COVID-19

Ricketts: ‘We’re Breaking the Hearts of Brides’

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 3:32pm

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts says weddings, funerals and other gatherings across the state are limited to no more than 10 people – or else they need to be postponed or canceled.

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Stocks Plunge; Wall Street, White House See Recession Risk

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 2:52pm

New York – The U.S. stock market plunged 12% Monday for its worst day in more than three decades as voices from Wall Street to the White House said the coronavirus is likely dragging the economy into a recession.

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Omaha City Council to Consider Emergency Ordinances

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 2:38pm

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert stood alongside city and county officials Monday to give the latest recap of COVID-19 news in the greater Omaha area.

With two new cases confirmed in Douglas County last night and the St. Patrick’s holiday celebrations incoming, Stothert has decided to limit gatherings to 50 people or fewer. This includes people inside of restaurants or bars.

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Virus Outbreak Prompts Legislature to Suspend Session

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 1:57pm

The Nebraska Legislature has indefinitely suspended its session because of growing concerns over the outbreak of COVID-19.

Speaker Jim Scheer of Norfolk announced Monday that lawmakers would not return until his office decides to reconvene

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Nebraska Federal Court Postpones Appearances Due to Virus

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 1:38pm

The U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska is postponing in-court appearances until April 3 in response to the virus threat.

Chief U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard issued General Order 2020-05 on Monday afternoon. In it, he orders all civil and criminal matters scheduled before district, bankruptcy and magistrate judges to be continued pending the further order of the court.

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The Daily Record Continuing to Cover COVID-19 Outbreak

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 1:00am

The virus outbreak is disrupting regular life in Omaha and across the country and the world. The situation locally has been changing day to day, or even hour by hour, as events are canceled and additional public health measures are implemented, including social distancing.

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Employers Encouraged to Take Steps to Slow Spread of Virus

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 12:00am

Nebraska businesses are being asked to do their part to halt the spread of the virus – including keeping sick workers at home.

“This is a communitywide response, so we want businesses to be prepared to be engaged as well,” Gov. Pete Ricketts said at a news conference last Friday.

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Early Voting Ballots Available as Two States Delay Primaries

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 12:00am

Two states so far have delayed primary elections because of the outbreak of coronavirus.

Georgia’s March 24 primary will be held May 19, and Louisiana’s April 4 primary will be June 20.

Nebraska’s primary is scheduled for May 12. Officials have encouraged Nebraska voters to consider early voting ballots this year.

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Douglas County Corrections Suspending Onsite Visitations

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 12:00am

Douglas County Corrections began suspending onsite visitations last Saturday in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The jail welcomes more than 1,500 visitors per week for onsite video visitations, according to a county news release.

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Banks, Grocery Stores Among Businesses Adjusting to Virus

Published by Scott Stewart on Mon, 03/16/2020 - 12:00am

Grocery stores have struggled to keep certain items – bread, dairy, bottled water, pantry staples, cleaning products – in stock as area residents follow advice to stock up on two weeks’ worth of supplies.

The Nebraska Grocery Industry Association said Friday that there is plenty of food, though, even if paper product and household chemicals remain in short supply.