The California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health have confirmed that a recent case of COVID-19 among an individual in California was caused by the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). The individual was a traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22, 2021. The individual, who was fully vaccinated and had mild symptoms that are improving, is self-quarantining and has been since testing positive. All close contacts have been contacted and have tested negative. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and general prevention strategies needed to protect against COVID-19. Everyone 5 and older should get vaccinated; boosters are recommended for everyone 18 years and older. CDC and FDA have expanded recommendations for COVID-19 booster shots to now include all adults, ages 18 years and older, who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series at least 6 months ago. Los CDC y la FDA han ampliado las recomendaciones para las vacunas de refuerzo contra la COVID-19 para incluir ahora a todos los adultos, de 18 años o más, que recibieron la serie de vacunas Pfizer o Moderna al menos hace 6 meses. In keeping with previously announced policy, updates to the Nebraska Hospital Capacity & Respiratory Illness Dashboard will return to a daily (weekday) schedule as long as COVID-19 hospitalizations remain above the 10% capacity threshold. Click to be taken to the Dashboard. Daily COVID-19 data will be reported, and the Dashboard will also resume the display of demographic data and county-specific statistics. DHHS has also added two additional tabs to the dashboard with data on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza A and B virus in Nebraska. COVID-19 update, November 21-27, 2021 ECDHD had 111 cases; 7-day average per 100K persons was 30.2 and; test positivity rate was 31.4% People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms, and the CDC has now expanded that list to include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Some people with the virus remain asymptomatic (they do not have symptoms), but can spread the virus to others. ECDHD will continue to update this information when necessary. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider. Please self-report by phone to ECDHD's COVID19 Hotline if you have been in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. Hotline Number: (402) 562-8960 (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Persons who need general information about COVID-19 should call 2-1-1 or the NE Dept. of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Information Line at (402) 552-6645. COVID-19 (Novel coronavirus) Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Medical-grade facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). Wear cloth face coverings when out in public. These masks are NOT a replacement for social distancing measures. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Protect Yourself and Others More Information about COVID-19 Caring for someone with COVID-19 Clean and Disinfect How to Protect Yourself Online COVID-19 Self-Checker Tool Qué hacer si se contrae la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Share Facts About COVID-19 Sintomas de la Enfermedad del CORONAVIRUS 2019 Symptoms of COVID-19 What to do if You are Sick with COVID-19 Everyday Life with COVID-19 Breastfeeding During COVID-19 Cuando usar una máscara Take Care of Your Mental Health Talking to Children about COVID-19 4321 41st. Ave Columbus, Nebraska 68601 Phone (402) 562-7500 Fax (402)564-0611 Footer Links Who We Are Programs Data & Reports Stay Connected To sign up to receive our emails, fill in the following fields and hit submit. Thanks, and welcome! Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions © 2021 East-Central District Health Department Powered by Firespring