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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 121 (from laksa125)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa121.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around","crawl_time":1775885898,"first_indexed_time":1661449294,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,nebraskamed!www,\/COVID\/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around s443","src_root_hash":"12295970854620659321","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What COVID-19 variants are going around in March 2026? | Nebraska Medicine Omaha, NE","meta_descriptions":["Get the latest COVID-19 news from infectious diseases expert Mark Rupp, MD, including COVID-19 case rates, types of variants circulating and vaccine updates."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Get the latest COVID-19 news from infectious diseases expert\nMark Rupp, MD\n, including COVID-19 case rates, types of variants circulating and vaccine updates.\nThe most recent data on the test positivity rate is from the week ending March 7, which was 3.4%. When test positivity is above 5%, transmission is considered uncontrolled. COVID cases accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits.\nSince many are using home tests that are not reported through public health or are not testing at all, the official case counts underestimate the actual prevalence of COVID-19.\nWhat COVID-19 variant are we on?\nDue to low numbers of sequences being reported to the CDC, precision in the most recent reporting period is low. CDC is moving to longer reporting periods to gather the number of sequences required to provide reliable Nowcast estimates.\nCurrently, the\ndominant variant nationwide is XFG\n, with 23% of cases, followed by XFG.1.1, with 21% of cases, and XFG.14.1, with 10% of cases. \"The original omicron variant is gone now,\" says Dr. Rupp. \"Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including XFV, PQ.17 and XFZ.\"\n \nCOVID-19 in Nebraska\nIn the week ending March 7, there were\n3,833 COVID-19 tests performed in Nebraska\n, with 161 positive results. This is a 4.2% positivity rate, a 1.7% decrease from the week prior.\nWhich COVID-19 variant do I have? And do COVID-19 tests tell you the variant?\nWhen you receive a COVID-19 test, you won't find out which variant caused your infection. That's because COVID-19 tests only detect the presence of the virus – they don't determine the variant.\nGenomic sequencing looks at the genetic code of the virus to determine which variant caused the infection. Sequencing results are used by public health experts to understand variant trends in the community.\nWill COVID-19 variants affect the vaccine?\nThe best way to prevent new variants is to slow the spread of the virus. The great news is that these proven public health strategies continue to work against new variants as well.\nGet vaccinated\nChoose outdoor activities over indoor activities whenever possible\nWash your hands often\nAvoid close contact with others\nWear a mask in public places\nStay home if you're sick or have symptoms of COVID-19\n\"We have a lot of disease out there. People should continue to be careful,\" Dr. Rupp says. \"Get the bivalent booster, try to avoid high-risk settings. If you can't, then I think you should wear a mask.\"\nGet your COVID vaccine\nThe U.S.\nCenters for Disease Control\nand Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death.\nOur pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis.\nView which vaccines are available at each location\n.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around#main-content)\n\n- [NEBRASKA MEDICINE](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/)\n- [UNMC](http:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/)\n\n- [Find Care Now](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/care)\n- [One Chart](https:\/\/www.onechartpatient.com\/mychart\/)\n- [Pay Bill](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/patients\/billing\/pay-online)\n- [For Providers](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/for-providers)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/careers)\n- [Help](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/help)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/)\n\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/doctors)\n- [Care and Services](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/treatments)\n  ## Care and Services\n  Comprehensive care for all your health needs.\n  \n  [View All Services](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/treatments)\n  \n  ## Featured Services\n  - 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[Pharmacy](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/pharmacy)\n  - [Schedule an Appointment](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/care)\n  \n  ## Digital Services\n  - [One Chart \\| Patient Portal](https:\/\/www.onechartpatient.com\/mychart\/Authentication\/Login)\n  - [Nebraska Medicine Mobile App](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/patients\/one-chart\/app)\n  - [Virtual Care (Telehealth)](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/telehealth)\n- [Locations](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/locations)\n  ## Our Locations\n  Find care close to you at our locations throughout the region.\n  \n  [Find a Location](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/locations)\n  \n  ## Locations by Category\n  - [Emergency Departments](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/search\/locations?location_category%5B0%5D=Emergency%20Departments)\n  - [Immediate Care Clinics](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/search\/locations?location_category%5B0%5D=Immediate%20Care%20Clinics)\n  - [Primary Care Clinics](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/search\/locations?location_category%5B0%5D=Primary%20Care%20Clinics)\n  - 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When test positivity is above 5%, transmission is considered uncontrolled. COVID cases accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits.