“The next several weeks will be key to slowing the spread of the virus in Nebraska. We are asking Nebraskans to further limit social interactions, work, go home, and shop once a week,” Ricketts said in a statement.

Sunday evening, the Central District Health Department reported the number of lab-confirmed cases had increased to 56, "a significant increase from the prior day's total."

It also reported it heard from the governor's office that more testing would be available by the end of the week, along with epidemiology staff to help with case contacts.

For most people, COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illnesses.

Ricketts has said some of Nebraska's rules are stricter than in other states such as Florida, where a stay-at-home order has been issued but religious gatherings of more than 10 people are still allowed.

He also said forcing businesses to close when they can still safely operate won’t necessarily keep the virus from spreading, particularly if companies are able to keep their workers separated.