Ricketts to relax 1st coronavirus restriction on surgeries

LINCOLN - Nebraska will take a first step toward relaxing its statewide coronavirus restrictions on May 4 by allowing hospitals to resume elective surgeries if they meet certain conditions.

Gov. Pete Ricketts says he will lift the state’s ban on elective surgeries for hospitals that have at least 30% of their beds, intensive-care unit space and ventilators available.

Hospitals must also have at least two weeks worth of personal protective equipment in stock for employees before can resume surgeries.

Ricketts says the order also applies to veterinary and dental services.