OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will let bars, zoos, movie theaters and swimming pools reopen and allow small concerts and auctions to resume on June 1 in all but four hard-hit counties.

Gov. Pete Ricketts says he plans to further loosen social-distancing restrictions to strike a balance between public health and the need to move back toward normal life as people grow restless.

His announcement came as the number of coronavirus deaths continues to rise.

Businesses that do reopen will still face mandatory social distancing restrictions.

Ricketts is also easing some restrictions in Hall, Merrick, Hamilton and Dakota counties, but rules in those areas will remain more stringent than in the rest of the state.