Lancaster County COVID-19 Risk Dial lowered to moderate risk

For the first time since its implementation, the COVID-19 Risk Dial has reached the moderate...
For the first time since its implementation, the COVID-19 Risk Dial has reached the moderate risk-level category (Yellow).(KOLNKGIN)
Published: Jun. 5, 2020 at 3:07 PM CDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced on Friday that a tenth resident has died from COVID-19 in Lancaster County. Seventeen additional lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Lincoln Friday, bringing the community total to 1,293.

The

has been in place for over a month. For the first time since its implementation, it has reached the moderate risk-level category (Yellow).

Lancaster County has seen three consecutive weeks of decline in the average number of weekly new COVID-19 cases. The seven day rolling average has dropped from 39 cases in the beginning of May to 15 cases in the beginning of June.

The Mayor said that, while the risk has decreased, Lincoln residents need to remain vigilant in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Our indicators have improved,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “While the dial has moved, the risk of COVID-19 spread is still a concern. If we remain vigilant in efforts...we may continue to make progress in the right direction."

Overall positivity rate in Lancaster County has decreased from 9.2 percent on May 15 to 7.4 percent on June 5. The nationwide and statewide rate of positivity cases are both at 13.1 percent. This indicator has also improved.

Local testing capacity continues to be good. Nearly 12,000 tests were completed in the month of May. It is strongly encouraged that people with COVID-19 symptoms sign up to get tested. To get started, contact your doctor or fill out a risk assessment at CHIHealth.com. or BryanHealth.com. or TestNebraska.com.

Health officials said overall, our local hospital capacity remains strong. The number of COVID-19 patients in Lincoln hospitals has leveled off over the past two weeks. Friday, local hospitals report 36 COVID-19 patients. That includes 18 from Lancaster County and 18 from other communities. Eight patients are on ventilators – that includes four from Lancaster County and four from other communities.

The Health Department’s capacity to do contact tracing continues to exceed the current demand.

At the yellow level, the recommendations include the following:
  • Consider staying at home most of the time, with caution for non-essential travel and work.
  • Distance at least six feet from anyone outside the home.
  • Cautious expansion of interactions with others, outdoor activities preferred.
  • Gatherings only with modifications for COVID-19.
  • Events only within guidance by the Health Department.
  • Face coverings continued to be recommended to be used around other people.
  • Continue to wash hands regularly, disinfect highly touched surfaces and monitor for illness.
  • For additional information, check out the

    LIVE: Lincoln's response to COVID-19

    Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and health officials will update the community on the City’s efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

    Posted by 1011 News on Friday, June 5, 2020