COVID in Nebraska: Numbers Better Than Last Winter So Far, Positive Cases Still Rising

COVID-19 positives in Nebraska are climbing with the Omicron variant making up a majority of the cases in the state. In the last two weeks, COVID-19 cases are up 26 percent in Nebraska, according to CDC data.

Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan is the chief of infectious diseases at CHI Health and says many tests are coming back positive.

“Infection rate for the state, if you look at the state dashboard, [is] about 18.5 percent as of January 2nd,” Vivekanandan said. “In Douglas County, we’re about 19.5 percent.”

The seven-day rolling average indicates almost 1,400 cases. For comparison, last winter, the seven-day average nearly hit 2,400 positives.

Hospitalizations are rising in the state as well. ICU beds are 16 percent from capacity. However, last winter’s spike saw that number dip into single digits.

Although none are omicron cases, 16 deaths over the past 6 weeks were reported from the South Heartland Health District in central Nebraska. In the past eight days, 11 deaths occurred from COVID at Bryan Health in Lincoln.

Dr. Michael Schoof is CHI Health’s primary care medical director. Dr. Schoof said omicron variant symptoms are similar to cold and flu symptoms which makes testing paramount.

“That’s where testing is so important, so that you really know what you’re dealing with,” Schoof said. “We want to stay away and not infect others regardless, but especially if it’s COVID.”

Dr. Vivekanandan said case numbers are scary when looking ahead. She said masking, vaccinations and staying home while feeling ill are the most useful practices to prevent the spread.

65 percent of Nebraskans are fully vaccinated and 6.5 percent are partially vaccinated, according to the state dashboard.

Will Bauer contributed to this report.