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COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are headed back up again in the state following a steady decline over the past few weeks.
Over the last two weeks, cases are up nearly 20% in Nebraska, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 7-day average stands at about 670 per day, and, two weeks ago, it was about 560.
Hospitalizations rose 6.5% over the same time frame, according to state data. Currently, 417 beds in Nebraska are occupied with a COVID patients. That's just more than 10% of the state’s capacity – which may mean the state could update its COVID dashboard daily instead of weekly if hospitalizations stay above the 10% threshold.
The strain on hospitals did lessen in the past couple of days, according to the dashboard, as 18% of ICUs statewide are now available compared to just 11% in late October.
Vaccinations in state haven’t picked up despite booster shots rolling out across the country. As of Wednesday, nearly 69% of the state’s population older than 12 is considered fully vaccinated. With the CDC’s endorsement of Pfizer vaccines for children 5-11, more Nebraskans will be eligible for shots.