\n\nSince many are using home tests that are not reported through public health or are not testing at all, the official case counts underestimate the actual prevalence of COVID-19.\n\n## What COVID-19 variant are we on?\nDue to low numbers of sequences being reported to the CDC, precision in the most recent reporting period is low. CDC is moving to longer reporting periods to gather the number of sequences required to provide reliable Nowcast estimates.\n\nCurrently, the [dominant variant nationwide is XFG](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#variant-proportions), with 23% of cases, followed by XFG.1.1, with 21% of cases, and XFG.14.1, with 10% of cases. \"The original omicron variant is gone now,\" says Dr. Rupp. \"Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including XFV, PQ.17 and XFZ.\"\n\n![Chart showing that the top COVID variants circulating in the United States during the week ending February 14 are XFG, XFG.1.1 and XFG.14.1..](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/blog\/CDC_USVariants_031726.png)\n\n## COVID-19 in Nebraska\nIn the week ending March 7, there were [3,833 COVID-19 tests performed in Nebraska](https:\/\/datanexus-dhhs.ne.gov\/views\/RI_External_CV19\/CVSummary?:embed=y&:iid=1&:isGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&:linktarget=_parent), with 161 positive results. This is a 4.2% positivity rate, a 1.7% decrease from the week prior.\n\n## Which COVID-19 variant do I have? And do COVID-19 tests tell you the variant?\nWhen you receive a COVID-19 test, you won't find out which variant caused your infection. That's because COVID-19 tests only detect the presence of the virus – they don't determine the variant.\n\nGenomic sequencing looks at the genetic code of the virus to determine which variant caused the infection. Sequencing results are used by public health experts to understand variant trends in the community.\n\n## Will COVID-19 variants affect the vaccine?\nThe best way to prevent new variants is to slow the spread of the virus. The great news is that these proven public health strategies continue to work against new variants as well.\n\n- [Get vaccinated](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/vaccine)\n- Choose outdoor activities over indoor activities whenever possible\n- Wash your hands often\n- Avoid close contact with others\n- Wear a mask in public places\n- Stay home if you're sick or have symptoms of COVID-19\n\n\"We have a lot of disease out there. People should continue to be careful,\" Dr. Rupp says. \"Get the bivalent booster, try to avoid high-risk settings. If you can't, then I think you should wear a mask.\"\n\n## Get your COVID vaccine\nThe U.S. [Centers for Disease Control](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/media\/releases\/2023\/p0912-COVID-19-Vaccine.html) and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death.\n\nOur pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis. [View which vaccines are available at each location](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/vaccine).\n\n## Related articles\n[Conditions and Services](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/health\/search\/conditions-and-services)\n\n[![peace sign](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/adv_health_teaser\/public\/images\/blog\/twoshots_opengraph.jpg.webp?itok=T0IAESyk)](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/health\/flu-shot-same-time-covid-19-vaccine)\n\nDecember 15, 2022\n\n[You asked, we answered: Can I get the flu shot at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine?](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/health\/flu-shot-same-time-covid-19-vaccine)\n\n[Conditions and Services](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/health\/search\/conditions-and-services)\n\n[![Graphic of a line of women with hearts on their upper arm](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/adv_health_teaser\/public\/images\/covid19\/vaccinestats_opengraph.jpg.webp?itok=qTQXiWig)](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/covid-19-vaccine-statistics-rare-side-effects-of-covid-19-vaccines)\n\nMarch 16, 2022\n\n[COVID-19 vaccine statistics: Rare side effects](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/covid-19-vaccine-statistics-rare-side-effects-of-covid-19-vaccines)\n\n[Conditions and Services](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/health\/search\/conditions-and-services)\n\n[![picture of a group of kids](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/adv_health_teaser\/public\/images\/covid19\/3reasons_opengraph2.jpg.webp?itok=n6dkGqur)](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/3-reasons-why-children-should-get-covid-19-vaccines)\n\nAugust 24, 2021\n\n[3 reasons why teens and adolescents should get COVID-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/3-reasons-why-children-should-get-covid-19-vaccines)\n\n## In this article\nProviders\n\n[Learn more about  Mark E Rupp, MD](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/doctors\/mark-e-rupp)\n\nServices\n\n[Learn more about  Coronavirus (COVID-19)](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID)\n\nNeed help finding a doctor?\n\n[Browse our doctors](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/doctors) or call [800\\.922.0000](tel:+18009220000)\n\nShare:\n\n- [Link to share on Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around)\n- [Link to share on Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around)\n- [Share via email](mailto:?