COVID-19 Weekly Update – January 10

Published on January 10, 2023

Risk Dial stays in elevated yellow

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today announced that the COVID-19 Risk Dial will stay in elevated yellow for a sixth consecutive week. The yellow position on the dial indicates the risk of the virus spreading in the community is moderate. On the color-coded dial, red represents the highest risk of COVID-19 spread, and green represents the lowest risk. 

The position of the risk dial is based on multiple indicators: 

  • Cases decreased over the last week – from 271 to 208 for the week ending January 7. 
  • The 7-day rolling average of hospitalizations also decreased – from 55 last week to 42 today. 
  • Wastewater surveillance showed a decrease in the number of virus particles compared to the previous week. 
  • No COVID-19 deaths were reported last week. The total remains at 471.

The Health Department is also actively monitoring a newer variant, XBB.1.5, that is rapidly increasing and becoming the dominant strain in certain areas of the United States. XBB.1.5 has now been identified in Nebraska. Early data indicate this variant spreads more easily than other variants. Public health officials and other partners are working to determine its potential impact on the state and community.

Experts say the updated boosters, also known as bivalent boosters, appear to offer some protection against the newer variant, particularly against severe illness. LLCHD strongly recommends that residents receive the bivalent booster now if they haven’t already.

Current public health guidance is posted at  COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov.

Vaccinations: Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations helps prevent severe illness and hospitalization and saves lives. COVID-19 vaccine and updated booster doses are approved for everyone age 6 months and older.

The Health Department reminds residents that benefits of the bivalent booster include protection against variants that weren’t included in the previous vaccines, and restoration of the body’s immunity against COVID-19. Even if you’ve had other COVID-19 boosters, it’s still important to get the updated one now.

Updated boosters for younger children: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently approved updated COVID-19 booster doses for children under age 5. LLCHD provides updated boosters to this age group at the Health Department, 3131 “O” St. 

Upcoming clinics (schedules subject to change): Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be scheduled online at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov or by calling 402-441-4200. 

  • Updated booster dose and primary series clinics for children under age 5*

Mondays, 8 a.m. to noon and Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m., LLCHD, 3131 “O” St.

  • Updated booster dose and primary series clinics for children ages 5 to 11

Wednesdays, 4 to 6 p.m., LLCHD

  • Updated booster dose and primary series clinics for ages 5 and older*

Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., LLCHD

*There are no clinics Monday, January 16.

Local pharmacies also offer the COVID-19 primary series and updated boosters by appointment to those eligible. Visit vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy near you.

Vaccinations administered:

  • Initiated vaccinations (first doses): 236,816
  • Completed vaccinations (second doses and J&J vaccine): 221,491
  • Lancaster County residents who are fully vaccinated: 69.4%
  • Booster doses: 139,110

Clinic media note:

Media will be notified regarding coverage of vaccination clinics. Media must make arrangements with LLCHD prior to visiting any venue.

COVID-19 testing:

At-home test kits are available in the main lobby of the LLCHD, 3131 ”O” St., during regular business hours. Test kits are also available at all Lincoln City Library locations.

Lancaster County residents can report results of their at-home COVID-19 tests to the Health Department. The form is available at lincoln.ne.gov/COVID19ReportResults. All information is confidential. Those requiring assistance completing the form may call LLCHD at 402-441-8006.

Every home in the U.S. can order another round of free, at-home tests from the federal government this winter. Visit covidtests.gov to place an order. The Food and Drug Administration extended the shelf lives of many home COVID-19 tests. To determine if a test has a new expiration date, visit At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA.

For more information on testing or other COVID-19-related topics, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the LLCHD hotline at 402-441-8006.

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