COVID-19 Risk Dial Remains Yellow for 5th Week in a Row

LINCOLN, Nebraska (KOLN) – The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced Tuesday that the COVID-19 risk dial will remain yellow and rising for five weeks. A yellow position on the dial indicates a moderate risk of spreading the virus within the community. A color-coded dial, with red representing the highest risk of spreading COVID-19 and green representing the lowest risk.

The risk dial position is based on multiple metrics.

• In the past week, the number of cases has dropped even more significantly, going from 455 to 319 in the week ending 17 September.
• Wastewater monitoring showed a decrease in virus particle counts over the past week.
• The 7-day moving average of hospitalizations increased slightly from 33 last week to 36 today.

The Department of Health encourages people to follow the public health guidance posted at covid19.lincoln.ne.govThis includes staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Ministry of Health recently announced additional clinics that will offer new and updated boosters in September and October. Residents 12 years and older are eligible to receive a renewed booster at least two months after the last booster or after completing the primary series. Upcoming clinics are:

• Friday, September 23, 4-7 p.m. Lincoln High School, 2229 “J” St.
• Sunday, September 25, 9am-2pm, Lincoln High School
• Monday, October 3, 9am-5pm, Pinnacle Bank Arena, 400 Pinnacle Drive
• Tuesday, October 4, 9am-6pm, Pinnacle Bank Arena
• Wednesday, October 5, 9am-4pm, Pinnacle Bank Arena

The clinic is by appointment only.people can make appointments online COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov Or call 402-441-4200. The updated booster, also known as the bivalent booster, does two things:

• Provides protection against variants currently circulating in the community that have not been included in previous vaccines
• Boost your body’s immunity against COVID-19

COVID-19 infections are likely to increase this fall and winter. The updated booster provides more protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. The health department encourages those who qualify to get updated boosters as soon as possible, especially those over the age of 65 or those with weakened immune systems.

Other recommendations from public health guidance include:

• Wear a mask if you have allergies, colds, or have COVID-19-like symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus.
• Wear a mask based on your personal preference, based on your vaccination status and level of risk.
• Get tested or self-examine if you have symptoms of allergies, colds, COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus.
• If you are sick, please stay home.
• If you test positive, ask your healthcare provider about possible COVID-19 treatments, or covid.gov.
• If you have a negative test result but still have COVID-like symptoms, follow up with your healthcare provider.
• People over the age of 65 and those with medical conditions related to being at high risk for severe COVID-19 should talk to their healthcare provider about taking additional protective measures.

The Department of Health reminds residents that free home COVID-19 test kits are available at 3131 “O” St., LLCHD’s main lobby during normal business hours. Test kits are also available at all Lincoln City Library locations. Residents can report home test results to the health department. A short form is available at: lincoln.ne.gov/COVID19ReportResults.

The Food and Drug Administration recently extended the shelf life of many home COVID-19 tests. To check if your tests have a new expiration date, please visit: At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Test | FDA.

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

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