Thursday Dec. 2 COVID-19 update: Pottawattamie County hospitals at near-maximum capacity

(WOWT) - Below are today’s vaccination updates as well as data reports on new cases and other COVID-19 stats reported by health officials across Nebraska and western Iowa.

Keep scrolling to find helpful links and other information, including phone numbers to call for help getting signed up for your vaccine.

Pottawattamie County data snapshot

Iowa Department of Public Health updated its county-by-county data on Wednesday, showing only 0.99% of hospital beds available in Pottawattamie County.

As of data collected through Tuesday, Pottawattamie County had an 18.5% positivity rate, up from 16% last week, with 289 positive tests confirmed in the last seven days; by comparison, the state’s seven-day positivity rate is 11.9%, up from 10.8% reported last week.

The county has lost one more person to COVID-19 in the past week, bringing the death toll to 214. The state’s death toll is 7,445.

The county was showing a slight increase in its vaccination rate — 56.1% — among those ages 12 and older, according to IDPH data. That amounts to 47.5% of the county’s total population.

There were six more COVID-19 patients in county hospitals this week compared to last week. Of those 42 patients, 11 were fully vaccinated: one age 40-49, one age 50-59, three ages 60-69, four ages 70-79, and two who are at least 80 years old. There were 14 COVID-19 patients in county ICUs. Ages 50-59 were still the largest group of hospitalizations — 12 patients, two of whom were vaccinated.

IDPH was also reporting there were 0.99% of hospital beds available, down from 11.34% last week. In total, there were two in-patient beds, down from 22 available last week; and there are currently no ICU beds available in the county. Region 4, which includes Pottawattamie and nine surrounding counties, has 29.5% of beds available: 117 hospital beds and nine ICU beds.

Nebraska data snapshot

According to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services data updated Wednesday, the state was reporting the following numbers of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and vaccinations as of Tuesday:

CASES: Like the previous week’s report, DHHS had confirmed multiple variants among reported cases, not just the delta variant. DHHS reported an additional 4,470 cases of COVID-19 since last week — 301 of them variants: 284 delta, 16 alpha (U.K.), and one gamma (Brazil) — bringing the total number of verified cases for the state to 309,828, including 7,798 variant cases.

As of Sunday, the state’s positivity had risen slightly to 12.4%, from 12.1% reported last week; it was 10.3% at the beginning of November and 10.3% about a month ago. The state reported that 40,965 COVID-19 tests had been administered in the past week — that’s 25,823 fewer tests than were administered last week; whereas last week’s total was 3,511 more than the week prior.

DEATHS: DHHS reported 16 COVID-19 deaths since the week prior, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 2,643. Last week, 34 COVID-19 deaths were reported across the state; a month ago, there were 39.

HOSPITALIZATIONS: The state’s health department reported 38 more COVID-19 hospitalizations in the past week — about the same number as reported the week prior. At 551 patients, it’s the highest number of COVID-19 patients reported since Dec. 23, 2020.

According to the DHHS dashboard, as of Tuesday, there were 339 adult COVID-19 patients, down from 250 reported last week, but up from 275 reported the week prior. But there were eight fewer adult patients in ICUs: 155 down up from 163 reported last week. The state also reported six pediatric COVID-19 patients, down five from the previous week. No pediatric COVID-19 ICU patient data was available Tuesday.

Overall hospital occupancy, which is based on staffing levels, stayed about the same for all adult patients but worsened for pediatric patients across the state this week. Last week, 78% of 3,220 adult beds were occupied, while 66% of 238 pediatric beds were filled. As of Tuesday, 77% of 3,244 adult beds were occupied, while 81% of 239 pediatric beds were full.

Additionally, fewer adult ICU beds were available this week but more pediatric ICU beds were available. As of Tuesday, 90% (of 489) adult beds were filled, compared with 82% (of 492) adult beds occupied last week; and 80% (of 189) pediatric ICU beds were full, compared with 83% (of 189) pediatric beds filled last week.

VACCINATIONS: Currently, 62.1% of the 1.77 million Nebraskans ages 5 and older are fully vaccinated. There were 12,604 COVID-19 vaccinations administered in the past week, according to the DHHS data.

