City of Lincoln and Lancaster County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mitigation and Response
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mitigation and Response
Latest Statistics
What's Happening Now
Updated COVID-19 vaccines for this fall and winter are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department will provide updated COVID-19 vaccine solely to adults and children who are uninsured or underinsured and children with Medicaid. This change is based on the federal government transitioning its COVID-19 vaccination program to more traditional health care coverage and is no longer providing free vaccines for everyone.
- Adults and children who are uninsured or underinsured, and children age 18 and younger with Medicaid – The government still provides COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to these groups and is working with partners including local health departments. Eligible individuals can receive updated COVID-19 vaccines at the Health Department by appointment only. Call 402-441-8065 to schedule a date and time.
- Those who have health insurance, Medicare, or adults with Medicaid – The updated COVID-19 vaccine should be covered by most health plans, but residents must receive vaccine through a pharmacy or health care provider instead of LLCHD. Visit vaccines.gov to check pharmacy locations and availability.
COVID-19 Testing
-
COVID-19 Symptoms can include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
At-home tests: At-home test kits are available in the main lobby of the LLCHD, 3131 "O" St., during regular business hours. Test kits are also available at all Lincoln City Library locations.
Every home in the U.S. can also order another round of free, at-home tests from the federal government this winter. Visit covidtests.gov to place an order. The Food and Drug Administration extended the shelf lives of many home COVID-19 tests. To determine if a test has a new expiration date, visit At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA.
At-home test reporting: Lancaster County residents who take at-home tests may send the results to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. All information is confidential and protected by Nebraska State Law. Visit lincoln.ne.gov/covid19reportresults to submit results.
Bryan Health: Those with COVID-19 symptoms can receive testing at three Bryan Urgent Care locations without an appointment. Individuals MUST have symptoms to be tested. You will see a provider to evaluate symptoms and determine testing needs for COVID-19 or other illnesses.
Two options are available for COVID-19 testing based on the timing of when symptoms first appeared:
- Rapid testing: Results are available in 15 minutes, before you leave
- Molecular (PCR) testing: Results are available in 3-5 days
Bryan Urgent Care is open 7 days a week at the following locations:
- Southwest Lincoln - 7501 S. 27th St., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Northwest Lincoln – 5901 N. 27th St., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Southeast Lincoln – 4333 S. 86th St., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
CHI Health: Walk-in testing is available at three priority care locations: Antelope Creek, 2510 S. 40th St., Suite 100; Southwest, 1240 Aries Drive; and Stevens Creek, 1601 N. 86th St.
For drive up testing, virtual quick care is available 24/7 at CHIHealth.com to chat with a provider and schedule a testing appointment.
Local pharmacies including CVS, HyVee and Walgreens, health care provider offices and urgent care clinics also offer testing. Those uninsured or underinsured can call the LLCHD COVID-19 hotline at 402-441-8006 to be connected to testing resources.
Exposure and Isolation Guidance
-
If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, wear a mask when you’re around others and get tested at least 5 days after your exposure (or sooner if you have symptoms). If you test negative, continue taking precautions through day 10. If you test positive, follow isolation guidance.
- What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19
- If you test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home at least 5 days: Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
COVID-19 Isolation and Exposure Calculator
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s isolation and exposure calculator helps determine if you need to isolate or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
