(Lincoln, NE) -- Lincoln is bringing back its public, indoor mask mandate in response.
On Friday, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department announced that in response to the current surge of COVID-19, a new Directed Health Measure would be issued that includes a mask mandate. The Health Department says that the DHM goes into effect at 12:01 AM Saturday, January 15th and continues through February 11th, when it will be reevaluated.
Health Director Pat Lopez said omicron is now the predominant strain of COVID-19 in Nebraska. “Omicron is spreading extremely fast and causing a high number of cases in a very short period of time,” Lopez said. “This rapid spread is threatening our health care system, our schools and our businesses. Additional action is necessary to help reduce the impact on our community.”
The DHM will require all individuals ages two and older – regardless of vaccination status – to wear a mask when they are in an indoor space unless six feet of separation from others at all times can be achieved. The DHM includes exceptions. Masks are not required for the following:
- Individuals eating or drinking or seated to eat or drink
- Those exercising
- Those engaged in an occupation that prevents the wearing of a mask
- Those obtaining a service or purchasing goods or services that requires the temporary removal of the mask
- A person giving a speech, lecture, or broadcast to an audience as long as six feet of distance from other individuals is maintained
- Those individuals who cannot otherwise wear a mask because of a medical condition, a mental health condition, or a disability that prevents the wearing of masks
- Courts of law; meetings or sessions of the Nebraska Legislature; individuals accessing federal, state, county, or city government services; congregate living settings; group homes and residential drug and/or mental health treatment facilities; or shelters
For more information on the DHM, visit covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or call 402-441-6280.