LINCOLN- The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reported 157 official cases last week, five more than the previous week. This is the first increase in Lincoln since the week of December 17th. However, despite the increase, Covid-19 cases in Nebraska have leveled off. Similarly, the number of Covid-19 related hospitalizations have declined slightly, with only 31 last week compared to 35 the week before.

The Health Department also noted that wastewater sampling showed a significant increase in virus particles last week, and Health Director Pat Lopez announced the first local case of Covid-19 caused by the highly contagious XBB.1.5 subvariant. "As of now, our key indicators remain fairly stable. This newer variant is still spreading in the state and nationwide, but not as fast as anticipated," said Lopez.

Lopez confirmed that the Covid-19 risk dial in Nebraska will remain in the low yellow range for the second-straight week. Although XBB.1.5 has yet to catch on in Nebraska, only accounting for an estimated 4% of positive cases, it is expected to become more prevalent over time.

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