The latest statewide total of COVID-19 cases is 197,746 as of Feb. 16. There have been 32 COVID-19-related deaths in Nebraska reported in the last seven days, for a total of 2,018. To date, a total of 142,335 Nebraskans testing positive for COVID-19 have recovered.
COVID-19 hospitalizations continued to decline in the last week, with Nebraska hospitals caring for an average of 200 COVID-19 patients a day over the last seven days. Averages in prior weeks were 265, 322, and 402 COVID-19 patients.
The daily average of new positive cases in the last week currently stands at 231, compared to 367 daily cases last week, and 548 and 567 cases a day in recent weeks. Averages for positive cases are now based on test dates instead of lab reporting date, which provides a more precise view of COVID-19 cases. Data from previous days is updated as lab results are received.
| Jan. 26 | Feb. 2 | Feb. 9 | Feb. 16 | |
| Total positive cases | 188,122 | 192,042 | 194,632 | 197,746 |
| Current hospitalizations | 374 | 305 | 240 | 185 |
| Total deaths | 1,905 | 1,931 | 1,986 | 2,018 |
Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for DHHS, said, “Nebraskans made good progress in helping limit the spread of COVID-19 in the last few months, which has helped reduce the pressure on our health care community. While our vaccination effort moves forward and more Nebraskans are protected each week, limiting opportunities for the virus to spread is still critical in our everyday lives. Wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying home when you’re sick remain our best defenses against COVID-19.”
Anyone who has not completed vaccination and may have been exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine and get tested.
Nebraskans can be #BigRedResponsible by wearing a mask. Additionally, watching your distance, washing hands often, staying home when you’re sick, and avoiding the 3 Cs – crowded places, close contact with others, and confined spaces – are still critical to limiting infection.
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