OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On Thursday, December 24, the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) reported 387 new cases of COVID-19 that were received over the past day ending at midnight. The total number of cases in the county since the start of the pandemic in March is 50,725.
The Health Department received five new death certificates related to the pandemic during the past day. The county has lost three women ranging all 75 years of age or older and two men, one in his 50s and one in his 70s. The number of deaths in the county connected to the pandemic is now 460.
DCHD can report that 28,790 Douglas County residents have recovered from the disease.
Douglas County Public Health Director Dr. Adi Pour released a statement recommending that individuals receive a COVID-19 test before joining loved ones for holiday celebrations.
"If you plan to be part of a gathering, as a host or a guest, please remember to practice social distancing, wear a mask, and monitor yourself for symptoms before and after the event. It is wise to avoid the Three Cs – crowded places, close contact with people outside your household and confined spaces. Those who are aware of an exposure should quarantine and be tested," Pour said in the release.
According to the most recent local hospital report received today, medical and surgical beds were at 76% occupancy with 365 beds available and adult ICU beds are occupied at a 72% rate with 93 beds available. There were 295 individuals hospitalized who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, with 88 of them receiving adult ICU level care.
There are also 18 more persons of interest (generally waiting for test results). Forty-four individuals who were confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19 were on ventilators.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department also made a report today:
- Two more residents have died from COVID-19. The total number of deaths in Lancaster County is now 146. The deaths included a man and woman in their 80s who were in long-term care facilities.
- LLCHD reports 193 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lancaster County today, bringing the community total to 21,654.
- Recoveries: up from 6,354 to 6,381
- Weekly positivity rate:
- December 13 through 19: 27.3 percent
- December 20 through 24: 24.4 percent
- Hospitalizations for COVID-19 positive patients: 83 with 45 from Lancaster County (five on ventilators) and 38 from other communities (two on ventilators).