LINCOLN – Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts hosted his lone press briefing of the week ahead of the Christmas holiday.
From the Governor’s Hearing Room in the Nebraska State Capitol, Governor Ricketts provided updates on the work the State of Nebraska is doing to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect hospitals.
Governor Ricketts first started off by reminding Nebraskans to use to the tools available.
“We know people are going to want to see their families at the holiday’s,” said Ricketts. “So, again great opportunity to think about how you can structure a family get together while still trying to slow down the spread of the virus. By wearing a mask, spacing yourself out or if it’s nice enough to be outside.”
Test Nebraska has delivered over 545,000 test results since the beginning of the pandemic. There were 582 hospitalizations as of the press briefing Monday morning. Governor Ricketts received his test results back in 12 hours after being tested on Sunday.
In Nebraska, 36% of the hospital beds are available, 41% of ICU beds and 74% of the ventilators.
Over 8,700 Nebraskans have been vaccinated entering Monday morning’s press briefing with more vaccines coming out.
“Their both about 95% effective,” Ricketts added. “Which is just outstanding remarkable. It really is a miracle of modern medicine to have these vaccines within the period of a year to be able to address this pandemic.”
Nebraska expects to receive about 32,000 doses of Moderna this week and bank another 11,700 of Pfizer for the week of December 28 with the Pharmacy Program to vaccinate the long-term care staff and residents.
All state offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas holiday on Thursday and Friday, December 24 – 25. The next scheduled press briefing will be on Monday, January 4.
Complete press briefing (minus Q&A).