The latest statewide total of COVID-19 cases is 177,670 as of Jan. 12. There have been 99 COVID-19-related deaths in Nebraska reported in the last seven days, for a total of 1,791. To date, a total of 120,700 Nebraskans testing positive for COVID-19 have recovered, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
While still elevated, COVID-19 hospitalizations have continued to come down, with Nebraska hospitals caring for an average of 481 COVID-19 patients a day over the last seven days. Averages in prior weeks were 522, 528, and 598 COVID-19 patients.
The daily average of new positive cases in the last week was 948, compared to 1,036 daily cases last week, 780 and 1,066 cases a day in recent weeks.
| Dec. 21 | Dec. 29 | Jan. 5 | Jan. 12 | |
| Total positive cases | 158,324 | 163,781 | 171,033 | 177,670 |
| Current hospitalizations | 566 | 517 | 515 | 457 |
| Total deaths | 1,521 | 1,603 | 1,692 | 1,791 |
Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS, said, “We’re still in the early days of this vaccination effort and so it’s critical we continue to limit virus spread. Wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying home when you’re sick are the best tools to fight against COVID-19.”
Anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine and get tested. Nebraskans are reminded to wear a mask, watch your distance, wash hands often, and avoid the 3Cs – crowded places, close contact with others, and confined spaces – every time you’re away from home.
Vaccine Update
Nebraska will adjust the state’s current COVID-19 vaccination plan to expand Phase 1B priority groups in accordance with federal recommendations.
Phase 1B will now include those 65 and older, those who are at high-risk for severe COVID-19, as well as workers in critical industries who are unable to work remotely. The high-risk group will include those with medical conditions identified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as increasing the risk for severe COVID-19.
For most areas, Phase 1B is projected to begin at the start of February.
Those newly eligible for Phase 1B should visit their local health department website to see if electronic signup is available to be notified when vaccination begins in their area.
DHHS immunization leaders will hold a Facebook Live session tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 14 at 12:15 p.m. CT to discuss new age groups and answer questions. For those unable to join, the discussion will be archived and available on the video tab of the DHHS Facebook page.
In the coming weeks DHHS will launch a website to help Nebraskans register for COVID-19 vaccination and receive updates, scheduling information and follow-up reminders. Those interested in registering will be asked to provide basic information to help determine eligibility, according to priority groups and phases outlined in Nebraska’s vaccination plan, and be notified when clinics begin in your area.
The DHHS COVID-19 hotline is available for those with vaccine-related questions at (833) 998-2275. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.