COVID-19 cases in Washington County continue to be on the rise.
According to information on the Three Rivers Public Health Department's website, there are 558 total cases in Washington County. There have been eight deaths related to the illness.
The most recent death was a woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions, the health department reported Wednesday afternoon.
During the week of Oct. 25, Washington County's positivity rate was 27.32%. In the last two weeks, the county has had 164 new cases.
“We are at a critical time where we need people to wear their mask and follow the guidance as it could ave someone else's life,” said Terra Uhing, executive director of the Three Rivers Public Health Department.
The Three Rivers Public Health Department jurisdiction's risk dial increased to 2.63 due to an increase in positivity rate, the number of cases, in community spread and regional hospitalizations due to COVID-19.
Additionally, the district has had a decrease in contract tracing as the department is not able to contact all of the cases.
“Each of our county risk dials increased substantially this week due to the above factors addressed and we are needing everyone to take social responsibility and stay home if you are sick or if you have been tested for COVID-19,” Uhing said.
Washington County's risk dial increased from 1.88 to 2.25.
Residents are encouraged to avoid the “Three Cs” — crowded places, close contact and confined spaces.
Testing is available through Test Nebraska. Visit testnebraska.com/en to schedule a COVID-19 test. There is no cost.
