COVID-19 Risk Dial to remain in red

LLCHD recommends individuals only go out to work, school, get food and to get tested or vaccinated.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced on Wednesday that the COVID-19 Risk Dial will remain in the red category for the third consecutive week.

Health Director Pat Lopez says the situation in the community is at extreme risk due to the omicron variant.

LLCHD recommends individuals only go out to work, school, to get food, and to go get tested or vaccinated. LLCHD also says to avoid crowded situations including sporting events and concerts.

Last week, LLCHD reported a new record for weekly COVID-19 cases with 4,456. With the recent COVID-19 surge, LLCHD has seen an increase in hospitalizations by 134 as of Jan. 15. LLCHD reported one death so far today. Lopez says 20 have died so far this year from COVID-19.

At the press conference, Russ Gronewold, President and CEO of Bryan Health says that all of their ICU beds were full this morning.

Gronewold says they have begun to see an increase in younger people dying from COVID-19. Gronewold recommends that people double mask to help prevent the spread of the omicron variant.

Today, LLCHD reported 65 percent of Lancaster County residents are fully vaccinated.

LLCHD also announced they will be adding enhancements to the Lancaster County COVID-19 dashboard.

Last Friday, Lopez announced a new DHM will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. The DHM lasts through Feb. 11. The new DHM includes a mask mandate for all individuals two and older regardless of vaccination status.

More information on the DHM can be found at lincoln.ne.gov/DHM.