Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts unveiled a new marketing slogan to promote physical distancing of citizens while encouraging them to maintain social connections.

“Stay Home, Stay Healthy and Stay Connected” is the campaign message for the governor stressed to kick off Public Health Week in Nebraska last Monday at a news conference at the state Capitol.

“There is no doubt that April is going to be a tough month,” he said. “But we will get through this. We’ll get through this like Nebraskans by working together.”

Ricketts asked citizens to go to work, go home and go shopping once a week, while focusing on the social distancing guidelines of staying at least 6 feet from others.

Many stores are now limiting the number of people who can go shopping at any time, he said.

Lynne Lange, executive director of the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, said help is available for survivors who face an increased risk of domestic abuse. She said the state’s shelters continue to operate during the pandemic.

“For individuals experiencing domestic violence, this public health crisis can expose additional dangers,” Lange said.

Lange said violent abusers use isolation to control victims and will take advantage of stressful situations. Isolation can be exacerbated when people are in self-isolation or quarantine.

“People may be forced to stay at home in a situation that is not safe,” Lange said.

To get assistance, go online to nebraskacoalition.org/get_help. A number of hotlines are also available: National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, 1-866-331-9474; and Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, 1-800-656-4673.

Anyone feeling overwhelmed with feelings like sadness, depression and anxiety – or if you feel like harming yourself or others – can call 911 in an emergency or else call the Nebraska Family Helpline, 888-866-8660; National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255; or the Disaster Distress Helpline, 800-985-5990.

Find awareness campaign for social media at bit.ly/2RkcWSW.