(Lincoln)- Monday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced new Directed Health Measures (DHMs) that will take effect statewide on Wednesday, November 11th.
 The measures are being implemented in response to rising hospitalizations across the state in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Gov. Ricketts: Hospital Capacity
·       We’re closely monitoring our hospital capacity as coronavirus-related hospitalizations rise in Nebraska.
·       Since the pandemic began, everything we have been doing has been to protect our hospital system to make sure people get the care they need.
Hospital capacity metrics are as follows:
Hospital bed availability: 31%
ICU bed availability: 31%
Ventilator availability: 71%
Coronavirus-related hospitalizations continue to increase. They’ve reached a high of 794.

Gov. Ricketts: New DHMs
·       To protect our hospital capacity, we’re announcing new DHMs.  They will take effect statewide on Wednesday, November 11th.  The new DHMs are scheduled to remain in effect through at least November 30, 2020.
·       Major changes include:
o  Six (6) feet of separation between parties is required in all instances for the following:  gyms/fitness centers, health spas, restaurants, bars, gentlemen and bottle clubs, weddings, funerals, indoor gatherings, and churches/places of worship.

Masks are required for staff and patrons at salons, barbershops, massage therapy, bowling alleys, pool halls, body art establishments, and any other indoor businesses where staff and patrons are within six (6) feet of each other for 15 consecutive minutes or more.

    An exception will be made for all services performed on faces.  Patrons will be permitted to remove their mask while receiving services directly.  The mask must be worn by the patron at all other times while on the premise.

Extracurricular Activities (school and club sponsored)
Fan attendance for all indoor youth extracurricular activities is limited to household members of participants only.