Nationally and locally, COVID-19 cases are trending upward.
Cases have gone up 15% nationally over the past two weeks, said Jane Meza, PhD, interim executive director for the Office of Health Security, and likely remain underreported due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
The data is trending in the wrong direction, she said, as increases are being seen in test positivity rates, hospitalizations and the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 virus found in wastewater surveillance data.
Dr. Meza joined UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, Thursday during his last all-campus forum for 2022.
“Cases are on the increase, and we need to be mindful as we move into colder weather and are more likely to be indoors,” Dr. Meza said. “As we prepare to be with friends and family through the holiday season, it’s a good idea to get tested weekly and prevent any possible spread of diseases.”
Members of the medical center community can view the forum.
If it’s been a while since you last used the 1-Check COVID app, you may want to check out the latest version.
“The app has moved far beyond just COVID-19 monitoring capabilities,” Dr. Gold told the online forum audience. In addition to screening for COVID-19, the self-screening app allows individuals to monitor their health symptoms for influenza, RSV and monkeypox – as well as provides guidance based on their screening response. The app also has a new facial scan feature that allows app users to – reliably and confidentially – assess their blood oxygen level and heart rate.
The 1-Check UNMC app remains helpful in assessing symptoms, Dr. Meza said, noting “when people really need it it’s there.” The app is free and available to Apple iOS and Android users via Apple’s App Store and Google Play. In addition, the 1-Check COVID app remains available to the public and also can be found on the App Store and Google Play.
Rising numbers of influenza and RSV also are impacting hospitals and bed availability, Dr. Gold said, encouraging individuals to get both their influenza and bivalent booster vaccines, which are both in ample supply.
Dr. Meza reminded the campus community that surgical masks are required in clinical spaces across all UNMC campuses, and said campus leaders will continue to monitor the data to see whether changes are needed to UNMC’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.
In the meantime, saliva PCR testing remains available for faculty, staff and students who are not sick and want to be tested. On the Omaha campus, testing is available:
- Mondays and Wednesdays – Williams Science Hall, level one atrium, 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays – third floor between the Durham Outpatient Center and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (by the Z elevators), 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In other matters, Dr. Gold said:
- UNMC is planning a campus rally on Thursday, Dec. 8, to kick off the University of Nebraska’s Only in Nebraska campaign, which launched publicly Nov. 18. Watch UNMC Today for details. The campaign plans to raise $3 billion to support University of Nebraska students, faculty, academic programs and research to address the needs of the state.
- Work continues to address the challenges identified by the University of Nebraska’s Climate Survey one year ago. UNMC’s two working groups have reported their finding, which will be addressed at an upcoming strategic planning session.
- Opportunities to continually improve information management systems also continue. Two working groups have been formed to address priorities, identify resources and develop a timeline to resolve current challenges. Updates will be shared at future forums and in UNMC Today.
- The recent election provides an opportunity to educate new elected officials on the role of the medical center, as well as opportunities for growth and future partnerships. “The more people understand how critical we are, the more people are able to help us with legislative, policy or regulatory changes that are important,” he said.
As always, Dr. Gold thanked the med center family of faculty, students and staff for all they continue to do to grow UNMC’s outreach, excellence, reputation and build the future. He also wished all a safe and joyous holiday season.