As of Tuesday, 555 Nebraskans were hospitalized with COVID-19. That’s an increase of 42 from one week ago. These numbers are similar to those seen one year ago – right before the pandemic reached its peak in the state.

The difference between now and then is what else is going on in these hospitals. One year ago, elective surgeries weren’t happening and most were just focused on COVID. But, now, regular activities have resumed, and that’s strained hospitals..