The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced Tuesday that the COVID-19 Risk Dial will move to elevated yellow after being in low orange for the past six weeks. The yellow position indicates that the risk of the virus spreading in the community is moderate.
The health department says cases continued to decline, from 460 the previous week to 440 the week ending August 20. Wastewater surveillance showed a decrease in virus particles over the past week and the 7-day rolling average of hospitalizations increased over the past week, from 41 last week to 44 on Tuesday
Health officials say hospitalization trends typically trail case and wastewater trends by 10 to 14 days. The total number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 today is 36.
“The dial position is reflective of our current local situation with the improvements we’ve seen over the last few weeks. With schools back in session, we could see that change in the future. We’ll continue to actively monitor the data and make adjustments as needed,” says Health Director Pat Lopez.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine or to find upcoming clinic dates and locations, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the Health Department at 402-441-4200.