NEBRASKA - Two staple summer sports will be played in June as state officials ease COVID-19 restrictions.

Governor Pete Ricketts announced Monday that team-organized baseball and softball practices will be allowed, under certain guidelines, on June 1st.

Ricketts says the state will provide social distancing protocols for those sports, including rules on not sharing equipment and dugout use.

In addition to practices, games will be allowed to begin on June 18th.

Nebraska Education Commissioner Matthew Blomstedt says efforts being taken for baseball and softball will be used to learn how to treat other activities.