Douglas County wrapped up the old year and started the new one by tallying its highest weekly COVID case count of the pandemic.
When students and staff return to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, they will be required to wear masks while indoors.
The requirement, which will remain in place until further notice, will be in place for all UNL events, including indoor Husker athletic competitions.
That includes events at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, the Bob Devaney Sports Center and the Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center, the UNL athletic department said in a statement.
The mask policy is effective immediately and will be in effect for the Huskers’ home wrestling match on Friday against Purdue at Devaney, and Sunday’s women’s basketball game against Iowa and Tuesday’s men’s basketball game against Illinois, both at the Pinnacle Bank Arena.
UNL students and staff also will be required to take a COVID-19 test after returning for the spring semester, the university announced Wednesday. The regular academic session begins Jan. 18.
UNL said in a statement that the changes are being made due to the fast spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19 across the U.S.
“We will continue to evaluate the presence and spread of COVID-19 on our campus to determine our ongoing safety needs, and whether we can revert to course-specific face covering requirements,” according to the statement.
Faculty, staff and student workers who have returned to UNL are being asked to test Jan. 9-13, while students who will be on campus are being asked to take a test sometime between Jan. 14 and Jan. 21.
To accommodate the influx of students expected to be tested, hours for the testing sites at the main City Campus and East Campus Union will be expanded from Jan. 14 through Jan. 21.
In addition to required re-entry testing, students who are traveling back to Lincoln are asked to take a test prior to returning to campus and to delay their return if they test positive.
UNL officials also said people who have tested positive for COVID-19 via a PCR test in the last 90 days may request a testing exemption. Officials also encourage students to get vaccinated and boosted.
Beginning the week of Jan. 24, UNL will begin planned random testing.
UNL’s mask requirement makes it the latest university to require masks. On Tuesday, Creighton University announced that masks must be worn inside many of its buildings beginning this Saturday.
UNL’s requirements drew criticism Wednesday afternoon from Republican gubernatorial candidate and NU Regent Jim Pillen.
“I am 100% opposed to mask mandates, COVID-19 vaccination mandates, vaccine passports and mandatory testing policies,” Pillen said in a statement. “All Nebraskans should have the freedom to make the right decisions for themselves and their families.
“My expectation, and that of Nebraska taxpayers, is full in-person learning without mandates that violate our personal freedoms.”
When contacted Wednesday, a University of Nebraska at Omaha spokesperson said masks have been required indoors on campus since August.
Baxter Arena lifted its mask requirement in early November but announced Wednesday that those attending athletic events at the arena will be asked to wear a mask effective immediately.
On Twitter, the UNO athletic department wrote that the action was taken out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of student-athletes and fans amid regional increases in COVID-19 transmission.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos from 2021
Fog begins to lift as the downtown Omaha skyline starts to appear as viewed from the Lincoln Monument in Council Bluffs on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Jody Weible sits for a photo in her home near Mead, Neb., on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. The waste left over from processing ethanol is in piles outside the AltEn Ethanol plant near Mead. The heaps are causing a strong odor in the area and leaving people and pets sick, she and other residents say.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
UNO's Claire Killian, left, tries to keep South Dakota State's Regan Nesheim from passing the ball late in the game at Baxter Arena on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Willie Strickland, 26, of Omaha, walks in the middle of 38th Street to avoid walking through snow on unshoveled sidewalks in Omaha on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. At least a half-foot of snow is expected in the Omaha metro on Monday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Juan Lentz pauses while walking north on 42nd Street toward Leavenworth Street during a winter storm warning on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. Lentz estimated he had gone about four miles of his five-mile walk. He normally takes the bus, but the winter weather canceled bus service, so he had to walk home.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Dave Cornell of Christensen Excavating Co. walks past snow being cleared off the roof of the Omaha Park Two parking garage located at 1313 Harney St. on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. Christensen Excavating Co. was hired to clear the garage. The city of Omaha is still digging out from about 12 inches of snow on Monday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Large chunks of ice flow along with the Missouri River on Sunday in Omaha. Record-setting cold is possible to start the week.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Lincoln Southeast's Katerina Hoffman competes Thursday in the NSAA state diving championship.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
From left, Omaha's Chris Esposito, Harrison Denk and Jack Lombardi roam the outfield against Creighton on Friday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha's Chris Esposito slams into the right field wall after missing a catch in the Creighton vs. Omaha baseball game, UNO's home opener at Tal Anderson Field on Friday. Creighton won the game 10-3.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Weeping Water's Jamison Twoney reacts with teammates after defeating Pleasanton in the Class D1 championship game.
