OMAHA, Nebraska - Omaha is in a State of Emergency. Mayor Jean Stothert signed that emergency order Wednesday afternoon following a second case of community spread COVID-19 coronavirus in Douglas County.
The Douglas County Health Department Board issued an order on Wednesday that all gatherings of more than 10 people is prohibited until April 30th.
Dr. Adi Pour says the community spread case is a 46 year old man who became ill on March 11th. He went to a hospital on March 15th and tested positive for COVID-19 on March 17th. He is showing signs of improvement but remains hospitalized. Dr. Pour says they cannot track where he contracted the virus. He had not been at public events, had not traveled or had been grocery shopping. Dr. Pour says changes could be made to the order as spread of the virus continues.
Omaha's State of Emergency is for 72 hours but an amendment was passed by the city Council that could extend that time frame. Mayor Stothert also signed an executive order to create a community advisory board for short term and long term assistance for those who are impacted by the virus.
With the order, Omaha Police and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department can issue citations to those who violate the 10 person limit.
Bars are closed and restaurants are carry-out, delivery or drive-thru only.
Dr. Pour says there are three additional travel related cases of COVID-19 coronavirus. A female in her 50's a man in his 60's and a man in his 40's. They had traveled to Europe, Denver and New York.
Photo courtesy of 6 News.