Nebraska’s having a ‘Blue’ Christmas

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Coronavirus restrictions in Nebraska to relax significantly after Governor Pete Ricketts announced our ‘blue’ status.

This status is based on a seven-day rolling average of Nebraska’s hospital capacity, as outlined by Gov. Ricketts mid-November:

• ‘Green’ means 2% or less of hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients.
• ‘Blue’ means 10% or less of hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients.
• ‘Yellow’ means 15% or less of hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients.
• ‘Orange’ means 20% or less of hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients.
• ‘Red’ means 25% or less of hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients.

Here are the main changes that come with the looser “Blue” status:

• Seating persons in groups of 8 or less returns to guidance for restaurants, bars, wedding/funeral receptions, and other venues.
• The requirement for individuals at bars and restaurants to be seated unless ordering food, using the restroom or playing games returns to guidance.
• The maximum capacity for indoor gatherings goes from 50% to 75%.
• Only certain venues where people convene are considered “gatherings” under the State’s DHMs. Go to dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus and click on “Directed Health Measures” for details.
• Elective surgeries can resume without restriction.

See also: Gov. Pete Ricketts on Friday outlined restrictions that could be imposed if Nebraska’s hospital capacity continues to decrease.

However, current guidance and local restrictions remain in place.