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
Military personnel clean the cockpit window of a E-4B Nightwatch aircraft before it takes off at the Lincoln Airport on Thursday. Runway renovations have forced the planes to move out of Offutt Air Force Base.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
O'Neill St. Mary players wait to be introduced before the start of the O’Neill St. Mary’s vs. Lincoln Parkview NSAA Class D2 state semifinal game in Lincoln on Thursday. Lincoln Parkview won the game 62-53.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
2021 All-Nebraska selection Hunter Sallis of Millard North poses for a portrait at the school on Monday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha South goalkeeper Rodolfo Ramirez Sandoval is carried by fans following the Omaha South vs. Lincoln Southwest state championship Class A boys soccer game at Creighton University on Tuesday. Omaha South won the game 3-2 in a shootout.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Creighton's Nolan Clifford goes after a hard-hit ball by Xavier that knocked off his glove during their game on Saturday in Omaha.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
A thunderstorm billows north of Omaha on Tuesday.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
From left, Kayla Graff, Kelly Tate, Kennedy Tate and Elizabeth Runneberg, all of Laurens, Iowa, cheer on swimmers Monday during wave two of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Community leader and activist Preston Love Jr. speaks after a year of protests in Omaha. Photographed at Hardy Coffee Co. in the Highlander in Omaha on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Spencer Schwellenbach jumps in the air to congratulate Luke Roskam after a home run against Arkansas during their NCAA regional game on Monday in Fayetteville.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Daniel Carr limbers up before the start of the 200 meter backstroke final on Friday during wave two of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Ryan Lochte waves to the crowd as he swam his last race, the 200 individual medley, during wave two of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trails at the CHI Health Center on Friday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Mississippi State's Will Bednar started the game against Texas during Day Two of the College World Series on Sunday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Texas fans Kayne Hassler and Brody Hassler sport unique looks before the Longhorns’ game against Mississippi State on Sunday in Omaha.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Mississippi State's Tanner Allen drills a three-run home run to take the lead over Virginia during a College World Series game on Tuesday.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
U.S Air Force members carry a casket during the Honorable Carry ceremony on Thursday at the Lincoln Airport.
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
A rainbow hangs over TD Ameritrade Park during a weather delay Thursday before the start of the Texas vs. Virginia College World Series baseball elimination game in Omaha.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Lightning strikes east of TD Ameritrade Park on Thursday during a rain delay before a College World Series game between Texas and Virginia.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
North Carolina State coach Elliott Avent wipes his head in the Wolfpack dugout as a College World Series is delayed due to health and safety protocols.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
The sun crawls toward the horizon over TD Ameritrade Park during a College World Series game on Friday.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Mississippi State's Rowdey Jordan greets fans on Wednesday after winning a national championship over Vanderbilt at the College World Series.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Members of Omaha Parliament wave flags ahead of Union Omaha's match against Chattanooga SC on Saturday.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
The top was torn off a structure at 2602 O St. in Omaha after a storm blew through overnight and caused widespread power outages on July 10, 2021.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Courtony Hudson, 42, of Omaha, gets his hair cut by Mark Nelson, the owner of Another Level Barbershop, outside the shop during a power outage after a severe thunderstorm overnight. Photographed at 64th and Maple Streets in Omaha on Saturday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Jim Furyk makes his way up the 16th fairway Sunday during the final round of the U.S. Senior Open at Omaha Country Club.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha Northwest and Omaha Bryan played the first game on Thursday for Omaha Public Schools since 2019 after last season was canceled because of the pandemic.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez gets hit by Illinois' Keith Randolph Jr. and fumbles the ball in the first half of Saturday's Illinois vs. Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Lexi Sun stretches before the start of the Nebraska vs. Creighton volleyball match on Wednesday at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. The Huskers won in three sets.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
People pay their respects during the procession for Marine Cpl. Daegan Page outside Braman Mortuary in southwest Omaha on Friday. Cpl. Page, along with 12 other American servicemen and women, was killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan on Aug. 26.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez runs for a first down past Buffalo's James Patterson on Saturday during their game, which the Huskers won 28-3.
