Covid Risk “Moderate” in Lincoln – Health Officials Concerned About Younger Cases

Lincoln, NE (June 26, 2020) Lincoln’s Covid 19 risk dial remains in the yellow or “Moderate” range today, and will remain there for the coming week.  The City and County have seen a total of 1,670 cases of Corona Virus confirmed, and a dozen people have died from it. 11 new cases became lab confirmed Friday.

Health Director Pat Lopez expressed concern Friday about the growing number of cases among people under the age of 40.  Until the first of June, she said, the number of new cases confirmed weekly was dropping.  Since June first it has leveled off.  Also, she said, people over 40 are no longer the predominant group of new patients.

“Since the beginning of this month, 293 of the 452 new cases have been in the under 40 age group.  That’s 65%.”

Lopez said numerous reports from investigators document people at bars and large gatherings without face coverings.

“We need to learn from other communities that are experiencing record spikes in new cases, and we need to support each other.  If Lincoln is going to succeed in minimizing the spread of Covid 19 we all must follow these steps.”

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird also expressed concern, asking younger people to think about others besides themselves.

“Please keep in mind that you are at risk of contracting the virus, even if you are at much lower risk of dying from it.”  She went on to say that “because of your age, you are more likely to be an asymptomatic spread of the disease.  You may inadvertently and unintentionally spread the virus to others more at risk than you.”

The Mayor and Health Director asked that all residents wash hands frequently, wear masks in public and maintain social distances, even in bars and restaurants.