The city of Omaha reopened from quarantine June 1, 2020 and a mask mandate went into place August 11, 2020. Pete Ricketts’ new policies allowed larger events, certain sports, and the reopening of bars.  

There are multiple performances going on throughout the holiday season at The Orpheum, The Holland Center, CHI Health Center, Baxter Arena, etc. The State n November 23 Governor Ricketts held a press conference to provide updates on the work of Nebraska to slow the spread. 

According to Omaha World Herald, “The City Council voted 4-1 to extend the mandate to Feb. 23, bucking a trend of month-by-month extensions since the mandate first took effect in August. The mask requirement had been set to expire Nov. 24.” 

Many theatre performances including the Omaha Symphony are planning on-air broadcast on WOWT, with no physical audience at the concert hall. As for live performances, according to the Omaha World Herald, Indoor performances will be reduced to 25% and outdoor events are at will compacity with the regulations of masks and social distancing.  

During the cold holiday season, most of the events going on are either live streamed or pre-filmed. Earlier on in the pandemic, live streamed ballet classes on Instagram became popular, and ballet companies are pre–filming the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” for people to buy. Events wanting to reopen must be approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.