COVID Numbers Improve

The numbers on the COVID Risk Dial continue to improve, maintaining the halfway point while reporting no hospitalizations as of March 1. The report of Friday, Feb. 26, include three hospitalizations in the Panhandle.

The previous week's positivity rate was 7.5 percent.

As of February 26, the COVID Risk Dial maintained by the Panhandle Public Health District shows a steady improvement. The dial has moved from 2.5 last week to 2.0, exactly the half-way point between low and severe risk of COVID-19 spread.

As of Friday, there were three active hospitalizations related to COVID. Since the virus was identified about a year ago, 34,842 tests have been administered in the Panhandle. Of that number, 8,685 tests returned positive. There have been 182 deaths related to the coronavirus.

From Feb. 8-19, there were 111 cases. During the week of Feb. 15-19, the positivity rate was 18 percent.

The level on the High Risk Dial is maintaining steady while numbers are showing nominal fluctuation.

As of Feb. 15, the positivity rate moved from about 16.5 percent to 18 percent for the week of Feb. 8-12. During that period, there were six active hospitalizations. During the first two weeks of February, there were 133 cases.

Panhandle Public Heath has reported 34,603 tests conducted since the coronavirus was first announced. Of that number 8,672 tests returned positive. The PPHD reports that9,496 people have been vaccinated.

On Feb. 22, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported more than 52,844 COVID-19 vaccines administered between Feb. 15 and 19. As of Monday, Feb. 22, more than 344,165 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been given to people in Phase 1 priority groups, the DHHS reported. Nebraska has the Pfizer vaccine, and the Moderna vaccine. To date, the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for people 16 years of age and older while the Moderna vaccine is approved for people 18 years of age and older. During the week of Feb. 15-19, 18,720 Pfizer vaccines and 18,400 Moderna primary doses were administered.

As of Feb. 22, 211,237 Nebraskans have registered to receive the vaccine at vaccinate.ne.gov. Those interested in registering will need to provide name and contact information, date of birth and answer health questions used to help determine priority group eligibility. Any information entered is strictly confidential and used solely for this purpose. Friends, family and caregivers are encouraged to assist others with vaccine sign-up if needed. The DHHS information line can assist those with limited technology, language or Internet access, and is available by calling 531-249-1873, or 833-998-2275.