Nebraska is moving from the “blue” to “green” phase of its coronavirus pandemic response plan, the lowest level at midnight tonight.
The trigger for dropping down to green is a 7-day rolling average of fewer than 10% of the state’s manned hospital beds housing COVID-19 patients.
Green eases more restrictions including allowing indoor gatherings to reach 100% of a venue’s capacity, including for youth extracurricular activities, although events with 500 or more people still need to be approved by the local health department.
Quarantine rules are also eased. Those who’ve received both doses of the COVID vaccine don’t need to quarantine after a close contact, just wear a mask and self-monitor for 14 days.
Nebraskans who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months don’t need to quarantine or self-monitor, although they’re encouraged to monitor for symptoms.
Gov Ricketts’ executive order giving public bodies the option to meet virtually by videoconference or teleconference remains in effect through the end of April.