VACCINATION BREAKTHROUGHS: No new breakthrough data was available this week.

OTHER RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES: RSV cases have been falling in recent weeks after peaking at 500 positive cases among 2,642 tests, or 21.6% positivity, on Aug. 21. As of Saturday, 102 positive cases of 2,227 tests were reported, or 4.6% positivity. That compares with one positive case among 709 tests, or 0.2%, reported Nov. 27, 2020.

Flu cases have increased but remain at very low levels. As of Saturday, 44 positive cases of 4,138 tests were reported, or 1.1% positivity. That compares with seven positive cases among 3,045 tests, or 0.2%, reported Nov. 27, 2020. Conversely, on Jan. 9, 2020, DHHS reported 1,199 positive cases among 3,912 tests, or 30.6% positivity.

Three Rivers planning clinics

Three Rivers Public Health Department said Thursday that COVID-19 hospitalizations in the health district that includes Dodge, Saunders, and Washington counties are on the rise.

“We are seeing that unvaccinated 30-year-olds are filling up our hospitals as quickly as vaccinated 80-year-olds,” said Terra Uhing, executive director of the Three Rivers Public Health Department. “We know that the COVID-19 vaccinations are a tool to help prevent severe illness, so please consider getting vaccinated if you are not already.”

3RPHD also reported five COVID-19 deaths, bringing the local pandemic death toll there to 160.

The health department is planning several vaccination clinics in coming days:

• FRIDAY: Noon-3:30 p.m. at Three Rivers Clinic, located at 2400 N Lincoln Ave. in Fremont, with a kids-only clinic from 3:30-6 p.m.
• SATURDAY: 8 a.m.-noon at Logan View Public Schools, located at 2163 County Road G in Hooper
• SUNDAY: 2-4 p.m. at Blair United Methodist Church, located at 1656 Colfax St. in Blair
• MONDAY: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Three Rivers Wahoo Clinic, located at 1320 E. 31st St. in Wahoo; and 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Johnson Crossing Academic Center, located at 200 Johnson Road in Fremont
• TUESDAY: 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Three Rivers Clinic, located at 2400 N. Lincoln Ave. in Fremont
• WEDNESDAY: 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Washington Elementary, located at 515 S. Broad St. in Fremont

Douglas County update

The Douglas County Health Department reported Thursday that 382 additional COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the past day, bringing the local case total to 94,250.

The local death toll stands at 859.

A year ago, DCHD reported nine COVID-19 deaths and 661 new positive cases.

The rolling seven-day average is 270 cases, up from 251 reported Wednesday and 239 reported Tuesday. A month ago it was 156, but it hasn’t been below 100 cases since Aug. 3.

Local hospital capacity stats are updated daily according to staffing levels. As of Wednesday afternoon, local hospitals were 92% full with 113 staffed beds available, down from 129 on Tuesday, 231 on Monday, and 310 on Sunday. ICU beds on Wednesday were also 94% full, with 19 staffed beds still available, down from 28 on Tuesday and 45 on Sunday.

Douglas County hospitals were caring for 275 patients with COVID-19 as of Wednesday afternoon, down slightly from 276 the day prior — but still at levels not reported since January. The number of ICU patients fell from 98 to 84, but still up from 56 two weeks ago. Of those hospitalized with the virus, four were pediatric COVID-19 patients, down from 10 reported a day prior.

Of the current patients, 51 are on ventilators, down from 53 on Tuesday and the record number of 57 on Monday.

Additionally, five adult patients and one pediatric patient are awaiting COVID-19 test results, DCHD said.

To date, 72% of residents ages 12 and older are vaccinated; that translates to 59.9% of the community. As of Thursday, 22.2% of local children ages 5-11 have had their first pediatric COVID-19 vaccination, with 3.4% of local kids considered fully vaccinated.

Lincoln-Lancaster update

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reported another COVID-19 death Thursday: an unvaccinated woman in her 60s died, bringing the county’s death toll to 331.

The health department also confirmed another 231 COVID-19 cases Thursday — the third-highest number of daily cases reported this year, LLCHD said — bringing the local case total to 45,252.

