City of Lincoln and Lancaster County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resident Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Currently Vaccinating – Phase 1A
Face Covering Requirement for Lincoln and Lancaster County
Information and frequently asked questions
High Risk of COVID-19 Spread
This COVID-19 Risk Dial provides a summary of current conditions in the Lincoln-Lancaster County community. Each color incorporates federal and national guidance published by public health experts and is coupled with specific guidance.
Five key measures are used to determine the position of the Risk Dial: Case Numbers; Testing Capacity; Positivity Rate; Contact Tracing; and Hospital Capacity.
This is only guidance and does not replace federal, state, or local directed health measures. At-risk and vulnerable populations should take stringent precautions.
Community Guidance and Recommendations
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Outside the Home
Physical Distancing Outside the Home
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- Limit activities outside the home, unless for work, school, medical care, or food
- Distance at least 6 feet from anyone outside the home
- Work from home if possible
- Individual outdoor activities such as walking, biking, etc. are preferred
- Smallest number of contacts feasible
- Small gatherings and events only with modifications (i.e. physical distancing, face masks, etc.)
- Avoid large gatherings
- Follow CDC Travel Guidelines
Face Masks Outside the Home
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- Face masks for anyone over 2 years old, when indoors or when physical distancing of greater than 6 feet is not possible.
Hand Washing Outside the Home
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- Frequently wash hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching high contact surfaces, sneezing/coughing/touching face, or before eating
- Use hand sanitizer when handwashing is inaccessible or infeasible
Illness Monitoring Outside the Home
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- If ill with Flu-like or COVID-like symptoms, stay at home
- Minimize contact with symptomatic people
- Daily temperature checks at work
Disinfecting Outside the Home
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- Avoid bare hand contact with any high touch surface
- Use barriers such as a paper towel or clothing when bare hand contact is unavoidable
- Wash hands or apply sanitizer after touching high contact surfaces
- Enhanced disinfection, especially for high contact surfaces (door/other handles, light switches, bathroom fixtures)
At Home
Physical Distancing at Home
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- No distancing for people without symptoms, unless they are under quarantine as a result of being exposed to someone who is infected
- Quarantine and testing of symptomatic persons
- Outdoor activities with members of your household are acceptable
- Small gatherings with modifications (i.e. physical distancing, face masks, etc.), preferably outdoors
Face Masks at Home
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- No face masks for people without symptoms, unless they are under quarantine as a result of being exposed to someone who is infected
- Face masks for symptomatic people
Hand Washing at Home
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- Frequently wash hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching high contact surfaces, sneezing/coughing/touching face, or before eating
Illness Monitoring at Home
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- Daily temperature check
- Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms
- Contact healthcare provider if sick
- Monitor the health of anyone in your home with COVID-like symptoms
Disinfecting at Home
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- Enhanced disinfection, especially for high contact surfaces (door/other handles, light switches, bathroom fixtures)
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At-Risk and
Vulnerable Populations -
For adults over age 65, anyone with underlying health conditions, and other populations at heightened risk from COVID-19:
- Stay home as much as possible
- Rely on help for needs outside the home (groceries, medications, etc.)
- Distance from those working outside of the home
- Wear a face mask around others
Is it Flu or COVID-19?
Learn about the similarities and differences at the CDC
When to Quarantine
Quarantine, isolation, and your options
Emergency Relief Funds Now Available
Resume your job search now!
If you have lost work as a result of COVID-19, visit the American Job Center at 1100 O Street, call 402-413-9336, or visit neworks.nebraska.gov for reemployment assistance.
Resident Resources Table of Contents
Multilingual Information on COVID-19
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Audio of news conferences in Arabic, Chinese, Karen, Kurmanji, Spanish, and Vietnamese
- Translated Audio of News Conferences
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- January 12, 2021 - News Conference
Remarks by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Health Director Patricia Lopez
- January 5, 2021 - News Conference
Remarks by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Health Director Patricia Lopez
- December 29, 2020 - News Conference
Remarks by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Health Director Patricia Lopez
- December 18, 2020 - News Conference
Remarks by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Health Director Patricia Lopez
- December 11, 2020 - News Conference
Remarks by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Health Director Patricia Lopez
- December 4, 2020 - News Conference
Remarks by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Health Director Patricia Lopez
Please visit YouTube.com/LNKTVcity for past news conferences.
