Due to significant declines in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced that the local Directed Health Measure will end at 11:59 p.m. tonight, Friday, February 18.
The measure, which includes a mask mandate for individuals ages 2 and older, was originally scheduled to end February 25.
The number of new COVID-19 cases has dropped 80% over the past four weeks, and the seven-day average of new daily cases is now less than 100. The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized locally has decreased 47% since February 1. Hospitals have reported less than 100 COVID-19 patients daily since February 11th. The number of COVID-19 patients today totals 62.
“Thank you to all those who have taken the precautions to slow the spread of the virus,” said Health Director Pat Lopez. “Our collective actions are helping our community come through this surge. Together, we’ve helped our hospitals preserve capacity, our schools keep classrooms open, and limited disruptions to local businesses. COVID-19 is moving to a level that is more manageable, but the pandemic is not over. COVID-19 is unpredictable, and if our local situation changes, we will re-evaluate the current recommendations and make adjustments as necessary.”
The COVID-19 Risk Dial is at elevated orange, indicating that the risk of the virus spreading and the impact on the community is high. Lopez says the Health Department continues to recommend that residents wear masks indoors. Masks will still be required at most health care facilities and on public transportation. Vaccinations and boosters are strongly encouraged for those 5 and older.