Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and State Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt did not present any firm plans at a Friday news conference to discuss reopening K-12 schools.
But, they did talk about state government's relationship with school districts and what they call a critical step to get children back in the classrooms.
Ricketts says having in - school instruction benefits them from a physical and nutritional standpoint, while self-isolation can be difficult for youngsters.
Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the Cornhusker State, but the Governor notes that hospital capacity numbers are good, and have been on a decline statewide since late May.
He says those hospital numbers are critical in school buildings opening up.
He added that in March, when schools closed, decision makers “didn’t know as much about the virus,” and he points to research showing children aren’t as vulnerable to COVID-19.
The governor and education commissioner both stress the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing.
However, mask mandates are being decided by individual school districts.
Ricketts has conferences scheduled for next week to continue discussing reopening of schools.