LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and other officials held a news conference Monday morning on what the state is doing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
In his first in-person press conference at the state capitol since being quarantined after a COVID-19 exposure, Gov. Ricketts mentioned that there are 30% of hospital beds remaining in Nebraska. If this number decreases to 25%, stricter restrictions will be implemented in the state.
Gov. Ricketts urged residents to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19, adding that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically a busy night for bars. He urged people to avoid going to bars and especially avoid drinking and driving.
Additionally, the governor stressed keeping gatherings small for Thanksgiving.
Monday marks National Public Health Thank You Day. Both Gov. Ricketts and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Anthone thanked everyone who works in public health, especially right now during the pandemic.
Dr. Anthone urged people to keep healthcare workers in mind, saying Nebraskans need to do more to help those working on the frontlines.
Gov. Ricketts reiterated that masks are just one tool out of many to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
A program called Jobs for America’s Graduates was also discussed, which will help prepare recent graduates as they enter the workforce. In 2021, the program will expand to Omaha Public Schools.
Gov. Ricketts also offered condolences to the victims of the recent shooting at a Sonic in Bellevue.
Watch his remarks below or on our Facebook page.
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