LLCHD also reported area hospitals were caring for 104 COVID-19 patients, two more than reported the previous day.

Currently, 62.1% of Lancaster County residents are fully vaccinated.

Bryan Health update

Bryan Health in Lincoln reported Thursday that it was caring for 62 COVID-19 patients, one less than a day prior. Thirteen of those patients are on ventilators, their report states.

The health system said it is also caring for 11 pediatric patients, two of whom have COVID-19.

Additionally, 11 patients are awaiting their COVID-19 test results.

Vaccination clinics

Nebraska DHHS

Federal Retail Pharmacy Program: Pharmacies in and near the Omaha-metro area currently participating in the program include:

• Medicine Man Pharmacy, 15615 Pacific St. Suite 8, Omaha NE 668118
• ViaRx, 825 N. 90th St., Omaha NE 68114
• Walmart, 3010 E. 23rd St., Fremont NE 68025

Retail pharmacy vaccine sign-ups: Baker’s | CVS | Hy-Vee | Kohll’s | Kubat | Sam’s Club | Walmart

Douglas County

Below is a list of the Douglas County COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for this week, including child vaccination clinics at area schools. All clinics are open to the public for any approved shot in the vaccination series. Those planning to get a booster shot should bring their vaccination card.

FRIDAY

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Douglas County Health Department, located at 1111 S. 41st St. – All vaccines available.
• 4-7 p.m. at Millard North Middle School, located at 2828 S. 139th St. – Pfizer for ages 5+

SATURDAY

• Noon-5 p.m. at Christmas in the Village at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2602 N. 24th St. – All vaccines available.

MONDAY

• 4-7 p.m. at Andersen Middle School, located at 15404 Adams St. – Pfizer for ages 5+

TUESDAY DEC. 7

• Noon-4 p.m. at Douglas County Health Department, located at 1111 S. 41st St. – All vaccines available.
• 4-7 p.m. at Millard Central Middle School, located at 12801 L. St. – Pfizer for ages 5+

WEDNESDAY DEC. 8

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, located at 5544 Ames Ave. – Pfizer & Moderna vaccines available.
• 5-7 p.m. at Gateway Elementary School, located at 5610 S. 42nd St. – Pfizer for ages 5+

THURSDAY DEC. 9

• 4-7 p.m. at Beadle Middle School, located at 18201 Jefferson St. – Pfizer for ages 5+
• 5-7 p.m. at Skinner Magnet Center, located at 4304 N. 33rd St. – Pfizer for ages 5+

FRIDAY DEC. 10

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Douglas County Health Department, located at 1111 S. 41st St. – All vaccines available.
• 4-7 p.m. at Kiewit Middle, located 15650 Howard St. – Pfizer for ages 5+

SATURDAY DEC. 11

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Westside Middle School, located at 8601 Arbor St. – Pfizer for ages 5+
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Omaha Children’s Museum, located at 500 S. 20th St. – Pfizer for ages 5+
• 3-5 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church, located at 2535 S. 42nd St. – Pfizer for ages 5+

In-home appointments

DCHD is helping those homebound to get vaccinated, scheduling in-home appointments for all three adult vaccination varieties, for any shot in the series.

To arrange this, call the DCHD information helpline at 402-444-3400.

DCHD booster plan

All Douglas County Health Department pop-up clinics will offer only Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccinations, but once Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters are authorized, the health department plans to have all three available at its in-house and drive-through clinics.

Booster shots are recommended for people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and are:

• ages 65 and older
• anyone age 18 and older who lives in a long-term care setting
• anyone age 18 and older who has underlying medical conditions
• anyone age 18 and older who lives or works in a high-risk setting

The CDC is recommending booster doses be administered six months after receiving your second dose, and has authorized brand crossover for booster shots. Anyone with questions is advised to contact their healthcare provider for further guidance.

Boosters are also recommended for those who received the J&J vaccine at least two months ago, according to the health department.

Those with questions about boosters, particularly those with questions about underlying medical conditions or being in a high-risk setting, are advised to contact their healthcare providers or call the DCHD Information Line at 402-444-3400.

