RICKETTS: Nebraska will not be adopting CDC mask guidance

"It’s time for the CDC and the government to get out of the way, and to stop trying to tell people how to live their lives," Ricketts said.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Pete Ricketts on Tuesday issued a scathing statement in response to new masking guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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“The CDC’s new guidance suggesting that vaccinated people wear masks indoors flies in the face of the public health goals that should guide the agency’s decision making,” Ricketts said. “The CDC announcement only furthers the distrust many have with the CDC and does not help to encourage more people to get the vaccines that are helping bring the pandemic to a conclusion.  The State of Nebraska will not be adopting their mask guidance.”

Ricketts also said he expects school and universities should be in-person without masks or vaccine requirements this fall.

“Nebraskans exercise personal responsibility for their own health, and are encouraged to have a conversation with their doctor about the vaccine,” he said, adding “It’s time for the CDC and the government to get out of the way, and to stop trying to tell people how to live their lives.”

Ricketts statement was issued during a briefing held by Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Director Pat Lopez in which she announced the COVID-19 Risk Dial is moving to a higher category for the first time since May.