The COVID-19 risk dial remained in high orange range on Tuesday meaning the risk of spread of the virus remains high. Health Director Pat Lopez says hospitals continue to feel the strain due to the increasing number of cases.
“The number of COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized locally is averaging more than 100 per day. This is impacting access to care for our residents as well as patients from other communities.”
Derek Vance is President of CHI St. Elizabeth and Nebraska Heart and says their emergency room has become a holding department for patients waiting for a hospital bed.
“At times half of our ER rooms are being held with patients because they are too sick to be sent home and no beds available in the hospital. In fact, patients are often in the ER multiple days.
Lopez says vaccinations are increasing. Over the past four weeks, vaccinations have averaged about 3,300 doses per week. That’s up about 38% from the average of 2,400 doses per week in the preceding four weeks. About 63% of all Lancaster County residents are now fully vaccinated
“The holidays are approaching, and the omicron variant could be detected locally soon. On top of that, other respiratory viruses, like flu, are ramping up. We urge all those eligible to get vaccinated or a booster dose now. With every person who gets vaccinated or boosted, our protection against the virus is strengthened. This will better position us as individuals and as a community for what may come in the weeks and months ahead.”