The latest statewide total of COVID-19 cases is 150,861 as of Dec. 15. There have been 161 COVID-19-related deaths in Nebraska reported in the last seven days, for a total of 1,438. To date, a total of 85,127 Nebraskans testing positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients have remained lower than recent highs, with Nebraska hospitals caring for an average of 727 people a day over the last seven days, versus an average of 805 and 910 people in prior weeks.
The daily average of new positive cases has declined in the last week with a daily average of 1,180 cases in the last week, compared to 1,773 cases last week, and 1,787 and 1,982 cases a day in recent weeks.
|
|
Nov. 24
|
Dec. 1
|
Dec. 8
|
Dec. 15
|
|
Total positive cases
|
117,682
|
130,194
|
142,603
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150,861
|
|
Current hospitalizations
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936
|
869
|
787
|
677
|
|
Total deaths
|
950
|
1,080
|
1,277
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1,438
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Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS, said, “Thank you to everyone who has helped bring down the curve of COVID-19 hospitalizations in recent weeks. We have made progress and that helps ensure our health care workers are able to care for the people who need their help this holiday season.
As we prepare for the holidays, is still important to limit our interactions and be consistent about preventing the spread of COVID-19. Testing capacity is available so this is a prime opportunity to add an extra layer of protection by getting a test before the holidays. We have the testing capacity available, so this is a time when we can use it to make sure we are as safe as possible.”
Nebraskans are reminded to spread joy, not COVID, by wearing a mask, watching your distance, washing hands often, and avoiding the 3Cs – crowded places, close contact with others, and confined spaces – every time you’re away from home.
DHMs Remain but Have Been Eased
A five-phase series of Directed Health Measures (DHMs) remain in effect for the entire state. DHM restrictions are aimed at preserving hospital capacity for urgent medical care as COVID-19 hospitalizations remain elevated.
More than 15% of beds are needed for COVID-19 patients, putting the state in the yellow threshold, which is the third most restrictive of the five levels of directives. Restrictions were eased on Saturday, Dec. 12. As a result, elective surgeries requiring an inpatient hospital stay can resume if a hospital can maintain 10% of beds for COVID-19 patients, and maximum capacity for indoor gatherings is now at 50%.
An outline of the DHMs is available at https://www.dropbox.com/s/hmadcuih3j2xlyd/Color-Coded%20%20Phase%20Comparison%2011.13.20.pdf?dl=0.
Vaccine Update
The first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine arrived this week, and it’s expected that 15,600 doses will be given to hospital and EMS workers in a number of Nebraska communities by week’s end.
DHHS intends to launch a COVID-19 vaccine dashboard next week that will share the number of individuals receiving first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine, a daily total of all vaccinations, as well as a breakdown of the age, ethnicity and race of those receiving the vaccine.
By month’s end, Nebraska may receive 104,000 doses of vaccine targeted for health care personnel, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
As more vaccine doses become available, vaccination for other priority groups identified in the State of Nebraska COVID-19 Vaccination Plan will follow. Details are subject to further clarification and prioritization by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which determines priority groups for the U.S.
It’s expected that sufficient supplies of COVID-19 vaccines won’t be available to begin a mass vaccination effort until next spring. The Nebraska Immunization Program and statewide partners continue their planning for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration.