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Feb 28, 2024

Lincoln seeing rise in COVID

As in past years, COVID-19 cases are on the rise now that school has resumed. Lancaster County reported 163 official cases for the week that ended Saturday. That's more than double the previous week

As in past years, COVID-19 cases are on the rise now that school has resumed.

Lancaster County reported 163 official cases for the week that ended Saturday. That's more than double the previous week and more than four times higher than at the start of the month.

While the official number of cases is lower than at this time last year, the actual number may be higher because many people are testing at home or not testing at all.

For the corresponding week last year, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department recorded nearly 3,100 COVID-19 tests. Last week, it only recorded 576.

More than one in four of those tests came back positive, and the 26% test positivity rate recorded last week was the third-highest weekly rate recorded during the pandemic, topped only by two weeks in January 2022.

Wastewater analysis also has shown a steady rise in viral particles detected.

On June 17, levels of COVID-19 in wastewater hit a pandemic low of 35,600 virus particles per liter of wastewater. Last week, that number had risen to 412,900.

That means both case numbers and wastewater levels are back to where they were in April.

“We know COVID-19 remains a real risk for many people, and the shift we’re seeing in our local situation is concerning,” Health Director Pat Lopez said in a news release. “We’re working with the long-term care facilities to reduce transmission. We’re also in communication with our hospital partners as we determine how the increase in COVID activity may further impact the community.”

Health officials say the increase in local cases highlights the importance of staying current on COVID-19 vaccines to help maintain protection against severe illness, especially for people who are 65 or older or have a weakened immune system.

It seems likely that the rise in cases is at least partly tied to local schools opening. Lincoln Public Schools students returned Aug. 14 and 15 and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln began classes Aug. 21.

But neither of them track cases among students anymore.

LPS said that after the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration ended in May, it followed the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Department and folded its COVID-19 protocols and responses into existing structures and programs for communicable diseases.

"Therefore, LPS is no longer collecting reports of COVID-19 positive results or contact tracing," LPS spokeswoman Mindy Burbach said in an email.

LPS' absence report shows just more than 0.5% of students are out right now, with only one individual school with a rate higher than 2%.

The end of the federal public health emergency also spurred the state Department of Health and Human Services to stop the public reporting of wastewater sampling data, a decision that has been criticized by health experts.

Earlier this month, the Nebraska Infectious Disease Society sent a letter to the department and to Gov. Jim Pillen's office urging them to reactivate the public dashboard for wastewater tracking.

"Wastewater surveillance enables health care systems across the state to predict changes in demand for testing, hospital utilization, and workforce illness, providing more time to mobilize resources in preparation for higher case numbers," the letter said. "Wastewater surveillance is now our only reliable window into disease activity across the state and the only early indicator we have that will help with personal and health care system planning."

The good news is that the increase in cases has not yet led to significant increases in hospitalizations or deaths.

Lancaster County has not recorded a COVID-related death since May, and fewer than 100 people have died from the disease statewide since the beginning of June.

The new weekly hospitalizations nationwide jumped by 22% over the last week and it's the fifth week in a row of increased admissions.

A lone University of Nebraska-Lincoln prepares for a final with a start time of 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at Henzlik Hall.

leads the in-person students aas Miranda Orellana leads the remote learners via zoom as the pair co-teach a fifth grade math lesson on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at Lakeview Elementary. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star

Chairs for the public at the City Council meeting are seen wrapped up in plastic bags to encourage social distancing on Nov. 23 at County-City Building.

A crane used for construction of the Lied Place on Q street flies an American and Husker flag before the Nebraska versus Penn State game on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

DeEtta Mayrose (right) greeted employees arriving for an evening shift on Nov. 18, 2020, during a thank you event for health care workers at Bryan Medical Center West.

Kathryn Goertzen and Kurt Goertzen watch the television screen on the northwest side of Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Husker fan cutouts fill the North Stadium stands before the team takes on Penn State on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Mitch Sweeney sprays the seats during cleaning in between state volleyball tournament games Nov. 4, 2020, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Wahoo fans are seen spaced out from one group to the next during the first round of the Class C-1 state volleyball tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Skeletons outside of a South Lincoln home encourage residents to go vote in the upcoming election on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020. Kenneth Ferriera, JOURNAL STAR.

