Mask mandate in Lancaster County extended
The current DHM was originally set to expire on Feb. 11.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Mask mandate in Lancaster County has been extended by two weeks. The current DHM was originally set to expire on Feb. 11
The mask mandate will now last through Feb. 25th.
Health Director Pat Lopez made the decision based on the increase in hospitalizations in the county despite a decrease in weekly COVID-19 cases.
“We’re all anxious to put this surge behind us, but right now, our hospitals still need our help to relieve some of the pressure they continue to experience,” said Health Director Pat Lopez. “It’s important not to remove preventative measures too soon only to lose the ground we’ve gained. Our goal is to not have the directed health measure any longer than needed.”
Lopez says the COVID-19 Risk Dial will also remain in the red category for the sixth consecutive week. The red category indicates a severe risk of spread and impact in the community
Courtesy of LLCHD
Weekly cases have dropped by almost 70% since the peak on Jan. 15 with 1,437 reported cases in the week ending on Feb. 5.
The positive rate also dropped down to 15.9%, the lowest since Dec. 25 when it was 11.9 percent.
So far this month, LLCHD has reported eight COVID-19 related deaths in the community.
Despite this, the weekly average hospitalizations continue to trend upwards. Local hospitals continue to struggle with staffing shortages and bed availability.
Dr. Michael Rapp spoke about the current situation at CHI Health St. Elizabeth at today’s LLCHD press conference.
“For many who don’t work in healthcare, the pandemic may not feel like it did in the beginning. It may not affect your life the same way, but for the nurses, doctors and care teams who continue to show up to work every day emotionally exhausted, the pandemic is still very much going on,” said Rapp.
More information on the DHM can be found at lincoln.ne.gov/DHM.
