Modified restrictions issued for Southwest Nebraska

Monday, May 4, 2020

MCCOOK, Neb. -- Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has received Directed Health Measures (DHM) specifically for the nine counties in their jurisdiction, which will be in effect May 4 to May 31, 2020. A copy of this DHM can be found on Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department’s website at www.swhealth.ne.gov.

This DHM contains guidance for limited reopening of specific businesses. These businesses are not required to open; SWNPHD recommends they stay informed of local conditions and encourages use of good judgement.

Restaurants will be allowed dine-in options if all the following conditions are met:

Restaurant MUST be on the Department of Agriculture restaurant list, provided to SWNPHD and shared by SWNPHD with city/village clerks, county clerks and Emergency Managers

Limited to 50% of rated occupancy maximum at a time.

6 feet separation between seating of different parties.

Maximum of six individuals in a dining party (groups larger than six will need to split into multiple tables).

Self-serve buffets and salad bars are prohibited. Restaurant staff must serve food directly to customers or implement buffet orders from the customer table. No customer self-service.

Bar seating is not permitted.

Patrons may only consume alcohol on premises if also consuming a meal.

Beauty and nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services and tattoo studios can open while maintaining the 10-person rule with employees and customers wearing masks. Guidance has been issued and is available on the SWNPHD website.

Childcare facilities will be permitted to have up to 15 children per room/space, an increase of five over the current requirements.

All other businesses currently ordered to close must remain closed until May 31, or until the orders are amended, including bars, gentlemen's clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theaters, and indoor theaters.

Previously, Governor Ricketts announced changes to the statewide DHM that will also impact SWNPHD counties. Hospitals can resume elective surgeries on May 4 if hospitals meet certain capacity requirements. Dental offices, eye care clinics and veterinary clinics can also reopen.

Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other places of worship can resume services, weddings and funerals beginning May 4. This does not include receptions or activities outside of services. Each household or individual must meet a minimum of six feet of separation. Guidance has been mailed and is available on the health department website.

For all other gatherings, the 10-person limit is still in effect statewide until at least May 31, 2020.

For more information, call the DHHS hotline at 402-552-6645, or contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins and Red Willow counties. SWNPHD is located at 404 West 10th St (1 block north of Arby’s) in McCook or at 501 Broadway in Imperial (5th St. entrance). Information can also be found on the website www.swhealth.ne.gov and on Facebook and Twitter.

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