COVID-19 Risk Dial remains in red
Lancaster County reached a new high in weekly total COVID-19 cases with a total of 2,893 cases for the week of Jan. 8, a 195 percent increase from the previous week.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced the COVID-19 Risk Dial will remain in red for the second consecutive week.
Today, Health Director Pat Lopez said Lancaster County reached a new high in weekly total COVID-19 cases. LLCHD reported a 195 percent increase from the previous week with 2,893 cases. This is the highest weekly total since the pandemic began.
The 7-day rolling average for COVID-19 cases experienced a 223 percent increase from Dec. 26 to today.
According to Lopez, the COVID-19 positivity rate is now at 22.3 percent, with cases expected to rise due to the Omicron variant.
In January, LLCHD has reported a total of 12 COVID-19 related deaths in the community. Hospitalizations have been slightly increasing, with 142 patients reported today.
LLCHD plans to open a new testing site this week in partnership with Total Wellness. The new testing site at 1918 O Street opens on Jan. 13. and will be appointment only due to the high demand for testing.
On Jan. 4, Health Director Pat Lopez announced the COVID-19 Risk Dial would move into the red category. The red category indicates a severe risk and impact of COVID-19 in the community.
