Has Nebraska's Omicron Wave Peaked? The Location Matters, UNMC Doctor Says

Jan. 28, 2022, 2 p.m. ·

Dr. James Lawler on the set of Nebraska Public Media's Speaking of Nebraska in January 2021
UNMC's Dr. James Lawler speaking on Nebraska Public Media's "Speaking of Nebraska" in January 2021.

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A University of Nebraska of Medical Center infectious disease expert said different parts of Nebraska have passed their COVID-19 peaks.

Dr. James Lawler, the co-executive director of UNMC's Global Center for Health Security, said Thursday he hopes Nebraska is past the worst of the omicron surge. Just like the rest of the country, he said Nebraska’s peak will come at different times – depending on the location.

“I definitely think that Omaha, Lincoln and the eastern parts of the state seem to have passed a peak and are heading down from a case count perspective," he said. "I think there are probably other areas of the state that still have not yet reached their peak – but probably should soon. And then the question will be: `How quickly will we come down and how far will we come down?’”

COVID cases for the whole state are down nearly 12% since mid-January, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Right now, the 7-day average stands around 3,500 cases per day. The state is just more than a week away removed from its record of 4,400 cases.

Hospitalizations are currently below the previous high, which came in November 2020. There are 754 hospitalizations statewide, according to the state's dashboard.

Dr. Lawler’s comments came during Nebraska Public Media’s "Speaking of Nebraska," Thursday.


Watch the full episode here: