Lincoln COVID-19 Half-orange risk dial during the third week

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LINCOLN, Nebraska (press release) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Department of Health said Tuesday that the COVID-19 Risk Framework will remain in medium orange for the third week in a row. Half orange indicates that the risk of spreading the virus and the impact on our community is high and continues to increase. In the color-coded sphere, red represents the highest risk of COVID-19 spread and green the lowest risk.

The Targeted Health Measure (DHM) remains in effect until September 30th. It requires all people aged two and over, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask when in an indoor space. DHM requires all building operators and owners to ensure that their patrons wear masks that are two years old or older. For a list of exceptions to the mask requirement and more information at DHM, visit covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or call 402-441-6280.

New information has been added to the COVID-19 dashboard to show a more detailed breakdown of cases by age. Health director Pat Lopez said a high number of cases in younger age groups reflects outbreaks in daycare centers and an increase in school-related cases.

“This reinforces the importance of masking, both in disease prevention and in reducing the number of students who need to be excluded and quarantined,” Lopez said. “We continue to work closely with all of our schools to keep children healthy and in the classroom. This is essential for learning and for their social and emotional development.”

The position of the Risk Dial is based on several indicators and local information from the previous three weeks:

  • In August, 30 Lancaster County residents died due to COVID-19. Nine were under the age of 60 and all nine were not vaccinated. From March to August, 52 local residents have died from COVID-19 and 83% have not been vaccinated.
  • The seven-day average of new daily cases decreased from 136 on 30 August to 127 on 2 September.
  • The local positivity rate topped 12% the week ending Sept. 4. This rate still indicates that the delta variant is still widespread in Lancaster County.
  • The seven-day daily average of COVID-19 patients hospitalized has been between 81 and 84 in the last eight days, but 93 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized today, with 63 in Lancaster County.

The percentage of fully vaccinated population aged 16 and over in Lancaster County is now 71.6%. In August about 22,000 vaccines were provided to Lancaster County residents. About 60% started vaccination and about 40% took the second dose.

Lopez said everyone should continue to monitor their health and be alert for fever, cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms of COVID-19. Even if you are vaccinated, you should separate yourself from others and get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

For general information about COVID-19, visit covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the Department of Health hotline at 402-441-8006.

Copyright 2021 KOLN. All rights reserved.

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