New COVID-19 testing site opens on Jan. 13

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Lincoln Lancaster-County Health Officials announced the opening of a new COVID-19 testing site.

The Total Wellness Drive-Thru site, located at 1918 O Street, will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting Jan. 13.

Testing will be available by appointment only. To make an appointment or get additional information, go to their website.

Nomi Health will also add another drive-thru lane.

Meanwhile, the LLCHD COVID-19 Risk Dial remains at severe risk (Red) for the second week.

Lancaster saw 2,893 cases last week. That’s more than triple what it was two weeks prior.

COVID patient numbers are up to 142 in Lancaster County, the highest since December 3, 2020. About two-thirds of patients are from Lancaster County.

Despite the high COVID numbers, Lopez said they aren’t ready to re-implement a mask mandate, however the idea is not off the table.

While Omaha recently issued a mask mandate, Lopez said it doesn’t directly affect the Lancaster County Health Department’s decision making.

“What Omaha does, sure we watch our sister health departments, we pay attention to all that information, but that’s why it’s so important to have local control to make local decision,” Lopez said.

According to the LLCHD, 64.7% of all Lancaster County residents are fully vaccinated. Around 53% of residents age 12 and up, who are eligible, have received a booster or third dose.

LLCHD said 26% of children ages 5-11 are fully vaccinated, just over 34% have received their first dose.

“If you don’t think our situation is urgent, you’re wrong,” said Health Director Pat Lopez. “If you’re sick of COVID, now is not the time to become complacent. If you’ve been taking preventative measures, I thank you. We must be prepared for things to get worse before they get better, and our local situation requires an urgent community response.”

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