The COVID-19 Risk Dial moved into low Orange on Tuesday due to an increase in the number of cases. Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Pat Lopez says there has been a steady increase in weekly cases since the beginning of May.
She says at that time there were 301 cases. Lopez says cases have more than doubled in the past two months. The number of reported cases as of July 9 was 671. The 7-day rolling average of hospitalizations continues to increase, from 35 last week to 39 on Tuesday.
Wastewater surveillance over the past three weeks shows a 105% increase in virus particles compared to the previous week. “We’re seeing higher levels of COVID-19 in the community, which means we’re more likely to come into contact with someone who has the virus,” Lopez says. “There are precautions we can take including staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, and if we’re unable to distance ourselves from others, wearing a mask indoors and in crowded outdoor settings.”
The last time the Risk Dial was in low Orange was the week of February 23. Lopez says for now there will be no mask mandate implemented, but she encourages residents to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
You can find upcoming vaccination clinic dates and locations at covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or by calling the Health Department at 402-441-4200.