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COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still climbing in the state: 4,400 Nebraskans test positive for the virus each day.
Nebraska's 7-day average has never been higher at any point of the pandemic as omicron continues it’s spread. Cases are up 108% in the last two weeks, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As the latest variant arrived in Nebraska later than more populous areas of the country, it will take longer for Nebraska to reach its peak level of spread.
In the South Heartland health district, cases have never been higher – just like the rest of the state. But the health department in south central Nebraska said COVID vaccines appear to be working: 97.5% of hospitalizations in the region are not vaccinated. About 50% of the population in the four counties is considered fully vaccinated, according to the state's dashboard.
Hospitalizations in Nebraska aren’t as high as they were during the peak of 2020 but are still rising. As of Wednesday, 732 people were hospitalized with COVID. The state started the week with 643 hospitalizations.