"We're also doing additional sanitation and janitorial services to be able to help keep things clean," he said.

The key is having no more than 10 people in a group, he said. In a big building, workers can be safely spaced and "they're going to be just fine."

State workers process unemployment benefits and economic assistance applications, and serve Nebraskans in 24-hour facilities such as veterans homes, state regional centers and youth rehabilitation and treatment centers. And they work on state roads.

Hubly said many local offices such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Labor are still open to the public.

"While the services provided at these offices are important, there is no reason that these services can't be provided over the phone, or delayed until the crisis passes," Hubly said. "Encouraging the public to travel in person to a local office for service puts us all at unnecessary risk and will extend this crisis to more Nebraska families and communities."

Hubly said the $2 per hour differential is a small ask for the front-line workers putting their lives on the line to deliver critical services to the state.