Lancaster County lowers COVID risk dial

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department’s COVID-19 risk dial is in yellow for the first time since late October.

Health Director Pat Lopez announced the change on Tuesday, citing a continuing decline in cases and hospitalizations.

“Almost every single indicator has improved over the last few weeks,” she said.

There were 264 new cases reported last week, down from 430 the week before.

That was the sixth straight week of declining cases.

Wastewater testing also shows a decreased presence of the virus in the community.

Hospitalizations fell by about 62 percent during February to a seven-day average of 54 on Feb. 27.

The yellow category indicates a moderate risk of COVID-19 spread.

Lopez said there are three things that people should do regardless of the risk dial: Get vaccinated and boosted, get tested if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, and stay home if you are sick.