LINCOLN- Cases and hospitalizations of COVID-19 have dropped in the past few weeks. Officials are wondering if this is a blip in the upward trajectory or an actual good sign. Cases are at the lowest level they have been in a month. As of Friday, 819 people are hospitalized statewide, which is over a 15% drop from the all-time high on November 20th.

Dr. Gary Anthony, chief medical officer for the DHHS, says although this is good, there is still immense pressure on the healthcare system and healthcare workers. Nebraska is now 10th in the number of new coronavirus cases per capita and fifth in recent deaths.

One factor that could make the numbers look smaller is that testing was limited over the holiday weekend, making it possible for people with symptoms just not getting tested. Dr. Anthone says the state won't know the impact Thanksgiving had on cases for awhile. Healthcare officials are worried about Christmas and New Year's approaching quickly, following possible exposures following Thanksgiving gatherings, making officials worried about the numbers and are still expecting to see a new peak in cases soon.

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