The Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department reports another resident has died from COVID-19. The victim is a man in his 50’s who was hospitalized and had underlying health conditions. This brings the number of COVID-19 deaths in the county to 33.
The Health Department reports 111 new lab-confirmed cases Thursday bringing the total to 7.825. Recoveries are up from 3,380 to 3,439. The Lancaster County positivity rate is up from 8.6% to 8.7%. The Nebraska rate remains at 10.3%.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 positive patients: 48 with 23 from Lancaster County (two on ventilators) and 25 from other communities (one on a ventilator).
The testing process begins with a free online risk assessment available at BryanHealth.com, CHIHealth.com or TestNebraska.com. Drive through test sites include:
• Bryan Health: Former Graham Tire Store, northeast corner of 19th and “O” streets.
• CHI Health St. Elizabeth and Test Nebraska: Gateway Mall, 6100 “O” St., northwest corner of the mall. Test Nebraska’s hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
The COVID-19 Risk Dial is at “Elevated Orange,” indicating a high risk of the virus spreading. Residents are advised to follow these recommendations to protect themselves and others:
• Limit activities outside the home, unless for work, school, medical care, or food.
• Work from home when possible.
• Stay at least six feet from anyone outside the home.
• Face masks should be worn by those over two years old when indoors and when unable to physical distance.
• Avoid large gatherings.
• Attend small gatherings and events only with modifications such as physical distancing, face masks, etc.
• Follow CDC Travel Guidelines available at cdc.gov.