Z LONG/THE WORLD-HERALD
A child from Afghanistan pauses after arriving at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Kendall Coley is introduced during the Husker Hoops Opening Night celebration on Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost smiles as his team celebrates a touchdown late in the second quarter against Northwestern on Saturday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha's Davis Pennington collides with Maine's Nolan Renwick during the third period of their game on Friday at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Fans take in the scene during a light show before the fourth quarter of the Nebraska-Michigan game on Saturday in Lincoln.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska fans reach out their hands for high-fives as Nebraska's Austin Allen walks onto the field before the game against Minnesota on Saturday in Minneapolis.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Jen Ellis, 39, walks through the remaining belongings and trash in a homeless encampment north of downtown where she used to live. Omaha police started moving people out of the camp, which is on Union Pacific property, in late September. Ellis is unsure how many people will return. Photographed on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Pedestrians cross Farnam Street at 15th Street in the rain on Wednesday morning.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha's Kaden Bohlsen jumps into Tyler Weiss's arms after Weiss scored his first goal of the season in the third period during their game against Long Island on Friday at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Cornhusker Marching Band and color guard members watch U.S. Air Force members skydive into Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
Purdue's Chris Jefferson grabs the ball intended for Nebraska's Austin Allen as Purdue's Kieren Douglas closes in during Saturday's Purdue vs. Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Purdue won the game 28-23.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha's Taylor Ward scores past Lake Superior State's Ethan Langenegger during their game on Sunday at Baxter Arena.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Luke Reimer celebrates after breaking up a pass to Ohio State's Jeremy Ruckert during the first half of the game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass to Ohio State's Chris Olave during the first half of their game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Western Illinois's Jadrian Flores and Nebraska's Alonzo Verge Jr. react to a call during their game Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Doug Kirby recalls his service during the Vietnam War, when he was severely injured. Rick Wilcox helped to save Kirby's life in Vietnam in 1970 and they just met Monday for the first time since then.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Creighton's Arthur Kaluma tries to get past Kennesaw State's Nate Springs during their game Thursday at CHI Health Center in Omaha.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Kayla Caffey and Anni Evans watch a pregame video before a game against Penn State on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln.
LILY SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD
Bennington's Luke Macdonald celebrates with fans after his team defeated Aurora on Monday in the Class B state title game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
A sparrow forages in a tree in the Old Market on Tuesday. The forecast for the next several days in the Omaha area calls for dry conditions with highs ranging from the mid-30s to the upper 50s.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Porsha Clayborne, a cook at the Siena Francis House, puts trays of food in an oven before dinner service. Puerto Rican chef Elie Berchal and other local professional chefs are coming into the shelter each week to teach the kitchen staff how to prepare more varied meals. Photographed in Omaha on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Iowa's Kyler Fisher celebrates after returning a blocked punt for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Nebraska-Iowa game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's William Przystup reacts after his blocked punt was returned for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Jaquez Yant dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Iowa during their game on Friday in Lincoln.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt walks off the field Saturday with Jaxon Edwards, left, and Peyton Edwards at the end of his final game at Memorial Stadium.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Workers tend to a glass skylight on the Burlington Capital building on Thursday in downtown Omaha.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
From left: Gretna's Skylar McCune, Omaha Skutt Abby Schomers, Lincoln Southwest Shaylee Myers, Papillion-La Vista South's Ava LeGrand, Waverly's Bekka Allick, Elkhorn South' Kylie Weeks and Omaha Westside's Destiny Ndam-Simpson pose for a portrait inside the Owen Sea Lion Shores exhibit at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Wednesday. They are the 2021 All-Nebraska volleyball team. Behind them, a sea lion named Chino is investigating a volleyball.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Alonzo Verge Jr. tries to get past Michigan's Frankie Collins and Kobe Bufkin to score during the second half of their game on Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Bryce McGowens waits for his name to be announced before the Wednesday game against Michigan at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Keisei Tominaga celebrates his 3-pointer during the game against Michigan at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Wednesday.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Alonzo Verge Jr. during the second half of Wednesday's game against Michigan at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
A light tower on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian is dark on Tuesday in Omaha. The light towers are off after a vandal damaged them.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD
The sunrise is reflected i the window of the The Grove Juicery, located at 2401 Farnam St. on Friday.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Insulation from a neighbor's damaged roof is stuck in a tree in Matt Thiele's yard after a storm hit Beaver Lake. Photographed on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Wisconsin's Jade Demps celebrates a point during the national semifinal game against Louisville on Thursday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Wisconsin players celebrate a point during their national semifinal game against Louisville on Thursday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Pittsburgh in their national semifinal game on Thursday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after they defeated Pittsburgh in their national semifinal game Thursday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
EILEEN T. MESLAR THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Nicklin Hames dives for the ball during the national championship match against Wisconsin on Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Lauren Stivrins celebrates a point during the national championship match on Saturday against Wisconsin at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players react after a long volley to win Set 4 during the national championship match against Wisconsin on Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Kennedi Orr (left) and Anni Evans celebrate during the national championship match against Wisconsin on Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
EILEEN T. MESLAR, THE WORLD-HERALD
Schuyler's Maddy Pineda competes against Amherst's Michaela Bivainis in the 114 weight class during the Winnebago All Girls Wrestling Invite at Winnebago High School in Winnebago on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.
ANNA REED/THE WORLD-HERALD
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