Thursday March 2 COVID-19 update: 2 deaths reported in Douglas County

(WOWT) - Below are today’s updates from data reports on new cases and other COVID-19 stats reported by health officials across Nebraska and western Iowa.

Keep scrolling to find a vaccination clinic near you.

Nebraska data snapshot

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provides COVID-19 data updates generally each week via its Respiratory Illness Dashboard, found on the Nebraska Public Health Atlas. But that dashboard — does not include data on COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths, hospital capacity, or vaccinations — was not updated this week.

DEATHS: The CDC data tracker reported 36 COVID-19 deaths in Nebraska for the week ending Wednesday, compared to 52 reported the week prior.

The state has reported 4,915 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic, bringing Nebraska’s cumulative death rate to 254 deaths per 100,000 people.

CASES: The CDC data tracker reported 1,573 COVID-19 cases in Nebraska in the week ending Wednesday — nearly 250 more cases than the week prior; and a weekly case rate of 81.3 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 68.8 reported about two weeks ago and 46.8 cases reported about a month ago.

The state has recorded 566,924 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

POSITIVITY: The CDC’s website shows positivity for the state at 15-20% for the week ending Monday for 4,401 tests.

About a month ago, it was 9.1%; two months ago, it was 9.2%. The highest recorded positivity rates during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic have been 23.2% at the end of April 2020 and 23.4% in mid-January 2022.

HOSPITALIZATIONS: According to CDC data, 174 Nebraskans were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the week ending March 1, compared to 162 the week prior. About a year ago, Nebraska hospitals were caring for 152 COVID-19 patients.

The highest spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state was 922 patients recorded on Nov. 18, 2020.

VACCINATIONS: CDC data indicates that 66.3% of Nebraskans have been vaccinated; and that 16.7% have received their bivalent dose.

Update on state flu & RSV trends

Influenza data, also available on the state DHHS dashboard, was not updated this week. The most recent data showed that positivity was at 2.2% as of Feb. 25, among a 3,571 tests. A year ago, about 4,065 tests showed an 11.1% positivity rate.

RSV data was also not updated this week. The positivity rate as of Feb. 25, was 0.9% among 2,608 tests. A year ago, about 2,222 tests showed a 0.9% positivity rate.

Pottawattamie County data snapshot

The Iowa Department of Public Health website removed its COVID-19 data tracking. The CDC data tracker states that it is updated on Thursdays.

DEATHS: The CDC website indicates the pandemic death toll for the county stands at 349 people.

The website also shows the pandemic death toll for all of Iowa is 10,700 people, an increase of 162 people in the past week.

CASES & POSITIVITY: No positivity rate data for the county or all of Iowa has been updated since mid-January 2022.

The state reported a total of 1,732 cases in the past week compared to an adjusted 1,581 the week prior.

The CDC website also shows that the weekly case rate per 100,000 people in the county is 41.8 cases, compared to 37.5 about a week ago. That metric for all of Iowa is 54.9 cases compared to 51.5 about a week ago.

HOSPITALIZATIONS: The CDC data as of Thursday shows hospitals across Iowa admitted about 185 new COVID-19 patients in the past week, eight of them in Pottawattamie County. The data also shows 4.8% of hospitalized patients in the county have COVID-19, compared to 1.3% about a week ago; and 2.9% of ICU patients in the county have COVID-19, compared to 3.3% two weeks ago.

VACCINATIONS: Vaccination data available from the CDC nudged up slightly for some groups, showing 60.8% of the county’s population have received their primary vaccination series; and that 16.8% have received their bivalent dose. Iowa vaccination data from the CDC indicates that 64.4% of Iowans have been vaccinated; and that 19.3% of the state’s population has received the bivalent booster.

Douglas County update

The Douglas County Health Department reports COVID-19 data twice weekly, issuing updated stats on Mondays and Thursdays.

DEATHS: DCHD reported Thursday that two COVID-19 deaths had been recorded in recent days.

“An unvaccinated man over 70 and a man over 80 who had been vaccinated have died,” the report states.

Douglas County’s COVID-19 death toll now stands at 1,292 people.

CASES: DCHD also reported Thursday that 251 new COVID-19 cases had been confirmed since Tuesday’s report. About a year ago, DCHD was reporting 34 new cases.

The most recent case numbers kept the seven-day average at 65 people. The DCHD dashboard indicated the rolling seven-day average per 100,000 people was at 79.5 cases as of Thursday, compared to 76.7 cases recorded Monday.

About a year ago, DCHD was reporting 56.2 cases per 100,000 people after a pandemic record-high of 2,023.9 cases recorded about two months prior, which caused the health director to implement a mask mandate in Omaha.

The latest recent cases bring the local pandemic total to 181,189 cases.

POSITIVITY RATE: The DCHD dashboard on Thursday indicated the community level remained at “low.”

