Nebraska will eliminate all of its virus-related restrictions on gatherings if the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 continues to decline even though few people in the state have been vaccinated for the coronavirus.
The seven-day rolling average would be in the green zone Saturday.
State health officials say the restrictions could be lifted this weekend if virus patients continue to occupy fewer than 10% of the Nebraska’s hospital beds.
As of Wednesday, about 8% of the state’s hospital beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients. The number of hospitalizations are still higher than they were in September.
The main restriction that could be lifted is a 75% capacity limit on indoor gatherings. Nebraska has gone from having the nation’s fifth-highest infection rate in early December to having its 36st highest as of Wednesday.
The newest directed health measure is included to match CDC guidance on COVID-19 exposure where you’ll be required to self monitor and wear a mask any where you go if you’ve been exposed or have had the virus in the last three months.