COVID-19 Risk Dial Hits Severe 'Red' Category in Lincoln-Lancaster County
By Aaron Bonderson 
, Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media
Jan. 4, 2022, 5:11 p.m. ·
The COVID-19 Risk Dial turns red this week in Lincoln-Lancaster County. The Lancaster County Health Department announced the change Tuesday. This means transmission of the virus is severe in the community.
Pat Lopez, the director of the health department, said on New Year’s Eve more than 200 cases were detected.
“We’re experiencing an increase in new cases,” Lopez said. “A combination of people letting down their guard, holiday gatherings, and the arrival of the omicron variant are causing this jump.”
According to Lincoln-based Bryan Health Hospital, 11 people have died from COVID-19 since last Tuesday, which can include residents outside of Lancaster County.
Despite the indoor mask requirement ending recently, Lopez said residents should wear masks indoors, especially at large gatherings. Additionally, the director says vaccines are the best way to prevent Coronavirus infection. For more information, visit the county's COVID-19 dashboard.