Latest Covid Spike Pushing Higher In Lancaster County

Lincoln, NE (May 12, 2022) Lancaster County’s Covid 19 case count rose again today. The health Department reported 86 new cases of the virus.

On Tuesday, the covid 19 risk dial was raised to the yellow, or moderate risk range for spread of the virus. The death toll remained at 440.

Just a month ago, daily numbers of new cases ranged from single digits to the upper teens. Health Director Pat Lopez said Tuesday it’s too early to know whether the spike is temporary, or signals a long term rise in case numbers.

COMPLETE DAILY SUMMARY:

Lab-confirmed cases reported today: 86

Total cases: 70,637

Total number of deaths: 440

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients:

20 with 11 from Lancaster County (none on ventilators) and 9 from other communities (one on a ventilator). Note: The hospitalization number includes patients who no longer test positive for COVID-19 but continue to be hospitalized.

Risk Dial: low yellow – risk of COVID-19 spread and impact in the community is moderate. Updated public health guidance is available at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov.

At-home test kits available:

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

At-home test reporting:

Lancaster County residents can report results of their at-home COVID-19 tests to the Health Department and receive helpful quarantine and isolation information. The form is available at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov in the testing section of the website, just below the risk dial. All information is confidential. People who require assistance in completing the form may call LLCHD at 402-441-8006 for assistance.

Vaccinations administered:

Initiated vaccinations (first doses): 229,311
Completed vaccinations (second doses and J&J vaccine): 215,135
Lancaster County residents who are fully vaccinated: 67.4%
Booster doses: 125,780

Vaccinations:

Those experiencing some of the most severe outcomes from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. LLCHD strongly urges everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated or boosted. 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. Those age 12 and older are eligible for a first booster dose. Those age 50 and older and those age 12 and older with weakened immune systems are eligible for a second booster dose. 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; appointments are encouraged, walk-ins also welcome at all locations):

Friday, May 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., LLCHD, 3131 “O” St.
Monday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., LLCHD
Friday, May 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., LLCHD
Monday, May 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., LLCHD
Wednesday, May 25, 4 to 7 p.m., LLCHD
Friday, May 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., LLCHD

All clinics will offer first and second doses for age 5 and older, first booster doses for age 12 and older, and second booster doses for age 50 and older and those age 12 and older with weakened immune systems. View upcoming clinics and schedule an appointment at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov.

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