COVID-19

Smoking Increases Virus Risk

Published by Scott Stewart on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 9:16am

Lincoln – Dr. Gary Anthone, the state’s public health director, asked Nebraskans to quit smoking if they are concerned about COVID-19.

Anthone discussed the elevated risk that the coronavirus poses to smokers. He said quitting smoking could lower medical complications due to COVID-19.

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Nebraska’s Slowed Down Less Than All Other States, Based on Analysis of Google Data

Published by Scott Stewart on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 9:15am

Washington – A report concluded that Nebraska has slowed down the least in the United States under social distancing restrictions.

The report, compiled by personal finance website WalletHub, used Google data to compare states on six metrics related to change in visits to different types of places.

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Nebraska Democratic County Conventions to be Telephonic

Published by Scott Stewart on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 9:13am

The Nebraska Democratic Party will hold local party officer and state convention delegate elections at county conventions, which will be held by telephone due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Democrats must register for their county convention by May 1. All forms and rules are hosted on the Nebraska Democratic Party’s website at nebraskademocrats.org.

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U.S. Pork Farmers Lament Losses Amid Coronavirus

Published by Scott Stewart on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 2:00am

Des Moines, Iowa – After enduring extended trade disputes and worker shortages, U.S. hog farmers were poised to finally hit it big this year with expectations of climbing prices amid soaring domestic and foreign demand.

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Ricketts Begins to Relax Restrictions With Elective Surgeries

Published by Scott Stewart on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 1:00am

Lincoln – Nebraska will take a first step toward relaxing its statewide coronavirus restrictions on May 4 by allowing hospitals to resume elective surgeries if they meet certain conditions, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced this week.

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Reynolds Says Iowa Meatpacking Plants Must Stay Open Despite COVID-19 Risks

Published by Scott Stewart on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 12:00am

Iowa City, Iowa – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday that Iowa’s meatpacking plants will stay open and continue to spread the coronavirus among workers.

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Reynolds Says Iowa Meatpacking Plants Must Stay Open Despite COVID-19 Risks

Published by Scott Stewart on Wed, 04/22/2020 - 12:00am

Iowa City, Iowa – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday that Iowa’s meatpacking plants will stay open and continue to spread the coronavirus among workers.

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OPPD Offers COVID-19 Support

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 8:11am

Omaha Public Power District knows customers are facing challenges related to COVID-19 and related issues. Whether working remotely, in quarantine, or helping children learn from home, the utility wants to ensure power is there when customers need it most.

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Kansas Ranchers Burn Land Despite Health Officials’ Plea

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 8:11am

Belle Plaine, Kan. – Kansas ranchers eager to prepare their land for cattle grazing have mostly brushed off the plea from state health officials to voluntarily cut back this spring’s prairie burning to reduce air pollution during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Senators Ask More of Ricketts

Published by Scott Stewart on Tue, 04/21/2020 - 8:10am

Lincoln – A bipartisan group of state senators called on Gov. Pete Ricketts to strengthen protections for state and public workers. They cited concerns from constituents responding to COVID-19.