COVID-19 Weekly Update – January 18
Published on January 18, 2023
Risk Dial moves to mid-yellow, updates made to COVID-19 dashboard and Risk Dial metrics
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today announced that the COVID-19 Risk Dial will move to mid-yellow after being in elevated yellow for six weeks. The yellow position on the dial indicates that 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 again over the last week – from 208 to 176 for the week ending January 14.
- The 7-day rolling average of hospitalizations decreased – from 42 last week to 40 today.
- Wastewater surveillance continued to show a decrease in the number of virus particles compared to the previous week.
- One COVID-19 death was reported last week – a man in his 60s who was hospitalized and up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations*. The total is 472.
*Vaccinated individuals who are considered up to date have completed the COVID-19 primary series and received the most recent booster doses recommended for them by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Several key indicators show a sustained decrease. That’s good news for right now and we hope to see further improvement,” said Pat Lopez, Health Director. “However, we also know from previous experience that our local situation can change quickly with the arrival of new variants. We’re paying close attention to the fast-moving XBB.1.5 variant as it spreads across the nation and in Nebraska. We expect to see cases in our community and are working to further understand the variant’s potential impact locally. We’ll continue to provide the most up to date information in the weeks ahead.”
Experts say the updated boosters, also known as bivalent boosters, appear to offer some protection against the XBB.1.5 variant, particularly from severe illness. LLCHD strongly recommends that residents receive the bivalent booster if they haven’t already.
Updates to Dashboard/Risk Dial Metrics:
COVID-19 dashboard – The dashboard is updated daily with key data on cases, hospitalizations, deaths, vaccinations and testing. Data is a valuable tool that helps guide the COVID-19 response and the dashboard is where residents can track our local situation. LLCHD recently enhanced the dashboard with the following features:
- A new section on wastewater testing results can be found in the testing section.
- Charts and visuals now show the percentage and number of Lancaster County residents who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Currently, 18.4% of Lancaster County residents are up to date.
- 2021 Lancaster County population estimates are now incorporated into the dashboard, which are based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data. Percentages may adjust slightly due to the increase in population for Lancaster County.
Risk Dial metrics – Wastewater surveillance and the percentage of Lancaster County residents who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations are now incorporated into the Risk Dial metrics. The COVID-19 Risk Dial is a tool developed by the Health Department early in the pandemic response as part of a data-driven approach to help clearly communicate the risk of spread and impact of COVID-19 in Lincoln and Lancaster County.
The COVID-19 dashboard, Risk Dial metrics, and current public health guidance are available 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 bivalent 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 bivalent boosters for children under age 5. LLCHD offers 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
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): 236,904
- Completed vaccinations (second doses and J&J vaccine): 221,551
- Lancaster County residents – fully vaccinated: 69.3%
- Lancaster County residents – up to date: 18.4%
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.