The COVID-19 pandemic is not over but there is progress in Lancaster County. Health Director Pat Lopez held a news conference today and announced the COVID-19 Risk Dial will move from elevated orange to the low orange range. The dial has not been at this level since the week of November 9,2021. This indicates the risk of the virus spreading in the community remains high.
“We’re on the right track and continue to see significant improvement,” said Lopez.
The weekly number of new COVID-19 cases has declined for five consecutive weeks. There were nearly 5,000 cases the week ending January 15th to 432 cases the week ending February 19th.
The weekly average of COVID-19 patients hospitalized has dropped from 141 on February 1st to 61. There are 60 hospitalizations today with 40 from Lancaster County.
The positivity rate has also dropped from a high of 30.7% the week ending January 22nd to 8.1% this past week.
Lopez reported another COVID-19 death on Wednesday, a man in his 40’s. There have been 28 deaths in Lancaster County in February.
Lopez also announced that the Health Department received its allotment of at-home test kits from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The kits are now available in the main lobby of the Health Department at 3131 ”O” Street during regular business hours. A limited number of kits will be available on a daily basis. Kits will also be available at schools, childcare centers, cultural centers, and other sites for distribution to students or program participants and their families.
The Directed Health Measure with the mask requirement expired last Friday, but LLCHD continues to recommend that residents wear a mask indoors. Masks will still continue to be required for those using public transportation and by most health care facilities. The latest public health guidance is available at covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or by calling the Health Department hotline at 402-441-8006.
All Lancaster County residents ages 5 and older are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. More than 66% of all Lancaster County residents are fully vaccinated, and about 60% percent of residents ages 12 and up have now received a booster or third dose.
The latest public health guidance and vaccine information is available at covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or by calling the Health Department hotline at 402-441-8006.