The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has increased the risk of COVID-19 in the community from moderate to high risk.
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said this is the first time the risk dial has been increased since it was introduced in mid-May. Gaylor Baird said if residents want to return to normal they need to take the virus more seriously.
"So here's the deal,” Gaylor Baird said. "If we want schools to open this fall, if we want businesses to resume their operations, if we want to watch Husker football and volleyball, and other fall sports, we have to make it happen."
From Sunday, June 28 through Saturday, July 4, there were 170 new cases reported in Lancaster County. Gaylor Baird said that is the highest weekly total since the week ending May 23.
Gaylor Baird advised residents to keep washing their hands, wearing masks, and social distancing.