New COVID-19 Cases in Jefferson County

By Gordon HopkinsAfter several weeks of no reported cases of COVID-19 infections, on Tuesday, March 29, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported 14 new cases and one reinfection case.The state of Nebraska continues to see a dramatic decrease in COVID-19 cases, including right here in Jefferson County. COVID-19-related hospitalizations have also declined. However, it is important to remember that the DHHS only reports confirmed positive tests. DHHS does not have data on those who may have the virus but have not been tested.Despite lower infection rates, Public Health Solutions (PHS) and other heath agencies continue to urge individuals to to take a COVID-19 vaccine.In January of this year, the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) held an online meeting to discuss hospital capacity. Hospitals throughout the state continue to report staffing shortages and health care worker burnout. Jeremy Nordquist, president of NHA, said, “Vaccines with boosters are tremendously effective at preventing hospitalizations. You're 36 times less likely to be hospitalized if you get your vaccine and your booster than if you're unvaccinated. And that is really the crux of the challenge that we're facing right now.”Vaccine hesitancy among Nebraskans persists. Data from the DHHS indicates just 59 percent of eligible individuals (age five and up) in Jefferson County have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, where it has been stalled for several months. That is less than the overall state average of 68 percent.

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