The DCHD COVID-19 dashboard indicates the local positivity rate increased from an adjusted 12.7% to 13.7% as of Saturday, compared to 9.2% about a month ago. That percentage comes from a total of 3,235 tests processed, compared to 3,515 a week ago but still significantly fewer than the more than 8,000 tests performed in mid-December.

About two months ago, local positivity was calculated at 10.4%. About a year ago, it was 4.7%.

WASTEWATER DATA: As of 4:37 p.m. Monday, CDC wastewater surveillance data indicated the virus level in Douglas County was at 87.8%, based on population, compared to 64.2% reported Friday. The data has been trending upward since Jan. 12 after it had been declining in the weeks prior.

HOSPITALIZATIONS: As of Wednesday, area hospitals were caring for 93 COVID-19 patients, compared to 100 reported Monday. Of the current patients, three were in ICUs, compared to two reported Monday. One COVID-19 patient was on a ventilator.

Additionally, one adult patient was awaiting the result of a COVID-19 test.

About a year ago, DCHD was reporting 207 area COVID-19 hospitalizations.

HOSPITAL CAPACITY: Area hospital capacity fluctuates according to staffing levels. As of Wednesday, hospitals were 85% full with 270 beds available, compared to 292 reported Monday. Area ICUs were 84% full with 45 beds available, compared to 38 reported Monday. Pediatric ICUs were 83% full with eight beds available, compared to 11 reported Monday.

VACCINATIONS: The DCHD dashboard showed no change in vaccination data. To date, 10,999 pediatric doses — for ages 6 months to 4 years — have been administered in the county, resulting in 10.2% of Douglas County children in that age group being fully vaccinated.

Vaccination numbers among other age groups remained static: 69% of all Douglas County residents are vaccinated with 62.2% of eligible residents, ages 12 and older, receiving their booster or additional doses. Of youth ages 5-11, 43% are vaccinated; and 70.7% of county youth ages 12-17 are fully vaccinated.

VACCINATIONS

Retail pharmacies

Vaccine sign-ups: Baker’s | CVS | Hy-Vee | Kohll’s | Kubat | Medicine Man Pharmacy | Sam’s Club | ViaRx | Walmart

Douglas County

Douglas County Health Department has a list of all available COVID-19 vaccination clinics on its website. All clinics are open to the public for any approved shot in the vaccination series as indicated. Those planning to get a booster shot should bring their vaccination card.

FRIDAYS

9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Douglas County Health Department, located at 1111 S. 41st St. – Primary & bivalent doses for ages 6 months and older; flu vaccinations also available

About Text Nebraska

The Douglas County Health Department is encouraging residents who test positive for COVID-19 to cooperate with Text Nebraska in order to help prevent further spread of the virus.

If you are age 19 or older, have recently tested positive for COVID-19, and provided a cell number when registering for your test, you will likely receive a text message from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services phone number 1-844-774-7604 that prompts you to take a survey. Adding that number to your phone’s directory will assure that your phone or provider doesn’t mark it as a spam call.

“It is not spam and is safe to respond,” DCHD said in a Thursday news release, noting that the survey is completely digital and doesn’t require you to speak with anyone.

“Text Nebraska is the next step in contact tracing, and this is where you can help,” Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said in the release. “Your response is needed as the number of cases makes it impossible for our staff to keep up with the demand.”

Did you take an at-home test?

Self-report your at-home test result

Fill out the Douglas County Health Department form to assist with virus activity data and contact tracing.

Report home test results

Douglas County Health Department on Monday urged residents to report the results of their home COVID-19 tests to them online at douglascountyhealth.com.

“Look for the blue box labeled ‘Report A COVID-19 Home Test,’ then follow the instructions,” the health department requests.

In-home appointments

DCHD is helping those homebound to get vaccinated, scheduling in-home appointments for all three adult vaccination varieties, for any shot in the series.

To arrange this, call the DCHD information helpline at 402-444-3400.

OneWorld child vaccination clinics

OneWorld offers COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for ages 5 and older at the following clinics:

• In south Omaha at the Livestock Building, located at 4920 S. 30th St.
• In Bellevue, at 2207 Georgia Ave.
• In northwest Omaha, at 4229 N. 90th St.
• In Plattsmouth, at 122 S. Sixth St.

Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; or you can call 402-734-4110 to make an appointment.

Children’s Hospital

Children’s Hospital offers COVID-19 vaccinations for its patients via Children’s Connect Health Portal.

“Families of non-Children’s patients can schedule by calling 402-955-SHOT,” according to the hospital’s website.

Nebraska Medicine

Nebraska Medicine is offering COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics in several retail pharmacies and health centers around the Omaha-metro.

