OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials say it’s important to remain vigilant about social distancing to limit the spread of the coronavirus even though vaccines have started to be administered and the state’s virus numbers have improved recently. 

Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said the arrival of vaccines this month offers hope, but 60% to 70% of the community will have to be vaccinated before precautions can be relaxed. 

Over the past several weeks, the virus numbers have been improving in Nebraska. 

The rate of people being infected with the virus went from the fifth-highest in the nation early this month to the 29th-highest rate on Monday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials say it’s important to remain vigilant about social distancing to limit the spread of the coronavirus even though vaccines have started to be administered and the state’s virus numbers have improved recently. Douglas County Health Director Adi Pour said the arrival of vaccines this month offers hope, but 60% to 70% of the community will have to be vaccinated before precautions can be relaxed. Over the past several weeks, the virus numbers have been improving in Nebraska. The rate of people being infected with the virus went from the fifth-highest in the nation early this month to the 29th-highest rate on Monday.

Officials urge Nebraskans to remain vigilant in virus fight

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln doctor who works for the Nebraska National Guard says he's optimistic that the pandemic is nearing an end as vaccine shipments arrive, but he warns the state’s situation will remain “very tenuous” until doses are widely available. 

Dr. Kevin Reichmuth, a pulmonologist, made the comments as he sought to dispel myths about the new coronavirus vaccines that have circulated on social media. 

Reichmuth was among the first Nebraska residents to get vaccinated for the coronavirus last week.

 Reichsmuth spoke as part of an effort to correct inaccurate claims about the new vaccines, including statements that the drugs cause infertility, contain a microchip and trigger genetic changes in people who get the shot.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Lincoln doctor who works for the Nebraska National Guard says he's optimistic that the pandemic is nearing an end as vaccine shipments arrive, but he warns the state’s situation will remain “very tenuous” until doses are widely available. Dr. Kevin Reichmuth, a pulmonologist, made the comments as he sought to dispel myths about the new coronavirus vaccines that have circulated on social media. Reichmuth was among the first Nebraska residents to get vaccinated for the coronavirus last week. Reichsmuth spoke as part of an effort to correct inaccurate claims about the new vaccines, including statements that the drugs cause infertility, contain a microchip and trigger genetic changes in people who get the shot.

Nebraska doctor urges continued caution as vaccines roll out

Seven additional COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle are being reported. This brings the total deaths in the Panhandle to 104. The deaths are being announced as follows:

“We wish to express our sincerest condolences with the friends and loved ones in the loss of our fellow Panhandle residents. We send you peace and comfort especially during this holiday season,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.

As we enter a holiday time rich with tradition, consider how you and your family can make the most of it while keeping family, friends, and loved ones safe. Call family and friends to gather thoughts and ideas for virtual games, cooking, decorating, or opening presents.

This is the year for a breather. The holidays can be exciting and full of joy but remember how crazy and stressful the holidays can be? Long travel days, endless to-do lists, extensive cooking, and coordinating schedules for all of the family gatherings normally produce a tremendous amount of stress. Consider how this year provides the opportunity to focus on the most important part of the holidays.

Practice gratitude. There is still much to be thankful for, try to regularly identify and share with others some of the things that you are most grateful for: you and your family’s health, a job, music, friends, and more.

More tips can be found on the Mental Health America website at&nbsp;<a href="https://mhanational.org/preparing-holidays-during-covid-19" target="_blank">https://mhanational.org/preparing-holidays-during-covid-19</a>.

Unified Command confirms 137 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Thursday, December 17. Recoveries are available on the Panhandle dashboard &nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

By PPHDSeven additional COVID-related deaths in the Panhandle are being reported. This brings the total deaths in the Panhandle to 104. The deaths are being announced as follows:<ul>
 <li>Cheyenne County male in his 80s</li><li>Morrill County female in her 80s</li><li>Scotts Bluff County</li><li>Two females: one in her 80s, one in her 90s</li><li>Two males: one in his 70s, one in his 90s</li><li>Sheridan County female in her 70s</li>
 </ul>“We wish to express our sincerest condolences with the friends and loved ones in the loss of our fellow Panhandle residents. We send you peace and comfort especially during this holiday season,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director.As we enter a holiday time rich with tradition, consider how you and your family can make the most of it while keeping family, friends, and loved ones safe. Call family and friends to gather thoughts and ideas for virtual games, cooking, decorating, or opening presents.This is the year for a breather. The holidays can be exciting and full of joy but remember how crazy and stressful the holidays can be? Long travel days, endless to-do lists, extensive cooking, and coordinating schedules for all of the family gatherings normally produce a tremendous amount of stress. Consider how this year provides the opportunity to focus on the most important part of the holidays.Practice gratitude. There is still much to be thankful for, try to regularly identify and share with others some of the things that you are most grateful for: you and your family’s health, a job, music, friends, and more.More tips can be found on the Mental Health America website at&nbsp;<a href="https://mhanational.org/preparing-holidays-during-covid-19" target="_blank">https://mhanational.org/preparing-holidays-during-covid-19</a>.Unified Command confirms 137 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Thursday, December 17. Recoveries are available on the Panhandle dashboard &nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>. The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
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PPHD: 7 more virus deaths reported in the Panhandle

By&nbsp;Shae Brennan, Box Butte General Hospital&nbsp;Promotion Specialist

Many cities throughout the Panhandle of Nebraska are receiving a vaccine for COVID-19. Box Butte General Hospital expects to start vaccinating healthcare workers, EMS, and long-term care residents with the COVID-19 vaccine this week; however, it will not be available to patients, the general public, or the high-risk population yet.

With that being said, BBGH does have a COVID-19 outpatient clinic where patients can be referred by a physician to receive an infusion of Bamlanivimab (BAM for short) for treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

BAM is an antibody infusion that helps patients recover from mild symptoms sooner. There are some requirements to receive this treatment, including: 12 years of age or older, positive COVID-19 test, target BMI range but weighing at least 88 pounds, normal oxygen level with no assistance, mild symptoms, recovering at home (not admitted to the hospital).

The infusion takes about three hours, and patients will be charged an outpatient administration fee but not charged for the medication. Improvements can be seen anywhere from one to three days after treatment. However, this does not shorten the length of time needed to stay isolated.

Box Butte General Hospital encourages the public to follow guidance from the Panhandle Public Health District and continue practicing social distancing, masking in public, and washing and sanitizing hands frequently.

