Senator Albrechts Weekly Update

Photo courtesy Nebraska Legislature

April 15th, 2021 | Dewey Nelson

107TH LEGISLATURE, 1ST SESSION – DAY 62

MEDAL OF HONOR HIGHWAY
Last year Beverly Neel and I had the privilege of joining other residents of District 17 to celebrate the completion of the newly named Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway (U.S.20). On May 11th, Ken Hanel and Daryl Harrison will join others to walk across the Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway in an event called, Walk the Walk. There will also be amotorcycle convoy participating in the festivities. You are invited to join the motorcycles, Walk the Walk with Ken and Daryl, or you may wish to simply attend the Christening of the highway at 5:30 pm in Siouxland Freedom Park. It will be a patriotic day to remember. Medal of Honor Recipient James C. McCloughan of Michigan will sing the National Anthem. Governor Ricketts has been invited to introduce James McCloughan and Charles Hagemeister, one of only two living Nebraska Medal of Honor Recipients. Both Medal of Honor Recipients will be speaking and then will christen the Nebraska Medal of Honor Highway. For more information contact Nebraska Medal of Honor Foundation, President Daryl Harrison at (402)922-1329 Pheasant55@harrisonwoc.com.

IMPROVEMENT ON US HIGHWAY 77
The Nebraska Department of Transportation is planning to improve approximately 5.57 miles of US-Highway 77 (US-77) located in Thurston County. The proposed project, identified as N-94- Winnebago, would be constructed primarily under traffic with lane closures controlled by appropriate traffic control devices; however, a detour would be required for the construction of two bridge-size culverts.

The proposed project would begin approximately 0.18 miles north of the junction of US-77 and Nebraska Highway 94 (N-94) at about mile marker (MM) 163.91, and extend north to MM 169.48, approximately 0.06 miles south of the junction of US-77 and US-75.

Proposed improvements on US-77 would consist of milling and resurfacing the roadway and surfaced shoulders with asphalt, bridge repairs and removing and replacing guardrail. Improvements to the bridge-size box culverts over unnamed streams at MM 165.41, 166.71 and 169.45 would consist of replacing the existing structure with a concrete box culvert, removing existing guardrail, grading, and full-depth pavement as needed where the existing structure is removed.

Construction could begin as early as Spring of 2023 and could be completed by Winter of 2024. Any questions or comments or further information regarding the project may also be found by visiting the4 NDOT website at http:dot.nebraska.gov/projects/future-projects/ and clicking on the “N-94-Winnebago”.

NEBRASKA- A “SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY STATE”
On April 14th, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that he had signed a proclamation designating Nebraska as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary State.” The proclamation is symbolic, and reaffirms Nebraska’s support for the right to bear arms. “The White House and U.S. Congress have announced their intention to pursue measures that would infringe on the right to keep and bear arms,” says Governor Ricketts’ proclamation. “Nebraska will stand up against federal overreach and attempts to regulate gun ownership and use in the Good Life.”

Governor Ricketts’ proclamation comes as over 50 Nebraska counties have passed resolutions of support for the Second Amendment that declare themselves as Second Amendment Sanctuary Counties. My office spoke with Wayne, Thurston and Dakota County Clerks and they are each currently considering a resolution as well. More information can be found at https://www.nebraskafirearms.org/.

SCHOOL BONDING AUTHORITY
This week the Revenue Committee sent my bill, LB523, School Bonding Authority, to the Floor. We continue to be “inundated” as elected officials by citizens concerned over high property taxes. One way this body can assist taxpayers is to assure, when possible, they are directly included in decisions of major spending when tax increases are necessary. Historically in Nebraska, when a necessity was deemed by a local school board to build new school structure or expand existing structures, we have held elections to fund those projects. When I vote for a local school board member, I have always believed I was giving that person the authority to make policy, hire staff, purchase supplies, pay utilities through the general fund, and maintain the existing school structure through use of depreciation funds included in their reserves. I have never believed that I was giving that individual the authority to build new school structures without my approval through an election. The intent in bringing this LB523 was simple. I wanted to give the citizens a vote on major local tax decisions.

