Lincoln Has Two More Deaths From COVID-19

Published on January 26, 2022

Lab-confirmed cases reported today: 477
Total cases: 63,666

Deaths reported today: 2, a man in his 60s who was hospitalized and not vaccinated, and a female in her 70s who was hospitalized and vaccinated
Total number of deaths: 386

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients: 138 with 98 from Lancaster County (11 on ventilators) and 40 from other communities (6 on ventilators). Note: This includes patients who no longer test positive for COVID-19 but continue to be hospitalized.

Risk Dial: red – risk of COVID-19 spread and impact in the community is severe

Directed Health Measure:  The DHM is effective through February 11 and includes a mask requirement for all individuals ages 2 and older regardless of vaccination status. More information on the health measure and masks is available at lincoln.ne.gov/DHM and lincoln.ne.gov/mask.

Vaccinations administered:

  • Initiated vaccinations (first doses): 224,661
  • Completed vaccinations (second doses and J&J vaccine): 208,378
  • Lancaster County residents who are fully vaccinated: 65.3%

Variant update:
Omicron – The omicron variant continues to spread in Lancaster County. Omicron details include:  

  • Omicron cases increase more rapidly than earlier forms of the virus. 
  • Those who are vaccinated will need a booster dose to protect themselves and others from omicron.  
  • Those who are unvaccinated are at greater risk of contracting the omicron variant.
  • Those who have previously had COVID-19 do not have a natural immunity that prevents them from being infected with omicron.  

Delta – The delta variant continues to spread at high levels in Lancaster County and impacts the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Coronavirus samples are regularly sent to the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory for variant testing. For more information about variants, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html.

Vaccinations:
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) is now focusing on fully vaccinating 75% of the entire population of Lancaster County. Those experiencing some of the most severe outcomes from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. LLCHD strongly urges everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. Vaccination helps prevent severe illness, saves lives, and slows further spread of the virus.

Residents age 5 and older are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Find a clinic near you at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. Walk-ins are welcome or schedule an appointment. Residents can also find a local pharmacy offering vaccinations at vaccines.gov or by texting their ZIP code to 438829. Those who do not have online access or who need assistance with registration or scheduling may call LLCHD at 402-441-4200 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Upcoming vaccination clinics (schedule subject to change; walk-ins welcome at all locations)

  • Thursday, January 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., LLCHD, 3131 “O” St.; 3:15 to 6 p.m., Everett Elementary School, 1123 “C” St.
  • Friday, January 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., LLCHD
  • Monday, January 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., LLCHD

All clinics will offer first and second doses for age 5 and older, Pfizer booster doses for age 12 and older, and Moderna booster doses for age 18 and older.

Clinic media note
Media will be notified regarding coverage of vaccinations. Do not go to any venue without making arrangements with LLCHD.

Booster doses
The CDC has approved booster doses for the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines. LLCHD is currently providing booster doses to anyone who falls within the current CDC recommendations. Types of booster doses being offered are noted on the clinic schedule. Residents can check availability and schedule an appointment at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. Those who don’t have online access or need assistance can call 402-441-4200. LLCHD is also contacting eligible vaccine recipients to schedule booster dose appointments.

CDC booster recommendations:

  • Pfizer: Pfizer booster doses are recommended at five months after a second dose for those age 12 and older.
  • Moderna: Moderna booster doses are recommended at five months after a second dose for those age 18 and older.
  • Johnson and Johnson: Booster doses of the J&J vaccine are recommended two or more months after the initial dose for those age 18 and older.

Several local pharmacies provide booster doses and many offer all three types of COVID-19 vaccines. You can find a pharmacy near you at vaccines.gov or by texting your zip code to 438829. CDC recommendations also allow people to choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some may prefer to get the same type of vaccine that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster.

Testing: The process begins with a free online risk assessment available at BryanHealth.com and CHIHealth.com. Testing is available from:

  • Bryan Health: All rapid COVID-19 testing will be done at Bryan’s NorthPointe Urgent Care location at 5901 N. 27th St. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by visiting bryanhealth.org/covid-testing. PCR testing continues to be available at Bryan’s two other urgent care locations – Lifepointe, 7501 S. 27th St. and Southeast, 4333 S. 86th St. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by visiting bryanurgentcare.org.
  • CHI Health: Walk-in testing is available at three priority care locations: Antelope Creek, 2510 S. 40th St., Suite 100; Southwest, 1240 Aries Drive; and Stevens Creek, 1601 N. 86th St. For drive up testing, virtual quick care is available 24/7 at CHIHealth.com to chat with a provider and schedule a testing appointment.
  • Nomi Health: Drive-thru testing is available at Gateway Mall. Appointments are required. Register at testing.nomihealth.com/signup/ne.
  • LLCHD/TotalWellness: Drive-thru testing is available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at 1918 “O” St. Appointments are required. Visit totalwellnesshealth.com/lincoln to schedule an appointment.
  • Local pharmacies including CVS, HyVee and Walgreens, health care provider offices and urgent care clinics also offer testing. Those uninsured or underinsured can call the LLCHD COVID-19 hotline at 402-441-8006 to be connected to testing resources.

At-home tests: Every household in the U.S. is eligible to receive four free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government. Visit covidtests.gov to place an order. 

For more information, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the LLCHD hotline at 402-441-8006.

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