The COVID-19 Risk Dial will remain in the low orange range for a third week. The Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department reports key indicators are staying fairly steady. The position means the risk of spread in the community is high.
The position on the dial is based on :
Cases showing a slight decrease over the past week from 656 to 633 for the week ending July 23.
Wastewater surveillance shows a slight increase in virus particles over the past week.
The 7-Day rolling average of hospitalizations decreased from 47 last week to 41 as of Tuesday, July 26th.
As the virus spreads, residents are more likely to come into contact with someone who has the virus. The LLCHD reports that staying up to date on the vaccine helps to protect against severe illness and hospitalizations. Find upcoming vaccination clinic dates and locations at covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or by calling the Health Department at 402-441-4200.
The Health Department also encourages people to follow the current public health guidance. Recommendations include the following:
Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, which includes getting booster doses as soon as you’re eligible.
When unable to distance, wear a mask both indoors and in crowded outdoor settings.
Wear a mask if you have COVID-19 like symptoms, have a positive COVID-19 test, or have been exposed to someone with the virus.
Get tested or self-test if you have allergy, cold or COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with the virus. Test results of at home tests can be reported to the Health Department by visiting their website. All information is confidential.
Stay home if you’re sick.
If you test positive, ask your health care provider about COVID-19 treatments that may be available to you or find a test and treat location at covid.gov.
If you test negative but continue to experience COVID-like symptoms, follow up with your health care provider.
Those over age 65 and people with medical conditions associated with higher risk for severe COVID-19 should consult with their health care providers about taking additional protective actions.