RURAL-BASED BROADBAND FUNDING ADVANCED
LB338, which would give rural customers more input on their broadband carriers, was advanced from Select File this week. To qualify for consideration by the Public Service Commission (PSC), a rural-based plan must include an eligible telecommunications company. The plan would be judged on the company’s history and service capability in the area, as well as local support, partnerships with local public power and wireless internet service providers and cooperation by the incumbent local exchange carrier that has lost support from the commission.

A plan approved under the provisions of LB338 by the PSC would include a deployment timeline to include periodic milestones and reporting requirements from the telecommunications company. The bill would require any recipient of ongoing high-cost financial support from the universal service fund to submit to broadband service speed tests by the PSC. Any universal service funds distributed for new broadband infrastructure construction would be directed to projects that provide service scalable to 100 Mbps or greater of upload speed. Additionally, any political subdivision that receives federal funding for broadband service enhancement would be required to provide service scalable to 100 Mbps or greater for both upload and download speed.

The bill would ensure no federal funding could be used to expand broadband service in locations already capable of 100 Mbps or greater for both upload and download speed. Following the 36-0 adoption, Senators advanced the bill to Final Reading on a voice vote.

NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HEALTH STANDARDS
Recently the Nebraska Department of Education released a draft of the Nebraska Health Education Standards. I strongly encourage you to read the standards and inform yourself about new content that is being considered.

Take some time to review the entire document for yourself and let the State Department of Education know what you think.
A draft Health Education Standards are available for review at:
https://www.education.ne.gov/healthed/health-education-standards-development/
You can contribute your feedback at:
https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8dI1y2pRSfXlG8R
Or members of the public can submit a formal comment by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov.

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19
The number of positive tests reported for the periods April 8, 2021 to April 15, 2021 in District 17 are as follow:
Dakota County +33 (4050)
Thurston County: +1 (1158)
Wayne County: +5 (1120)

I want to thank several of our District 17 Constituents who either contacted my office, or took the time to answer important questions that enabled me to bring accurate information to the floor debate this week. Your input and perspective helps shape legislation in this state and I really appreciate each of you. As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at 402-471-2716 or jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.

December 8th, 2020 | Beth Rogers

WEEKLY UPDATE December 7, 2020

As this update is being written, it is December 7. Today we reflect on the unprovoked attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and we remember the 2,403 United States citizens who were killed in the surprise attack that day. President Roosevelt described December 7, 1941 as “A day that will live in infamy.” Each December 7 there are events across the country to remember our citizens. Along with others, I remember those citizens and mourn their loss. I also mourn the loss of the sense of security experienced by residents of the United States on that day. I join many in the commitment to do what I can do to remember, learn, and prevent such an attack from ever happening again. I salute those who served then and those who serve now to keep our country safe.

Back on the Job: I truly never leave the job of your State Senator behind. A huge part of serving you is being present in District 17, to meet and listen to the people and businesses here and to live under the laws I help create when at the Capitol. Meanwhile, my staff and I work over the phone and occasionally in person to prepare for the upcoming Session. I spent some time in Lincoln this past week, meeting with my colleagues and other individuals as we look forward to the 2021 Legislative Session currently scheduled to convene on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. There are discussions about what convening for the 107th Legislature will look like and roll out in a manner designed to keep the Senators, staff, and public as safe as possible. Remember that every bill introduced by lawmakers must be given a public hearing, so it is important that the State provide a safe environment and opportunities for you, the public, to be heard. Remember that you are always invited to testify live or submit letters to Committees considering legislation that is of interest to you. While in Lincoln, I also met with various people about results of studies and potential bills going forward. Some you will likely hear about as we move into and through the 2021 Session.

Last week’s visit also included meetings of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. The first meeting was a joint meeting of the Committee and the Appropriations Committee. We received information about the State’s highway needs and accomplishments for 2020.

In a second meeting, the Committee heard from the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) in a 911 service system briefing. The 911 service system is the next generation 911. The is a nationwide standard system that enhances voice and multi-media caller and 911 center communication and enables communications to be sent on to local to local dispatchers for resolution. Northeast Nebraska is the last leg of getting the entire state online with the system, which the PSC reported should be completed in 2021.
COVID-19 State Response Update.

