The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has confirmed two more local cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 also known as the U.K. variant. The variants were identified through special testing at the Nebraska Public Health Lab, and LLCHD is currently investigating. A total of 18 cases of COVID-19 variants have been identified in Lancaster County:
- California variants, 6 cases
- U.K. variant, 12 cases
Variants can spread more easily and quickly and they can lead to more cases of COVID-19. Residents are urged to continue preventive actions to control the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in the community, which include getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available to you.
Lab-confirmed cases reported today: 21
Total number of cases: 30,197
Deaths reported today: 0
Total number of deaths: 230
Recoveries: 27,122
Weekly positivity rate:
- April 3 through 9: 4.7 percent
- April 10 through 12: no data
The health department says 29 COVID-19 positive patients are hospitalized with 20 from Lancaster County. . The Risk Dial remains at mid-yellow for moderate risk of COVID-19 spread.
Vaccinations administered:
- Initiated vaccinations (first doses): 134,013
- Completed vaccinations (second doses and J&J vaccine): 84,838
At this week’s clinics, LLCHD expects to provide first doses to residents age 18 and older. Vaccinations may be offered to those in younger age groups depending on the supply of vaccine and the available appointments. As individuals in specific age groups and those with serious health conditions are contacted to schedule vaccinations, family members living in the same households are now able to schedule vaccinations as well. LLCHD is also contacting household members of those in age groups previously vaccinated. The health department continues to work with Bryan Health and CHI Health St. Elizabeth to hold clinics for people with serious health conditions. LLCHD recently contacted residents age 16 and up with serious health conditions to schedule appointments at upcoming clinics.
This week’s large-scale clinics:
- Monday, April 12, Center for People in Need – first doses
- Thursday, April 15, Pinnacle Bank Arena – first and second doses
- Friday, April 16, Pinnacle Bank Arena – first doses
Two first-dose drive-through clinics are scheduled for Wednesday, April 14 and Saturday, April 17 at 6100 “O” Street, in the drive-through garages at the north parking lot of the former Sears store at Gateway Mall. LLCHD is notifying residents to schedule appointments for these clinics.