LINCOLN - State officials continue to reiterate the importance of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Governor Pete Ricketts' press conference Wednesday specific remarks were centered around grocery shopping.

This comes in response to concern being raised on if guidelines and directed health measures are actually being followed by shoppers and store managers alike.

"If you're going to go shopping, go by yourself. Don't make it a big family affair. Go for the things you just need," Ricketts said. "And when you're in the store, keep your distance from other customers.

Nebraska Grocery Industry Association Executive Director Kathy Siefken weighed in, saying social distancing while shopping is a moral obligation that all Nebraskans need to follow.

"If customers won't follow the directions of our leadership, I can only assume that certain steps will be taken, and those steps are left up to our leaders in both our communities and to the government. Do what needs to be done so that other people don't have to make those decisions for you. We are all adults, we are all responsible."

Other suggestions offered to shoppers include only touching products that you're going to buy, and if the parking lot is full go home and return when it's less busy.