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Milestones in Nebraska's coronavirus fight

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A Lee Enterprises, Incorporated newspaper. Majority shareholder: David Hoffmann, Hoffmann Media Group.

Milestones in Nebraska's coronavirus fight

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See the top stories on coronavirus in Lincoln and Nebraska since the pandemic first affected the area in March.

(123) updates to this series since Updated Jan 13, 2022

Governor to require hospitals to keep beds open for COVID patients, further restricts large gatherings

Hospitals must keep 10% of their beds open to continue to offer elective surgeries, $40 million in CARES money will be targeted to reducing hospital staff shortages and large gatherings will again be limited to 50% capacity.

COVID-19 death count climbs in Lancaster County following surge in recent cases

While many of the 30 COVID-19 deaths have involved Lancaster County residents with underlying health conditions, Lopez said some deaths, like that of 46-year-old man, involved people who were otherwise healthy.

Positive cases in LPS schools pass 200 — including 10 in one elementary — but officials say no school spread

LPS says all the exposures of positive cases -- including the 10 at Zeman Elementary since Sept. 10 -- have been traced to sources outside the school. 

Doctors urge COVID-19 precautions, warn of strained hospital capacity in Nebraska

"The assumption that if you get sick we're going to have a hospital bed for you is a false assumption," said Dr. Daniel Johnson, division chief of critical care at the Nebraska Medicine.

Nebraska surpasses 500 total coronavirus deaths; Lancaster County reports 46 new cases

There are 501 deaths linked to the coronavirus in the state, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The state's case total is now 47,807.

Pinnacle Bank Arena hosts rodeo, fans in one of its first public sporting events since March

After months of mostly sitting idle, Pinnacle Bank Arena was filled with dirt, bulls and plenty of cowboy hats Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

‘A little bit of normalcy’ — Pandemic didn’t stop ‘Backyard Farmer’ from helping your garden grow

In other years, "Backyard Farmer" fielded about 100 viewer questions each week. This season, that number reached 240.

Coronavirus contagiousness can overtake diligence, Lincoln health director says of own experience

Nebraska reported more new cases of the coronavirus on Friday than at any point during the pandemic, with 792 cases pushing the statewide total to 46,977.

109 new coronavirus cases reported in Lancaster County; UNMC chancellor says state can 'expect an uptick'

UNMC Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Gold also noted that there still are "plenty of hospital beds, ICU beds and ventilators" available to meet the challenge.

State officials defend decision to contract with Test Nebraska

Test Nebraska was the only option available to allow the state to quickly ramp up its capacity to thousands of tests per day, a state official said.

10 attendees at event at Lincoln Eagles Club got COVID-19, officials say

The club's Facebook page advertised the gathering as a "9/11 Never Forget" event. The event drew 75 people with dancing and little mask wearing.

COVID-19 has hammered Nebraska's ag sector, report finds

Prices for hogs dropped 53% from January to April, according to the report, while prices for live cattle dropped 25%. While crop prices did not see as big of a decline, they were in worse shape heading into the year than livestock prices.

Lincoln-Lancaster County health director contracts COVID-19, mayor says

Pat Lopez is isolating at home and has been in contact with Health Department staff, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said. 

'It's a celebration:' Big Ten football is back (again), and Nebraska is ready to get started

The plan is for the season to begin the weekend of Oct. 23-24, and it revolves around rigid coronavirus protocols. 

College students, prisoners drive record week of COVID cases; city offers more housing help

As of Friday afternoon, Lancaster County had recorded 498 new cases this week, up from last week’s high of 476.

State moving to Phase 4 of reopening as case, hospital numbers rise

Coronavirus-related restrictions will be loosened even though COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are at their highest levels since late spring.

Madsen's GM follows through on pledge to sue over health directive

Lincoln City Attorney Yohance Christie said: "This lawsuit has no merit."

Nebraska rolling out rapid coronavirus testing program with UNMC

Nebraska has developed its own in-house rapid coronavirus system, which will considerably speed up the testing process for student-athletes.

Nebraska State Penitentiary under quarantine after 29 inmates test positive for coronavirus

Voluntary tests were offered to 600 inmates last week, and 332 agreed to be tested. Tests will be offered to the remaining inmates at the facility starting Sunday.

