LINCOLN - In addition to places of worship being allowed to reopen and elective surgeries to resume statewide, portions of Nebraska will ease restrictions on social gatherings and business operations starting Monday, May 4.

Governor Pete Ricketts announced late last month that 59 counties will see fewer restrictions starting May 4. These counties belong to one of the 10 public health districts the state has deemed safe to do so.

Restaurants

Dining rooms limited to 50 percent of their capacity, and parties must be limited to 6 people or less.

Salons, Massage and Tattoo Parlors

Can open while maintaining the 10-person rule with employees and customers wearing masks.

Child Care Facilities

Will be permitted to have up to 15 children per room/space, an increase of five over the current requirements.

Other Businesses

All other businesses currently ordered to close must remain closed until May 31st, or until the orders are amended, including bars, gentleman's clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theaters, and indoor theaters.

Places of Worship

Places of worship can resume services, weddings and funerals beginning May 4. Each household must meet a minimum of six feet of separation.

Elective Surgeries

Hospitals can resume elective surgeries on May 4 if hospitals meet certain capacity requirements. Dental offices, eye care clinics and veterinary clinics can also reopen.

For a full list of the lifted restrictions, and the rules that must be followed with the lifted restrictions, visit the the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website by clicking here.

The relaxed restrictions will apply to the 59 counties that belong to one of these 10 health districts starting May 4:

Douglas County Health Dept.
Sarpy Cass Dept. of Health and Wellness
East Central District Health Dept.
Four Corners Health Dept.
Loup Basin Public Health Dept.
North Central District Health Dept.
Northeast Nebraska Public Health Dept.
Panhandle Public Health District
Southeast District Health Dept.
Southwest Nebraska Public Health District

*Reporting by our news partner WOWT 6 News was used for this story.