Public Notice
Outline of Changes for Upcoming DHMs - PHASE II for Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties.

In an effort to reduce spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department (NNPHD) announces the implementation of UPDATED Directed Health Measures (DHM) under Executive Order by the Governor of Nebraska. These DHMs impact the counties of Cedar, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne Counties. This order becomes effective as of 12:00 A.M. on June 1, 2020.

The updated measures include such things as:

• Gatherings will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 25% of rated occupancy 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 (6) individuals.
    • Six (6) feet separation between groups must be maintained.

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.

• Fitness centers/clubs, gymnasiums, gyms, health clubs, and health spas, are limited to 25 people or 50% of rated occupancy (which ever is greater) and will be required to have a minimum distance of six ( 6) feet be maintained between all patrons.
• Beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, tattoo parlors/studios are required the use of masks for customers and employees.
  • An exception will be made for services provided by estheticians. 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.
• Dine-in establishments will still be restricted to no more than 50% of the rated occupancy maximum at a time. 
• All individuals returning from international travel only will be required to quarantine upon returning to Nebraska for 14 days.
• Contact sports like basketball, tackle football, soccer, wrestling, etc. remain prohibited.
  • Limited and Non-contact team sports including baseball, softball, and volleyball practices may begin June 1st.
  • Limited and Non-contact team sports including baseball, softball, and volleyball games may begin June 18th.
  • Rodeo events may also begin starting June 1st.
• Wedding & Funeral Reception Venues Will be limited to the greater of 25 people (excluding staff) or 50% of rated occupancy.
  • Six (6) feet separation between seating of different parties.
  • Maximum of six (6) individuals in a party (groups larger than six (6) will need to split into multiple tables).
  • Self-serve buffets and salad bars are prohibited. Venue staff must serve food directly to all individuals.
  • No dances or other social events that require guests to gather outside of their respective tables are permitted.

“Social Distancing continues to be our most effective tool to prevent the spread of this virus." states NNPHD Health Director, Julie Rother. "As the Directed Health Measures are relaxed please remember to use good social distancing practices such as wearing a face mask and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when you are out in public. We need to consider that anyone could be infectious with the virus, even those who do not have symptoms.”

There is a statewide coronavirus (COVID-19) information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed: (402) 552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Directed Health Measure Order 2020-NEHD-002 06.01.2020