COVID-19 claims lives of Omaha mother and son just days apart

Lydia and Carlos Tibbs were an inseparable duo known for their joyful embrace of life and of the people they met. "They covered you with their love."

UNL coronavirus dashboard goes live; 107 cases reported since Aug. 12

The dashboard shows the first case on campus was reported Aug. 16 at the tail-end of student move-in for the fall semester. The highest number of cases reported in one day was Wednesday, where 31 cases were reported.

University employee dies of COVID-19 complications, marks 20th death in Lancaster County

Kevin Hopper, a technical consultant in Information Technology Services, fell ill earlier this summer and was hospitalized for about a month before he died Aug. 19, according to an obituary.

How rigid COVID-19 regulations are affecting high school football teams' preparation this season

North Star coach Tony Kobza attributed some of his team's missteps on Friday night to unique practice circumstances. But it's not an excuse, he says. 

NU Athletics furloughing more than 50, enacting salary reductions due to $100 million budget hole

Athletic director Bill Moos confirmed to the Journal Star that 51 employees in his department of more than 330 are being furloughed for four months.

35 LPS staff members self-quarantining because of COVID symptoms, exposure

LPS reported four positive COVID-19 cases during the first week of school, compared to 35 cases in Omaha-area schools.

Lied Center leads nation in reopening

The Lied Center for Performing Arts has presented a series of dance recitals for local studios with some of the performances bringing in more than 500 people.

Moos says no plans for Huskers to cut athletic programs, but $100 million hit will be wide-ranging

NU will have to dip into its healthy "rainy day" financial reserve. Bill Moos: "It's as rainy as I've ever seen it."

Maskless testifiers oppose health director's appointment, but council approves her anyway

The Lincoln City Council suspended its rules, then held a public hearing to appoint Pat Lopez as health director, a decision drawing the scorn of local residents already critical of her decisions. 

LPS has some technology glitches on first day of remote learning, but lots of kids log on

On the first day of remote learning, 14,322 students Zoomed into classes, collectively spending more than 3 million minutes on Zoom, though some had problems getting onto Zoom.  

Mayor sees evidence of mask mandate's effectiveness; 16 new cases

The 16 cases confirmed Friday marked the lowest number of new daily cases this week, and Lancaster County headed into the weekend positioned to have the fewest weekly total of new cases since late June.

LPS announces reduced spectator plan for fall sports season

Contests hosted by LPS schools will be limited to immediate family only, which is defined in a news release sent out Friday afternoon.

Start of school in a pandemic: Time-worn first-day-of-school traditions alongside the new ones

On Wednesday, elementary schools were the only ones with all students in attendance, with just sixth- and ninth-graders at middle and high schools. 

Big Ten postponing football, other fall sports; NU leaders say they are 'very disappointed' in decision

The decision comes one day after Scott Frost and three other Big Ten coaches went public with their desire to play football this fall.

Madsen's reopens its doors after Health Department OKs its compliance plan

"I think the matter is, by and large, over,” Madsen's attorney J.L. Spray said of the dispute between the business and Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

Watch now: Lincoln police enforce closure order at Madsen's

At around 7:55 a.m., officers arrived at Madsen's, marking the first time police have been involved in the weeklong squabbling between the local business and city over alleged violations of directed health measures.

Details of learning in a pandemic: Busing, substitute teachers, air flow and sanitizing classrooms

“I think overwhelming is a good word,” said Lincoln Education Association President Rita Bennett, especially for teachers who all want to do things well. “It is very, very frustrating. No one wants to drop a ball.” 

Side effects: A look at just how bad things have been for some Lincoln businesses amid COVID-19

Information contained in property tax protests gives a rare look into what kinds of declines some national companies are seeing in Lincoln.

NU athletics projects shortfall up to $100 million, provides season ticket holders options in letter

There are three options for ticket holders who don't wish to attend games this season.

After losing in court, city again orders Madsen's to shut its doors

Staff from the health department returned to the business on Thursday and observed continued violations of the directed health measure, according to the latest closure order.

Watch Now: Attorneys lay out case for, against shutting down Madsen's over health measure violations

In a closed third-floor courtroom with dozens watching online, the Lincoln City Attorney's Office laid out its case Wednesday for why a judge should order the closure of Madsen's Bowling and Billiards for violating directed health measures.

