The latest statewide total of COVID-19 cases is 183,318 as of Jan. 19. There have been 59 COVID-19-related deaths in Nebraska reported in the last seven days, for a total of 1,850. To date, a total of 127,221 Nebraskans testing positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
While still elevated, COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to come down, with Nebraska hospitals caring for an average of 444 COVID-19 patients a day over the last seven days. Averages in prior weeks were 481, 522, and 528 COVID-19 patients.
The daily average of new positive cases in the last week was 781, compared to 948 daily cases last week, and 1,036 and 780 cases a day in recent weeks.
| Dec. 29 | Jan. 5 | Jan. 12 | Jan. 19 | |
| Total positive cases | 163,781 | 171,033 | 177,670 | 183,318 |
| Current hospitalizations | 517 | 515 | 457 | 438 |
| Total deaths | 1,603 | 1,692 | 1,791 | 1,850 |
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
For most areas of Nebraska, Phase 1B vaccination will begin next week, with Douglas and Lancaster County beginning Phase 1B vaccination in early February.
DHHS announced last week that Phase 1B priority groups will expand to match federal recommendations to include those 65 and older and those at high-risk for severe COVID-19, as well as workers in critical industries who are unable to work remotely. The high-risk medical conditions include those identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as increasing the risk for severe COVID-19.
Next week DHHS will launch a website to help Nebraskans register to be notified when COVID-19 vaccination begins in their area. Those interested in registering will need to provide name, date of birth, an email address and phone number, occupation, and answer health questions used to determine priority group eligibility.