Risk dial remains in mid-orange, pediatrician sees rising cases in children

27 COVID deaths in August, Officials say that's the most the Lincoln and Lancaster County area has seen since February. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — 27 COVID deaths in August, Officials say that’s the most the Lincoln and Lancaster County area has seen since February. 

Of that number, 22 of them were unvaccinated, and that’s not the only thing worrying people in the medical field. 

“Patients hospitalized locally continues to a disturbing trend upward,” said Health Director Pat Lopez. “The seven-day average number of patients increased to over 84 on August 28. Today there are 76 people hospitalized.” 

We are averaging 125 new cases a day but Lopez says the increase is slowing down. 

That’s why she says there are no new mandates or restrictions and the COVID risk dial isn’t moving. It remains in the mid-orange. 

A pediatrician gave an update, saying cases in children are rising at her clinic and the variant is impacting unvaccinated parents and their families. 

“In June we had two cases, July we had nine cases. And so far in August, we’ve had 53 cases. So we are seeing an increasing number,” said Erin Schmitz, MD, for Lincoln Pediatrics. 

“It’s not just the numbers but what’s happening in the community that makes it very critical.” 

Schmitz encourages everyone 12 and up to get vaccinated, adding that her office and other clinics are giving the shot. 

Upcoming vaccination clinics (subject to change; walk-ins welcome at all locations):

• Wednesday, September 1, 1 to 3 p.m., Southeast Community College gymnasium, 8800 “O” St. – first and second doses
• Friday, September 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., LLCHD, 3131 “O” St. – first and second doses
• Wednesday, September 8, 4 to 6 p.m., LLCHD – first and second doses
• Friday, September 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., LLCHD – first and second doses

Testing: The process begins with a free online risk assessment available at BryanHealth.com and CHIHealth.com. Testing is available from:

• Bryan Health: Testing is available for those who have symptoms at the three Bryan Urgent Care locations, 7501 S. 27th St.; 5901 N. 27th St.; and 4333 S. 86th St. Appointments are not required.
• 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.
• Nomi Health: Drive-thru testing is available at Gateway Mall Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments are not required, but people are encouraged to preregister by visiting testing.nomihealth.com/signup/ne.
• 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.