LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department notified two local bars and the Railyard commons area on Saturday that they were not allowed to operate for 24 hours because their violations of the latest Directed Health Measure “presented a risk to public health and contribute to the community spread of COVID-19.” LLCHD has ordered Iguanas Pub, 1426 “O” Street; Longwells, 350 Canopy Street; and the Railyard to be closed from 5 p.m. today to 5 p.m. Sunday July 26.
A mask mandate is included in the DHM that went into effect Monday, July 20 and is in effect through August 31. It requires business owners to ensure their patrons age five and older wear face coverings any time they cannot maintain six feet of separation with non-household members. The DHM also requires businesses to limit parties of eight or less; to maintain at least six feet of distance between tables of patrons; and to limit capacity. The Lincoln Municipal Code allows the Health Director to order the closure of any business for the purpose of controlling communicable diseases.
Information on the DHM and its requirements was available to the bars on the City website and was reported through local media. LLCHD also hand delivered letters to local establishments to remind them of the restrictions. LLCHD has received a number of reports alleging that certain bars were in violation. LLCHD