Ricketts, Quarantining, Asks Nebraskans to Help Contact Tracers

Nov. 10, 2020, 4:59 p.m. ·

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Gov. Pete Ricketts speaks via Zoom at a news conference Tuesday (Photo by Fred Knapp, NET News)

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Governor Pete Ricketts, quarantining because of exposure to someone with COVID-19, asked Nebraskans Tuesday to cooperate with contact tracers to help slow the spread of the disease.


Appearing via Zoom at a previously scheduled news conference, Gov. Pete Ricketts led off by explaining why he wasn’t there in person.

“On Sunday evening we had three friends over for dinner. We did it outside, but one of the folks who came over for dinner since has tested positive so Susanne and I are now quarantining for the next 14 days,” Ricketts said.

Susanne is First Lady Susanne Shore. The governor said he’s feeling good and symptom free, as is the first lady, according to his office.

Ricketts asked Nebraskans to cooperate when they are called by tracers who contact people who have tested positive or been in close contact with them.

“Please remember – they’ve got tough jobs, making these phone calls, talking to people. A lot of people are obviously not pleased when they find out they’ve tested positive. And just allow a little space for grace, please. Please treat them with dignity and respect. (When) they make that phone call to you, they’re just trying to do their jobs. They’re just trying to keep us all healthy,” he said.

Dr. Gary Anthone, the state’s chief medical officer, said the pandemic is wearing on the state’s health care professionals, too.

“Initially it was more of a physical fatigue. And now I’m seeing and hearing more about more of a mental fatigue. In either case, it’s becoming very hard on our health care professionals. But they’re doing a fantastic job and I want to thank every one of them for their efforts,” he said.

Dr. Anthone also announced a website where nurses can connect with facilities that need them: center4nursing.nebraska.gov.