LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) - Nebraska takes a step forward in reopening on Monday as new directed health measures take effect throughout the state allowing more types of venues and events to operate.
Phase I reopening directed health measures apply to Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Dakota counties. Phase II reopening measures, which are less restrictive, will apply to the rest of Nebraska.
More details can be found on changes going to effect today below.
Statewide DHM changes
Travel quarantine
Starting June 1 only individuals returning from international travel will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon coming back to Nebraska. The restriction will not apply to individuals traveling in connection with military service or in connection with employment at a health care facility.
Sports
Team sports have been categorized by contact level based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (available here).
Limited and non-contact team sports, for both youth and adults, may resume practices on June 1 and games on June 18.
Contact sports like basketball, tackle football, soccer, and wrestling remain prohibited.
Rodeos may also begin on June 1. Rodeo events will be treated as “gatherings” under the new DHMs.
Phase II Reopening DHMs
(apply to all counties except for Dakota, Hall, Hamilton and Merrick)
Gatherings
Gatherings will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 25% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 3,000) for gatherings held at:
Indoor or Outdoor Arenas, Indoor or Outdoor Auctions, Stadiums, Tracks, Fairgrounds, Festivals, Zoos, Auditoriums, Large Event Conference Rooms, Meeting Halls, Indoor Theaters, Libraries, Swimming Pools, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space.
˃ Groups shall be no larger than six individuals.
˃ Six feet separation between groups must be maintained.
– Parades, carnivals, midways, dances and street dances, and beer gardens are prohibited through June 30th and may be extended.
Parades where patrons remain in their vehicles and the public does not line the streets are permitted.
Dance recitals are permitted but must follow the gathering requirements.
– Drive-in movie theaters may open at full capacity as long as patrons remain in/on their vehicles while viewing the movie and congregating at concession and restroom areas are not permitted.
– Plans for reopening must be submitted to the local health departments and approved for all indoor and outdoor locations/venues that hold 500 or more individuals (1,000 or more in counties over 500,000 population) before reopening is permitted. The reopening plan must contain planned number of guests, how the location will meet social distancing guidelines, and sanitation guidelines.
Bars and restaurants
Restaurants remain open for dine-in, and bars can reopen.
Bars and restaurants are limited to 50% of the rated occupancy, with a maximum of six persons per table.
Gyms
Will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 50% of rated occupancy.
Salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, and tattoo parlors
Will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 50% of rated occupancy.
Both workers and patrons are still required in the DHM to wear masks at all times.
Wedding and funeral reception venues
Will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 50% of rated occupancy.
Self-serve buffets and salad bars are prohibited.
No dances or other social events that require guests to gather outside of their respective tables are permitted.
Other group size and physical distancing limitations apply to the gatherings and venues above. For full details of the “Phase II” DHMs, click here.
Phase I Reopening DHMs
(apply to Dakota, Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick counties only).
Gatherings—including gyms and event venues—remain subject to the 10-person limit.
Salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, and tattoo parlors can reopen. They are limited to 10 patrons. Both workers and patrons must be masked.
Restaurants can reopen for dine-in, up to 50% capacity, with a maximum of six persons per table. Bars remain closed.
Childcare facilities can have up to 15 kids per room/space, subject to the usual staff-to-child ratios.