Health Department Reports Continued Increase in COVID-19 Cases
Published on August 28, 2023
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today reported a sustained increase in COVID-19 cases, including outbreaks in some long-term care facilities. There were 163 cases reported for the week ending August 26 compared to an average of 70 per week the two prior weeks. Wastewater analysis also showed a steady rise in viral particles detected.
“We know COVID-19 remains a real risk for many people and the shift we’re seeing in our local situation is concerning,” said Pat Lopez, Health Director. “We’re working with the long-term care facilities to reduce transmission. We’re also in communication with our hospital partners as we determine how the increase in COVID activity may further impact the community.”
Health officials say local changes stress the importance of staying current on COVID-19 vaccines to help maintain protection against severe illness, especially if you’re age 65 or older or have a weakened immune system.
If you’re at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and due for an additional dose of vaccine, talk to your health care provider about whether you should receive the existing vaccine now or the updated vaccine that’s expected to be available in September. The Health Department is awaiting information from the federal government on the updated vaccine and will share more details as they become available.
Under current vaccine recommendations which were released in April, adults age 65 and older can receive a second bivalent dose at least four months after their first bivalent dose. People with weakened immune systems can receive an additional bivalent dose at least two months following a previous bivalent dose.
Everyone age 6 years and older should have one bivalent COVID-19 vaccine regardless of whether they’ve completed their primary series.
Children age 6 months to 5 years may need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date, including at least one dose of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the number of doses they’ve previously received and their age.
LLCHD offers COVID-19 vaccinations onsite at the Health Department, 3131 “O” St. Appointments can be scheduled online at covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or by calling 402-441-4200. Walk-ins are also welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Officials also encourage residents to stay home if they’re sick and take an at-home test or get tested. If you know you have COVID-19, you can take appropriate steps to limit the spread and protect others. At-home test kits remain available in the main lobby of the Health Department during regular business hours. Test kits are also available at all Lincoln City Library locations.
If you have COVID-19 and are more likely to get very sick, there are treatments available, like Paxlovid, that can reduce risk of hospitalization and death. Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective. Even if you have mild symptoms, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if you are eligible for treatment.
For more information on COVID-19-related topics, visit covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the LLCHD at 402-441-8006.