The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department stated that the COVID-19 Risk Dial would stay in low orange for a fourth consecutive week

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Tuesday, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department stated that the COVID-19 Risk Dial would stay in low orange for a fourth consecutive week.

Several critical indications have improved. The orange point on the dial implies that the likelihood of the virus spreading and its effect on our community are both high. Red signifies the greatest danger of COVID-19 spread on the color-coded scale, while green represents the lowest risk.

The position of the risk dial is determined by a number of indicators:

The number of reported cases decreased from 633 to 618 for the week ending July 30.

During the preceding week, observation of wastewater revealed a drop in virus particles.

The average number of hospitalizations each week declined from 42 last week to 34 today.

As COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly in the population, we are more likely to come into touch with an infected individual. Keeping up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster doses when eligible, can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. If you are eligible for a booster or have not yet gotten the main series, the LLCHD urges you to be vaccinated immediately.

Find the dates and locations of future vaccination clinics at covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or by contacting the Health Department at 402-441-4200.

Additionally, the Health Department advises individuals to adhere to the current public health guidelines provided at covid19.lincoln.ne.gov. Among the recommendations are the following:

• Remain current on your COVID-19 immunizations, including receiving booster doses as soon as you are eligible.
• When unable to maintain a safe distance, use a mask both inside and outside in busy areas.
• Wear a mask if you have COVID-19-like symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test, or if you have been exposed to an infected person.
• Obtain a test or do a self-test if you have allergy, cold, or COVID-19 symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone who has the virus. The Health Department may get results from home COVID-19 testing conducted by Lancaster County citizens. This form may be found at lincoln.ne.gov/COVID19ReportResults. All information is kept private.
· Stay at home if you are ill.
• If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your healthcare practitioner about possible treatment options or visit covid.gov to locate a testing and treatment center.
· Follow up with your healthcare physician if you continue to suffer COVID-like symptoms despite a negative test result.
• Individuals over 65 years of age and those with medical disorders linked with an increased risk for severe COVID-19 should check with their health care professionals for further preventative measures.