photo by: Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health

Douglas County’s COVID transmission levels have officially entered the “green” zone, according to Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health.

The latest COVID data from the health department posted Friday afternoon notes that the county’s average daily case count, based on a 14-day moving average, has dropped to 18; active cases have fallen by about 100 since Wednesday and now number 460.

With the moving average below 25 and the active case count under 500, the county shifts from “yellow” to “green” status, the least restrictive level of COVID risk.

The county has added only 16 new COVID cases since Wednesday, bringing the cumulative total since March of 2020 to 25,174. The number of COVID inpatients currently hospitalized at LMH Health has also dropped and is now four.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health continues to encourage community members to follow updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and also urges them to get vaccinated. The health department administers vaccinations and booster doses at the clinic on the first floor of the Community Health Building, 200 Maine St., for adults and for eligible children.

To register for an appointment, visit ldchealth.org/getmyvaccine. Those interested in an appointment can also call 785-843-0721 for help with registering or with additional questions. Shots are also widely available at various pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

The health department also offers information about where to go to get tested for COVID in Douglas County on its website.

Additionally, KDHE has a COVID testing site at the former Payless Shoe location at 1540 Wakarusa Drive. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.