SYRACUSE  - Syracuse Mayor KC Ortiz is encouraging residents to do their part in slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

Ortiz: “The next six to eight weeks will be a crucial time for Nebraska.”

He said Nebraska has not had to enforce a statewide stay-at-home policy and Gov. Pete Ricketts is working to prevent that level of response to the pandemic.

Ortiz: “I encourage everyone to self-regulate so we do not have a stay-at-home mandate from the governor.”

He asked residents to consider who they can be saving by not spreading the virus to grandparents, spouses and children.

He said residents should plan trips to the grocery store and avoid unnecessary gatherings.

Ortiz: “Help to give our medical staff a break by not getting this and spreading this, if they get sick ,who will take care of us? Negative conversations or negative posts on Facebook help nothing and no one. These only encourage panic and anxiety through out our community.”

He said social distancing is a must for everyone because some people may feel well, but are still spreading the virus.