Lincoln-Lancaster County health officials say the risk of COVID-19 in the area remains high. This is the second week officials have not increased the virus risk dial.
"The average weekly positivity rate had stabilized between 12 and 13% over the past three weeks," said Scott Holmes, environmental public health director. "However, this week it has increased again to almost 17%."
Hospitalizations are also at a record high in the county, and the 7-day average of new cases shows an increase. Holmes says other factors have improved recently, such as testing availability and turnaround time.
Holmes says they have identified an outbreak from a social event at the Lincoln Eagle’s Club on September 11. About 75 people attended the event, where many people did not wear masks. Holmes says at least 16 cases have been identified so far, and one person has been hospitalized.
"Not all of those who were attending were from Lancaster County, and we’re very concerned that some may not be aware of their potential exposure," Holmes said. "This puts many others at risk of potentially contracting this very contagious virus."
Holmes says anyone who attended the event two weeks ago should contact the public health department at 402-441-8053.
There are now more than 6,000 COVID-19 cases in Lancaster County, and about 43,000 cases statewide.