Shae Center (from left) give out candies to Payton Jones, 6, as the family Bre Jones, Carson Jones, and Miles Jones, 3, go trick-or-treat during Boo at the Zoo at Lincoln Children's Zoo, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska fans cheer on the Huskers while watching the Ohio State game on the Cube in the Railyard on Oct. 24.

The YMCA on 11th and P streets is closed until further notice on Thursday, Oct, 22, 2020. Kenneth Ferriera, JOURNAL STAR.

Pop-art ads encourage patrons downtown to wear masks on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kenneth Ferriera, JOURNAL STAR.

Lincoln Pius X saxophonists compete during The LPS Marching Band Showcase at Seacrest Field the on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Kenneth Ferriera, JOURNAL STAR

University of Nebraska-Lincoln senior Joel Smith packs up his bag at a newly created seating areas under tents at Nebraska Union, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

University of Nebraska junior Emma Fritz works on hard draping using a half-scale model in Draping Class in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design, part of the College of Education and Human Sciences, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star

Poppy Massing, 11, gets vaccinated by Barb Martinez, a public health nurse at Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, during a vaccine clinic at Lefler Middle School, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

The Rev. Thomas Dummermuth started a project in quarantine to put together a handwritten Bible where people around Nebraska would write chapters of the Bible by hand. He was inspired by a church in his home county of Switzerland that had the idea. "It is beautiful work that people send in; some of it is just amazing," Dummermuth said.

Demonstrators protest the mask mandate in front of the Capitol on Monday, Sept. 7.

Four-year-old Avery Rider and her brother Julian, 7, of Omaha play around with the Bob Devaney statue as they pose for pictures for their parents, Melissa and Aaron, on Sept. 5, 2020, at Memorial Stadium. The family, who had tickets for the home opener that would have been Sept. 5, walked around the stadium, which had few visitors.

People wait their turn in a socially distant line outside the Department of Motor Vehicles' 46th Street office Monday, Aug. 31, the deadline to get registrations renewed.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln students attend a class in masks on the first day of in-person classes in August 2020.

Customers wait outside of Iguana's Pub on O Street on Friday, Aug. 21.

Jordan Gonzales walks through the Haymarket Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 22, handing out stickers, masks and wristbands encouraging others to wear masks and practice social distancing. Gonzales is part of a group of about 25 ambassadors involved in the "LNK is Greater Than" marketing campaign organized by Archrival. "We just want to give some positive reinforcement to those who are wearing masks, letting them know that they are doing the right thing," Gonzales said.

Belmont Elementary School first grade teacher Hailey Greene balances her iPad on her knees in order for remote learners on Zoom and students in the class to be able to follow along during a lesson on Aug. 21.

Weeping Water players gather before a game against Fillmore Central/Exeter-Milligan on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Doris Bair Complex.

Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Director Pat Lopez attends a City Council meeting on her permanent appointment on Monday, Aug. 17. Ben Madsen, owner of Madsen's Bowling and Billiards, is pictured in the background at a hearing where he opposed her appointment.

A double-pump hand sanitizer station built at the University of Nebraska's Innovation Campus sits outside the lunchroom at Dawes Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 13, the first day of school for middle school students.

Jeff and Marie King of Lincoln play with the class on the rock formation on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at Stransky Park. For the past month, students in SCC’s Continuing Education’s Intro to the Ukulele class have been learning how to play the instrument via Zoom.

Students at Wysong Elementary keep their distance from each other as they enter the lunchroom on the first day of school Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Lincoln Pius X players listen to head coach Katie Wenz as she explains drills during the first day of fall practice Aug. 10, at Pius X.

The Lincoln Police Department on Saturday morning, Aug. 8, enforced the city health department's order to close Madsen's Bowling & Billiards, blocking all entrances to the business with police cruisers.

DeAnna Stewart loads bouquets of flowers into her car in 2020 at the House of Flowers to deliver to a customer. House of Flowers is Lincoln’s oldest flower shop, dating back to 1908.

Caleb Petersen (right) uses buckets to drum alongside others during a rally outside of the County-City Building while the Lincoln City Council met inside on Monday, Aug. 3.

Parent and Lincoln Public Schools teacher Ellen James (center), dressed as the Grim Reaper, holds a sign in front of the state Capitol on Monday, Aug. 3, as protesters called for more safety protocols before reopening schools.

