KFOR FM 101.5 1240 AM KFOR FM 101.5 1240 AM Logo

Covid Risk Dial Remains Yellow

October 4, 2022 4:14PM CDT
Share
Covid Risk Dial Remains Yellow

Lincoln, NE (October 4, 2022) The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today announced that the COVID-19 Risk Dial will stay in mid-yellow for a second week. The yellow position on the dial indicates that the risk of the virus spreading in the community is moderate. On the color-coded dial, red represents the highest risk of COVID-19 spread, and green represents the lowest risk.

The position of the risk dial is based on multiple indicators:

  • Cases continued to decrease over the last week – from 280 to 200 for the week ending October 1.
  • Wastewater surveillance showed an increase in the number of virus particles.
  • The 7-day rolling average of hospitalizations increased – from 31 last week to 34 today.

The Health Department encourages people to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, which includes getting the updated booster. The new, updated boosters protect against the variants circulating in our community and restore the body’s immunity against COVID-19. Even if you’ve had other COVID-19 boosters, it’s important to get the new one, especially for people over 65 and those who have weakened immune systems.

The Health Department is offering updated boosters at walk-in vaccination clinics. Residents age 12 and older are eligible to receive an updated booster at least two months after their last booster or since completing the primary series. Appointments may be scheduled online at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov.

Upcoming clinic:

  • Wednesday, October 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pinnacle Bank Arena

The Health Department also encourages people to follow the public health guidance posted at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov.

In addition to staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, recommendations in the public health guidance include:

  • Wear a mask if you have allergy, cold or COVID-19 like symptoms, have a positive COVID-19 test, or have been exposed to someone with the virus.
  • Wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by your vaccination status and level of risk.
  • Get tested or self-test if you have allergy, cold or COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with the virus.
  • Stay home if you’re sick.
  • If you test positive, ask your health care provider about COVID-19 treatments that may be available to you or find a test and treat location at covid.gov.
  • If you test negative but continue to experience COVID-like symptoms, follow up with your health care provider.
  • Those over age 65 and people with medical conditions associated with higher risk for severe COVID-19 should consult with their health care providers about taking additional protective actions.

Free home COVID-19 test kits are available in the main lobby of the LLCHD, 3131 “O” St., during regular business hours. Test kits are also available at all Lincoln City Library locations. Residents can report results of their at-home tests to the Health Department. A short form is available at lincoln.ne.gov/COVID19ReportResults.

The Food and Drug Administration recently extended the shelf lives of many home COVID-19 tests. To determine if a test has a new expiration date, visit At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA.

For more information on COVID-19, vaccine or to find upcoming clinic dates and locations, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the Health Department at 402-441-4200.

Lincoln News