89% of rural Nebraskans think infectious diseases will have major impact

About one-third of the surveys drew responses, with questions also focused on community preparedness for emergencies and individuals' financial resilience.

In the midst of a pandemic, North Star football team excited and thankful for early start to the season

Tony Kobza nervously paid close attention to the Lancaster County COVID-19 statistics every day the past three weeks, fretting that the rising…

Nebraska AG joins letter urging use of legal authority to increase availability of COVID-19 drug

In a letter signed by Doug Peterson and 30 other attorneys general, they say Gilead has been "unable to assure a supply of remdesivir sufficient to alleviate the health and safety needs of the country amid this pandemic."

NSAA provides list of health guidelines for each of the fall sports

Guidelines range from extending the sideline box for football players to the 10-yard lines to no switching of benches between volleyball sets.

NWU's conference now the only NCAA Division III league in the nation playing sports this fall

The ARC on July 28 reaffirmed its commitment to move forward with the fall season and is sticking with it as every other small-school conference pulls the plug.

City files injunction asking judge to order Madsen’s closed over health directive violations

The City Attorney's Office late Monday afternoon asked a judge to order a Lincoln bowling alley owner to comply with local health directives, …

Protesters rally at Capitol over Lincoln schools reopening

Protesters briefly blocked Gov. Pete Ricketts’ car as it left the state Capitol on Monday, then set up a "classroom" on the Capitol steps to i…

Nearly 17% of LPS students opt for remote learning, many from low-income schools

Elementary and middle school students — especially those from low-income schools — have shown the most interest in learning remotely when Linc…

NSAA board reaffirms Aug. 10 start to fall sports, leaves transfer rules intact

Other highlights from the meeting include Week 0 teams set to start practice; COVID-19 and wild card points; and transfer rules. 

'Good Vibrations' from a distance — Concertgoers play it safe at Beach Boys' Pinewood Bowl show

The touring version of the iconic ’60s rock ’n’ roll band brought the "fun, fun, fun" to Pinewood Bowl on Sunday even amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Reopening schools in Lincoln: Balancing educational harm of staying closed with risk of the virus

As of late afternoon Friday, forms to learn remotely had been submitted for about 16% of LPS students, kindergarten registrations were down by about 120 students compared with last year, and statewide applications for home schooling are up 21%.

Watch Now: Seven languages, one message: I wear because I care

A group of Community Breastfeeding Educators found dads from their cultural communities to share a pandemic safety message with their fellow dads to help keep families free of the virus.

Court will decide fate of Madsen's Bowling & Billiards after it defied health department order to shut down

"We're treating it like a civil matter," Lincoln City Attorney Yohance Christie said Saturday evening. "In order to enforce a civil matter, you go to court."

Omaha company seeks volunteers for COVID-19 vaccine trial

The Omaha site will seek about 350 participants for the COVID-19 vaccine trial. “They’re the true heroes here.”

'Love is not tourism' — coronavirus travel bans keep loved ones apart for months

Jocelyn Herstein lives in Lincoln but has a German fiance living in Switzerland; they and others like them bear the brunt of travel restrictions. 

COVID-19 risk dial improves slightly as city's mask mandate continues

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has moved its COVID-19 risk dial to the low-orange range, still considered high-risk but an imp…

Masks won't be required in Omaha, Douglas County health director says

Adi Pour said Nebraska Attorney General's Office questioned her ability to implement a mask requirement.

Lancaster County Super Fair is 'definitely different, but it's still fun'

The in-person portion of the fair looked much different Thursday, with none of the usual extras including rides, carnival games, food stands and entertainers. It seemed that there were more animals on the fairgrounds than people.

COVID-19 restrictions eased in more Nebraska counties

Come Saturday, 27 of the state's 93 counties will be clear of most restrictions prompted by the coronavirus.

'One bar to another bar to another bar' — Tracers track recent COVID-19 cases to nightlife, parties

More than half of COVID-19 cases in the past three weeks have hit those between 21 and 29.

LPS moves to staggered schedules for high schools when classes start

Students will attend in-person classes two or three days a week based on their last name.

36 of 41 inmates in one Douglas County Jail unit test positive for coronavirus

The housing unit where the outbreak occurred is separate from the intake area where more than 100 protesters were processed over the weekend, a spokesperson said.

