News

Face masks are now being suggested for use by the Centers for Disease Control, to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

As stated on the CDC website, “...CDC recommends wearing cloth facing coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”

The six-foot social distancing is still strongly emphasized and important to slow the spread of the virus also.

People are suggested to wear cloth face masks and not surgical masks or N-95 respirators as the latter are critical supplies needed for healthcare workers and other medical responders.

Masks should:

• Fit snuggly but fit comfortably against the side of the face.

Less than a week after Clay County schools posted they would be closed through April 30, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced the closure of all Nebraska schools until May 31, ultimately ending the in-classroom 2019-20 school year for Clay County students.

Additionally, the Nebraska School Activities Association and Executive Director Jay Bellar also announced the cancellation of all remaining NSAA spring activity practices and competitions, including district and state.

The announcement of both did not come without some sadness for school staff and students.

“It is very sad and disheartening that we will not be able to finish the 2019-20 school year normally,” Harvard Public School Superintendent Michael Derr said.

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Nebraska’s counties have been placed under a direct health measure order (DHM) by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the DHM states its objectives are “to reduce morbidity and morality; minimize disease transmission; protect health care personnel and preserve health care system functioning.”

Nebraska Counties are placed under the order until May 11, “unless renewed, extended, or terminated by subsequent order.”

All persons are to abide by the following orders:

• Gatherings are prohibited: This includes any event or function that brings more than 10 people together, including schools, gyms, salons, fitness centers, weddings, funerals, fairs, concerts, etc.

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Sutton and Harvard was booming with activity Saturday, April 4, as each town hosted a cruise night. Lines of vehicles moved up and down Saunders Ave, waving and honking at others as they moved through Sutton. In Harvard, while various vehicles cruised throughout the streets, others, such as the Reutzel family—Emma, Kayla and Whitney—waved at drivers as they went by. TORY DUNCAN & ASHLEY D. SWANSON | CLAY COUNTY NEWS

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Clay County has transitioned to an all-mail county, which means for the Primary Election May 12, voters will need to send in their ballot through the mail or drop it off at the courthouse’s designated area.

The Primary Election ballot will include presidential, senate, congressional, Nebraska Public Power District subdivision 7, Upper Big Blue NRD subdistrict 5, and Harvard School Board.

Clay County Clerk Deb Karnatz said voters will not have everything on their ballots as it will depend what district they live in, whether they vote on the Upper Big Blue NRD and/or Harvard School District.

The HPS Board, which has eight people vying for three seats, will be the only Clay County race on the Primary Election Ballot. People hoping for one of the three spots include: Janet Hachtel, Bonnie Roberts, Texas Wagner, Cory Marshall, Michelle M. Callahan, Michael B. Nierman, Jerrold Hester, and Andrew Burbach.