The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced Wednesday that the COVID-19 Risk Dial will remain in red position for a third consecutive week, indicating that the risk of the virus spreading in the community is severe.
Health Director Pat Lopez said omicron remains the predominant strain of COVID-19 in Nebraska and is continuing to cause a rapid increase in cases. “Over a three week period the number of new cases increased from 982 the week ending of December 25 to over 4,400 last week. This is an increase of more than 350 percent,” Lopez says.
Over the same three week period Lopez says hospitalizations went from a weekly average of 113 to 134. One death Wednesday, a man in his 70’s. 20 people have died so far this year.
COVID-19 testing at Nomi Health at the Gateway Mall has been shut down Wednesday and Thursday due to the weather. Lopez says this is having an impact on the community. “That’s at least probably 500-900 tests a day we’re not able to offer, so it’s really important for them to find a solution.”
The local Directed Health Measure that went into effect January 15 will continue through February 11. The DHM includes a mask mandate for individuals ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status. Exceptions to the mandate and more information on the DHM are available by visiting covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or by calling 402-441-6280.