The Governor held press briefings regarding the State’s response to COVID-19 on Wednesday, December 2, Friday, December 4, and Monday, December 7, 2020.
Joining the Governor at the December 7 briefing was University of Nebraska Ted Carter.

The Governor again reminded us of the importance of taking precautions to slow down the spread of the coronavirus, including social distancing six feet, wearing a mask when in contact with the public, frequent hand washing and staying home if you are sick. Speaking about the season of holiday shopping, the Governor asked that we try to shop alone and only once a week. As he said, this is a good time to be extra careful with holidays approaching to take precautions that can help protect our families and reduce chances for illness over the holiday itself.

Hospitalizations again decreased over the weekend. If Nebraska continues to see progress, the Governor noted that the State will be able to move into a less critical phase and revise current restrictions accordingly. As of Monday morning’s report, the hospital bed availability was:

32% of hospital beds available
30% of ICU beds are available
68% ventilators available

Tools to help protect the hospital availability in Nebraska include avoiding the 3 “C”s – close contact, crowds, and confined spaces. Wash hands frequently, sanitize hands and surfaces, social distance, and wear a mask when around others. If you are experiencing symptoms, get tested.

Did you know that TestNebraska has returned back nearly 499,000 tests? As a reminder, the test is available to anyone who wants to sign up at www.testnebraska.com <http://www.testnebraska.com>.

University of Nebraska news. Joining the Governor at Monday’s press briefing was University of Nebraska President Ted Carter. They both spoke of the University’s success with in-person classes and effective safety measures.

President Green first thanked Legislature for supporting the University of Nebraska budget this past year. He reported that the Nebraska University system was one of the first universities in the country to announce a re-opening and to welcome students back to campus. The University did so all while keeping a close eye on protecting students, faculty, and staff safety. Unlike many universities seeing drops in enrollment, Nebraska saw a 1% overall increase in enrollment that included a 2% in students from Nebraska enrolling. The University was able to hold back tuition costs for two years running and to reduce online tuition costs as the need for online classes has increased. The University has developed in-person and online learning programs as well as hybrid programs that combine the two.

President Carter offered that one of the most strategic things the University did was take a look at the academic calendar and bring students back a week early, with all students returned to campus by August 24. This adjustment created an opportunity for most students to finish all course work and exams by Thanksgiving break. The University is considering that as students are returning later in January than usual, they will be an expectation to increase testing, exploring full student attendance and perhaps having each student get tested before returning. Looking at the fall numbers, requests for enrollment applications are up 7% for the 2021 Fall Semester and there are examples of the creation of the $2 million Career Scholarship Program, which helps bridge the gap in needed high-skilled occupations keeping and bringing Nebraska’s talented young people to complete studies in the State. Hearing about what’s happening at the University, we will be visiting with leadership at Wayne State College and Northeast Community College in Norfolk and West Point to get news on campus status.

The Governor will be holding future press briefings on Wed. Dec. 9, and Friday, December 11. The briefings can be viewed live on many channels, including NET TV, as well as on Facebook and other social media sites. Summaries can be found at the Governor’s website.

COVID-19 numbers in District 17
The number of positive tests reported for the periods November 28, and December 4, 2020 in District 17 are as follow:
Dakota County: +175 (3317)
Thurston County: + 31 (711)
Wayne County: +36 (813)

Legislative Look ahead: As I mentioned above, I was in Lincoln for a couple of days last week. In addition to my colleagues, I met with various people about topics for consideration as we begin the new Session. For instance, I met with representatives from the Nebraska Ethanol Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska to discuss the report on my Interim Study (LR373) about the state of Ethanol production and use in the State and steps that might be taken to increase production in Nebraska, and use both inside and outside of Nebraska. We are exploring important steps to obtain more complete information about the breakdown of Ethanol blends currently being sold in Nebraska. Look for more details, as well as details on issues of interest being considered in future newsletters.

