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With Thanksgiving just a little more than a week away, COVID-19 cases in Nebraska are increasing, but vaccinations are also picking up pace.
COVID cases are up nearly 20% over the past two weeks in Nebraska, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nebraska is not alone in the climb, as many northern states stare down increases. Overall, cases are up 18% nationwide
Hospitalizations are increasing, too. COVID hospitalizations increased to 477 statewide on Tuesday, which is nearly 11% of the state's beds, according to the state's COVID dashboard. At the same time last week, there were 415.
Hospital capacity continues to wax and wane. The availability of beds for children is increasing, according to the dashboard. Those were at dangerously low levels near the end of October.
Still, vaccinations are accelerating. State data shows vaccinations have almost doubled in the past week – that’s a jump from about 2,400 to 4,100. The spike in shots comes as the CDC and Food and Drug Administration approved COVID booster shots and Pfizer vaccines for children between 5-11-years-old. In all, 69% of the state is considered fully vaccinated, and another 6.5% is partially immunized.