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EMIL FROM THE STUDENTS AND PARENTS I HAVE SPOKEN WITH, A LOT OF THEM WERE EXPECTING THIS, BUT STILL FIND IT SURREAL IT I ACTUALLY HAPPENING. THE NEW MEASURE IS PUT IN PLACE BECAUSE OF THE SECOND CASE SPREAD IN THE COMMUNITY. THE MEASURE ALSO REQUIRES RESTAURANTS AND BARS TO CLOSE THEIR DINING AREAS AND ONLY ALLOW TO-GO OR DELIVERY ORDERS. AS FOR SCHOOLS, KIDS IN THOSE FOUR COUNTIES WE MENTIONED WILL NOW HAVE TO LEARN AT HOME FOR THE NEXT SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS. AN EIGHTH GRADER IN SARPY COUNTY SAYS SHE’LL MISS BEING IN CLASS. IT’S SORT OF SAD WE DON’T GET TO GO TO SCHOOL AND SEE OUR FRIENDS. AND WHILE LEARNING MAY NOT BE SUPER FUN, BUT SOMETIMES YOU ACTUALLY LEARN COOL THINGS AND SOMETIMES IT GETS HARDER WHEN YOU HAVE TO STAY HOME AND DO IT FROM THERE EMILY: THE DIRECTED HEALTH MEASURE WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL APRIL 30. IF THERE IS A COMMUNITY SPREA CORONAVIRUS CASE IN OTHER REGIONS OF THE STATE, THE GOVERNOR WILL ANNOUNCE MEASURE

Advertisement Ricketts closes schools, restricts restaurant, bar service for ﻿Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, Washington counties Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Gov. Pete Ricketts has instructed Nebraska schools to remain closed for six to eight weeks in Cass, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Ricketts' order marks Nebraska's first Directed Health Measure (DHM) for coronavirus disease. This comes following the discovery of a second case of COVID-19 acquired via community spread. The Directed Health Measure applies to all communities in Educational Service Units (ESU) #3 and #19 (Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties). It will be in effect until April 30, 2020. Schools in these areas are directed to operate without students in their buildings. This restriction does not apply to school staff working in school buildings. It's currently spring break for Papillion-La Vista Community schools, but once it's Monday, students will have to learn online and at home for the next six to eight weeks."I'm sad that we don't get to see our friends. I'm not super excited we get to stay home because all we get to do is stay in our house," said fifth-grader Bennett Christiansen."Sometimes you actually learn cool things," said Bennett's older sister, Sydney. "Sometimes it gets harder when you have to stay home and do it from there."Additionally, the measure requires restaurants and bars in the affected counties to close dining areas immediately and move to takeout service, delivery, and/or curbside service only.In Sarpy County, Bryon Compton at Graley's Creamery and Confections in downtown Papillion says his restaurant heavily relies on foot traffic for business."Every day it's a day-to-day thing. Every single day we're trying to figure out, do we close? Do we not close? Depending on the sales for this week," Compton said.At Ming's in Papillion, owner Ping Wang said he stays determined for his customers and employees."Nobody knows what tomorrow is going to bring. We just got to fight it together, stand together and get through it," Wang said. Full text of the DHM can be found by clicking here.