BREAKING: Health Officials Report First COVID-19 Death In Lincoln

LINCOLN–(News Release/KFOR Apr. 18)–Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) announced today that one resident has died from COVID-19 in Lincoln.  LLCHD will have more information this afternoon.

Three new lab-confirmed cases were reported in Lincoln today, bringing the total number of cases in the city to 37.

LLCHD is now monitoring 110 individuals.  Lancaster County reports 1,194 negative tests and 37 positives with 16 tests pending at the Nebraska Public Health Lab. There are now 497 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska and 13 deaths.

The Mayor and LLCHD will hold a briefing at 3:30 p.m. TODAY, Wednesday, April 8, which will air LIVE on KFOR FM103.3/1240AM and kfornow.com.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.  Those who experience these symptoms should self-quarantine and call their health care providers for recommended follow up before visiting. If you need help accessing care, contact the Health Department at 402-441-8006. Do not go to the emergency room unless it is essential.

Those prioritized for testing remain healthcare workers; public safety personnel; residents and employees of nursing homes and group homes; those attending or working at daycares; and people over 60 or those with underlying health conditions. Those who have no symptoms do not need to contact your health provider to be tested. Do not go to urgent care, the emergency room, or a doctor’s office to get a COVID-19 test. Those test kits and medical personnel must be reserved for individuals in the prioritized categories.

The latest information on local coronavirus response is available COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov and health.lincoln.ne.gov.  LLCHD has established a hotline at 402-441-8006 for questions on COVID-19.