Going back to school: One teacher's decision in a pandemic

So far, 376 employees have asked for some kind of accommodations from LPS, including requests to work remotely, take leave or modify their work spaces with plexiglass barriers or additional PPE.

Lincoln bars remain busy following Health Department crackdown

Despite the closures announced Saturday, many young Lincoln residents went out in the area that night to drink and dine. Many were seated in outdoor areas, but some bars had a number of patrons indoors as well.

Lancaster County sets record for weekly COVID-19 cases

Lancaster County broke last week's record for the most cases of COVID-19 reported in a single week.

Two bars and Railyard commons area ordered to close for violating coronavirus health measures

Two downtown bars, along with the Railyard commons area, have been ordered to close for violations of the city's directed health measure.

Ready, set, sanitize: Arena staff speed clean between graduation ceremonies

Celebrations were in order for Lincoln Southwest graduates as they streamed out of Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday morning. Inside, it was time to get to work.

UNL announces COVID-19 testing plans, other precautions for fall semester

University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, faculty and staff will have access to COVID-19 testing this fall through a University Health Center p…

Southeast Nebraska communities close public buildings because of COVID-19; 29 new cases in Lancaster County

A recent spike of cases in Thayer County was linked to golf tournaments in Clay Center and York.

LPS superintendent: Masks are key to opening schools safely; wearing them will be enforced

District officials have a contact tracing and notification plan in place for the “likely event” that a student or staff member is exposed to coronavirus, Steve Joel said.

As COVID-19 cases rise in Lincoln, 'all options are on the table' for new health measures, mayor says

City health officials are considering restricting gathering sizes, revising sports requirements, requiring masks in public spaces and even clo…

Ricketts challenged on radio show to mandate masks

Wearing a mask is "just one tool" in controlling the virus, along with social distancing and hand-washing, Gov. Ricketts said, and "I think we get better compliance if you don't make it a mandate."

City risk factor heightened as Lincoln exceeds 2,000 COVID-19 cases

City health officials sounded an alarm Friday about rising coronavirus cases in Lancaster County, pushing the local risk dial into the orange,…

Ricketts says social distancing key now in keeping virus under control

"Ten percent of Nebraskans have been tested," the governor said. "That's a good number. That's progress."

Nebraska surpasses 20,000 cases of COVID-19

Cases in Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy County are growing fastest in the state.  

Nebraska State Fair to go on without many of the bells and whistles

Plans are to host 4-H exhibits and contests on the first weekend of the fair, and FFA activities on the second weekend. The fair might "go dark" during the week, director Bill Ogg said.

Frost says five Husker football players tested positive for COVID-19 since early April

Nebraska has tested roughly 250 student-athletes and staff, and there have been eight positive tests, including five football players.

Making hard decisions in a pandemic: Southeast principal retires to protect, spend time with son

The decision by Lincoln Public Schools to bring staff and students back to school in the fall, Brent Toalson worried, would pose too great a chance that he could expose his family to the virus.

More young people testing positive for COVID-19, local health officials say

So far this month, 65% of the positive cases have been in people under 40, interim Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Director Pat Lopez said Friday.

Columbus state senator talks about five weeks in hospital battling COVID-19

State Sen. Mike Moser was working outside in his yard the night before Mother’s Day when it became apparent something was wrong.

Parents speak out against masks in schools; LPS still figuring out pandemic costs

Parents who oppose having students and staff wear masks when school resumes in the fall asked the Lincoln Board of Education to reconsider the…

Garth Brooks' drive-in concert at Lancaster Event Center is sellout

The Event Center pre-party will feature Omaha country band Silas Creek with food trucks on the grounds and beverage sales.

UNL to require masks in all campus buildings — and some outdoor spaces — this fall

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus will look a lot different for the fall 2020 semester.

Ricketts: Counties cannot require masks if they want federal coronavirus cash

"Customers may be encouraged to wear face coverings, but may not be refused service for failure to do so," according to Taylor Gage, the governor's spokesman.

LPS planning for 'full school' beginning Aug. 12, but will adjust based on virus spread

Much of what the coming school year will look like -- masks for students or remote learning -- depends on the "risk dial" maintained by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

LPS reverses course, will conduct 'modified in-person graduation'

Less than a day after announcing plans to hold drive-thru graduations at high schools, Lincoln Public Schools made arrangements for modified in-person ceremonies to be held at the arena.

