The COVID-19 Risk Dial has moved to the elevated orange level as the virus continues it’s firm grip on Lancaster County. Health Director Pat Lopez says this indicates that the risk of the virus spreading and the impact on the community is high and increasing.
“Much of what’s driving the current increases is the aftermath of Thanksgiving gatherings,” Lopez says. “We could see a repeat later this December as more holiday gatherings are planned. We must be mindful of our actions and remember to celebrate safely. In addition to getting vaccinated and wearing masks, it’s important to get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, to stay home if you’re sick, to watch your distance from others, and to wash your hands.”
Lopez says he seven-day rolling average of new daily cases was at 127 on November 24 before briefly decreasing due to testing availably around the holiday. The average then increased sharply up to 170 cases on December 4. Almost 75% of the new cases from November 28 through December 4 were under the age of 50 years.
At the end of last week, the positivity rate had reached 14.7%, the highest ever reported in Lancaster County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lopez reported four COVID related deaths on Tuesday. There have been six deaths so far in December.
Lopez said no cases of the omicron variant have yet been reported in Lancaster County. She says about 63% of all Lancaster County residents are now fully vaccinated. Close to 26% of children ages 5 through 11 have now received a first dose and about 13% are fully vaccinated. About 37% of people age 18 and over have received a booster dose or third dose.
She says state data shows that Nebraskans who are not fully vaccinated are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19.