- January 12, 2021 - News Conference
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information in Multiple Languages YouTube playlist of video translations provided by Lutheran Family Services
- Prevention Guide in Arabic / العربية
- Prevention Guide in Chinese / 中文
- Prevention Guide in English
- Prevention Guide in Karen / ကညီကျိ
- Avoid the Three Cs in Karen / ကညီကျိ
- Prevention Guide in Kurmanji / Kûrmanji
- Prevention Guide in Spanish / español
- Prevention Guide in Ukranian / українська мова
- Prevention Guide in Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
Lutheran Family Services provides human care services, including children services, direct support services for immigrants and refugees, and behavioral health. Through Lutheran Family Services’ Refugee Health Promotion program and community partner Restoring Dignity, educational videos were created in multiple languages about COVID-19 and preventing the spread of the virus.
The Center for People in Need is a community-based nonprofit that offers services and training to low-income people to satisfy their basic needs and help them achieve economic independence. Assistance for members of our community includes adequate food and household necessities, like diapers, through weekly distributions.
MyLNK App
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MyLNK is a free app with a directory of services and resources from nearly 500 organizations and 1,000 programs in the Lincoln and Lancaster County area.
ChildcareLNK is an effort to connect parents and caregivers with available licensed childcare throughout the city. For more information visit lincolnlittles.org.
The app can be downloaded for Apple and Android phones, and it works offline once downloaded. MyLNK is also available at mylnk.app/home and is translated into Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese. The app and website have a category for COVID-19/Coronavirus response, including updated food distribution information.
211
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211 is a resource provided by United Way providing information on services available in Nebraska and Iowa. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get in touch with a helpline specialist.
Consumer Warnings and Scams
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Federal Trade Commission – The FTC continues its work protecting consumers, providing guidance to businesses, and protecting competition in the marketplace throughout the pandemic. You can go to their website to Learn About Scams and File a Consumer Complaint.
Popular Online Security Tips
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Federal Communications Commission – As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact the United States, phone scammers have seized the opportunity to prey on consumers.
Check out their Warnings and Safety Tips.
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University of Nebraska – As we shift to a remote environment for learning, teaching and working, it is important to remember Digital Security.
Federal COVID-19 Relief
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Food assistance – The Federal government has temporarily expanded SNAP and WIC food assistance, making it easier to apply. For more information on these programs and how to apply, see Food.
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Required paid leave – Some employees will receive up to 80 hours of paid sick leave and up to an additional 10 weeks of paid family and medical leave if they can’t work because of COVID-19. If you’re an employee, make sure you know your paid leave rights and tell your employer if you need to use paid leave for reasons related to COVID-19 as soon as possible.
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Unemployment compensation – The Federal government increased the number of people eligible for unemployment payments, increased the amount of unemployment payments available to people who are eligible, extended the length of unemployment payments, and waived some requirements for unemployment. For more information, see Unemployment Assistance.
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COVID-19 Healthcare – Health insurance providers are required to cover COVID-19 treatments and testing.
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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued an order pausing residential evictions for non-payment of rent under some conditions. Know your legal rights by calling Legal Aid.
Lancaster County Human Services - General Assistance
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Eligibility is determined by the HHS Poverty Guidelines. Clients may be entitled to receive the following services:
- Medical care
- Non-food voucher for necessities (including household supplies and personal care items)
- Referrals to other programs that may be able to assist you
- Shelter (which may include deposit, rent, and utilities)
- StarTran bus passes
- Cremation
Basic Needs
Food
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Videos produced by The Bay and Good Life Community Development
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Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamps); Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) (a nutrition program for eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and families with children under 5)
- For SNAP application assistance, contact the Food Bank of Lincoln's SNAP Outreach Team at 855-444-5556.