As always, it is of great importance that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me and I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by phone at 402-471-2716 or by email at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov <mailto:jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov>

Nebraska lawmakers participate in final readings of bills, in Lincoln, Neb., Friday, April 9, 2010. Aggressive new restrictions to ban abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy received second-round approval in the Nebraska Legislature on Friday. After the vote, lawmakers will need to approve the measure just once more before sending it to Gov. Dave Heineman, who is expected to sign it. It would limit abortions based on assertions fetuses feel pain at 20 weeks. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

November 10th, 2020 | Office of Joni Albrecht

Election Day has come and gone-at least for Nebraska. The year 2020 has been very different than any we have ever known and the election cycle has been no different. In District 17 for instance, the registered voters in rural Wayne County voted by mail while registered voters in the City of Wayne voted had the traditional poll open for in-person voting on Election Day. Candidates campaigned different throughout the nation and state, as well. Door-to-door voter contact was replaced with campaign car cruises, car rallies, or boat rallies across the country. As for me, I greatly missed the opportunities to meet and talk with more of my neighbors during our typical fair season. Nothing was typical, yet we moved through it together. Our families laughed, loved, and eventually harvested. And, we voted.

Election night was a late night for results in our area. Vote counts came in around 10:30 p.m. from Wayne County, and 12:30 a.m. Wednesday for Thurston and Dakota Counties. For me, it was worth the wait and I thank each person who took part. According to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office, 74.87% of registered voters in Wayne County cast ballots, turnout was 54.49% in Thurston County, and 61.25% in Dakota County. Each person in District 17 who exercised their patriotism and right to vote should be commended for turning out in such a significant way. I extend a special thank you for the incredible vote of confidence in electing me to represent you again for the next four years. Again, according the Secretary of State’s updated website, I received 68.29%, or 4,155 of the 6,084 votes cast in Dakota County; 65.89%, or 1,393 of the 2,114 votes cast in Thurston County, and 68.86%, or 2,746 of the 3,988 votes cast in Wayne County, for a total of 68.06%, or 8,294 out of 12,186 votes cast in all of District 17. It has been such an honor and a privilege to serve Dakota, Thurston, and Wayne counties in northeast Nebraska. There is much to do in the next four years and I look forward to hearing your concerns and being your voice on issues facing the District and our State in the Legislature.

Legislative Look ahead: Expect to see some familiar issues addressed right away when bills are introduced in the first ten days of the 2021 Session. There will certainly be some focus on the impact of the pandemic on the State’s economy, education, and on families. Fortunately, Nebraska has exceeded revenue forecasted numbers. In light of the protests, riots, and unrest this summer throughout the nation and in parts of Nebraska, I expect we will also focus on public safety and law and order.

My office has been working on issues surrounding public safety, protecting our children, ethanol production, expanding rural broadband access, and further tax relief. These are the issues that best describe what you can expect to see me champion in this upcoming session. In some cases, I will introduce bills, in others I expect to join my colleagues to develop common-sense and practical solutions that help but do not further burden taxpayers.
Concerns about public safety and law and order seen across the nation have also been part of the Nebraska discussion.

As I mentioned several weeks ago, I intend to introduce legislation to improve public safety and give our law enforcement, first responders, and others the tools they need to keep themselves safe while they work to protect our families, businesses, and communities. I have circulated a summary of the bill amongst stakeholders for review and have already received feedback. As currently structured, the bill will penalize rioting, inciting rioting, and assaulting first responders by throwing items including bodily fluids or toxic substances or by other means. It also increases penalties for certain crimes committed against the person or property of public safety officers, or threatening public safety by blocking public roadways or other public ways.

I also intend to re-introduce legislation bringing greater transparency and public access to government meetings and to introduce one or more bills designed to protect children in District 17 and throughout the State from obscenity and abuse. These are all areas of concern that I feel strongly about, and that I believe most of my colleagues feel strongly about, as well. I plan to describe each of my bills in more detail in my weekly update as I get closer to introducing them in the 2021 Session.

COVID-19 update: Nebraska, along with many other states, has seen an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 tests, and related hospitalizations. My office and the Governor’s office continue to monitor the number of positive tests, and the beds available for potential hospitalizations. Like you, we are hearing that companies are developing vaccines that will hopefully be available soon. Even so, the first line of defense is each of us.

To slow the spread and potentially avoid infection, it is important that we avoid the “Three Cs” outlined by the Governor: 1) crowded places; 2) close contacts, and 3) confined spaces.”

