Honestly, walking through the Old Market or grabbing a coffee in Benson lately, you’d hardly think about masks or social distancing. It feels like 2019 again. But if you look at the actual data coming out of the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD), the picture is a bit more nuanced. Covid cases in Douglas County NE aren't dominating the headlines like they used to, but the virus is definitely still circulating in our community, hitching a ride on the back of the usual winter respiratory season.
We're currently navigating the 2025-2026 winter surge. It's different this time. It’s not the crisis of 2020, but it’s not exactly "gone" either.
The Current Numbers: What’s Happening in Omaha?
Right now, in mid-January 2026, Nebraska is seeing a bit of a mixed bag. Nationally, the CDC notes that while respiratory illnesses are high, the specific epidemic trend for Covid in Nebraska is actually classified as "declining" after a late-December peak.
But don't let that "declining" label make you too complacent.
According to the latest Nebraska DHHS respiratory report for the week ending January 10, 2026, there were 368 positive Covid tests statewide, with a test positivity rate of 7.7%. In Douglas County specifically, we're seeing about 0.7 new hospital admissions for every 100,000 residents. It sounds small. It is small compared to the Omicron days. But for the 71 people currently hospitalized with Covid across the state, it's very real.
Wastewater is the New "Case Count"
Since almost everyone uses at-home tests now—and let's be real, many people don't even test if they just have a "scratchy throat"—reported case numbers are basically a low-ball estimate. Health experts like Dr. Mark Rupp at Nebraska Medicine now rely heavily on wastewater surveillance.
Wastewater doesn't lie. It catches the viral shedding from people who never see a doctor. In Douglas County, these levels showed a significant spike right after the holidays, likely fueled by all those indoor gatherings at the Orpheum or family dinners. It’s started to dip, but the virus is still very much "present."
The New Players: XFG and NB.1.8.1 Variants
You've probably heard of "Nimbus." That’s the nickname floating around for the NB.1.8.1 variant, a sub-lineage of Omicron that has been making the rounds this winter.
Basically, it's really good at two things:
- Spreading fast in schools and offices.
- Evading that "immunity wall" we all built up from previous infections or older shots.
The good news? It doesn't seem to be making people "sicker" in the sense of causing more lung damage or lower oxygen levels for healthy adults. But it's hitting the elderly and immunocompromised Nebraskans hard. Since the start of this 2025-26 season, Nebraska has recorded 23 Covid-associated deaths. That’s a heavy price for a "mild" variant.
Why Does Douglas County Look Different?
Douglas County is the most densely populated area in the state. We’ve got the highest concentration of "very high" vulnerability factors according to the U.S. COVID Tracker—mostly due to population density and crowded working environments. When something starts spreading in Omaha, it moves way faster than it does in a place like Cherry County.
Interestingly, while urban areas see faster spikes, our healthcare infrastructure is more robust. Between Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health, and Methodist, we have better access to the latest antivirals like Paxlovid. If you’re in Douglas County and you test positive, your chances of getting treated quickly are much higher than in the rural western parts of the state.
Common Misconceptions Right Now
- "It's just a cold now." For many, yes. But for a significant chunk of our neighbors, it’s still leading to hospitalizations.
- "The vaccine doesn't work against the new strains." Not entirely true. While you might still get a "breakthrough" case (I know plenty of people who have), the vaccine is still the primary reason our ICU beds aren't overflowing.
- "I don't need to test." Honestly, knowing if it's Covid, Flu, or RSV matters. The treatments for each are totally different. If you have Flu, you want Tamiflu. If it's Covid, you might need Paxlovid.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re living in or visiting Douglas County right now, don't panic, but don't be oblivious either.
Grab some free tests. The DCHD often has them, and most local pharmacies are stocked. If you feel "off," just check. It takes 15 minutes.
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Think about your timing. If you’re visiting an elderly relative at a care facility in West Omaha, maybe wear a mask for a few days before or take a test right before you go. There have already been 62 outbreaks in long-term care facilities across the state this season.
Check the "Risk Dial." While the famous color-coded dial isn't as front-and-center as it used to be, the DCHD still updates their dashboard weekly on Thursdays. It’s a quick way to see if we’re heading into a "red" zone or staying in the "green/yellow" territory.
Stay home if you're sick. Seriously. Whether it's the new NB.1.8.1 variant or just a nasty cold, Omaha doesn't need your germs at the office or the grocery store.
The reality of covid cases in Douglas County NE in 2026 is that the virus has become a permanent, manageable part of our winter landscape. We have the tools—vaccines, wastewater tracking, and antivirals. Using them just makes sense for keeping the community running smoothly.
Actionable Next Steps for Douglas County Residents
- Check the DCHD Dashboard: Visit the Douglas County Health Department website every Thursday for the latest local data updates.
- Locate Treatment Early: If you are at high risk, identify which local clinics (like Nebraska Medicine or CHI) offer rapid antiviral prescriptions before you get sick.
- Update Your Kit: Ensure you have at least two high-quality masks (N95 or KN95) and a box of rapid tests at home to avoid a last-minute run to the store while symptomatic.
- Monitor Wastewater Trends: Use the CDC Wastewater Tracker to see if viral loads are increasing in the Omaha metro area before planning large indoor events.