Ricketts loosens restrictions on bars, restaurants and more

Gov. Pete Ricketts on Monday announced the further loosening of restrictions implemented to control the spread of the coronavirus in Nebraska,…

COVID-19 risk dial improved in Lincoln as cases continue to drop

The risk dial remains in the moderate category, but the dial inched closer to the low risk area.

Potential COVID-19 Nebraska ag losses pegged at $3.7 billion

Nebraska could suffer nearly $3.7 billion in agricultural income losses this year due to the coronavirus if economic conditions do not improve…

All ages now can get screened for coronavirus; protests spur change

Pat Lopez, interim director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, stressed the importance of tests for those who gathered among large crowds. 

Nebraska prisons to offer coronavirus testing to all inmates; 19th staffer tests positive

Inmates in Nebraska's 10 prisons may voluntarily seek coronavirus testing even if they show no symptoms, Nebraska Department of Correctional S…

Two members of National Guard who assisted Lincoln police during protests test positive for coronavirus

Officials said they plan to test all National Guard personnel who have been on duty assisting police in Lincoln and Omaha.

2nd case of coronavirus complication reported in Omaha boy

Nebraska now has a second case of a coronavirus-related complication that affects children.

Part of Lincoln family tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies: Good news or not?

Lincoln's first person identified to have a case of community spread COVID-19 had his family tested for antibodies. Both the results and what they mean are mixed.

Virus hits 11 workers, 1 patient at Lincoln Regional Center

Eleven employees and one patient have tested positive for the coronavirus at the state-run psychiatric hospital in Lincoln.

WATCH NOW: Available state data shows Nebraskans of color hit hard by COVID-19

Though state-level data about the effects of COVID-19 on Nebraskans remain incomplete, the numbers indicate minorities were diagnosed with the…

Local health officials say Lincoln won't host 2020 National High School Finals Rodeo

On a calendar void of the Red-White Spring Game, the Lincoln Marathon and the blue jackets of the annual state FFA convention, the loss of the…

Bryan, CHI Health relax visitor restrictions

Starting Monday, adult patients will be allowed one healthy adult visitor.

WATCH NOW: Test Nebraska lab expands capacity to 3,000 daily tests; sample collection is half that

"I wouldn't be running this test in this laboratory if I didn't believe in it," said CHI Health St. Elizabeth lab director Becky Croner. "... If there is any reason I don't believe the results are correct, we pull it and run it again."

Bryan takes flak for promoting use of masks

Bob Ravenscroft said Bryan Health has experienced some "pretty pointed" criticism that its stance on masks is politically motivated. 

Lincoln's Uncle Sam Jam canceled over pandemic gathering concerns

No official city fireworks this year, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said. What do you think of the decision?

Cindy Lange-Kubick: A Boy Scout's honor -- saving the sore ears of front-line workers

Six weeks ago, a Boy Scout from Firth launched a 3-D printing project to help the sore ears of frontline workers during the pandemic; he's shipping free EarSavers all over the country now.

Nebraska's first coronavirus patient endured tough journey

After 30 days at the medical center and three weeks of isolation at her father’s home in west Omaha, Emma Hutchinson was allowed to resume eating solid food and say goodbye to “Fred,” her nickname for the feeding tube.

Lancaster County crosses threshold of 1,000 COVID-19 cases

More than 1,000 residents have now been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Lincoln and Lancaster County, health officials announced Friday.

WATCH NOW: Flyover a perfect way to honor the front-line workers at Nebraska's hospitals

Monday's flyover was part of a pre-planned training flight and included more than 30 Nebraska hospitals, ending with those in Lincoln. 

48-year-old woman with COVID-19 accused of spitting on walls at Lincoln hospital, assaulting nurse

Prosecutors charged Nyadak Tut, of Lincoln, with assault on a health care professional, a felony.

Regulars return to restaurants, salon owner tries to keep up with flood of customers as Lincoln reopens

For Marci Davison of Carmela's, and other Lincoln business owners, reopening after a trying six weeks marked a milestone of sorts.