By&nbsp;Shae Brennan, Box Butte General Hospital&nbsp;Promotion SpecialistMany cities throughout the Panhandle of Nebraska are receiving a vaccine for COVID-19. Box Butte General Hospital expects to start vaccinating healthcare workers, EMS, and long-term care residents with the COVID-19 vaccine this week; however, it will not be available to patients, the general public, or the high-risk population yet.With that being said, BBGH does have a COVID-19 outpatient clinic where patients can be referred by a physician to receive an infusion of Bamlanivimab (BAM for short) for treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.BAM is an antibody infusion that helps patients recover from mild symptoms sooner. There are some requirements to receive this treatment, including: 12 years of age or older, positive COVID-19 test, target BMI range but weighing at least 88 pounds, normal oxygen level with no assistance, mild symptoms, recovering at home (not admitted to the hospital).The infusion takes about three hours, and patients will be charged an outpatient administration fee but not charged for the medication. Improvements can be seen anywhere from one to three days after treatment. However, this does not shorten the length of time needed to stay isolated.Box Butte General Hospital encourages the public to follow guidance from the Panhandle Public Health District and continue practicing social distancing, masking in public, and washing and sanitizing hands frequently.

BBGH receiving virus vaccine, patients can get antibody infusion 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — From selling take-and-bake meals to mask-making, South Dakota businesses have had to be innovative to find ways to stay afloat during the pandemic.

 In Sioux Falls, food trucks are offering delivery, retailers are selling their wares on Facebook Live and some stores are reserving time for customers to shop privately. 

Entrepreneur Matt Paulson told the Argus Leader that innovation is necessary to keep businesses alive and thriving.

 He says while many businesses will return to normal after the pandemic, some of the changes seen in 2020 will likely stick around.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — From selling take-and-bake meals to mask-making, South Dakota businesses have had to be innovative to find ways to stay afloat during the pandemic. In Sioux Falls, food trucks are offering delivery, retailers are selling their wares on Facebook Live and some stores are reserving time for customers to shop privately. Entrepreneur Matt Paulson told the Argus Leader that innovation is necessary to keep businesses alive and thriving. He says while many businesses will return to normal after the pandemic, some of the changes seen in 2020 will likely stick around.

South Dakota businesses adapt to stay afloat during pandemic

We understand that some people may be nervous about the COVID vaccines – this is totally reasonable.&nbsp;Fortunately, researchers have been working on vaccines for the coronavirus family for years, so they did not have to start from scratch.&nbsp;

As researchers have been working intensely to develop and test the vaccine, they have been transparent in sharing data, holding live hearings, and pausing trials when it’s been important to slow down.&nbsp;All of this has given us trust and confidence in vaccination – a critical tool in our toolbox in slowing the spread of COVID and helping our communities move forward.&nbsp;

We have sacrificed so much this year to keep our loved ones and community safe.&nbsp; While we know getting vaccinated isn’t always comfortable, you can play a big role to support your community by keeping yourself and your family up-to-date on vaccinations. By staying updated on immunizations, we can make sure our sacrifice and efforts to fight COVID keep everyone safe.

Sixty percent of Americans indicate they intend to get vaccinated. It is estimated half of all Americans need to be vaccinated before seeing an impact and 75% to 85% of the population needs to be vaccinated to have blanket herd immunity. Herd immunity is achieved by protecting people from a virus, not exposing them to it.

Even with the vaccine nearing the horizon, please do not let your guard down on the important prevention strategies.&nbsp;Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.​

Unified Command confirms 215 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, December 14. Recoveries are available on the Panhandle dashboard &nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.

By PPHDWe understand that some people may be nervous about the COVID vaccines – this is totally reasonable.&nbsp;Fortunately, researchers have been working on vaccines for the coronavirus family for years, so they did not have to start from scratch.&nbsp;As researchers have been working intensely to develop and test the vaccine, they have been transparent in sharing data, holding live hearings, and pausing trials when it’s been important to slow down.&nbsp;All of this has given us trust and confidence in vaccination – a critical tool in our toolbox in slowing the spread of COVID and helping our communities move forward.&nbsp;We have sacrificed so much this year to keep our loved ones and community safe.&nbsp; While we know getting vaccinated isn’t always comfortable, you can play a big role to support your community by keeping yourself and your family up-to-date on vaccinations. By staying updated on immunizations, we can make sure our sacrifice and efforts to fight COVID keep everyone safe.Sixty percent of Americans indicate they intend to get vaccinated. It is estimated half of all Americans need to be vaccinated before seeing an impact and 75% to 85% of the population needs to be vaccinated to have blanket herd immunity. Herd immunity is achieved by protecting people from a virus, not exposing them to it.Even with the vaccine nearing the horizon, please do not let your guard down on the important prevention strategies.&nbsp;Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.​Unified Command confirms 215 more cases of COVID in the Panhandle since last reporting on Monday, December 14. Recoveries are available on the Panhandle dashboard &nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pphd.org/" target="_blank">www.pphd.org</a>.&nbsp;The investigations are underway, all close contacts will be quarantined.<figure>
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PPHD: Stay informed on important vaccine updates

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The latest virus numbers continued to improve in Nebraska on Sunday with the number of virus hospitalizations remaining below 600. 

The state said 582 people were being treated in hospitals for COVID-19 on Sunday, which was down from 598 the day before. 

That number has been steadily declining since setting a record of 987 on Nov. 20, but it remains more than 2.5 times higher than what it was on Oct. 1. 

Currently, 14% of the state’s hospital beds are occupied by coronavirus patients. 

If the seven-day rolling average of that figure remains below 15%, the state may further relax its social distancing restrictions.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The latest virus numbers continued to improve in Nebraska on Sunday with the number of virus hospitalizations remaining below 600. The state said 582 people were being treated in hospitals for COVID-19 on Sunday, which was down from 598 the day before. That number has been steadily declining since setting a record of 987 on Nov. 20, but it remains more than 2.5 times higher than what it was on Oct. 1. Currently, 14% of the state’s hospital beds are occupied by coronavirus patients. If the seven-day rolling average of that figure remains below 15%, the state may further relax its social distancing restrictions.

Number of virus hospitalizations in Nebraska declines again

SCOTTSBLUFF ― As healthcare workers across the U.S. began receiving the nation’s first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines last week, Regional West officials are making plans for the vaccine’s upcoming delivery and administration to frontline healthcare staff with a high risk of exposure.

Regional West will be receiving several batches of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. In accordance with state and federal recommendations, a priority matrix has been established to identify those groups who qualify for the first round of vaccinations.

Nationwide, the vaccine will be distributed in waves. The first wave will have three phases (a, b, and c). Phase A distribution will go to healthcare and long term care facilities; Phase B will include first responders, the education sector, food and agriculture, corrections staff, and utilities and transportation; while Phase C will include people who are 65 years of age and older, vulnerable populations, and congregate living, including nursing homes. Future waves of distribution have not been announced, however, vaccine distribution for the general public is anticipated in early spring 2021.

“We are preparing and planning for the upcoming arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine at Regional West. We are reviewing the providers and staff who have the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19 patients to help build a plan for dispensing the vaccine,” said Regional West Chief of Staff Dorisa Polk, MD, FACOG.