Underlying medical conditions that qualify for boosters include: cancer; chronic kidney disease; chronic lung diseases like COPD, moderate to severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, damaged or scarred lung tissue, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, etc.; certain neurological conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.; diabetes; Down syndrome; certain heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, hypertension; HIV/AIDS or others in immunocompromised states; liver disease like cirrhosis, liver scarring, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, etc.; those who are overweight or obese; pregnant and recently pregnant people who are 42 or more days past the end of their pregnancy; certain hemoglobin disorders like sickle cell disease, thalassemia, etc.; current or former smokers; recipients of organ, blood stem cell, or bone marrow transplants; cerebrovascular disease like stroke, etc.; and substance use disorders including alcohol, opioid, cocaine use disorders, etc.

Those “high-risk” occupations qualifying for boosters include: first-responders such as healthcare workers, firefighters, police, and congregate care staff; education staff such as teachers, support staff, daycare workers; food and agricultural workers; manufacturing workers; corrections workers; U.S. Postal workers; public transit workers; grocery store workers; and residents of homeless shelters or correctional facilities.

OneWorld child vaccination clinics

OneWorld is offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations, for children ages 5-11, at the following clinics:

• Livestock Building, located at 4920 S. 30th St. in south Omaha
• In Bellevue, at 2207 Georgia Ave.
• In northwest Omaha at 4229 N. 90th St.
• In Plattsmouth at 122 S. Sixth St.

OneWorld will also offer children’s COVID-19 vaccinations at school health centers:

• Bryan High School, located at 4700 Giles Road
• Indian Hill Elementary, located at 3121 U St.
• Liberty Elementary, located at 2021 St. Mary’s Ave.
• Spring Lake Elementary, located at 4215 S. 20th St.

Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis; or you can call 402-734-4110 to make an appointment.

Children’s Hospital

Children’s Hospital is planning to offer dedicated COVID-19 vaccination clinics for about a month, starting by Thursday, Nov. 11 — or sooner, if they are supplied the doses before that.

• 5-7 p.m. Thursdays at West Village Pointe and Spring Valley offices
• 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays at West Village Pointe and Spring Valley offices

After Saturday, Dec. 11, pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations will be available by appointment at any Children’s Hospital location.

• Tuesday and Thursday appointments available at the Mission Village location, 16909 Q St. Call 402-955-7575 or 402-955-SHOT (7468) for available times.
• Thursday and Friday appointments available at the Dundee location, 4825 Dodge St. Call 402-955-7676 or 402-955-SHOT (7468) for available times.

Nebraska Medicine

Nebraska Medicine is offering COVID-19 vaccinations at clinics in several retail pharmacies and health centers around the Omaha-metro.

NebMed will provide Pfizer vaccinations by appointment at:

• Eagle Run Health Center, located at 132nd Street and West Maple Road
• Fontenelle Health Center, located at 50th Street and Ames Avenue
• Girls Inc. Health Center, located at 45th Street and West Maple Road
• Old Market Health Center, located at 13th and Leavenworth streets
• Village Pointe Health Center, located at 175th and Burke streets

For those looking for walk-in appointments, single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccinations will be available at these pharmacies:

• Outpatient Pharmacy at Bellevue Health Center, located at 25th Street and Highway 370, will offer J&J vaccinations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
• Outpatient Pharmacy at Durham Outpatient Center, located at 45th and Emile streets, will offer J&J vaccinations from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the weekends.

Around Omaha

SOUTH OMAHA: Testing and vaccinations available at OneWorld, located at 4920 S. 30th St. Call 402-734-4110 to make an appointment for vaccinating anyone age 12 and older.

CHARLES DREW HEALTH CENTER: Call 402-451-3553 to schedule an appointment.

CHURCH CLINIC: Metropolitan Community Chuch of Omaha will host a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. No ID is required, but a parent or guardian must be present at the clinic with teens ages 12-18.

MCC FORT OMAHA: Vaccinations also will be distributed Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha campus, located at 5300 N. 30th St. Appointments will be made through the county’s vaccination registry.

