WATCH: Lancaster COVID-19 risk dial increases for second week in a row

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird spoke with Channel 8 about it

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) –  For the second week in a row, the Lancaster County COVID-19 risk dial has increased as cases continue to rise throughout the county.

The COVID-19 dial will be moving further into the yellow category from low-yellow to mid-yellow.

Last week, the risk dial moved for the first time in seven weeks to the low yellow category.

Cases have increased for six consecutive weeks and are now up to 397 cases for the week ending May 14.

“We’re in a much better place than we have been in the past given that we have vaccines, boosters,” said Gaylor Baird. “We know how to manage through these surges as they come and go through the pandemic.  We’re in a much better place than we were back in 2020.”

Positivity rate throughout the area is now 14 percent, which is up from 10.2 percent the week ending May 7.

The recent increase in cases has not yet resulted in a significant increase in hospitalizations.  On Tuesday, Local hospitals reported 25 COVID-19 patients, 19 of whom are from Lancaster County.

There was one COVID-related death in the month of April.  There has been one death reported so far for May, a woman in her 90s who was vaccinated and not hospitalized.

“Cases increased again over the last week, but hospitalizations are holding steady. We continue to actively monitor the situation,” said Health Director Pat Lopez. “The pandemic is not done, although we wish it were. Please consider your own personal risk level and what actions you can take to minimize that risk.”

At this time there are no mask mandates or directed health measures in place.

At-home testing kits are still available main lobby of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department at 3131 O St. and at Lincoln City Library locations for those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Positive at-home tests can be reported here.

Vaccinations and boosters are available throughout the next two weeks at the health department’s office.

Upcoming vaccination clinics (schedule subject to change; appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome at all locations):

• Wednesday 4 to 7 p.m., LLCHD, 3131 O St.
• Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., LLCHD
• Monday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., LLCHD
• Friday, May 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., LLCHD