The vaccine will be given in two shots, spaced either 21 or 28 days apart, based on which vaccine brand is shipped. Recipients must receive the same vaccine for both shots for it to be effective. Through trials, both vaccines have proven to be 95% effective. That means of those vaccinated for the trials, only 5% developed COVID-19 when exposed to the virus and their symptoms were mild.

Until more Americans are vaccinated, everyone is encouraged to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by social distancing, regular hand washing, wearing a mask in public, and self-monitoring for symptoms.&nbsp;More information will be provided about general public clinics when available.

SCOTTSBLUFF ― As healthcare workers across the U.S. began receiving the nation’s first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines last week, Regional West officials are making plans for the vaccine’s upcoming delivery and administration to frontline healthcare staff with a high risk of exposure.Regional West will be receiving several batches of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. In accordance with state and federal recommendations, a priority matrix has been established to identify those groups who qualify for the first round of vaccinations.Nationwide, the vaccine will be distributed in waves. The first wave will have three phases (a, b, and c). Phase A distribution will go to healthcare and long term care facilities; Phase B will include first responders, the education sector, food and agriculture, corrections staff, and utilities and transportation; while Phase C will include people who are 65 years of age and older, vulnerable populations, and congregate living, including nursing homes. Future waves of distribution have not been announced, however, vaccine distribution for the general public is anticipated in early spring 2021.“We are preparing and planning for the upcoming arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine at Regional West. We are reviewing the providers and staff who have the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19 patients to help build a plan for dispensing the vaccine,” said Regional West Chief of Staff Dorisa Polk, MD, FACOG.The vaccine will be given in two shots, spaced either 21 or 28 days apart, based on which vaccine brand is shipped. Recipients must receive the same vaccine for both shots for it to be effective. Through trials, both vaccines have proven to be 95% effective. That means of those vaccinated for the trials, only 5% developed COVID-19 when exposed to the virus and their symptoms were mild.Until more Americans are vaccinated, everyone is encouraged to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by social distancing, regular hand washing, wearing a mask in public, and self-monitoring for symptoms.&nbsp;More information will be provided about general public clinics when available.

Regional West planning for upcoming COVID-19 vaccine

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Nebraska has dropped below 600 for the first time since late October. 

Nebraska said 598 people across the state were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Saturday.

 The last time that figure was below 600 was on October 30, and that total remains well below the peak of 987 reached on Nov. 20. 

The state reported 670 new cases of the virus Saturday to raise the total to 155,415. 

There have also been 1,475 deaths linked to the virus. Also Saturday, the state Department of Correctional Services said nine more prison staff members had tested positive for the virus.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Nebraska has dropped below 600 for the first time since late October. Nebraska said 598 people across the state were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Saturday. The last time that figure was below 600 was on October 30, and that total remains well below the peak of 987 reached on Nov. 20. The state reported 670 new cases of the virus Saturday to raise the total to 155,415. There have also been 1,475 deaths linked to the virus. Also Saturday, the state Department of Correctional Services said nine more prison staff members had tested positive for the virus.

Nebraska virus hospitalizations dip below 600 over weekend

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.

Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.

The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.

The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”

Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.

A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.

The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.

California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.

When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.

The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.

It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.

Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.

“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.

He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.

To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.

FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.

“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.

Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.

Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.

Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.

“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”

Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.

--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.

--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.

--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.

--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.

--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.

--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.

--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532144900.png" alt="Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.The FDA’s main messages:--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.___

2nd shot: US clears Moderna vaccine for COVID-19

ELM GROVE, Wis. (AP) — Eight nuns living at a retirement home for sisters in suburban Milwaukee died of COVID-19 complications in the last week — including four who passed away on the same day — a grim reminder of how quickly the virus can spread in congregate living situations, even when precautions are taken.

Notre Dame of Elm Grove had been free of the virus for the last nine months, but the congregation that runs the home found out on Thanksgiving Day that one of the roughly 100 sisters who live there had tested positive. Despite social distancing and other mitigation efforts that were already in place, several more positive tests followed, said Sister Debra Marie Sciano, the provincial leader for School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province.

The first death happened last week, and the death announcements kept coming. Four of the eight nuns died on Monday alone, a difficult situation for other sisters in the home and members of the broader congregation, who consider each other family.

“Even though they’re older and most of the sisters that did go to God are in their late 80s, 90s ... we didn’t expect them to go so, so quickly,” Sciano said. “So it was just very difficult for us.”

Sciano said the congregation isolated sisters who tested positive into the same area so they would have no contact with others. They are advised to stay in their rooms, where meals are brought to them. Funerals and memorial services are being broadcast on closed-circuit TV. Sciano declined to say how many other sisters have tested positive, citing the residents’ privacy.

The outbreak comes months after similar homes had reported multiple deaths from the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-wisconsin-religion-understanding-the-outbreak-new-york-a3155e87ad8a6ad00d3f600bad91bcf1">In July, 1</a>&nbsp;3 nuns died at a convent near Detroit and seven died at a center for Maryknoll sisters in New York. At least six nuns also died at Our Lady of the Angels convent in Greenfield, Wisconsin — a home that provides memory care for nuns of the School Sisters of St. Francis and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Earlier this month, church authorities said 76 Catholic nuns tested positive for COVID-19 after an outbreak at a Franciscan convent in northwestern Germany, forcing health authorities to put the entire monastery under quarantine.

Sciano said that Our Lady of the Angels in Greenfield has had no additional positive cases for many months, and the facility is still not allowing visitors.

Deena Swank, communications director for the Felecian Sisters of North America, which lost 13 sisters — about a fifth of the population at the Livonia, Michigan, convent — said they have not had additional deaths there and they are eager to get sisters vaccinated when possible.

Sciano said she’s not aware of anyone at the Notre Dame of Elm Grove home being on a priority list for vaccines, but administrators are contacting local pharmacies to try to get vaccines lined up for the future.

Convents share some of the same issues as nursing homes, which are the hardest-hit sector in the U.S. in terms of COVID-19 deaths. In many cases, their populations are elderly and live in close quarters with one another.

Linda Wickstrom, spokeswoman for the Waukesha County Department of Health &amp; Human Services said county disease investigators have been working with the facility since School Sisters of Notre Dame contacted them in November.

“Given the extreme contagiousness of this virus, it is exceedingly important for congregate settings to practice basic protocols to stop the spread of the disease,” Wickstrom said. She said the School Sisters of Notre Dame have been disinfecting high-touch surfaces, washing hands frequently, social distancing and wearing appropriate face coverings. Sciano said all residents with the virus have been isolated, and visitors are not allowed.

The School Sisters of Notre Dame established the Notre Dame of Elm Grove home in 1859 to provide an orphanage for children in the area. It later became a home for elderly and ill sisters, according to its website.

The facility’s first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssndcentralpacific.org/news-events/obituaries" target="_blank">COVID-19 death&nbsp;</a>happened Dec. 9, when Sisters Rose M. Feess and Mary Elva Wiesner died. Sister Dorothy MacIntyre died Dec. 11 and Sister Mary Alexius Portz died Sunday, according to the congregation’s website. Sisters Cynthia Borman, Joan Emily Kaul, Lillia Langreck and Michael Marie Laux all died on Monday.

