COVID-19

Kansas Supreme Court Cancels Arguments on Inmate Release

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:22pm

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Supreme Court last Tuesday night canceled arguments from attorneys over a civil rights’ group attempt to force the state to release prison inmates with preexisting medical conditions making them vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.

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Science Cafe Talks Coronavirus

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:22pm

Dr. Ali Khan, the dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, will discuss coronavirus on April 21 at 10 a.m. as part of the Omaha Science Cafe series.

To continue social distancing this Science Café will be offered at facebook.com/ScienceCafeNE.

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Red Cross Requiring Masks

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:22pm

Red Cross staff members are required to wear masks at blood drives and donation centers. In alignment with the updated CDC guidelines, donors will be also be required to wear face coverings at a blood drive or donation center.

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Iowa Starts Daily Updates, Too

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:22pm

Des Moines, Iowa – The state of Iowa released an updated dashboard at coronavirus.iowa.gov that’ll be updated daily to include comprehensive tracking of COVID-19 in Iowa. The new dashboard includes cases, deaths, and tests conducted in each county. The state will also be providing demographic information that was not previously provided as well as Iowa’s epidemiological curve.

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Nebraska Updates Data Daily

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:21pm

Lincoln – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 data dashboard provides daily updates to the state’s COVID-19 case totals. The dashboard is now being updated once a day at 6 p.m. This change aims to ensure clarity and consistency in the reporting of case numbers throughout Nebraska.

– Nebraska DHHS

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More COVID-19 Cases Reported At Douglas Co. Health Center

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:21pm

Last Tuesday, the Douglas County Health Center reported seven new COVID-19 positive cases – five residents and two employees.

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HFS: Prioritize Mental Health

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:21pm

Heartland Family Service is encouraging the public to prioritize mental health in the pandemic by seeking services if they need help.

For services, Nebraskans should call 402- 552-7400, Iowans should call 712-322-1407 and homeless people should call 531-200-3500.

– HFS

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Businesses Working to Connect Students With Internet Devices

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:20pm

Certified Cell and iFixOmaha are connecting students with donated electronic devices to enable them to complete e-learning assignments.

Tablets, computers and smartphones are now available through Enable Omaha, and donations of used – and even broken – devices are being sought for students.

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OPD Issues 20 Citations After City Closes Parks to Public

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:20pm

Police in Omaha handed out 20 citations for trespassing in city parks over last weekend, just days after Mayor Jean Stothert ordered the parks closed amid complaints they were too crowded.

The tickets were issued last Saturday and Sunday, with the largest share – eight citations – being handed out in northeastern Omaha’s Hummel Park, police said.

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Douglas County Reports Stats Related to Local Virus Cases

Published by Scott Stewart on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 4:19pm

As of last Friday afternoon, about 18% of COVID-19 cases in Douglas County were African Americans, and about 9.5% were Hispanic, said Douglas County Public Health Director Adi Pour.

As of Friday, about half the hospital beds in the city were free because elective surgeries have been canceled, Pour said. About 100 of the metro area’s 448 ventilators were in use, with 11 in use for COVID-19 patients.