LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — On Friday, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts and commented on Wednesday’s riots at the United States Capitol building.
In regards to vaccination efforts, Ricketts said some parts of the state are preparing to switch two phase 1B which would provide vaccinations for people ages 75 and older. This is the case in western and central portions of the state.
Out of about 100,000 collective doses about half have been given. When asked if there are problems in distribution, Ricketts said to give it time as this is the first time the state has taken on such a massive vaccination effort.
Yesterday, about 100 COVID-19 deaths were reported on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. The governor said 92 of those were out of Douglas County and that it is something his office is looking into.
The Douglas County Health Department has since commented:
"A number of Douglas County deaths were mistakenly reported as COVID-19-related deaths on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services dashboard.
The Douglas County Health Department yesterday received a list of deaths from the state of people who at one time tested positive for COVID-19, to review. The intent was to confirm that, while they may have had the disease at one time, it was not their cause of death and was not listed on their death certificates.
Due to human error, they were mistakenly entered into the state surveillance system as COVID-19 related deaths.
DCHD is in the process of correcting that error."
Regarding turmoil at the nation’s Capitol Building, where rioters stormed in and damaged property, Ricketts said the behavior is unacceptable and it’s not the American way.
“We need people to protest peacefully and to not give in to violence or property destruction,” he said.
Pointing back to protests in Lincoln last summer, the governor added “Protesters remained peaceful, that’s the way it needs to be carried out.”
As to whether the 25th Amendment should be invoked to remove President Donald Trump from office, he said we should focus on a smooth transition of power instead. As to whether Trump incited the violence, Ricketts said protesters took it upon themselves to act in such a manner.
Ricketts also reminded people that we are not out of the woods and urged people to continue spread mitigation efforts.
Watch his remarks below or on our Facebook page.
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