The COVID-19 Risk Dial for Lincoln Lancaster County moved up one notch and is back in the Orange, or high risk category.
This is a change from last week when the dial was in the Yellow category.
Mayor Lerion Gaylor Baird and the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department report 73 new lab confirmed cases today bringing the community total to 3,875. The number of deaths remains at 20.
Mayor Gaylor Baird also extended the Directed Health Measure that was set to expire on August 31st. It will remain in effect through September 30th. That includes the mandatory mask mandate.
Health Director Pat Lopez reports there were 153 cases the week ending August 15th and 171 for the week ending August 22nd. So far this week, there has been 251 confirmed cases, a 47% jump compared to a week ago. The largest jump is in individuals ages 11 to 29.
Hospitalizations are now at 26.
The testing process begins with a free online risk assessment available at BryanHealth.com, CHIHealth.com or TestNebraska.com. Drive through test sites include:
Bryan Health: LifePointe, 7501 S. 27th St.
CHI Health St. Elizabeth: Gateway Mall, 6100 “O” St., northwest corner of the mall.
Test Nebraska: Gateway Mall, northwest corner of the mall. Test Nebraska appointment times are from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6 p.m. today through Saturday.
The COVID-19 Risk Dial is at “Orange,” indicating a high risk of the virus spreading. Residents are advised to follow these recommendations to protect themselves and others:
Stay home if possible.
Stay at least six feet away from others.
Wear face coverings.
Wash hands frequently.
Those at risk of complications from COVID-19 should continue to minimize close contact with others.