Gov. Ricketts Moves To Phase II, Loosening COVID Restrictions

LINCOLN- Governor Pete Ricketts announced Thursday, new directed health measures will take effect on June 1.

Phase I reopening DHMs will apply to the Central District Health Department which includes Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick counties. Dakota County will also be in Phase I. Phase II reopening DHMs, which are less restrictive, will apply to the rest of Nebraska. Under Phase II, there will be no quarantine mandatory for people who travel to other states, only individuals returning from international travel will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon coming back to Nebraska.

Gatherings will now be limited to no greater than 25 people, or 25% of rated occupancy and not permitted to exceed 3,000. 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 DHM. 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, Salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, and tattoo parlors will be limited to the greater of 25 people or 50% of rated occupancy. Wedding and funeral reception venues will also be limited to the greater of 25 people or 50% of rated occupancy.

Self-serve buffets and salad bars are still prohibited.