Sciano said all of the women worked as educators. Some were missionaries. Some were musicians. Some worked on peace and justice issues. One was a published poet. According to the congregation’s website, one was a teacher and principal who loved working in the summers on an American Indian reservation in South Dakota. Another taught in Catholic elementary schools for more than 40 years and worked part-time as a gift shop coordinator at the Elm Grove home.

“We believe that each of these sisters, and and all the sisters, really, they’ve made a difference in this world,” Sciano said, adding, “I just think it’s important that people know that, and that they were committed up until the end of their lives.”

She said she hopes others can learn from the sisters’ lives and continue their mission to “maybe make this world just a little bit better place because of them.”

ELM GROVE, Wis. (AP) — Eight nuns living at a retirement home for sisters in suburban Milwaukee died of COVID-19 complications in the last week — including four who passed away on the same day — a grim reminder of how quickly the virus can spread in congregate living situations, even when precautions are taken.Notre Dame of Elm Grove had been free of the virus for the last nine months, but the congregation that runs the home found out on Thanksgiving Day that one of the roughly 100 sisters who live there had tested positive. Despite social distancing and other mitigation efforts that were already in place, several more positive tests followed, said Sister Debra Marie Sciano, the provincial leader for School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province.The first death happened last week, and the death announcements kept coming. Four of the eight nuns died on Monday alone, a difficult situation for other sisters in the home and members of the broader congregation, who consider each other family.“Even though they’re older and most of the sisters that did go to God are in their late 80s, 90s ... we didn’t expect them to go so, so quickly,” Sciano said. “So it was just very difficult for us.”Sciano said the congregation isolated sisters who tested positive into the same area so they would have no contact with others. They are advised to stay in their rooms, where meals are brought to them. Funerals and memorial services are being broadcast on closed-circuit TV. Sciano declined to say how many other sisters have tested positive, citing the residents’ privacy.The outbreak comes months after similar homes had reported multiple deaths from the coronavirus.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-wisconsin-religion-understanding-the-outbreak-new-york-a3155e87ad8a6ad00d3f600bad91bcf1">In July, 1</a>&nbsp;3 nuns died at a convent near Detroit and seven died at a center for Maryknoll sisters in New York. At least six nuns also died at Our Lady of the Angels convent in Greenfield, Wisconsin — a home that provides memory care for nuns of the School Sisters of St. Francis and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.Earlier this month, church authorities said 76 Catholic nuns tested positive for COVID-19 after an outbreak at a Franciscan convent in northwestern Germany, forcing health authorities to put the entire monastery under quarantine.Sciano said that Our Lady of the Angels in Greenfield has had no additional positive cases for many months, and the facility is still not allowing visitors.Deena Swank, communications director for the Felecian Sisters of North America, which lost 13 sisters — about a fifth of the population at the Livonia, Michigan, convent — said they have not had additional deaths there and they are eager to get sisters vaccinated when possible.Sciano said she’s not aware of anyone at the Notre Dame of Elm Grove home being on a priority list for vaccines, but administrators are contacting local pharmacies to try to get vaccines lined up for the future.Convents share some of the same issues as nursing homes, which are the hardest-hit sector in the U.S. in terms of COVID-19 deaths. In many cases, their populations are elderly and live in close quarters with one another.Linda Wickstrom, spokeswoman for the Waukesha County Department of Health &amp; Human Services said county disease investigators have been working with the facility since School Sisters of Notre Dame contacted them in November.“Given the extreme contagiousness of this virus, it is exceedingly important for congregate settings to practice basic protocols to stop the spread of the disease,” Wickstrom said. She said the School Sisters of Notre Dame have been disinfecting high-touch surfaces, washing hands frequently, social distancing and wearing appropriate face coverings. Sciano said all residents with the virus have been isolated, and visitors are not allowed.The School Sisters of Notre Dame established the Notre Dame of Elm Grove home in 1859 to provide an orphanage for children in the area. It later became a home for elderly and ill sisters, according to its website.The facility’s first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssndcentralpacific.org/news-events/obituaries" target="_blank">COVID-19 death&nbsp;</a>happened Dec. 9, when Sisters Rose M. Feess and Mary Elva Wiesner died. Sister Dorothy MacIntyre died Dec. 11 and Sister Mary Alexius Portz died Sunday, according to the congregation’s website. Sisters Cynthia Borman, Joan Emily Kaul, Lillia Langreck and Michael Marie Laux all died on Monday.Sciano said all of the women worked as educators. Some were missionaries. Some were musicians. Some worked on peace and justice issues. One was a published poet. According to the congregation’s website, one was a teacher and principal who loved working in the summers on an American Indian reservation in South Dakota. Another taught in Catholic elementary schools for more than 40 years and worked part-time as a gift shop coordinator at the Elm Grove home.“We believe that each of these sisters, and and all the sisters, really, they’ve made a difference in this world,” Sciano said, adding, “I just think it’s important that people know that, and that they were committed up until the end of their lives.”She said she hopes others can learn from the sisters’ lives and continue their mission to “maybe make this world just a little bit better place because of them.”

8 nuns die of COVID-19 in last week at Wisconsin convent

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH-Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - As the coronavirus sidelines huge numbers of educators, school districts around the country are aggressively recruiting substitute teachers, offering bonuses and waiving certification requirements in order to keep classrooms open.

Coming to the rescue in many cases are college students who are themselves learning online or home for extended winter breaks.

In Indiana, the 4,400-student Greenfield-Central school district about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Indianapolis made a plea for help as its substitute pool shrank. "I said, 'If you've got a student who's in college, maybe they'd like to work even a two-month thing for us - which would be a stopgap, no doubt - but it will help us a whole, whole bunch," said Scott Kern, the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation director of human resources.

Over a dozen college students answered the call including his own daughter, 19-year-old Grace Kern, who is studying medical imaging technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She has been working in elementary school classrooms, helping students as teachers offer instruction remotely via a screen inside the room.

"My dad told me that a bunch of teachers are out and they're struggling to get substitutes in. And I was like, 'Well, all my classes are online, except for one, so I have the time to do it.' And I would hate for the schools and the students to struggle," she said.

The teaching force already was stretched in many places before the pandemic hit as fewer students entered the profession, and retirees who often fill in as substitutes have been staying home in large numbers because of concerns about their health. As contact tracing forces teachers into quarantine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ohio-coronavirus-pandemic-034c27c20ab6c179c487e363ce9fa346" target="_blank">staffing shortages</a>&nbsp;have become so severe that many schools have had no choice but to switch to distance learning.

In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, appealed late last month to college students who were coming home for their winter break to help in hospitals, virus testing sites - and in schools. In cases where teachers are leading instruction remotely because they have to be in quarantine, for example, Lamont said college students could be paid to come into the classrooms and help provide supervision.

