×
Now Playing
B107.3 - Lincoln's #1 At Work Station

COVID-19 Risk Dial Remains Unchanged, Two More Deaths

By News Oct 16, 2020 | 3:22 PM

The COVID-19 Risk Dial remains in the higher Orange, or High-Risk range for a second week.

 

 

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced that two residents have died from COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths in Lancaster County to 35.  The individuals were a woman in her 90s who was in a nursing home, and a man in his 80s who was hospitalized.

LLCHD reports 87 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lancaster County today, bringing the community total to 7,912. Recoveries are up from 3,439 to 3,487

The Lancaster County positivity rate remains at 8.7% but the state rate went from 10.3 % to 10.5% Friday.

There are 55 people hospitalized in Lancaster County and three patients are on ventilators.

Mayor Gaylor Baird reminds residents of the three “W’s” – wash hands, wear a mask and watch your distance.  She also added the three “C’s”, avoid crowded places, close contacts and confined spaces.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, repeated shaking with chills, repeated muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.  If you have symptoms, please get tested.  Testing is now open to all Lancaster County residents by appointment only.

The testing process begins with a free online risk assessment available at BryanHealth.com, CHIHealth.com or TestNebraska.com.  Drive through test sites include:

  • Bryan Health: Former Graham Tire Store, northeast corner of 19th and “O” streets.
  • CHI Health St. Elizabeth and Test Nebraska: Gateway Mall, 6100 “O” St., northwest corner of the mall.  Test Nebraska’s hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

The COVID-19 Risk Dial is at “Elevated Orange,” indicating a high risk of the virus spreading.  Residents are advised to follow these recommendations to protect themselves and others:

  • Limit activities outside the home, unless for work, school, medical care, or food.
  • Work from home when possible.
  • Stay at least six feet from anyone outside the home.
  • Face masks should be worn by those over two years old when indoors and when unable to physical distance.
  • Avoid large gatherings.
  • Attend small gatherings and events only with modifications such as physical distancing, face masks, etc.
  • Follow CDC Travel Guidelines available at cdc.gov.