OMAHA, Nebraska -
Update: Mayor Stothert released a statement that she is in agreement with an assessment made by Governor Pete Ricketts that limits group gatherings to 10.
Omaha has now limited the number of people at social gatherings, bars and restaurants.
Mayor Jean Stothert made the announcement Monday afternoon.
Stothert says, "As of today, we will limit events, public outings, mass gatherings to 50 and that includes bars and restaurants. That will greatly affect some of the planned events for St. Patrick's Day."
A State of Emergency Proclamation is being drafted but has not yet been announced that could include closing bars and restaurants, a curfew and other measures.
As of Monday at noon, there is one community spread case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Douglas County. If another is confirmed, a "non-pharmaceutical intervention" plan could be issued that would close all bars and restaurants until further notice.
There is also a proposed fund for city workers now who are not able to work due to illness or if they are taking care of sick relatives. This will provide payment for up to 80 hours leave.
Other announcements that will impact the city include the closing of walk-in traffic to the Douglas County Treasurer's offices starting Tuesday. The Douglas County Board of Supervisors will not meet for two weeks.
At Monday's news conference, Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour says there are two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in the county. One person likely contracted the illness through travel and the other through contact with another infected person. Dr. Pour says area hospitals are full as this is still the flu season. UNMC did open up two more floors. There are 18 cases in Douglas County and 20 statewide.
Photo courtesy of 6 News.