to facilitate scams, distribute malware, and send phishing emails. We ask all Nebraskans to practice the following safe security habits online:

  • Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts or calls related to COVID-19. Tips for Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks: https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-014

  • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. Tips for Using Caution with Email Attachments: https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-010  

  • Use trusted sources—such as legitimate, government websites—for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.

  • Look at the email address, not just the sender. A genuine email from a legitimate organization would have the organization’s name in the domain name, indicating that it is coming from someone at the organization.

  • Do not reveal personal or financial information in an email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.

  • Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations.

Look for obvious grammatical errors and be wary of any emails that have implied consequences for failure to comply with demands.Communications platforms guidance for individuals and organizations

Due to COVID-19, an increasing number of individuals and organizations are turning to communications platforms—such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams— for online meetings. In turn, malicious cyber actors are hijacking online meetings that are not secured with passwords or that use unpatched software.Tips for defending against online meeting hijacking 

  • Do not make meetings public. Instead, require a meeting password or use the waiting room feature and control the admittance of guests.

  • Do not share a link to a meeting on an unrestricted publicly available social media post. Provide the link directly to specific people.

  • Manage screensharing options. Change screensharing to “Host Only.”

  • Ensure users are using the updated version of remote access/meeting applications.

  • Ensure telework policies address requirements for physical and information security.

For more information visit: https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-099a

Public Service Commission

Please visit the PSC COVID-19 Information & Guidance page for the latest from the Nebraska Public Service Commission.

Secretary of State’s Office

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office is actively recruiting registered voters interested in serving as poll workers. Poll workers are a paid position. To be a poll worker you must be 16 years old and if 18 years old or older, must be a registered voter in the county. Service clubs and other volunteer organizations are able to contract with a county election office, to be paid directly for their volunteer’s time, and can use the funds as they wish for their charitable projects. Poll worker pay will not reduce unemployment benefits for those who are unemployed. Virtual training will be available online or on television. Every polling site will receive kits that includes:

  • At least two N95 masks per poll worker

  • 25 pairs of gloves

  • 540 ml bottle of hand sanitizer

  • A canister of disinfecting wipes

  • Individual black pens for each voter to keep

Social distancing standards will apply. Contact your local county office by phone or email if you wish to serve as a poll worker. Make a difference in your community and become a proud poll worker. For county election contact information visit https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information.

State Partner UpdatesAmerican Red Cross

It continues to be safe to give blood. American Red Cross employees follow the highest standards of safety and infection control. The Red Cross has also implemented additional precautions to ensure the safety of its donors and staff during this outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need of transfusions.

Medical Reserve Corps and Community Emergency Response Teams

The Medical Reserve Corps is working with DHHS to help meet staff shortages in long-care facilities. The Eastern Nebraska MRC has been active in providing behavioral health services for Three Rivers, Douglas County and Sarpy County Health Departments; and is helping Three Rivers with contact tracing. Hall County Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) has been called upon to help with Strategic National Stockpile Hubs. This is a role that they have been training and exercising for the past few years. The Hall County Teams have also been solicited for help assisting the county election commissioner, who is losing all regular poll workers due to concerns over COVID-19.  Central Nebraska MRC has also been involved with the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Strategic National Stockpile throughout the Central Nebraska Area.All MRCs and CERT teams remain at the ready throughout the state and are working with their local partners to better respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nebraska.

Natural Resources Districts (NRDs):

NEW The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (Lincoln) Board of Directors voted April 9, during an emergency meeting, to allow the City of Lincoln to use a former fire station for decontaminating personal protective medical equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak. While meeting via video/teleconference, the board approved a real estate license agreement with the city on a 19-0 vote. LPSNRD purchased a former fire station from the city earlier this year. Last week, the City of Lincoln made an urgent request to use the building to help control the pandemic. 

NRD employees doing fieldwork (checking well levels, testing water and soil, tree planting, etc.) are considered essential workers. Landowners and the public should allow them to do their work uninterrupted.

Want to visit an NRD recreation area? Check for closures and access limitations by visiting: www.nrdnet.org/recreation.

University of Nebraska Medical Center  | Nebraska Medicine has COVID-19 Resources on its website. Nebraska Medicine UNMC have led the world in treatment, training and quarantine methods for highly infectious diseases since caring for patients during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. 

Federal Partner Updates

Center for Disease Control and Prevention The CDC provides guidance on daily life and coping during the COVID-19 outbreak.

An important way to help in the fight against COVID-19 it to follow state, tribal and local officials’ instructions to stay at home is. Social distancing not only protects you, but it protects the people you care about.

  • COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with one another—that’s why the CDC recommends staying at least six feet away from other people.

  • Staying home and limiting your interactions with people can break the chain of transmission and halt the spread of this new virus.

  • Wearing a cloth face mask in public is recommended when safe social distancing is difficult to maintain.

People who are infected but do not have symptoms likely play an important role in the spread of COVID-19. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Find answers about COVID-19 here: https://faq.coronavirus.gov/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) NEW

Public Assistance: Eligible Emergency Protective measures Under the nationwide emergency declaration, FEMA may reimburse eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency at the direction or guidance of public health officials. Public Assistance is a reimbursement program that provides federal funding to help communities respond to and recover from disaster. FEMA reimburses state and local governments and certain types of private nonprofits.Some examples of eligible expenses outlined in the COVID-19 Pandemic Eligible Emergency Protective Measures Fact Sheet include:

  • Management, control and reduction of immediate threats to public health and safety.

  • Emergency medical care

  • Medical sheltering e.g. when existing facilities are reasonably expected to become overloaded in the near future and cannot accommodate needs.

  • Purchase and distribution of food, water, ice, medicine and other consumable supplies, to include personal protective equipment and hazardous material suits movement of supplies and persons.

  • Communications of general health and safety information to the public.

  • Reimbursement for state, tribe, territory and/or local government force account overtime costs.

For general information related to the federal response efforts, visit www.fema.gov

For information on How to Help by volunteering, selling or donating medical supplies to FEMA, visit: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is carefully monitoring the spread of COVID-19. As with any type of emergency situation, BOP carefully assess how to best ensure the safety of staff, inmates and the public. Visit https://www.bop.gov/coronavirus/index.jsp for information from BOP.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. Find more info here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

U.S. Department of Treasury has information for those who need financial relief at Your Money and Coronavirus: Resources for Financial Relief. In addition, check out the department’s information on Assistance for Small Businesses.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Get answers to VA related questions about the coronavirus: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has information on Food Safety and COVID_19

The FDA is working with U.S. Government partners to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Find more information here: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/counterterrorism-and-emerging-threats/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA launched a $349 billion emergency loan program last week entitled Paycheck Protection Program, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). Visit www.SBA.gov/Coronavirus for information about protecting your business, employees and customers. SBA issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent, they meet the eligibility criteria.

Other Resources

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University has a COVID-19 map with case information from around the world. It can be found at https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html as part of the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center website. The site also includes News & Information, a Data Center, Covid-19 Basics and Videos & Live Events.

Mayo Clinic has information about COVID-19 and a COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool on its website.

World Health Organization (WHO) information on COVID-19 Pandemic information includes Public Advice a Q&A, Situation Reports and Myth Busters and more.

NEW Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System link to April 9 Press Release Federal Reserve takes additional actions to provide up to $2.3 trillion in loans to support the economy