Wednesday, April 1
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Good morning,
Today’s top stories include unemployment claims that keep climbing, schools that will stay closed through May 31 and Nebraska’s fifth Covid-19 death.
Your top local stories
- New data from the Nebraska Department of Labor shows an additional 8,872 applied for unemployment benefits, bringing the total to 24,572.
A New York Times analysis found many Nebraskans did not change their behavior to combat the spread of Covid-19.
- Douglas County ranked in the top 20 of counties that still moved normally with residents traveling an average of 2.1 miles a day.
In Omaha
- As April arrives, many tenants worry about rent coming due. Nebraska has only voluntarily asked landlords to suspend evictions.
- Traffic is down and life has definitely slowed in Omaha, but according to a social distancing scorecard that rates Omaha at a “C-” we could do more.
- Area businesses are continuing to adapt to growing needs. An area ethanol plant has started producing hand sanitizer. A Millard sportswear store is also producing face masks.
- The Omaha Police Department said people found violating public health directives could receive citations.
- Creighton has started preparing its dorms for those who need to quarantine or self isolate.
- Staff still working at the Henry Doorly Zoo are taking extra care when working with primates as they’re the only animal believed to be susceptible to coronavirus.
Around the State
- Gov. Ricketts directed schools on Wednesday not to return to their buildings through May 31. This also effectively ends Spring sports for high schools.
- A woman from Norfolk in her 70s became the state’s fifth person to die from Covid-19.
- Gov. Ricketts to hold daily press briefing at 2 p.m.
What to do during quarantine?
From our list of ideas to help us pass the time and stay engaged.
Be The Ball, Danny.
All of Omaha’s municipal golf courses are open as of print time. Visit the City of Omaha website Parks and Recreation page to scout the city’s four public 18-hole courses and four 9-hole courses.
What’s happening in the United States?
Thousands of ventilators provided by the U.S. government or inoperable
- Though the United States has a stockpile of about 10,000 of the lifesaving machines, an additional 2,109 are unavailable due to a contract lapse for those who maintain them.
National unemployment claims double from last weeks unfathomable high
- More people have applied in the past six weeks than in six months during the Great Recession.
What’s happening across the world?
World’s death toll nears 1 million
- Spain had its highest death toll on Tuesday as the world nears a grim figure and the United States enter what’s likely to be its peak month.
Check out more coverage online at TheReader.com
The Omaha Reader
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Omaha, NE 68107