(KLZA)-- COVID-19 cases in Nebraska are rising.
But rates remain relatively low compared with previous holiday seasons during the pandemic. At this time last year, Nebraska was posting three times as many weekly cases. Two years ago, before vaccinations were available, cases were running more than seven times higher, and hospitals were on the verge of being overwhelmed.
Last week, a daily average of 174 Nebraskans were hospitalized with COVID, up from 163 the previous week.
The state posted 2,012 new cases last week, up from 1,746 the previous week, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The state- 15% case growth for the week was the seventh-highest in the nation, and its per-capita rate is the 12th-highest.
The CDC considers case levels low in Douglas, Sarpy and Lancaster Counties, with the highest levels in the state among a dozen counties, most of which are clustered in southwest and southeast Nebraska.
However, actual case counts are difficult to come by these days. Fewer people are getting tested, and most of those who are rely on at-home tests that generally aren’t reported to health departments.
Nebraska added 16 more COVID-19 deaths last week, bringing its toll for the pandemic to 4,622. The state has had about 540,000 positive tests.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Ground Broken for new Sac and Fox Trad'n Post
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Jackson Co traffic stop leads to arrest
One held for past Atchison shooting
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Early Thursday storms leave damage, outages, locally
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
LATEST STORIES
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Hazard mitigation planning meeting set for Atchison County MO
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
SE Nebraska March unemployment report
Falls City Career Academy to open during 24-25 school year
Denim Day declared for Nebraska state colleges