The Lancaster County COVID-19 Risk Dial remains in the elevated Orange, or high risk category for four weeks straight. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird stated Friday, “This indicates the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community is high. However, we need to be very clear with everyone about the fact that the dial is now on the verge of moving into red.”
Health Director Pat Lopez also stated that being on the edge of red on the risk dial is not a good place to be. So far this week, 592 new cases have been reported. She says the virus is wide spread and in all age groups. There are 76 people hospitalized with 11 patients on ventilators.
There are 83 new cases confirmed Friday in Lancaster County bringing the community total to 9,413. There were three more deaths since Sunday brining the number of total virus deaths to 45.
The Lancaster County positivity rate remains at 9.2%. The state rate is up from 11.5% to 11.6%.
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.
- 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.
- CHI Health St. Elizabeth: Starting Monday, November 2, CHI Health COVID-19 and flu testing will move from Gateway Mall to two sites, Autumn Ridge Family Medicine, 5000 North 26th St. and Southwest Family Health, 1240 Aries Drive. Call either site to schedule an appointment: Autumn Ridge at 402-435-5300 and South West Family at 402-420-1300.
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.