Understanding the State's Directed Health Measure (05/04/2020)
Gov. Ricketts Announces Upcoming Changes to Directed Health Measures
As many of you may have seen our Governor has announced some changes coming down the pipeline for the Directed Health Measure in several Health Departments across the great State of Nebraska. One of the Health Departments listed as being able to be start some sort of relaxation of restrictions is our Health Department (Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department). Below is what going forward will look like for the foreseeable future, until new guidance is put out.
These Changes will take effect beginning May 4, 2020:
- Places of worship (Churches, Synagogues, Mosques, Temples, etc.)
- Places of worship will have relaxed DHM requirements statewide beginning on May 4, 2020.
- They will need to ensure six- feet of separation between different household.
- It will not be permissible to pass items among worshippers.
- Salons
- As of May 4, 2020, beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, and tattoo parlors/studios will be permitted to open. These establishments will be added to the list of gatherings subject to the 10-person rule.
- The new DHM will require both workers and patrons of these establishments to wear masks.
- Restaurants
- As of May 4, 2020, restaurants will be allowed to serve dine-in customers if all of the following conditions are met:
- The restaurant limits seating to 50% of the rated occupancy maximum at all times.
- The restaurant seats parties at least six feet apart.
- All dining parties are restricted to no more than six persons.
- Parties larger than six will need to sit at separate tables.
- Self-serve buffets and salad bars are prohibited.
- Restaurant staff must serve food directly to customers.
- Bar seating is not permitted.
- Patrons may only consume alcohol on the premises, if also consuming a meal.
- Bars that do not serve food will remain limited to carry-out sales and delivery only.
- Childcare Facilities
- As of May 4, 2020, childcare facilities will be permitted to have up to 15 kids per room/space.
- All other state provisions, statutes, and regulations (including child-to-staff ratios) still apply.
- Other Establishments
- Gentlemen’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theaters, indoor playhouses will remain closed statewide thru May 31, 2020, although the State may revise the DHM prior to that date.
- Parks
- Can open for walking paths and trails but must maintain six-foot social distancing rule between people.
- Playground equipment will remain closed to the public thru May 31, 2020, although the State may revise the DHM prior to that date.
- Park shelters can open but must adhere to the no more than 10 person rule and the six-foot social distancing rule.
- Swimming Pool(s)
- More guidance to come on this as we get closer to the normal opening of water parks, splashpads, and swimming pools.
- Organized Sports, Clubs Sports, and Activities
- Shall remain prohibited until after May 31, 2020 with further guidance to come as we get closer to this date.
GOVERNOR RICKETTS REMINDERS:
- I also want to remind people that regardless of these changes we will still be doing some level of social distancing (at least the six-foot rule) until we have a vaccine.
- Just because we are able to relax some measures, does not mean life returns to normal.
- We will continue to protect our healthcare system so that Nebraskans receive the treatment they need if they become infected with COVID-19.