January 20, 2022 3:50 a.m.

Douglas County Commissioners and the local medical community are preparing for the omicron variant surge.

To help alleviate the situation, these have been established:

*The local COVID-19 Hotline at 464-6550 has been enhanced with referral services to local health care providers and case managers, in order to prevent unnecessary Emergency Room visits

*The Douglas Public Health Network has temporarily changed the local COVID testing guidance in order to preserve testing for those that need it most to preserve local inventory. Those who think they might have COVID, but are experiencing mild symptoms, should contact their primary care provider or call the COVID Hotline for a referral.

*Douglas County Commissioners have worked with Lincare to secure 200 oxygen concentrators and make them available to residents who need them. Right now, Lincare is able to meet the oxygen needs through their regular process, but if the demand outstrips their supply, these additional oxygen concentrators will be available locally.