"Look you could binge watch Netflix for three weeks but we have some other ways that you could really be of assistance, helping your entire community get through this pandemic," Lamont said at a news briefing.

Isabel Orozco, a freshman at Wellesley College, is working as a substitute teacher in the Cheshire, Connecticut district, where she graduated high school in June. She said she's considering taking all of her spring semester classes online, so she can continue working in the public schools.

"Anything I can do to help, I feel good about," she said.

College students have been tapped in growing numbers this year by Kelly Education, which contracts with districts to provide substitutes. Company president Nicola Soares said the pandemic has laid bare problems with shortages that have been worsening for years.

"So when I think about the pandemic and everything that we have seen for the past 10 months it has absolutely exacerbated the issue around teacher shortages and also substitute teacher shortages," Soares said, adding that she doesn't expect much relief next school year. "We have seen a lot of folks leave the profession. The openings are going to increase, so it is domino effect."

In South Carolina, Lisa Usry, of Charleston, encountered this firsthand. One of her first jobs of the year was filling in for a teacher in his mid-60s who quit abruptly.

"He worked a couple weeks and said, 'I'm out of here' and walked out the door," she recalled.

In Nebraska, more districts are applying for exemptions to a requirement that substitutes have a teaching certificate. The exemption, once only used by a few large districts, allows administrators to hire subs who have 60 college credits and have completed a teaching course and another that addresses bias and discrimination.

Because the state's substitute requirements had been so high, it had relied heavily on retirees in years past, said Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association. But it has been a harder sell this year, with the association finding that only 33% of the 500 retired teachers it surveyed in August planned to sub this year, while the others said no or were unsure.

Seventy-four-year-old Pat Shepard, a retired Spanish teacher from of Lincoln, Nebraska, was among those who went ahead and kept working, more even than past years as her district offered bonuses for subs that committed to a certain number of jobs each month. Some of her substitute teacher friends, though, decided to take the year off.

"One she has a father who is 89 with a heart condition and a brand new grandbaby so she is not willing. I've had some others who are cancer survivors and things like that. And they are just not willing to take that risk," she said. "I'm a little bit more concerned now after Thanksgiving because our our cases here are just getting more and more everyday in the city."

In Iowa, more substitute jobs are going unfilled, even after the state lowered its requirements. In the past districts could manage by dividing an absent teacher's students among the other teachers in the building. But that won't work in a pandemic, said Coy Marquardt, associate executive director at the Iowa State Education Association.

To get by, some administrators and counselors are being called into action to serve as substitutes, although even that isn't enough.

"That is one of the reasons why some of the districts went and are still in virtual or remote because they just didn't have the staffing," he said.

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH-Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - As the coronavirus sidelines huge numbers of educators, school districts around the country are aggressively recruiting substitute teachers, offering bonuses and waiving certification requirements in order to keep classrooms open.Coming to the rescue in many cases are college students who are themselves learning online or home for extended winter breaks.In Indiana, the 4,400-student Greenfield-Central school district about 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Indianapolis made a plea for help as its substitute pool shrank. "I said, 'If you've got a student who's in college, maybe they'd like to work even a two-month thing for us - which would be a stopgap, no doubt - but it will help us a whole, whole bunch," said Scott Kern, the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation director of human resources.Over a dozen college students answered the call including his own daughter, 19-year-old Grace Kern, who is studying medical imaging technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She has been working in elementary school classrooms, helping students as teachers offer instruction remotely via a screen inside the room."My dad told me that a bunch of teachers are out and they're struggling to get substitutes in. And I was like, 'Well, all my classes are online, except for one, so I have the time to do it.' And I would hate for the schools and the students to struggle," she said.The teaching force already was stretched in many places before the pandemic hit as fewer students entered the profession, and retirees who often fill in as substitutes have been staying home in large numbers because of concerns about their health. As contact tracing forces teachers into quarantine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-ohio-coronavirus-pandemic-034c27c20ab6c179c487e363ce9fa346" target="_blank">staffing shortages</a>&nbsp;have become so severe that many schools have had no choice but to switch to distance learning.In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, appealed late last month to college students who were coming home for their winter break to help in hospitals, virus testing sites - and in schools. In cases where teachers are leading instruction remotely because they have to be in quarantine, for example, Lamont said college students could be paid to come into the classrooms and help provide supervision."Look you could binge watch Netflix for three weeks but we have some other ways that you could really be of assistance, helping your entire community get through this pandemic," Lamont said at a news briefing.Isabel Orozco, a freshman at Wellesley College, is working as a substitute teacher in the Cheshire, Connecticut district, where she graduated high school in June. She said she's considering taking all of her spring semester classes online, so she can continue working in the public schools."Anything I can do to help, I feel good about," she said.College students have been tapped in growing numbers this year by Kelly Education, which contracts with districts to provide substitutes. Company president Nicola Soares said the pandemic has laid bare problems with shortages that have been worsening for years."So when I think about the pandemic and everything that we have seen for the past 10 months it has absolutely exacerbated the issue around teacher shortages and also substitute teacher shortages," Soares said, adding that she doesn't expect much relief next school year. "We have seen a lot of folks leave the profession. The openings are going to increase, so it is domino effect."In South Carolina, Lisa Usry, of Charleston, encountered this firsthand. One of her first jobs of the year was filling in for a teacher in his mid-60s who quit abruptly."He worked a couple weeks and said, 'I'm out of here' and walked out the door," she recalled.In Nebraska, more districts are applying for exemptions to a requirement that substitutes have a teaching certificate. The exemption, once only used by a few large districts, allows administrators to hire subs who have 60 college credits and have completed a teaching course and another that addresses bias and discrimination.Because the state's substitute requirements had been so high, it had relied heavily on retirees in years past, said Jenni Benson, president of the Nebraska State Education Association. But it has been a harder sell this year, with the association finding that only 33% of the 500 retired teachers it surveyed in August planned to sub this year, while the others said no or were unsure.Seventy-four-year-old Pat Shepard, a retired Spanish teacher from of Lincoln, Nebraska, was among those who went ahead and kept working, more even than past years as her district offered bonuses for subs that committed to a certain number of jobs each month. Some of her substitute teacher friends, though, decided to take the year off."One she has a father who is 89 with a heart condition and a brand new grandbaby so she is not willing. I've had some others who are cancer survivors and things like that. And they are just not willing to take that risk," she said. "I'm a little bit more concerned now after Thanksgiving because our our cases here are just getting more and more everyday in the city."In Iowa, more substitute jobs are going unfilled, even after the state lowered its requirements. In the past districts could manage by dividing an absent teacher's students among the other teachers in the building. But that won't work in a pandemic, said Coy Marquardt, associate executive director at the Iowa State Education Association.To get by, some administrators and counselors are being called into action to serve as substitutes, although even that isn't enough."That is one of the reasons why some of the districts went and are still in virtual or remote because they just didn't have the staffing," he said.