A couple sits in a row while wearing face coverings before the Beach Boys performance at Pinewood Bowl on Sunday, Aug. 2. Seating at the concert was set up to follow social distancing guidelines.

Terrell McKinney sits behind a row of marked off chairs during a hearing on bill LB1222 hosted by Sen. Justin Wayne at the state Capitol on Friday, July 31. Only 20 people were allowed into the hearing chamber at a time while all others had to wait outside for their turn

Noah Jelinek, 14, with Amazing Treasures 4-H, shows his American Plymouth Rock chicken to judge Tom Brubaker as the Lancaster County Super Fair got underway on Thursday, July 30. There were no rides or shows this year.

Kristi Molina, a Lincoln North Star High School teacher, holds a sign outside the Lincoln Public Schools offices ahead of a school board meeting Tuesday, July 28.

Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha speaks at a rally to support protections for meatpacking workers on the north steps of the Capitol on Tuesday, July 28.

Floor debate on Monday, July 27, 2020, at the Nebraska State Capitol.

Graduates wave and blow kisses to family members in the seats above during Lincoln Northeast's graduation ceremony at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday, July 24.

Gov. Pete Ricketts puts his mask back on after addressing the Legislature on Friday, July 24.

Jane Erickson carries grocery items out of A Street Market on Tuesday, July 21. As of Monday, a health measure from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department requires people to wear a face covering indoors with some exceptions, including for children under age 5.

Charlie Klingler (left) takes the temperature of Sen. Dan Quick as Quick prepares to enter the legislative chamber Monday, July 20, at the Capitol.

Lincoln Northeast head coach Charity Iromuanya cleans basketballs with a disinfectant solution after players put them away during open gym practice at Lincoln Northeast on Friday, July 10.

Archie the mammoth at the University of Nebraska State Museum is masked up on Thursday, July 9, 2020.

Wearing a face shield, Lancaster County Attorney Erica Pruess (right) prepares for a case at the Lancaster County Hall of Justice on Thursday, July 9, 2020, during the first jury trial in four months.

Amy Koepke as Prudence Purewater (left) and Marie Barrett as Hazel Hoochater perform Wednesday, July 1, during a rehearsal for the upcoming Parking Lot Plays at the Lincoln Community Playhouse.

Fabiola Delacruz cleans a seating area in the lobby of The Kindler Hotel on Tuesday before it reopens Wednesday, July 1.

Stephanie Carpenter and Justin Doyle dance the two-step as Silas Creek performs at the Garth Brooks drive-in concert Saturday, June 27, at the Lancaster Event Center.

Chief Judge John M. Gerrard of the U.S. District Court conducts a naturalization ceremony on June 22 at the Chief Standing Bear statue on Centennial Mall.

Allison Franks cleans equipment while wearing a mandatory face shield at the Urban Air Adventure Center on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

Hundreds gathered for the Juneteenth celebration at the Lincoln Indian Center on Friday, June 19.

Hillary Umland, a library service associate, grabs a book bundle for pickup at Gere Branch Library on Tuesday, June 16.

Mascha Miedaner (left) takes in the performance of guitarist and singer Orion Walsh (center), who played a variety of songs from Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash to Oasis via "Music on the Move," a bicycle-powered stage driven by Dan Warren (right), which visited the East Campus neighborhood Saturday, June 13.

Lifeguard Tyler Akins disinfects a chair at Fallbrook YMCA swimming pool on Thursday, June 11.

Members of Legislature's Judiciary Committee spent two days in early June listening to speakers talk about systemic racism and law enforcement policies and practices during sessions in Omaha and Lincoln.

Dan Hartong of Lincoln cools off with a beer last June at W.C.'s South Sports Bar. Drinks to go have helped restaurants and bars that serve food the opportunity to stay afloat during the pandemic.

Longtime East High football and baseball coach and Scott Middle School teacher Bill Kechely waves to a well-wisher at his drive-by retirement party May 28.

Having grown up with horses in Glenwood, Iowa, Edwin Johnson was happy to see Jewel, a 30-something Arabian mare who made a visit to his window with owner Sheila Carroll of Lincoln last May at Holmes Lake Rehabilitation & Care Center.