NebMed will provide vaccinations by appointment at:

• Eagle Run Health Center, located at 132nd Street and West Maple Road
• Fontenelle Health Center, located at 50th Street and Ames Avenue
• Girls Inc. Health Center, located at 45th Street and West Maple Road
• Old Market Health Center, located at 13th and Leavenworth streets
• Village Pointe Health Center, located at 175th and Burke streets

For those looking for walk-in appointments, Pfizer vaccinations will be available at these outpatient pharmacies:

• Bellevue Health Center, located at 25th Street and Highway 370, will offer vaccinations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays
• Durham Outpatient Center, located at 45th and Emile streets, will offer vaccinations from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays; and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the weekends

Novavax vaccinations are available at these outpatient pharmacies:

• Lauritzen Outpatient Center, located at 40th and Leavenworth streets, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
• UNL Health Center, located at 550 N. 19th St. in Lincoln, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-noon

Pfizer vaccinations for children ages 6-12 are available at Lauritzen Outpatient Center, located at 40th and Leavenworth streets, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Around Omaha

SOUTH OMAHA: Testing and vaccinations are available at OneWorld, located at 4920 S. 30th St. Call 402-734-4110 to make an appointment for vaccinating anyone age 12 and older.

CHARLES DREW HEALTH CENTER: Call 402-451-3553 to schedule an appointment.

CHURCH CLINIC: Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha hosts walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics periodically on Saturdays. No ID is required, but a parent or guardian must be present at the clinic with teens ages 12-18. The church also distributes at-home test kits.

MCC FORT OMAHA: Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha campus is located at 5300 N. 30th St. Appointments will be made through the county’s vaccination registry.

TOTAL WELLNESS: DCHD has been working with Total Wellness, located at 9320 H Court, to establish regular vaccination clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

VETERANS: Any eligible veterans can obtain COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters at the Omaha VA Medical Center’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled online.

Sarpy/Cass health district

The Sarpy/Cass Health Department offers the first and second doses of Pfizer and Modern vaccines, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) single doses, pediatric and infant doses, and booster doses of all three vaccines.

To make an appointment, call 833-998-2275 or 531-249-1873.

The health department offers immunization clinics at Midlands Medical Building One, located at 11109 S 84th St, Suite 1820, in Papillion, NE 68046

• 4-7 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month
• 9 a.m.-noon on the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of the month

Pottawattamie County

The Pottawattamie County Public Health Department no longer hosts COVID-19 vaccination clinics, instead urging residents to receive their shots at area pharmacies.

Free take-home test kits are available at:

• Pottawattamie County Public Health Department office, located at 600 S. Fourth St., Suite 100, in Council Bluffs
• All Care Health Center, located at 902 S. Sixth St. in Council Bluffs
• Super Saver Pharmacy, located at 1411 N Broadway in Council Bluffs
• CHI Health Clinics
• Methodist Health Clinics
• Avoca Journal-Herald Newspaper
• City Halls in Carson, Carter Lake, Macedonia, Oakland, Treynor, Underwood, and Walnut

Three Rivers health district

Three Rivers Public Health Department provides COVID-19 vaccinations during its regular walk-in clinic hours. While the health department does have access to Pfizer and Moderna doses, it’s recommended that you call ahead to make sure they have a current stock of the vaccine formula you’re looking for.

The health department suggests you print and fill out paperwork ahead of your arrival.

Vaccinations are offered during the following Fremont clinic hours at 2400 N. Lincoln Ave.:

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays
• 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-6:30 p.m. Thursdays
• 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays

The Three Rivers clinic, located at 1320 E. 31st St. across from Lake Wanahoo, is open to walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month.

Off-line help

METHODIST HEALTH INFORMATION: The vaccine is available at most Methodist Physicians Clinic locations. Appointments for the vaccine are recommended and can be made by calling 402-354-CARE.

NEBRASKA VACCINE HOTLINE: Nebraskans can call 531-249-1873 or toll-free at 833-998-2275 for more information on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination process and to get assistance with signing up for a vaccination appointment.

DOUGLAS COUNTY HELPLINE: Local COVID-19 information, in Spanish and English, is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, except for holidays. Call 402-444-3400 for assistance.

IOWA VACCINE HOTLINE: Iowans who need help to find a vaccine appointment can call 211 for assistance or 1-800-244-7431. Older or home-bound Iowans can contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-328-2540 or 1-800-432-9209. For multilingual assistance, call 1-877-558-2609.

NATIONAL HOTLINE: To check vaccine availability in your community, call the national COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-232-0233.

Resource links

Where to get a test: Douglas County

Vaccine sign-up: Douglas County | Sarpy/Cass | Three Rivers | Nebraska

Vaccinations at hospitals: Nebraska Medicine | Methodist Health System | Children’s Hospital

Retail pharmacy vaccine sign-ups: Hy-Vee | Walmart | Sam’s Club | Baker’s | Kohll’s | CVS | Kubat

Vaccine information: Douglas County | Douglas County clinics | Nebraska || Iowa | Pottawattamie County | Mills County | Fremont County

COVID-19 dashboards: Douglas County | Sarpy County | Three Rivers Health District | Lancaster County | Bryan Health | Nebraska | Iowa | Worldwide

COVID-19 risk dials: Douglas County | Lincoln-Lancaster County

WOWT.com quick search: COVID-19 | Coronavirus | Vaccine

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