Nebraska records 100th coronavirus-linked death

The number of COVID-19 deaths in Nebraska reached the century mark on Monday, with deaths reported in hard-hit Douglas, Hall and Dawson counties.

Senators call on governor to end Test Nebraska contracts

Gov. Pete Ricketts called the suggestion "ludicrous."

Nebraska doctors say it's too early to reopen

Medical professionals acknowledge the pressure from both sides about reopening, and the effects of economic turmoil. But health effects of the disease and deaths are equally important, they say.

Face masks, employee temperature checks required for Lincoln businesses

The city begins its new directed health measure on Monday. It runs through June 30.

Lincoln, Lancaster County to reluctantly adopt eased restrictions Ricketts outlined

Lincoln and Lancaster County will implement eased restrictions beginning Monday, after Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and her health director relu…

Ricketts confident his coronavirus policy is working

Gov. Ricketts said he has tried to balance restrictions with a regional loosening of mandates that preserves citizen willingness and responsibility, an approach sometimes described as "the hammer and the dance." 

23 new cases confirmed in Lancaster County; national analysis identifies Lincoln as rising hotspot

The rate of new COVID-19 cases in Lincoln and Lancaster County has led a national coronavirus case tracking system to label the area as a pote…

'Out of the shadows': A look inside Lincoln's leading agency in the pandemic fight

Months of planning and entire careers in public health have prepared the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department for what one employee called "the most defining moment of most of our lives."

NU women's basketball player Kate Cain says her family has recovered after battle with coronavirus

Cain revealed on a video posted to Huskers.com that some of her immediate family members have recovered after bouts with coronavirus.

Immigrant who worked at Tyson's Dakota City plant for 37 years succumbs to COVID-19

Viengxay Khuninh, a worker at a Tyson plant in Dakota City, developed a cough, then a fever, last month. Less than a week later, he was dead.

Gateway Mall reopens with 24 stores, restaurants and a couple of hundred shoppers

So why did one customer come to Gateway Friday? "Sick of sitting at home. Wanted to get a new pair of kicks. My wife’s at work. I’ve got nothing to do.”

Majority of coronavirus deaths in Nebraska have come from long-term care patients

At least 48 of those who have died in Nebraska thus far because of the coronavirus were residents of long-term care facilities.

Cindy Lange-Kubick: The tale of two pandemics, separated by a century

How the 1918 influenza pandemic and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic are similar — and different.

Bryan treating COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma

Bryan Health said Wednesday that it has started treating COVID-19 patients with blood plasma from people who have recovered from the disease.

State, national economy 'needs a vaccine,' experts say

As bad as the losses from major event cancellations are, economists say the economic damage they cause is likely to pale compared to the effects of the widespread closings of restaurants, retail stores and other businesses.

The state tournament games will go on, but without fans in the stands

Tournament attendance will be limited to immediate family members of coaches and players.

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Watch Now: Ricketts, AOC battle over undocumented immigrant vaccinations

The flare-up followed earlier statements by the governor that led to some confusion about his administration's policy on providing vaccinations for undocumented immigrants.

Watch Now: HHS talks about vaccine signup process for Nebraskans

See the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' Angela Ling and Ashley Newmyer talking Thursday about the new Nebraska vaccine registration platform and the Phase IB rollout.

Some parts of Nebraska are already giving COVID-19 vaccines to those 75 and older

The Southwest Nebraska Department of Public Health started vaccinating people in that age group this week.

Erroneously reported Douglas County COVID-19 deaths cause state total to spike

A number of Douglas County deaths were mistakenly reported as COVID-19 related deaths on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services dashboard, causing the state's death total to spike by 108 on Thursday.

Age change could mean COVID-19 vaccinations take longer in Nebraska

Lowering the minimum age to 65 for Phase 1B could mean it will take four months to vaccinate everyone, a state official said.

Nebraska's essential workers worry they won't get COVID vaccine anytime soon

The addition of people 65 and older to the COVID-19 vaccination priority list has created uncertainty among some people who had been next in line. 

Hastings mayor in ICU after coronavirus-related infection

Mayor Corey Stutte was taken to a Hastings hospital after an incident that included a fall, seizure, an irregular heartbeat and bleeding on the brain.