College students recruited as teachers to keep schools open

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will get 11,900 additional doses of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine next week that will be used to treat residents and employees at the state's long-term care facilities, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday.

The announcement at a news conference came just days after state officials said they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-41d7031d1201f9c028e250bebcb64ecc" target="_blank">weren't expecting any shipments</a>&nbsp;from the company next week because of unspecified "logistical hiccups." Other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-health-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-fcfc76c553da46675fb3a7d535697942" target="_blank">states&nbsp;</a>have reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-west-palm-beach-bcc7688e10be599df9c9fbec28ef4731" target="_blank">similar problems</a>, but Pfizer issued a statement saying it wasn't having any production or distribution issues.

Ricketts said state officials still expect to receive about 32,000 doses of a separate vaccine developed by Moderna, as previously announced. Because of that, he said state officials will hold off on distributing the Pfizer vaccines until the last week of December so they can combine those doses with another expected shipment of 11,900 for use in Nebraska's hard-hit long-term care facilities.

"What we're going to do is bank them," he said at a news conference.

State officials have identified front-line medical workers and people tied to the long-term care industry as the first groups that need to receive the vaccine. Other groups, such as teachers and meatpacking workers, will also get priority. State officials have predicted that the vaccine will be available to the general public in Nebraska by April.

Ricketts said 4,069 Nebraska residents have received initial vaccine doses as of Thursday. Two doses are required with a three- to four-week waiting period between each one, so those residents likely won't get full immunity until January.

Ricketts also announced that he will proclaim Sunday as a day of prayer to remember the 1,463 people in Nebraska who have died from the virus. His wife, Nebraska first lady Susanne Shore, said the next three days will be deemed a weekend of remembrance and honor. Shore encouraged residents to reach out to people who have lost family members and those who are still working in critical jobs during the pandemic.

"I know we're not out of the woods right now, but we can begin that journey by connecting and supporting one another," she said.

Shore said Nebraska Impact, a nonprofit that works to promote and connect the state, has created an&nbsp;<a href="https://neimpact.org/memorial" target="_blank">online memorial wall</a>&nbsp;for people to post about loved ones who have died after contracting the virus.

The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska continues to decline after a sharp increase last month that prompted Ricketts to temporarily tighten social distancing restrictions. State officials reported 602 people hospitalized as of Thursday night, down from the record high of 987 on Nov. 20.

According to the state's tracking portal, 1,297 new cases were confirmed on Thursday, for a total of 153,400 known infections since the pandemic began. Ricketts said the true number is likely much higher because many people haven't gotten tested.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska will get 11,900 additional doses of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine next week that will be used to treat residents and employees at the state's long-term care facilities, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday.The announcement at a news conference came just days after state officials said they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-41d7031d1201f9c028e250bebcb64ecc" target="_blank">weren't expecting any shipments</a>&nbsp;from the company next week because of unspecified "logistical hiccups." Other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-health-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-fcfc76c553da46675fb3a7d535697942" target="_blank">states&nbsp;</a>have reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-west-palm-beach-bcc7688e10be599df9c9fbec28ef4731" target="_blank">similar problems</a>, but Pfizer issued a statement saying it wasn't having any production or distribution issues.Ricketts said state officials still expect to receive about 32,000 doses of a separate vaccine developed by Moderna, as previously announced. Because of that, he said state officials will hold off on distributing the Pfizer vaccines until the last week of December so they can combine those doses with another expected shipment of 11,900 for use in Nebraska's hard-hit long-term care facilities."What we're going to do is bank them," he said at a news conference.State officials have identified front-line medical workers and people tied to the long-term care industry as the first groups that need to receive the vaccine. Other groups, such as teachers and meatpacking workers, will also get priority. State officials have predicted that the vaccine will be available to the general public in Nebraska by April.Ricketts said 4,069 Nebraska residents have received initial vaccine doses as of Thursday. Two doses are required with a three- to four-week waiting period between each one, so those residents likely won't get full immunity until January.Ricketts also announced that he will proclaim Sunday as a day of prayer to remember the 1,463 people in Nebraska who have died from the virus. His wife, Nebraska first lady Susanne Shore, said the next three days will be deemed a weekend of remembrance and honor. Shore encouraged residents to reach out to people who have lost family members and those who are still working in critical jobs during the pandemic."I know we're not out of the woods right now, but we can begin that journey by connecting and supporting one another," she said.Shore said Nebraska Impact, a nonprofit that works to promote and connect the state, has created an&nbsp;<a href="https://neimpact.org/memorial" target="_blank">online memorial wall</a>&nbsp;for people to post about loved ones who have died after contracting the virus.The number of people hospitalized with the virus in Nebraska continues to decline after a sharp increase last month that prompted Ricketts to temporarily tighten social distancing restrictions. State officials reported 602 people hospitalized as of Thursday night, down from the record high of 987 on Nov. 20.According to the state's tracking portal, 1,297 new cases were confirmed on Thursday, for a total of 153,400 known infections since the pandemic began. Ricketts said the true number is likely much higher because many people haven't gotten tested.

Nebraska now set to get 11,900 Pfizer vaccines next week

As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out to more and more people, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects.

On Tuesday, a health worker in Alaska suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She is in the hospital for another night under observation while another worker, vaccinated Wednesday, has recovered. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout after Britain reported two similar cases last week.

In the U.S., vaccine recipients are supposed to hang around after the injection in case signs of an allergy appear and they need immediate treatment — exactly what happened when the health worker in Juneau became flushed and short of breath 10 minutes after the shot. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, light headedness and scratchy throat.

Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual. It’s not just because so many people need to be vaccinated over the next year. Never before have so many vaccines made in different ways converged at the same time — and it’s possible that one shot option will come with different side effects than another.

The first vaccine beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">widespread use in the U.S</a>. and many Western countries, made by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech, and a second option&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-2nd-shot-us-af9bc295fa685aaa04e204e4db62e336">expected soon</a>&nbsp;from competitor Moderna Inc. both are made the same way. The Food and Drug Administration says huge studies of each have uncovered no major safety risks.

But the allergy concern “points out again the importance of real-time safety monitoring,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.

And authorities have multiple ways of tracking how people fare as these COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully additional ones in coming months, get into more arms.

Getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or the Moderna version can cause some temporary discomfort, just like many vaccines do.

In addition to a sore arm, people can experience a fever and some flu-like symptoms — fatigue, aches, chills, headache. They last about a day, sometimes bad enough that recipients miss work, and are more common after the second dose and in younger people.

These reactions are a sign that the immune system is revving up. COVID-19 vaccines tend to cause more of those reactions than a flu shot, about what people experience with shingles vaccinations. But some are similar to early coronavirus symptoms, one reason hospitals are staggering when their employees get vaccinated.