- For WIC application assistance, call a WIC center near you.
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Center for People in Need provides food distribution daily.
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MyLNK provides a daily list of food resources in the community.
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Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska provides food Monday through Thursday and offers delivery options to the elderly and homebound. You must call first to request.
Housing
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Videos produced by The Bay and Good Life Community Development
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LGBTQ+ people and families can get emergency funds through OutNebraska and Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties to help with rent, utilities, or medication.
To qualify, people should self-identify as LGBTQ+, be experiencing financial crisis due to COVID-19, and have a current income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (approximately $1,600 per month for an individual or $3,300 per month for a family of four).
For more information or to request a referral for funding, please contact Abbi at abbi@outnebraska.org or Sarah at sfentress@communityactionatwork.org or 402-875-9356.
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Community Action Partnership - Homelessness Prevention Services, including tenant support services; rent, utility, and deposit assistance; and emergency services.
For information on renters' rights and evictions, please visit tenantservices.org. You may also email Neva Winkle at nwinkle@communityactionatwork.org. For questions about renting, call 402-875-9353. If no one picks up, please leave a message on the voice mail. All messages will be returned.
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Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska provides emergency cash assistance for rent, utilities, car repairs, and more. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska also distributes diapers, formula, and personal care items.
Homeless Services
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Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is providing "to-go" meals. Each person will receive one meal and each guest needs to be present to receive their meal. Once you receive your meal you will be asked to leave the facility.
Meal Hours:
- Monday–Friday – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Shower and laundry services are available Monday–Friday by appointment during regular hours for those experiencing homelessness.
Unemployment Assistance
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Videos produced by The Bay and Good Life Community Development
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How to Apply for Jobs
Currently available job opportunities are posted on NEworks.nebraska.gov on the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce local job postings page. For employment assistance, contact the American Job Center – 1111 O St #205, Lincoln, NE 68508, 402-413-9236. The American Job Center provides free job search services and help with navigating the unemployment insurance application process.
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How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
The Federal and State government have expanded unemployment benefits by:
- Including furloughed workers, self-employed workers, and independent contractors unable to work as a result of COVID-19. Part-time workers and people with not enough work history to usually qualify for benefits are also included
- Increasing the amount of unemployment payments by $600 per week for up to four months.
- Extending the length of unemployment payments by 13 weeks, up to a possible 39 weeks
- Waiving the standard one-week wait time to start receiving benefits and waiving charges to employers for providing benefits to their former employees
- These waivers are currently in effect until August 1, 2020.
See the Information Sheet listed below for more information on how to apply through NEworks.nebraska.gov. Email detailed questions to ndol.nichelp@nebraska.gov.
- Unemployment Information Sheet in Arabic / العربية
- Unemployment Information Sheet in English
- Unemployment Information Sheet in Karen / ကညီကျိ
- Unemployment Information Sheet in Russian / русский язык
- Unemployment Information Sheet in Spanish / español
- Unemployment Information Sheet in Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
For additional help, view these instructional videos.
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Loss of Health Insurance
If you lose your health insurance because you have lost your job, you are entitled to a special enrollment period to get an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan. See the Consumer Fact Sheet listed below for more information from the State of Nebraska Department of Insurance.
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Restaurant workers, gig workers and other hourly workers can apply for cash help from the One Fair Wage Emergency Fund.
Utilities
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Videos produced by The Bay and Good Life Community Development
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Black Hills offers assistance options to customers such as payment arrangements, budget billing and medical extensions. Please visit blackhillsenergy.com/covid-IA or call 888-890-5554 to discuss options that may be available for you.
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LES asks that customers pay their bill online, by phone, mail, drop-box, or pay cash at select retailers. Customers are urged to call LES at 402-475-4211 if they cannot pay their bill. More information about making payments is available on LES.com > Pay My Bill.