Nebraska's involvement with COVID began a year ago, yielding valuable lessons

On a chilly night last February, 57 Americans who had traveled from Wuhan, China, landed in Omaha to quarantine at Camp Ashland, giving Nebraska experts an early introduction to the new coronavirus.

Nebraska reports hardly any flu cases this season

Influenza numbers in Lancaster County and across Nebraska are at record low levels, public health officials said.

Lincoln ready for the 'normal' of high school basketball tournament

Thousands of fans are expected to hit the Capital City this week for the girls state high school basketball tournament.

Lancaster County reports 32 new cases of COVID-19

For the week ending Friday, there were 247 cases reported in the county, which is down from 300 the week prior.

Lincoln woman in her 20s dies of COVID-19, health department says

An unvaccinated woman in her 20s, who was hospitalized, died from the virus, according to a Friday news release from the department.

Lincoln adds three more COVID-19 deaths

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reporter three new deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday, two of which were vaccinated individuals.

Lancaster County reports one more COVID-19 death

The death was a woman in her 80s who was hospitalized and unvaccinated, according to a news release from the Health Department.

Lancaster County reports two more COVID-19 deaths

Both the man in his 30s and man in his 60s were hospitalized and unvaccinated.

Lancaster County reports one more COVID-19 death

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reported another COVID-19 death Friday, bringing the number of county deaths to 267.

Lancaster County reports three more COVID-19 deaths

Deaths reported Monday included a man in his 40s, a woman in her 50s and a woman in her 60s. All were hospitalized and unvaccinated.

Lincoln has another COVID-19 death

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reported another COVID-19 death Friday, bringing the total number to 284.

Health Department reports 3 more deaths from COVID-19 in Lincoln

The deaths of a woman in her 60s and two men in their 70s announced Tuesday bring the total number of deaths during the pandemic to 306.

Lancaster County reports two more COVID-19 deaths

Deaths reported Monday were a woman in her 60s who was hospitalized and unvaccinated, and a woman in her 70s who was hospitalized and vaccinated.

Pillen businesses returned bulk of $7 million in pandemic loans

Businesses associated with Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Pillen received federally funded pandemic loans totaling $7.8 million, which helped support 1,057 jobs.

Lincoln has another COVID-19 death Monday

The death reported Monday was a woman in her 80s who was hospitalized and vaccinated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths reported in Lancaster County

The Health Department also reported 253 lab-confirmed cases Thursday, the highest daily total this year.

Health Department to make COVID-19 booster shots available to all adults

“We strongly urge everyone who is 18 and older to receive a booster," Health Director Pat Lopez said. "A booster dose helps ‘boost’ existing protection against COVID-19 and the delta variant.”

Lincoln records another death from COVID-19

An unvaccinated man in his 70s is the latest victim of COVID-19 in Lancaster County.

Lincoln has two more deaths from COVID-19

The deaths were two men, one in his 50s and one in his 70s, who were both hospitalized and unvaccinated.

Nebraska rates No. 8 in vaccinating nursing home residents, but middle of pack on staff

Nebraska has done well overall in vaccinating its vulnerable nursing home residents, which helped reduce both cases and deaths among that group.

Lancaster County reports one more COVID-19 death

The person who died was a man in his 30s who was hospitalized and unvaccinated.

Man dies of COVID-19; local death total reaches 340

The man who died was in his 70s and unvaccinated. He had been hospitalized.

Lancaster County man dies of COVID-19

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reported another death from COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the total number of deaths to 345. The death was a man in his 50s who was hospitalized and vaccinated, according to a news release. 

Nomi Health testing site closed Friday afternoon because of cold

Long lines of cars have been common at the Nomi testing site in the Gateway Mall parking lot. Officials said the testing site is expected to be open on Saturday.

Gateway COVID-19 testing site to require appointments beginning Monday

Previously, people could drop in at the site unregistered, but in recent weeks delays for the free tests have stretched to several hours and have led to people getting turned away at the end of the day.

Lancaster County reports four COVID-19 deaths

The deaths were a woman in her 90s and a man in his 80s who were vaccinated and hospitalized, as well as a woman in her 40s and a man in his 50s who were unvaccinated and hospitalized.

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IrelandUruguay, Eastern Republic ofUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofViet Nam, Socialist Republic ofWallis and Futuna IslandsWestern SaharaYemenZambia, Republic ofZimbabwe

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