A seventh Washington County resident has died due to COVID-19, according to the Three Rivers Public Health Department.
The resident was a woman in her 80s.
The health department, which serves Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties, is continuing to see cases within the health district.
“COVID-19 is spreading in Nebraska. We need everyone to take precautions as we move through these extraordinary times,” Executive Director Terra Uhing said.
Uhing encouraged residents to avoid the “Three Cs” — crowded places, close contact and confined spaces.
On Friday, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced changes to the state's directed health measures (DHMs) that will take effect Wednesday. The changes will remain in effect through Nov. 30.
The changes include:
Elective procedures/surgeries
• In order to continue elective procedures, hospitals must maintain at least 10% of their staffed general and ICU beds as reserve capacity to treat COVID-19 patients.
• Hospitals must continue to accept and treat COVID-19 patients and must not transfer COVID-19 patients to create capacity for elective procedures.
Bars and restaurants
• Patrons will be required to be seated while on premise unless they are placing an order, using the restroom or playing games.
• 100% of rate occupancy continues.
• Maximum of eight individuals in a party. Groups larger than eight will need to split into multiple tables.
Gatherings
• Indoor gatherings will be limited to 50% of rate occupancy (not to exceed 10,000)
• Outdoor gatherings will remain at 100% of rated occupancy (not to exceed 10,000)
• Gatherings include but are not limited to 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 eight individuals.
• Plans for reopening or expanding to new capacity limits must be submitted to the local health departments and approved for all indoor and outdoor locations/venues that hold 500 or more individuals before reopening is permitted.
Wedding and funeral reception venues
•Maximum of eight individuals in a party. Groups larger than eight will need to split into multiple tables.
• 100% of rated occupancy continues.
• Limited dances or other social events requiring guests to gather outside of their respective tables in guidance.
