LincolnHealth reported 46 new cases of COVID-19 out of 561 tests for the week of Oct. 11. While the percent positive rose 1.3% since the previous week, breakthrough cases – those who are vaccinated and test positive – have decreased from 37% to 17%, the lowest figure in months.

COVID-19 cases continue to test capacity at LincolnHealth and in hospitals across the state, said Director of Communications John Martins. Many patients still await discharge into other facilities like nursing homes and senior living which are also full.

“In senior living, some of the lack of capacity is due to staffing shortages,” said Martins. “We are actively recruiting and planning a hiring fair sometime in November where people can get job offers on the spot.”

Since the Moderna vaccine has not had its booster approved, and most people in Lincoln County received Moderna, people will have to continue to wait, said Martins. LincolnHealth is working to make all approved boosters available to qualifying patients and will host an off-site clinic for a limited time.

“We are also getting ready for ages 5 through 11, with the hope of delivering the vaccine in the schools and pediatrics/primary care offices.”

Martins said details on these vaccine deliveries will be finalized the week of Oct. 25.