&body=https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/what-covid-19-variants-are-going-around%0A)\n\n### Stay connected with the Nebraska Medicine app\n[Download the 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All rights reserved.\n\n- [BlueSky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/nebraskamed.bsky.social)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NebraskaMed)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nebraskamed\/)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/nebraskamed\/)\n- [Threads](https:\/\/www.threads.com\/@nebraskamed)\n- [X](https:\/\/x.com\/NebraskaMed)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Nebraskamed)\n\n- [Legal](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/legal)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/accessibility-statement)\n- [Equal Employment Opportunity](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/careers\/working-here)\n- [Non-Discrimination Notice](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/notice-nondiscrimination)\n- [Notice of Privacy Practices](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/patients\/rights-responsibilities\/notice-privacy-practices)\n- [Price Transparency](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/patients\/billing\/current-hospital-prices)\n\n- [BlueSky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/nebraskamed.bsky.social)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NebraskaMed)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nebraskamed\/)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/nebraskamed\/)\n- [Threads](https:\/\/www.threads.com\/@nebraskamed)\n- [X](https:\/\/x.com\/NebraskaMed)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Nebraskamed)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Get the latest COVID-19 news from infectious diseases expert [Mark Rupp, MD](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/doctors\/mark-e-rupp), including COVID-19 case rates, types of variants circulating and vaccine updates.\n\nThe most recent data on the test positivity rate is from the week ending March 7, which was 3.4%. When test positivity is above 5%, transmission is considered uncontrolled. COVID cases accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits.\n\nSince many are using home tests that are not reported through public health or are not testing at all, the official case counts underestimate the actual prevalence of COVID-19.\n\n## What COVID-19 variant are we on?\nDue to low numbers of sequences being reported to the CDC, precision in the most recent reporting period is low. CDC is moving to longer reporting periods to gather the number of sequences required to provide reliable Nowcast estimates.\n\nCurrently, the [dominant variant nationwide is XFG](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#variant-proportions), with 23% of cases, followed by XFG.1.1, with 21% of cases, and XFG.14.1, with 10% of cases. \"The original omicron variant is gone now,\" says Dr. Rupp. \"Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including XFV, PQ.17 and XFZ.\"\n\n![Chart showing that the top COVID variants circulating in the United States during the week ending February 14 are XFG, XFG.1.1 and XFG.14.1..](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/blog\/CDC_USVariants_031726.png)\n\n## COVID-19 in Nebraska\nIn the week ending March 7, there were [3,833 COVID-19 tests performed in Nebraska](https:\/\/datanexus-dhhs.ne.gov\/views\/RI_External_CV19\/CVSummary?:embed=y&:iid=1&:isGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&:linktarget=_parent), with 161 positive results. This is a 4.2% positivity rate, a 1.7% decrease from the week prior.\n\n## Which COVID-19 variant do I have? And do COVID-19 tests tell you the variant?\nWhen you receive a COVID-19 test, you won't find out which variant caused your infection. That's because COVID-19 tests only detect the presence of the virus – they don't determine the variant.\n\nGenomic sequencing looks at the genetic code of the virus to determine which variant caused the infection. Sequencing results are used by public health experts to understand variant trends in the community.\n\n## Will COVID-19 variants affect the vaccine?\nThe best way to prevent new variants is to slow the spread of the virus. The great news is that these proven public health strategies continue to work against new variants as well.\n\n- [Get vaccinated](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/vaccine)\n- Choose outdoor activities over indoor activities whenever possible\n- Wash your hands often\n- Avoid close contact with others\n- Wear a mask in public places\n- Stay home if you're sick or have symptoms of COVID-19\n\n\"We have a lot of disease out there. People should continue to be careful,\" Dr. Rupp says. \"Get the bivalent booster, try to avoid high-risk settings. If you can't, then I think you should wear a mask.\"\n\n## Get your COVID vaccine\nThe U.S. [Centers for Disease Control](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/media\/releases\/2023\/p0912-COVID-19-Vaccine.html) and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death.\n\nOur pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis. [View which vaccines are available at each location](https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/COVID\/vaccine).","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	What COVID-19 variants are going around in March 2026? \| Nebraska Medicine Omaha, NE
Meta Description	Get the latest COVID-19 news from infectious diseases expert Mark Rupp, MD, including COVID-19 case rates, types of variants circulating and vaccine updates.
