The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reports 144 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the community total to 10,061. The number of deaths in the community remains at 45.
Recoveries are up from 4,188 to 4,231. The Lancaster County positivity rate is again up. it went from 9.5% to 9.6^. The state rate also increased from 12% to 12.1%. The national rate remains at 7.6%.
There are 81 people hospitalized with COVID-19 with 14 from Lancaster County and 40 from other communities. Eight patients are on ventilators.
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: Former Graham Tire Store, northeast corner of 19th and “O” streets.
- Test Nebraska: Gateway Mall, 6100 “O” St., northwest corner of the mall. Test Nebraska’s hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
- CHI Health St. Elizabeth: Autumn Ridge Family Medicine, 5000 North 26th St. and Southwest Family Health, 1240 Aries Drive. Call either site to schedule an appointment: Autumn Ridge at 402-435-5300 and South West Family at 402-420-1300.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, repeated shaking with chills, repeated muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell. If you have symptoms, please get tested. Testing is now open to all Lancaster County residents by appointment only.
The Lincoln – Lancaster County Health Department reminds the public that a flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting influenza. The flu vaccine is easily accessible, and the public is encouraged to contact health care providers or find a community flu immunization location in November.
The Health Department will provide free flu immunizations to anyone age 6 months and older. For more information, call 402-441-8065 or visit lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: vaccine).
For more information, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the Health Department hotline at 402-441-8006.