The Nebraska Legislature has indefinitely suspended its session because of growing concerns over the outbreak of COVID-19.

Speaker Jim Scheer of Norfolk announced Monday that lawmakers would not return until his office decides to reconvene

“We have made this decision primarily for the health and safety of the state and to protect the health of the members,” Scheer said, according to the Nebraska Unicameral Information Office.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts are encouraging gatherings of more than 50 people to be postponed.

Scheer said the decision was made in consultation with Sen. Mike Hilgers, chairperson of the Legislature’s Executive Board.

Updates about the session will be posted to the Legislature’s website, nebraskalegislature.gov.