Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts says weddings, funerals and other gatherings across the state are limited to no more than 10 people – or else they need to be postponed or canceled.

Ricketts made the announcement Monday afternoon following recommendations made by President Donald Trump and public health officials earlier in the day.

“I know that we’re breaking the hearts of brides all across the state,” Ricketts said, encouraging couples who were planning nuptials to consider a small ceremony and a creative reception.

Ricketts said the limitation on gatherings doesn’t apply to grocery stores. He said the ban does apply to restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, gyms and similar businesses.

The governor asked residents to gather two weeks’ worth of food and other supplies, but he asked that consumers otherwise shop for groceries weekly and avoid stockpiling for a longer disruption. Stores have struggled to remain stocked, but officials say there is plenty of food.

“The food supply chain here in our state is very strong,” Ricketts said.

Nebraska is asking all schools to prepare to be closed to students by next week. Area schools are closed, with Council Bluffs joining metro area schools in being closed starting Tuesday. Other schools across Nebraska are urged to look at e-learning or other ways to still serve students, including how to provide students with adequate nutrition.

Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said he’s waiving testing and minimum hour requirements for schools this year. He said plans need to be developed for how schools will reopen once the coronavirus threat subsides – whenever that happens.

Workers whose jobs are suspended or lost because of the virus, including those who fall ill, will be able to file for unemployment benefits. The state will waive its weeklong waiting period as well as its job search requirement. Benefits are available for workers who expect to be able to return to their jobs once circumstances change.

“We’ll basically treat it as a layoff,” Labor Commissioner John Albin said.

Albin said individual businesses won’t be charged from the benefits, but the state will pay for them through a pooled account. He said the state’s trust fund for the program is robust.