Nonemergency reports to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are now being directed to a new telephone reporting line, similar to one used by the Omaha Police Department, to help reduce deputies’ direct interaction with the public as coronavirus continues to spread in the community.

Emergency dispatchers will direct 911 calls to the reporting line.

In a continuing effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, Metro is offering free fares for bus and paratransit services and encouraging riders to use back bus doors.

“We are all facing an unprecedented challenge” said Metro’s Executive Director Curt Simon. “Our goal is to protect front-line staff and support our riders.”

Urgent Care Omaha launched a drive-up clinic for patients with respiratory symptoms, the first example of the delivery model in the Omaha metropolitan area.

A health care provider at the neonatal intensive care unit of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha has tested positive for COVID-19.

Hospital officials said last week that the person was working the previous weekend and had contact with 10 patients. The families of the patients and hospital staff members who came in contact with the provider have been informed.