At a press briefing on November 5, the Governor also reinforced the importance of basic health habits of frequent hand washing and staying at home when feeling ill. Dr. Gary Anthone, Director of Public Health for the State joined the Governor at the briefing and announced a campaign of Public Service Announcement (PSA) in English and Spanish, on radio, in print, and through digital media to encourage Nebraska residents to follow the health safety practices.

On Monday, November 9, 2020, the Governor discussed increased hospitalizations and announced a new Directed Health Measure (DHM) effective Wednesday, November 11, 2020 in an effort to keep resources available. He reported currently there are 31% of hospital beds available, 31% of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds available, and 71% of ventilators statewide. The new DHM re-institutes some previous restrictions requiring 1). Six foot (6’) separation in businesses.
2). Masks must be worn in businesses where 6’ separation is not possible, like salons, massage therapists, tattoo parlors, etc.
3). Bars, restaurants, places of worship, and businesses must provide 6’ distance between groups, with groups not exceeding eight (8) persons. In bars and restaurants, patrons must remain at tables unless using restrooms, ordering food, or playing games, in which case, patrons must wear masks. Groups seated at tables should not be more than eight (8) people.

4). Gatherings: Indoor venues are again restricted to 25% rated occupancy. This includes arenas, and other entertainment, and wedding venues. Dancing is restricted to tableside dancing at wedding events and recitals where distancing requirements can be observed.

5). Attendance at extra-curricular sports activities is limited to family of athletes and media; and
6). Outdoor gatherings remain at 100% rated occupancy, with distancing requirements and consultation with local health officials for crowds of 500 or more in any venue, 1,000 in Omaha/Douglas County.

DISTRICT 17 COVID-19 numbers: The following numbers of positive tests were reported and received by District 17 health departments for the period October 31 through November 6, 2020:
Dakota County: +105 (2633)
Thurston County: +83 (496)
Wayne County: +103 (506)

Senator Albrechts Weekly Update

October 20th, 2020 | Beth Rogers

The Nebraska Manufacturing Industry Database has some news that includes mention of industry and businesses in District 17. Residents, farmers, and ranchers in all of rural Nebraska realize that food products are a large and important part of our state’s employment and economy. Did you know that food and kindred products lead Nebraska industries in employment numbers, employing 32% of all workers in the state? The largest manufacturing employer in the State, as reported by the database, is our own Tyson Fresh Meats in Dakota City, which employs approximately 4,000 people. This places Dakota City in the number five spot for cities with the most manufacturing jobs.
ELECTION 2020. My office has been receiving calls and emails from District 17 residents with questions about voting in the November 3 election. We reached out to get the information requested and put it all in one place for residents’ convenience.

Dakota County:

In-person:
· Early voting is taking place up until November 2, at the County Clerk/Election Office, 1601 Broadway, Dakota City.
· Election Day, November 3, 2020. In person voting will be available in the 13 precincts located throughout the county. Vote-by-mail ballots cannot be received at these locations.

Vote-by-mail: Registered voters were sent cards by the Secretary of State inviting them to request a vote-by-mail ballot if desired. An estimated 2,121 ballots have been requested and sent out to date.

· It is important to note that if a voter has received a vote-by-mail ballot, it cannot be turned in at a voter precinct! Also, ballots must be received in the Election Commissioner’s Office no later than 8:00 pm on Election Day November 3.

· October 23 is the last date these can be requested and sent out to voters.

· Three Options for returning vote-by-mail ballots. After signing the outside of the envelope, voters can:

1. Returned by mail. It is recommended that this be done as early as possible to allow timely delivery. If sent by mail, ballots must be received at the Election Commission’s USPS box at PO Box 39, Dakota City, 68731 by November 3.

2. Deposit in Drop Box in front of the Courthouse at 1601 Broadway.

The locked Drop Box provided by the Secretary of State is monitored by camera and is checked twice a day. The last check to gather ballots from the Drop Box will be at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day November 3.
3. Drop off in person at the County Clerk/Election Office in the Courthouse at 1601 Broadway by 8:00 p.m. Election Day.

