Coronavirus Concern Brings Speaker Advice, on Legislative Floor

BEATRICE – The warning about the COVID-19 virus extended to the floor of the Nebraska Legislature, Monday morning. Speaker Jim Scheer urged colleagues to take precautions as the Coronavirus continues to be a major health concern across the U.S.

"Continue to use preventative procedures on your own behalf. Wash your hands frequently....cover your mouth if you're going to sneeze or cough. If you are feeling ill.....please stay home. If you start to feel ill during the day, please leave".

A conference call was held Sunday afternoon on the COVID-19 virus, and a legislative briefing for state lawmakers and their staff members is planned for Tuesday morning at 8 o’clock, in the Warner Chamber at the Nebraska Capitol.

"We're trying to be proactive. This is not meant to be any type of scare tactic. No one is in any imminent danger, by any means, but we think it's important for everybody to understand exactly what we're dealing with, and how to go about dealing with it. Senator Hilgers and I and our staff are continuing to work to come up with contingency plans as we move forward, as well".

Scheer told colleagues to avoid shaking hands….saying “I know we’re all friends”, we don’t have to show it all the time.
Senator Mike Hilgers encouraged all senators to have contingency or continuity plans in place for their staff members.

"In the event that people become sick in your office, or there are preventative measures that require people to work from home, I would encourage you all to have plans in place that the work of your office continues".

Monday is the 37th day of the 60-day legislative session.