During this time of year, many people reflect on the things for which they are thankful. This year has certainly been one in which we need to remember to be thankful. The capacity of our staff to step up, show compassion and care for each other has been increasingly evident through this pandemic. Your flexibility, resiliency and determination have carried us in this uncertain time and we are so thankful for your willingness to do what it takes to serve Nebraska, the resources, and each other.
As we head into the winter and holiday season, we are again, asking you to do your part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in your families and in your communities. We are in a period right now where the virus is spreading unchecked throughout communities. Our medical professionals are stressing the importance of mitigating the spread to protect our hospitals’ ability to provide care. Rural hospitals are struggling to handle the surge of patients as cases continue to increase in most of our communities.
We know that traveling and gathering in groups increases the risk of viral spread, and we have taken several steps to mitigate this risk within our agency such as limiting travel and canceling in person meetings and gatherings. As many of you consider your plans for the holiday, we are asking you to continue to do your part. If traveling and spending time with extended family and friends are a part of your holiday plan, please seriously consider the consequences of those actions when you return.
We are asking you to continue to do your part to curb the spread. If your plans for the holiday include travel or if you plan to gather with family or friends outside of your household, please do your part to slow the spread. We would ask that you severely limit your contacts in the workplace following the holiday. If appropriate, talk to your supervisor about the possibility of working from home for a couple weeks or work only in the field and not in the office. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to protect each other and minimize the spread of the virus in Nebraska.
