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Heading into the holiday week, COVID-19 cases dropped 2% in the last two weeks, and hospitalizations are also down.
The latest data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows more than 1,000 Nebraskans on average test positive for COVID each day. In the last two weeks, the 7-day average climbed above 1,100, but now those numbers are retreating – despite the looming threat of a wave of omicron cases.
The Nebraska Public Health Lab reports that omicron on average makes up less than 10% of COVID cases sequenced. However, that could change dramatically in the coming days, according to Dr. Pete Iwen, the lab's director.
Hospitalizations are also following the downward trend – and in a more pronounced way. As of Tuesday, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported 505 people were hospitalized with COVID statewide. That figure reached a peak of 637 last week, according to the state's dashboard.
Hospitals still remain strained with COVID patients, however. As of Tuesday, 24% of regular adult beds are available, and 12% of adult ICUs are open – though that availability decreases in metro areas, such as Omaha and Lincoln.
In all, 64% of Nebraskans older than 5-years old are fully vaccinated, and another 6% are partially protected.