Thurston County:

In Person:
· Early voting is available for voters until November 2, 2020 in the Clerk’s Office at the Thurston County Courthouse, 106 S. 5th St., Pender,
· Election Day, November 3, in person voting will be available at usual precincts. Vote-by-mail: Postcards were sent to all registered voters by the Secretary of State offering an opportunity for residents to request a vote-by-mail ballot. As of Friday, October 16, 2020, the Commissioner reported there had been approximately 700 vote-by-mail requests received and ballots sent as a result.

· October 23 is the last date these can be requested and sent out to voters.

· Three Options for returning vote-by-mail ballots. After signing the outside of the envelope, voters can:

2. Deposit in Drop Box located on south side of Courthouse at 106 S. 5th St. (alleyway). The locked Drop Box provided by the Secretary of State is monitored by camera and is checked daily. There are cameras on the courthouse. The last check to gather ballots from the Drop Box will be at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day November 3.

3. Drop off in person at the Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse at 106 S. 5th St. by 8:00 p.m. Election Day, November 3.

Wayne County: This is the first year that rural Wayne County voters can vote only by mail unless they voted in person before last Wednesday, October 14. This change was requested by the Wayne County Election Commissioner after letters and cards asking for voter feedback on the issue came back overwhelmingly in favor of the process several years ago. The Secretary of State approved Commissioner Finn’s request and, beginning in 2020, all voters who have not voted at the Election Commission Office in person before October 14, 2020, MUST VOTE BY MAIL. Ballots were mailed out on October 14. Voters in the City of Wayne can vote in person or by mail.

In-Person:
· Early voting for any resident of Wayne County was available until October 14, 2020, when ballots were mailed out. Early voting for registered voters in the City of Wayne can vote in person until November 2 at the County Clerk/Commissioner’s Office at 510 Pearl St.

· Election Day November 3, 2020. Registered voters in the City of Wayne can vote in person at the District 1 Wayne County Shop, 515 Thorman in Wayne.
Vote by Mail: Beginning this year, with the exception of residents of the City of Wayne and early voters, Wayne County residents must vote by mail. Postcards and letters about the vote-by-mail process were sent every voter in rural Wayne County, explaining the process. Ballots were mailed out to all registered voters in the rural county that had not voted before October 14.

· If you did not early vote and you are not a resident of the City of Wayne, YOU MUST VOTE BY MAIL. Your ballot was mailed out on Wednesday, October 14.
If you do not receive your ballot in the mail by this Friday, October 23, you can call the Wayne County Election Commissioner’s office at 402.375.2288 to request a duplicate be sent. Or, you can appear in person to pick up a duplicate at 515 Thorman in Wayne.

· Residents of the City of Wayne can vote by mail if a ballot has been requested and received.

· Three Options to return your vote-by-mail ballot. After signing the outside of the envelope:

1. Return by mail. It is recommended that this be done as early as possible to allow timely delivery. Ballots must be received in the Election Commissioner’s office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

1. Deposit in Drop Box located on the north side of the Courthouse at 510 Pearl St., Wayne. The locked Drop Box provided by the Nebraska Secretary of State is in view of cameras on the Courthouse. Election officials check the box and obtain deposited ballots nearly hourly. Final check will be at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day November 3.

2. Drop off in person at the Clerk’s Office in the Courthouse at 510 Pearl St. by 8:00 p.m. Election Day, November 3.

DISTRICT 17 COVID by the numbers. October 10 through October 16, 2020:
Dakota: +90 (2457)
Thurston: +15 (350)
Wayne: +61 (314)

Due to the rising number of positive COVID-19 tests in Nebraska, on Friday, October 16, Governor Ricketts announced a new Directed Health Measure (DHM) that goes into effect on October 21 and imposes some restrictions related to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Nebraska. Protecting the capacity of hospitals and other healthcare facilities to care for COVID-19 and other patients remains the priority. Therefore, under the new DHM, hospitals must maintain a ten percent (10%) cushion for beds in Intensive Care Units (ICU) in order to schedule elective surgeries and procedures. The new DHM also returns to limiting restaurants and bars, currently able to operate at 75% capacity to pull back to 50% rated capacity, and limiting small groups at tables to eight (8) persons or fewer.

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