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Lincoln Water System encourages customers to work with the city to make payment arrangements.
Healthcare
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Videos produced by The Bay and Good Life Community Development
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Bluestem Health offers medical, dental and behavioral health services, regardless of insurance status as well as a sliding fee discount to serve the underinsured and uninsured.
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Clinic with a Heart is a free healthcare clinic that does not require patient identification or proof of income. Call in on clinic days, after 2:00 p.m., to reserve a spot at 402-421-2924. At that time, you will be given a number and return time (or told that they are full).
Behavioral Health
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Visit the CDC's website for information on managing anxiety and stress during the pandemic and taking care of one's emotional health.
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Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, located in Lincoln, offers TeleHealth options for anyone needing counseling or Behavioral Health services remotely. Call 1-833-903-2376 to learn more about TeleHealth.
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If you or someone you know is having a difficult time due to substance abuse, mental health, or thoughts of suicide, the CenterPointe help line is just a call or text away at 402-475-6695. This is a free and confidential resource, 24/7, 365 days a year – for youth, adults, or families.
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The Mental Health Association's Keya House staffs a 24/7 Warm Line at 402-261-5959. They have resources to assist those living with mental health or substance use issues.
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Cedars assists children and families who are struggling. Their hotline is available 24 hours a day at 402-434-5437.
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The Bridge offers mental health and substance use counseling for those in need. Their hotline is available 24 hours a day at 402-477-3951.
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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The number is 1-800-273-8255.
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The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.
Domestic Violence
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Videos produced by The Bay and Good Life Community Development
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Friendship Home provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and crisis services to victims of domestic violence. Their hotline is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 402-437-9302.
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Voices of Hope provides services to empower those who have experienced relationship violence, sexual assault and related forms of abuse. Their services are free and confidential to victims of these crimes as well as their family members. Voices of Hope is accessible 24-hours a day through their crisis line: 402-475-7273.
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The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 and can be reached by texting LOVEIS to 22522.
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The Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is available at 402-476-6256 and nebraskacoalition.org.
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Protection orders are still being processed in Lancaster County. The following assistance is available for those seeking protection orders:
- The Victim Assistance Unit at LPD, 575 S. 10th Street, is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and its phone number is 402-441-7181.
- Voices of Hope will walk individuals through the protection order applications and filings of these orders.
- Legal Aid of Nebraska is still providing attorneys to attend hearings for these orders. Legal Aid can be reached at 1-888-991-9921. The agency has a domestic violence project, and its COVID-19 legal hotline is 1-844-268-5627.
Discrimination
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Lincoln Commission on Human Rights
Learn about discrimination in employment and housing related to COVID-19.
Please report any discriminatory acts in housing, employment or public accommodation matters occurring in Lincoln to the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights by using the online Human Rights intake questionnaire or calling 402-441-7624.
Legal Resources
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Nebraskans facing legal issues related to COVID-19 may call 1-844-268-5627 or apply online. At the voicemail, leave your name, phone number, brief details of the problem and the assistance needed, and in what county they are located. Callers will receive a call back from experienced Legal Aid staff. Individuals and businesses that do not qualify for Legal Aid's free services will be directly referred to the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP). VLP will then work to place cases with Nebraska volunteer lawyers who will also provide free legal assistance.
The types of legal issues associated with COVID-19 include:
- Tenants with rent issues, including those facing eviction;
- Debt problems, including debtors with garnishments or ordered to appear at a debtor's exam;
- Mortgage foreclosures, including advising on options for delinquent payments;
- Unemployment insurance denials;
- Employee rights, including sick leave and wage payments;
- Government benefits available to low-income persons such as ADC, SNAP, AABD, and SSI;
- Medicaid and medical insurance claims;
- Drafting wills, health care power of attorney, and transfer on death deeds;
- Domestic abuse and safety issues;
- Elder abuse and exploitation;
- Access to education; and,
- Helping small, locally owned businesses with business and employment related matters, including human relations issues, unemployment benefits, and contracts.
