Driven by the Delta variant, COVID-19 trends are rising at an alarming rate statewide. Will Bauer of Nebraska Public Media News has more on this week’s data update from the Department of Health and Human Services.

On the other hand, the percent of positive tests dropped 1.5 percent this week. About 7 percent of tests taken came back positive this past week.

Hospitalizations increased to 314 beds in Nebraska. That’s just more than 7 percent of the state’s hospital beds. However, hospitals in Lincoln and Omaha have said they are close to capacity because of regular procedures. If the previous DHM was in place, 10% would trigger restrictions. Currently, no DHM is in place.