The COVID-19 Risk Dial remains in elevated yellow for a third week. The Lincoln-Lancaster County health Department says key indicators remain steady. The yellow position on the dial means that the risk of the virus spreading in the community is moderate.
The health department says cases increased slightly over the past week, from 496 cases to 502 for the week ending June 18. Data for COVID-19 hospitalizations showed a slight decrease. The 7-day rolling average of hospitalizations dropped from 28.4 the previous week to 26.7 as of June 18.
As of Tuesday local hospitals report 31 COVID-19 patients with 23 from Lancaster County. The local positivity rate was higher, from 16.7% the previous week to 18.6% the week ending June 11.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently approved COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5. The health department is currently awaiting the vaccine shipment for this age group and will provide additional information soon.
To find upcoming vaccination clinic dates and locations go to covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the Health Department at 402-441-4200.