Dec 31, 2020

Nebraska sees sudden jump in new coronavirus cases

Posted Dec 31, 2020 6:26 PM

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska saw a sudden uptick in new coronavirus cases on Thursday, but the number is still below the record highs set last month, according to the state's tracking portal.

The state reported 1,516 new cases on Wednesday, up from 932 the previous day. The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska increased as well to 544 on Wednesday, up from 517 the previous day.

Nebraska has confirmed 165,297 coronavirus cases and 1,611 deaths since the pandemic began. About 64% of those who have died were at least 75 years old, according to the state's tracking portal.

Nebraska's hospitals still have 30% of their beds, 29% of their intensive care unit beds and 70% of their respirators available for use, according to the state tracking portal.