A court security guard wipes the front door handle as someone enters the Lancaster County Courthouse on Friday, May 22.

To maintain social distancing, officials have closed every other campsite at Branched Oak State Recreation Area.

To help parishioners maintain social distancing, the altar society at St. Patrick's Catholic Church made ornate fabric dividers to block off alternate pews.

Mariah Wailes (from left), Claudia Perales and Luis Sandoval rally in support of Smithfield workers in Crete on Saturday, May 16. "Estamos con ustedes" translates to "We stand by you."

Shoppers walk through the Haymarket Farmers Market on Saturday, May 16. It's the first day the market has been open this season.

The Parkview Christian parent/student community celebrated educators Wednesday, May 13, by decorating cars and doing a brief parade through the school parking lot for Teacher Appreciation Day.

Eric Post, owner of The Normandy, serves customers Jane Williams (center) and Keith Larsen on the first day of dine-in service returning in Lancaster County on Monday, May 11.

Doris Carbon is all smiles on Mother's Day when her family visits her by her nursing home window, including son-in-law Steve Bartels (left) and Corey Carbon, of Los Angeles on Sunday, May 10, at Legacy Retirement Community.

Lincoln Christian senior Ally Korte (left), one of 52 graduates recognized by the school, talks with KC Orduna in May. Each senior had their name painted on the school's football field along with a yard sign featuring the portrait.

CHI Health workers place a COVID-19 swab in a test tube while administering tests by appointment at a drive-thru Test Nebraska site at Lancaster Event Center on May 8.

Amanda Russell of Firespring installs a mural May 7 at Bryan East that was designed by Jon Humiston of Umbrella Photo Booth. Another has been installed at Bryan West.

Iyonna Clay hands out bags containing one-page documents from employers who are hiring, explaining what the company does, what jobs are available, and how people can apply during a drive-thru career fair Tuesday, May 5, at Gateway Mall.

Boxes of bagged fruit and other food items await distribution by staff of the Center for People in Need and Army National Guard personnel last May. The Center received a $5,000 grant from the Viking Foundation in December to help alleviate increased food insecurity during the pandemic.

The intersection of 14th and Vine streets, near where the Lincoln Marathon would have started this year, sits empty on May 3, 2020.

Residents and staff of The Windcrest on Van Dorn wave to decorated vehicles parading through the parking lot on Thursday, April 30. Family and friends of residents made a visit following social distancing guidelines to the assisted-living center, which has banned visitors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nebraska State Patrol Sgt. Les Zimmerman hands a package of surgical masks to a truck driver on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at the westbound I-80 weigh station. The masks were provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHI St. Elizabeth president Derek Vance places a sign outside a hospital employee's home Wednesday, April 29. The hospital planned to place 1,500 signs at employees' homes.

Lucas Anderson disinfects a bike at the BikeLNK station at 21st and Q streets Saturday, April 25.

Students wave to teachers and staff from their cars on Thursday, April 23, 2020, during a teacher and staff parade at St. John the Apostle School.

Recovered COVID-19 patient Imogene Hostetler, 91, heads home from CHI St. Elizabeth accompanied by nurses Brittany McCoy and Patrick Kamphaus on Thursday, April 23.

Private 2nd Class Gary Mack (left) and Senior Master Sgt. Donald Dissmeyer unload food at a food distribution site Wednesday, April 22, at Lincoln High School.

Hannah Elliott (from left), executive director of Woodlands at Hillcrest, joins volunteers from NRC Health, including Emily Wiebeck, Tess Kurtenbach and Emily Schweitzer, as they thank staff members showing up for work at the senior housing facility Wednesday, April 22.

People watch the live coverage outside the City Council chambers Monday, April 13.

Bob Milliken and Carol Milliken perform religious music for a gathering of neighbors on Good Friday, April 10, on Hunts Drive.

Martin and Darlene Weber wear masks as they stroll past Bishop Heights Park on April 10.

A "Heroes Work Here" sign shown outside the Lancaster Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, April 9, 2020.

A playground closed sign is displayed in front of an empty playground Monday, April 6, at Pioneers Park.

A line of cars travels P Street during a drive-thru parade outside the Lincoln Children's Museum on Saturday, April 4.

An empty scene at the Railyard earlier this year.

