Lancaster, Saunders, and Dodge counties are now under enforceable public gathering restrictions until May 6, prompting restaurants and bars in those areas to close dining areas and immediately move their businesses to carry-out, delivery, or curbside service "until further notice."
Governor Pete Ricketts on Wednesday updated his Directed Health Measure to include those three counties.
The order also extends the previous deadline for Washington County to May 6. The county was previously included in the measure affecting Cass, Douglas, and Sarpy counties, which is set to expire April 30.
Ricketts also said he would issue an executive order suspending evictions for tenants affected by COVID-19 for the next 90 days.
Ricketts says it's intended to help only those tenants who have been directly impacted by coronavirus, such as those who have lost their jobs or are forced to stay home to care for children whose schools have closed because of COVID-19 concerns.