One person has been killed and two others injured during a shooting at a Nebraska after dozens of people gathered in defiance of public health orders banning large crowds amid the coronavirus outbreak.
On Tuesday evening, Omaha Police were dispatched to Benson Park at 7002 Military Ave. following reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived at the scene, three people were found in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. One male victim was transported to Bergan Mercy Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
A second female victim taken to Bergan Mercy Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A third woman was sent to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where her injuries were also determined to be non-life threatening.
Omaha Police had been called to the park earlier in the evening because a large crowd had gathered to attend a barbecue, according to reports.
Police told local news sites that around 100 people were at the park, violating Omaha and Douglas County's health order limiting crowds to 10 people.
No further details about the victims or suspects have been released.
Police closed the park while the investigation into the shootings takes place.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at (402) 444-STOP, at www.omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app.
The public health order banning crowds of more than 10 people to help stop the spread of COVID-19 came into place on March 18 and is set to continue until at least April 30.
There are nearly 400,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world, with 12,910 deaths according to Johns Hopkins University. A total of 22,496 people have managed to recover from the virus.
The map below, provided by Statista, shows the confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world as of April 7.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advice on Using Face Coverings to Slow Spread of COVID-19
- CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- A simple cloth face covering can help slow the spread of the virus by those infected and by those who do not exhibit symptoms.
- Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items. Guides are offered by the CDC. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
- Cloth face coverings should be washed regularly. A washing machine will suffice.
- Practice safe removal of face coverings by not touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash hands immediately after removing the covering.
World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Hygiene advice
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
- Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
- If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
- Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
- Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