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Boilerpipe Text	Get the latest COVID-19 news from infectious diseases expert Mark Rupp, MD , including COVID-19 case rates, types of variants circulating and vaccine updates. The most recent data on the test positivity rate is from the week ending March 7, which was 3.4%. When test positivity is above 5%, transmission is considered uncontrolled. COVID cases accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits. Since many are using home tests that are not reported through public health or are not testing at all, the official case counts underestimate the actual prevalence of COVID-19. What COVID-19 variant are we on? Due to low numbers of sequences being reported to the CDC, precision in the most recent reporting period is low. CDC is moving to longer reporting periods to gather the number of sequences required to provide reliable Nowcast estimates. Currently, the dominant variant nationwide is XFG , with 23% of cases, followed by XFG.1.1, with 21% of cases, and XFG.14.1, with 10% of cases. "The original omicron variant is gone now," says Dr. Rupp. "Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including XFV, PQ.17 and XFZ." COVID-19 in Nebraska In the week ending March 7, there were 3,833 COVID-19 tests performed in Nebraska , with 161 positive results. This is a 4.2% positivity rate, a 1.7% decrease from the week prior. Which COVID-19 variant do I have? And do COVID-19 tests tell you the variant? When you receive a COVID-19 test, you won't find out which variant caused your infection. That's because COVID-19 tests only detect the presence of the virus – they don't determine the variant. Genomic sequencing looks at the genetic code of the virus to determine which variant caused the infection. Sequencing results are used by public health experts to understand variant trends in the community. Will COVID-19 variants affect the vaccine? The best way to prevent new variants is to slow the spread of the virus. The great news is that these proven public health strategies continue to work against new variants as well. Get vaccinated Choose outdoor activities over indoor activities whenever possible Wash your hands often Avoid close contact with others Wear a mask in public places Stay home if you're sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 "We have a lot of disease out there. People should continue to be careful," Dr. Rupp says. "Get the bivalent booster, try to avoid high-risk settings. If you can't, then I think you should wear a mask." Get your COVID vaccine The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Our pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis. View which vaccines are available at each location .
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[View more blogs related to Conditions and Services](https://www.nebraskamed.com/health/search/conditions-and-services) [View more blogs related to COVID-19](https://www.nebraskamed.com/health/search/covid-19) # What COVID-19 variants are going around in March 2026? ![An older man and woman seated at a table looking at a laptop](https://www.nebraskamed.com/sites/default/files/images/covid19/covidvariants_opengraph.jpg) March 17, 2026 Get the latest COVID-19 news from infectious diseases expert [Mark Rupp, MD](https://www.nebraskamed.com/doctors/mark-e-rupp), including COVID-19 case rates, types of variants circulating and vaccine updates. The most recent data on the test positivity rate is from the week ending March 7, which was 3.4%. When test positivity is above 5%, transmission is considered uncontrolled. COVID cases accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits. Since many are using home tests that are not reported through public health or are not testing at all, the official case counts underestimate the actual prevalence of COVID-19. ## What COVID-19 variant are we on? Due to low numbers of sequences being reported to the CDC, precision in the most recent reporting period is low. CDC is moving to longer reporting periods to gather the number of sequences required to provide reliable Nowcast estimates. Currently, the [dominant variant nationwide is XFG](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions), with 23% of cases, followed by XFG.1.1, with 21% of cases, and XFG.14.1, with 10% of cases. "The original omicron variant is gone now," says Dr. Rupp. "Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including XFV, PQ.17 and XFZ." ![Chart showing that the top COVID variants circulating in the United States during the week ending February 14 are XFG, XFG.1.1 and XFG.14.1..](https://www.nebraskamed.com/sites/default/files/images/blog/CDC_USVariants_031726.png) ## COVID-19 in Nebraska In the week ending March 7, there were [3,833 COVID-19 tests performed in Nebraska](https://datanexus-dhhs.ne.gov/views/RI_External_CV19/CVSummary?:embed=y&:iid=1&:isGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&:linktarget=_parent), with 161 positive results. This is a 4.2% positivity rate, a 1.7% decrease from the week