Sparse vehicle and foot traffic moves through downtown on O Street on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

Last week, a sign showing support for New York showed up in Tower Square in downtown Lincoln.

A billboard calls for Lincoln residents to stay home during coronavirus pandemic.

Pastor Greg Bouvier delivers a livestreamed sermon in late March at Sheridan Lutheran Church. "We're trying to replicate service as it would be if you're here," said Bouvier. "Our theology of worship is not an individual thing. It's a communal thing. We want people to have a sense of that community."

Derek Johnson, who delivers for DoorDash, leaves the downtown Qdoba with a customer's order March 27.

Wearing a mask for protection, Teri Stoppel waits for a StarTran bus at the Gold's Building in downtown Lincoln in March.

Replicas of Lisa Simpson and Homer Simpson watch the world pass by from the windows of a home near South 30th Street and Bonacum Drive on March 24. The owner said she had the figures in her basement and was attempting to spread a little cheer.

Manager Jen Anderson (from left), registered nurse Claire Nalder and manager Tammy Fandrich set up the COVID-19 testing drive-thru March 24 at Bryan LifePointe.

Dr. Judy Wu-Smart, an extension and research Entomologist shows how to manipulate frames for better hive management as she's filmed live by lab technician Luke Norris during a virtual beekeeping class on Saturday, March 21, at the Entomology Hall on the UNL East Campus.

Katie Bockelman teaches students world geography using Zoom on Friday, March 20, at Lincoln Lutheran School. The school has shifted to holding classes via Zoom with students at home.

Shows are set to return to the Bourbon Theatre this month.

Best friends Lilly Bliven (top) and Eva Gutz wave to a passing UPS delivery truck, as they practice social distancing while talking to each other on walkie-talkies across the street from each other on Tuesday, March 17.

Nebraska State Capitol is seen lit in blue for "Public Health Thank You Day" on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Cathy Goldman (left), a paraeducator at Elliott Elementary, looks on as her mother Margaret Elley prepares dinner, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. Goldman previously contracted COVID-19 and now keeps a distance whenever she is in a room with her elderly parents. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

The Nebraska men's basketball team announced its 2021-22 non-conference schedule Tuesday.

Alex Andrade (left) of Billy's Restaurant works swiftly to add items to their to-go Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. Andrade said they will be preparing over 200 to-go meals over the next two days for families to enjoy. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Amy Williams speaks to a referee during a timeout against Idaho State at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Dec. 6.

William Kieffe, with Food Bank of Lincoln, unloads some of the pallets with 35,640 pounds of butter and cheese donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints earlier this month.

Malcolm girls basketball head coach Andy Klepper sprays disinfectant at the weight room, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Santa gives a socially distant air-five to 5 year old Nahlia Killsenemy on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. Due to Covid-19, children had to maintain 6 feet and were unable to sit in Santa's lap. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

Cora Clay looks a tag from atop Eric Clay's shoulders at the Prior Pines Christmas tree farm on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020. Kent Prior, owner of Prior Pines, estimates that they have sold over 900 trees so far this season. "It is definitely busier this season," Prior said. "On our first day we had people parking on the main road." KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

People walk in front of the Sparkle Globe during the Zoo Lights event at the Lincoln Children's Zoo on Thursday.

Volunteers from Stand In for Nebraska help load bags of clothing to be transported and donated to the Pine Ridge Reservation on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. The annual winter clothing drive for the Pine Ridge Reservation had its most successful year yet. A record number of donations poured in from all over Nebraska. With so many donations, clothing drive organizer Bill Hawkins posted on Facebook to ask for a bigger truck. Stand in for Nebraska, a local nonprofit group, answered the call and paid for the gas as well. By the end of the morning the 26-foot moving truck was packed tight with donations heading northwest. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

CHI Health St. Elizabeth RN Crystal Shield (L) administers a COVID-19 vaccination to hospitalist Cory Shield on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star

A pair of individuals who declined to give their names wave to passing motorists at 67th and O Streets as they look for signers for a recall of Lincoln Leirion Gaylor Baird on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Staying socially distanced from Santa Claus, Hailey Neff (left) delivers her list of Christmas gift wishes to the fellow from the North Pole on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, during a visit to Pioneers Park. Saint Nick toured the area, making stops at Holmes Park, Walt Branch Library and Williams Branch Library in addition to Pioneers Park. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Robert Fugarino takes a photo of the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter on his smartphone at Holmes Lake Park, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

