COVID-19 Risk Dial to remain in elevated orange

Health Director Pat Lopez says the situation in Lancaster County has not changed drastically.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced on Tuesday the COVID-19 Risk Dial will remain in elevated orange.

Health Director Pat Lopez says the situation in Lancaster County has not changed drastically. Due to holiday gatherings and schools closed for winter break, Lopez expects to see an increase in COVID-19 cases in the following weeks.

The demand for testing has increased according to Lopez, due to people returning home from holiday vacations. Lopez made comments on the long lines at the Nomi testing site at Gateway Mall and said the long lines were due to a staffing shortage.

Lopez says she spoke with Nomi and Bryan Health to add more testing sites. The announcement could come within the next 48 hours, according to Lopez.

During the weekly press conference, Lopez confirmed five omicron cases in Lancaster County. Lopez also announced that a total of 23 residents have died from COVID-19 in December, including two on Tuesday.

Data compiled by LLCHD showed a drop in positivity rate down to 11.9 percent. Lopez recommends Lancaster County residents to get vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves from COVID-19.

“Be sure to wear your mask and get vaccinated,” said Lopez at the end of the press conference.