LINCOLN- Nebraska's COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths all hit their highest point in nearly a year last week with the delta surge showing no signs of abating.

As of Dec. 16th, 611 Nebraskans statewide were hospitalized with COVID, the highest figure since Dec. 15, 2020, according to a World-Herald analysis of federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. That was a time before vaccines were available.

Nebraska posted 7,008 new cases of COVID-19, the first time weekly cases have surpassed 7,000 since the first week of January. Nebraska also reported 80 COVID-related deaths last week, the highest since the second week of January.

Nebraska's case rate put it at No. 19 among a group of mostly Northeastern and Midwestern states experiencing the fall surge. Four states now have called in their National Guards to help staff hospitals or nursing homes.

In Nebraska, the delta surge began in June, just as Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts lifted the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Ricketts again urged vaccination as the best available tool to reduce the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalization, noting that more than 90% of Nebraskans over age 65 have been vaccinated. "I encourage Nebraskans to consult their doctor about vaccination, especially those at higher risk from the virus due to age or medical condition," he said in his statement.

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