NCDHD reports first Omicron case

NCDHD confirmed the case through laboratory testing. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The North Central District Health Deparment has reported their first Omicron variant case on Wednesday.

NCDHD confirmed the case through laboratory testing.

NCDHD says they’re seeing new pandemic highs for case rates, which is likely due to Omicron’s presence in the district. For the next several weeks, NCDHD is expecting case rates to increase.

NCDHD is recommending people get the vaccine and wear masks to protect against the variant.

“The identification of omicron reinforces the urgency for Nebraskans to get vaccinated. The more Nebraskans are vaccinated, the less opportunity new SARS-CoV-2 variants will have to take hold in the state,” said Dr. Matthew Donahue, DHHS Acting State Epidemiologist.