The Schawang family listens from their front porch to Santa Claus read, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. Shawntay and Glen Schawang's children, Maxine (from left), Valentine, Jules, and Calvin have been leaving gifts and surprises for nearby retired couples. The retirees in the neighborhood had no idea who was leaving the gifts behind. "The kids were getting such a kick out of being the mystery gift givers," retiree Rodney Turner said. After deducing who the mystery gift givers were, the older neighbors began to leave gifts of their own. Going back and forth leaving little surprises for months. To wrap up the year, the retirees decided to schedule a visit from the master gift giver himself. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

Joshua Schulte does most of his writing on his couch in his living room or wherever he is most comfortable on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. Joshua Schulte, 13, started writing the Schulte Daily when the pandemic started, he has since pivoted to the Schulte Weekly (issue 72 was last week). When asked why he started Joshua stated, "It might've been because I was bored, I've always liked writing newspaper articles." Joshua distributes his newspaper to 7 local families in his neighborhood. Even making a mile long bike ride to deliver a copy top his grandparents. He also has written an 80-page Christmas book that takes place in London in the 1800s .KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

Fan attendance for this basketball game between Lincoln East and Norfolk was greatly reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Ethan (bottom) and Colin Easley take to the slopes as they joined dozens of others to enjoy the substantial snowfall on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, at Holmes Lake Park.

RelyCare LTC pharmacy certified technician Sara Ferguson administer a COVID-19 vaccine at Havelock Manor, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020.

Pius X poses with their newly won trophy after defeating Fremont in the Heartland Athletic Conference Tournament championship match at Lincoln Northeast High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Supporters of Pres. Donald J. Trump rally on the north side of the Nebraska State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6 2021, during the first day of the Legislature. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Speaker Mike Hilgers (left) greets Sen. Lynne Walz after Walz was elected to be chair of the education committee during the first day of the 2021 legislative session Jan. 6 at the State Capitol.

A view from behind the Zoo Bar bandstand on Wednesday, Jan. 6 2021. The music establishment is launching a membership program to help it survive the COVID-19 pandemic. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Melanie Butcher holds her cat Miss Chievous at Staybridge Suites, Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Work progresses on the new high school near Northwest 48th and West Holdrege streets in early January.

Cindy Knippelmeyer (left) and her husband Tyson Knippelmeyer fish on the ice of Holmes Lake, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Customers order their sandwiches from Colton Harpst and Chris Mathews during lunchtime at Danny's Downtown Deli on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star

Steve Woitaszewski make measurements as he scores a deer during Nebraska Deer and Game Expo, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, at Lancaster Event Center. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Due to the pandemic the pool deck is less crowded and swimmers, coaches and race staff are required to wear masks on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, during the Gene Cotter Invitational at Lincoln Northeast High School. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

People enter Pinnacle Bank arena for a COVID-19 vaccination event on Feb. 5.

Brion Westfahol (left) and Jamie Wenz take a break from the trail to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, along the Rock Island trail. Adverse weather was of no concern to the cold blooded bikers who took part in the Frosty Bike Ride on Saturday. Despite temperatures in the low teens and a snow forecast of 4 inches, bike enthusiasts braved the weather for the annual ride. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

Anti-vaxxers and proponets of LB643 mingle in the rotunda outside of the hearing chamber while waiting to testify favor of LB643 on Thursday, February 04, 2021, at the Nebraska State Capitol. If passed LB643 would allow them to be exempted from any vaccine program, though at this time one does not exist. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

A biker braves heavy snowfall on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, along the Rock Island trail. Adverse weather was of no concern to the cold blooded bikers who took part in the Frosty Bike Ride on Saturday. Despite temperatures in the low teens and a snow forecast of 4 inches, bike enthusiasts braved the weather for the annual ride. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.

LINCOLN, NEB. - 02/09/2021 - Venturing out in the below-zero wind chill on snowshoes he received in Christmas 2019, Walt Stroup of Lincoln blazes a trail on the pristine powdery remnants of the 25.3 inches of snow the city received during a 14-day period from Jan. 25-Feb. 7 on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at Holmes Lake Park. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or [email protected].

On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.

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