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Driven by the Delta variant, COVID-19 trends are rising at an alarming rate statewide, according to this week’s data update from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
The state added nearly 5,000 COVID cases this week. That means, on average, more than 700 people tested positive for the virus each day, which is about the levels seen in January and last October. On the other hand, the percent of positive tests dropped 1.5% this week. About 7% of tests taken came back positive.
Hospitalizations increased by 37 beds to a total 314 occupied beds this week, which is just more than 7% of the state’s total hospital beds. However, hospitals in Lincoln and Omaha have said they are close to capacity because of regular procedures. If the previous statewide directed health measures were in place, 10% would trigger restrictions at indoor gatherings. Currently, no DHM is in place.
Nearly another 1% of Nebraskans got fully vaccinated this week. As of Wednesday, 52% of the state’s population is fully protected. Just over 5% of the state is partially protected.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts will hold a press conference Thursday at 3 p.m. to address the pandemic.