TOTAL WELLNESS: DCHD has been working with Total Wellness, located at 9320 H Court, to establish a vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

VETERANS: Any eligible veterans can go to the Omaha VA Medical Center’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics’ walk-in hours from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at the new Ambulatory Care Center.

Sarpy/Cass health district

The Sarpy/Cass Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccinations at its offices, located at 701 Olson Drive in Papillion:

• Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 1-6 p.m.

The health department offers the first and second doses of Pfizer and Modern vaccines, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) single doses, and booster doses of all three vaccines.

Sarpy/Cass vaccination clinics

The Sarpy/Cass Health Department has scheduled vaccination clinics for all COVID-19 vaccine doses, including pediatric doses:

THURSDAY

• 4-6 p.m. at Weeping Water Public Schools, located 204 W. O St.

FRIDAY

• 4-7 p.m. at Gretna Middle School, 11705 S. 216th St.

MONDAY

• 3-5 p.m. at Springfield Community Center, 104 Main St.
• 4-6 p.m. at Bellevue Lied Activity Center, 2700 Arboretum Drive

TUESDAY DEC. 7

• 4-6 p.m. at Papillion-La Vista South High School, 10799 NE-370

THURSDAY DEC. 9

• 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Conestoga High School, 8404 42nd St., Murray, Neb.

MONDAY DEC. 13

• 1-3 p.m. at Louisville Public Schools, 202 W. Third St.

Appointments are recommended but not required. For scheduling assistance, call 833-998-2275 or 531-249-1873.

Three Rivers health district

Three Rivers Public Health Department is giving out boosters to those in certain risk categories who have had Pfizer vaccinations. It is also working with area businesses and schools to provide plan more COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Three pediatric vaccination clinics have been set up for children ages 5-11:

• Wahoo: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month at 1320 E. 31st St.
• Fremont: 3-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and noon-3:30 p.m. Fridays at 2400 N. Lincoln Ave.

The health department has the necessary forms posted on their website, for minors and adults, for those who would like to fill them out ahead of their visit.

3RPHD’s regular clinics will continue:

• In Dodge County, the Three Rivers clinic at 2400 N. Lincoln Ave. in Fremont, is open for walk-ins from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday; and noon to 3:30 p.m. Friday.
• In Saunders County, the Three Rivers clinic in Lake Wanahoo, located at 1320 E. 31st St., is open to walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month.

Those who are home-bound or require special accommodations but need a COVID-19 test or vaccine can contact the health district at 402-704-2245 to make arrangements.

Off-line help

CHI HEALTH VACCINE INFORMATION: The info line is available at 402-717-1255 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in August.

NEBRASKA VACCINE HOTLINE: Nebraskans can call 531-249-1873 or toll-free at 833-998-2275 for more information on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination process.

DOUGLAS COUNTY HELPLINE: Local COVID-19 information, in Spanish and English, is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, except for holidays. Call 402-444-3400 for assistance.

IOWA VACCINE HOTLINE: Older or home-bound Iowans looking for help scheduling a COVID-19 vaccination appointment can call 1-866-468-7887 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; or contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-328-2540 or 1-800-432-9209.

Resource links

Where to get a test: Douglas County

Vaccine sign-up: Douglas County | Sarpy/Cass | Three Rivers | Nebraska

Vaccinations at hospitals: Nebraska Medicine | Methodist Hospital | Children’s Hospital

Retail pharmacy vaccine sign-ups: Hy-Vee | Walmart | Sam’s Club | Baker’s | Kohll’s | CVS | Kubat

Vaccine information: Douglas County | Douglas County clinics | Nebraska || Iowa | Pottawattamie County | Mills County | Fremont County

COVID-19 dashboards: Douglas County | Sarpy County | Three Rivers Health District | Lancaster County | Nebraska | Iowa | Worldwide

School info: Omaha Public Schools | Millard Public Schools | Bellevue Public Schools | Westside Community Schools | Papillion-La Vista Community Schools | Gretna Public Schools | Elkhorn Public Schools | Council Bluffs Community Schools | Lincoln Public Schools | UNL | UNO | Midland University

COVID-19 risk dials: Lincoln-Lancaster County

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