prior. ## Which COVID-19 variant do I have? And do COVID-19 tests tell you the variant? When you receive a COVID-19 test, you won't find out which variant caused your infection. That's because COVID-19 tests only detect the presence of the virus – they don't determine the variant. Genomic sequencing looks at the genetic code of the virus to determine which variant caused the infection. Sequencing results are used by public health experts to understand variant trends in the community. ## Will COVID-19 variants affect the vaccine? The best way to prevent new variants is to slow the spread of the virus. The great news is that these proven public health strategies continue to work against new variants as well. - [Get vaccinated](https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/vaccine) - Choose outdoor activities over indoor activities whenever possible - Wash your hands often - Avoid close contact with others - Wear a mask in public places - Stay home if you're sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 "We have a lot of disease out there. People should continue to be careful," Dr. Rupp says. "Get the bivalent booster, try to avoid high-risk settings. If you can't, then I think you should wear a mask." ## Get your COVID vaccine The U.S. [Centers for Disease Control](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0912-COVID-19-Vaccine.html) and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Our pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis. 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Readable Markdown	Get the latest COVID-19 news from infectious diseases expert [Mark Rupp, MD](https://www.nebraskamed.com/doctors/mark-e-rupp), including COVID-19 case rates, types of variants circulating and vaccine updates. The most recent data on the test positivity rate is from the week ending March 7, which was 3.4%. When test positivity is above 5%, transmission is considered uncontrolled. COVID cases accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits. Since many are using home tests that are not reported through public health or are not testing at all, the official case counts underestimate the actual prevalence of COVID-19. ## What COVID-19 variant are we on? Due to low numbers of sequences being reported to the CDC, precision in the most recent reporting period is low. CDC is moving to longer reporting periods to gather the number of sequences required to provide reliable Nowcast estimates. Currently, the [dominant variant nationwide is XFG](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions), with 23% of cases, followed by XFG.1.1, with 21% of cases, and XFG.14.1, with 10% of cases. "The original omicron variant is gone now," says Dr. Rupp. "Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including XFV, PQ.17 and XFZ." ![Chart showing that the top COVID variants circulating in the United States during the week ending February 14 are XFG, XFG.1.1 and XFG.14.1..](https://www.nebraskamed.com/sites/default/files/images/blog/CDC_USVariants_031726.png) ## COVID-19 in Nebraska In the week ending March 7, there were [3,833 COVID-19 tests performed in Nebraska](https://datanexus-dhhs.ne.gov/views/RI_External_CV19/CVSummary?:embed=y&:iid=1&:isGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&:linktarget=_parent), with 161 positive results. This is a 4.2% positivity rate, a 1.7% decrease from the week prior. ## Which COVID-19 variant do I have? And do COVID-19 tests tell you the variant? When you receive a COVID-19 test, you won't find out which variant caused your infection. That's because COVID-19 tests only detect the presence of the virus – they don't determine the variant. Genomic sequencing looks at the genetic code of the virus to determine which variant caused the infection. Sequencing results are used by public health experts to understand variant trends in the community. ## Will COVID-19 variants affect the vaccine? The best way to prevent new variants is to slow the spread of the virus. The great news is that these proven public health strategies continue to work against new variants as well. - [Get vaccinated](https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/vaccine) - Choose outdoor activities over indoor activities whenever possible - Wash your hands often - Avoid close contact with others - Wear a mask in public places - Stay home if you're sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 "We have a lot of disease out there. People should continue to be careful," Dr. Rupp says. "Get the bivalent booster, try to avoid high-risk settings. If you can't, then I think you should wear a mask." ## Get your COVID vaccine The U.S. [Centers for Disease Control](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0912-COVID-19-Vaccine.html) and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Our pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis. [View which vaccines are available at each location](https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/vaccine).
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