The FDA found no serious side effects in the tens of thousands enrolled in studies of the two vaccines.

Still, problems so rare they don’t occur in even very large studies sometimes crop up when a vaccine is used more widely and without the stringent rules of a clinical trial.

The first allergy reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-allergic-reaction-pfizer-vaccine-64ddccd70c38a39f880da27941db3540">England</a>&nbsp;were in people with a history of serious allergies, and British authorities warned those with severe prior experiences to hold off vaccination as they determine what ingredient might be a problem.

U.S. health authorities are giving more nuanced advice. People always are asked about allergies before vaccinations, and instructions for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot say avoid it if you’re severely allergic to one of its ingredients or had a severe reaction to a prior dose. Health workers can go over the ingredient list.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to stick around for 15 minutes after vaccination, and those with a history of other allergies for 30 minutes, so they can be treated immediately if they have a reaction.

The Alaska health worker, who doctors said had no history of allergies, was following that advice and got prompt care for a particularly severe reaction called anaphylaxis. She has recovered after a night of observation in the hospital — but won’t be allowed a second vaccine dose.

Alaska doctors alerted U.S. authorities, who will continue the monitoring required to tell just how common this kind of reaction really is. That will be especially important as enough vaccine arrives for injections to be given outside of health care settings that have lots of experience handling this type of reaction.

“Balancing any potential risks with the benefits the vaccine provides in the pandemic is an ongoing process,” CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler cautioned Wednesday.

The challenge is telling whether the vaccine caused a health problem or if it’s coincidence. Don’t jump to conclusions that there’s a connection, health authorities stress.

The way to tell: Comparing any reports of possible side effects with data showing how often that same condition occurs routinely in the population.

The government has multiple ways to do that. Doctors are required to report any patient problems. But the FDA is scrutinizing massive databases of insurance claims for early red flags that any health problems are occurring more often in the newly vaccinated than everyone else.

On its list to check is Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis that occurred in a handful of people in both vaccine studies. The FDA said it’s probably coincidence, but will track to be sure.

Vaccine recipients can help with the extra safety tracking. Called “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html" target="_blank">v-safe</a>,” the program run by CDC automatically sends a daily text the first week after each vaccine dose asking how people feel, and then a weekly text for the next five weeks. Any responses that suggest concern prompt a phone call for further information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608072923749.png" alt="Vaccine arrival in Kansas earlier this week -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine arrival in Kansas earlier this week -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressAs COVID-19 vaccinations roll out to more and more people, health authorities are keeping close watch for any unexpected side effects.On Tuesday, a health worker in Alaska suffered a severe allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. She is in the hospital for another night under observation while another worker, vaccinated Wednesday, has recovered. Doctors already knew to be on the lookout after Britain reported two similar cases last week.In the U.S., vaccine recipients are supposed to hang around after the injection in case signs of an allergy appear and they need immediate treatment — exactly what happened when the health worker in Juneau became flushed and short of breath 10 minutes after the shot. The second worker experienced eye puffiness, light headedness and scratchy throat.Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual. It’s not just because so many people need to be vaccinated over the next year. Never before have so many vaccines made in different ways converged at the same time — and it’s possible that one shot option will come with different side effects than another.The first vaccine beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">widespread use in the U.S</a>. and many Western countries, made by Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech, and a second option&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-2nd-shot-us-af9bc295fa685aaa04e204e4db62e336">expected soon</a>&nbsp;from competitor Moderna Inc. both are made the same way. The Food and Drug Administration says huge studies of each have uncovered no major safety risks.But the allergy concern “points out again the importance of real-time safety monitoring,” said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.And authorities have multiple ways of tracking how people fare as these COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully additional ones in coming months, get into more arms.HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER VACCINATION?Getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech shot or the Moderna version can cause some temporary discomfort, just like many vaccines do.In addition to a sore arm, people can experience a fever and some flu-like symptoms — fatigue, aches, chills, headache. They last about a day, sometimes bad enough that recipients miss work, and are more common after the second dose and in younger people.These reactions are a sign that the immune system is revving up. COVID-19 vaccines tend to cause more of those reactions than a flu shot, about what people experience with shingles vaccinations. But some are similar to early coronavirus symptoms, one reason hospitals are staggering when their employees get vaccinated.WHAT ABOUT SERIOUS RISKS?The FDA found no serious side effects in the tens of thousands enrolled in studies of the two vaccines.Still, problems so rare they don’t occur in even very large studies sometimes crop up when a vaccine is used more widely and without the stringent rules of a clinical trial.The first allergy reports from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-allergic-reaction-pfizer-vaccine-64ddccd70c38a39f880da27941db3540">England</a>&nbsp;were in people with a history of serious allergies, and British authorities warned those with severe prior experiences to hold off vaccination as they determine what ingredient might be a problem.U.S. health authorities are giving more nuanced advice. People always are asked about allergies before vaccinations, and instructions for the Pfizer-BioNTech shot say avoid it if you’re severely allergic to one of its ingredients or had a severe reaction to a prior dose. Health workers can go over the ingredient list.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to stick around for 15 minutes after vaccination, and those with a history of other allergies for 30 minutes, so they can be treated immediately if they have a reaction.The Alaska health worker, who doctors said had no history of allergies, was following that advice and got prompt care for a particularly severe reaction called anaphylaxis. She has recovered after a night of observation in the hospital — but won’t be allowed a second vaccine dose.Alaska doctors alerted U.S. authorities, who will continue the monitoring required to tell just how common this kind of reaction really is. That will be especially important as enough vaccine arrives for injections to be given outside of health care settings that have lots of experience handling this type of reaction.“Balancing any potential risks with the benefits the vaccine provides in the pandemic is an ongoing process,” CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler cautioned Wednesday.WHAT IF OTHER RISKS CROP UP?The challenge is telling whether the vaccine caused a health problem or if it’s coincidence. Don’t jump to conclusions that there’s a connection, health authorities stress.The way to tell: Comparing any reports of possible side effects with data showing how often that same condition occurs routinely in the population.The government has multiple ways to do that. Doctors are required to report any patient problems. But the FDA is scrutinizing massive databases of insurance claims for early red flags that any health problems are occurring more often in the newly vaccinated than everyone else.On its list to check is Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis that occurred in a handful of people in both vaccine studies. The FDA said it’s probably coincidence, but will track to be sure.Vaccine recipients can help with the extra safety tracking. Called “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html" target="_blank">v-safe</a>,” the program run by CDC automatically sends a daily text the first week after each vaccine dose asking how people feel, and then a weekly text for the next five weeks. Any responses that suggest concern prompt a phone call for further information.___

Health officials track safety as COVID-19 vaccines roll out

LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts held a press briefing at the State Capitol to provide an update on the State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; The Governor reported that coronavirus-related hospitalizations have declined over 30% since November 20th.&nbsp; Nebraska is currently in the “yellow” phase of its pandemic response plan.&nbsp;

Gov. Ricketts also shared news that over 1,700 Nebraskans had already received their coronavirus vaccination as of this morning.&nbsp; The initial doses have gone to frontline healthcare workers such as critical care physicians and nurses, ER staff, and people who handle infectious materials at hospitals.&nbsp; So far, 13 hospitals have administered vaccines.&nbsp;

Angie Ling, Incident Commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), joined the Governor to overview the State’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and the work being done to implement it.

Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Executive Director of One Chabad in Omaha, shared a Hanukkah reflection.&nbsp; The Hanukkah celebration, known as the Festival of Lights, began on December 10th&nbsp;and continues through December 18th.

Weysan Dun, community volunteer leader with the American Red Cross, emphasized the ongoing need for blood donations.&nbsp; He also informed Nebraskans about upcoming opportunities to give blood.

Video from today’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fxccsf22v8mwiue4%2FGov.%2520Press%2520Conf%252012.16.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C931a785245d84a458a8708d8a212c8fb%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637437548853105096%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=y%2FYTCPZ7RvpXWdqFOtSRRkzGQjPi6yQfhnP5Z2dF4S8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608168099190.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts held a press briefing at the State Capitol to provide an update on the State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; The Governor reported that coronavirus-related hospitalizations have declined over 30% since November 20th.&nbsp; Nebraska is currently in the “yellow” phase of its pandemic response plan.&nbsp;Gov. Ricketts also shared news that over 1,700 Nebraskans had already received their coronavirus vaccination as of this morning.&nbsp; The initial doses have gone to frontline healthcare workers such as critical care physicians and nurses, ER staff, and people who handle infectious materials at hospitals.&nbsp; So far, 13 hospitals have administered vaccines.&nbsp;Angie Ling, Incident Commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), joined the Governor to overview the State’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and the work being done to implement it.Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Executive Director of One Chabad in Omaha, shared a Hanukkah reflection.&nbsp; The Hanukkah celebration, known as the Festival of Lights, began on December 10th&nbsp;and continues through December 18th.Weysan Dun, community volunteer leader with the American Red Cross, emphasized the ongoing need for blood donations.&nbsp; He also informed Nebraskans about upcoming opportunities to give blood.Gov. Ricketts: Coronavirus Vaccination<ul>
 <li>Nebraska has received its first shipments of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp; As of 9:00 am this morning, 1,746 Nebraskans already have been vaccinated.</li><li>Moderna’s vaccine may be approved by the FDA as early as Friday, December 18th.&nbsp; If approved as expected, the first injections of this vaccine will begin next week.As a reminder, both vaccines require two doses, spaced a few weeks apart.</li><li>As a reminder, both vaccines require two doses, spaced a few weeks apart.</li><li>We’ve previously announced our groups prioritized for vaccination in Phase 1A:Healthcare personnel (hospitals, home health care, pharmacies, EMS, outpatient, public health)Long-term care facility residents and staff</li><li>Healthcare personnel (hospitals, home health care, pharmacies, EMS, outpatient, public health)</li><li>Long-term care facility residents and staff</li><li>As Nebraska receives more vaccine doses in the coming months, the amount of detailed planning required increases.</li><li>DHHS requested personnel to support its effort to gather information from local agencies and organizations that have workers in priority groups.</li><li>Starting this week, the Nebraska National Guard has activated 17 personnel to support DHHS.</li><li>They will collect information to help prioritize where tens of thousands of future doses go, following the plans made by DHHS for Phase 1B of our vaccination plan.This is to ensure we get the right number of vaccine doses to frontline workers and priority groups in order to have the greatest benefit throughout the state.</li><li>This is to ensure we get the right number of vaccine doses to frontline workers and priority groups in order to have the greatest benefit throughout the state.</li>
 </ul>Angie Ling: Coronavirus Vaccination<ul>
 <li>The Pfizer coronavirus vaccine arrived to Nebraska on Monday.&nbsp; By the end of today, all 15,600 doses should be in the hands of hospitals receiving the first allocation.</li><li>Federal agencies are reviewing the Moderna vaccine this week. &nbsp;If approved, Nebraska is ready to receive shipments of the Moderna vaccine early next week.32,400 doses of Moderna’s vaccine have been allocated to Nebraska for next week.&nbsp; These doses will be distributed to 112 hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and local health departments.</li><li>32,400 doses of Moderna’s vaccine have been allocated to Nebraska for next week.&nbsp; These doses will be distributed to 112 hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and local health departments.</li><li>The U.S. vaccine safety system has a rigorous process to ensure safety. &nbsp;The Pfizer vaccine endured a significant amount of scrutiny during clinical trials in which more than 40,000 individuals participated.</li><li>The Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective in a phase 3 clinical trial.&nbsp; Comparatively, the flu vaccine is usually 40-60% effective.</li><li>The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a live virus and cannot give someone the coronavirus.</li><li>Potential side effects for the coronavirus vaccine are similar to those experienced by people who get a flu shot.Soreness at the injection site, fever, headaches, and body aches that usually go away within 24 hours.Unless symptoms worsen, there is no need to seek medical care.</li><li>Soreness at the injection site, fever, headaches, and body aches that usually go away within 24 hours.</li><li>Unless symptoms worsen, there is no need to seek medical care.</li>
 </ul>Rabbi Mendel Katzman: Hanukkah<ul>
 <li>Around the year 140 B.C.E., the story of Hanukkah occurred.A tyrant, pretending God to be non-existent, challenged those faithful people who were practicing their religion, praying, and connecting to the One above.The few godly people prevailed over the many who attacked them.</li><li>A tyrant, pretending God to be non-existent, challenged those faithful people who were practicing their religion, praying, and connecting to the One above.</li><li>The few godly people prevailed over the many who attacked them.</li><li>Hanukkah is really the only Jewish practice that takes place outdoors.&nbsp; The Seder and other practices happen inside our homes or houses of worship.</li><li>Likewise, the only time we pray outside—aside from Hanukkah—is when there’s a plague.</li><li>We’re all united as one nation under God. We pray together that...All of those affected by the coronavirus will receive healing.All of those who are healthy will remain healthy.We together will create more ways to connect with God and to be charitable to our neighbors.</li><li>All of those affected by the coronavirus will receive healing.</li><li>All of those who are healthy will remain healthy.</li><li>We together will create more ways to connect with God and to be charitable to our neighbors.</li>
 </ul>Weysan Dun: Blood Donation<ul>
 <li>This season is traditionally very challenging in terms of maintaining adequate blood supplies in our state and country.&nbsp;This is due to the holidays; winter weather; and the prevalence of cold, flu, and other seasonal illnesses in the community.</li><li>This is due to the holidays; winter weather; and the prevalence of cold, flu, and other seasonal illnesses in the community.</li><li>We’re asking Nebraskans to step up to donate blood and sponsor blood drives.</li><li>A shortage of blood may affect people who need emergency surgery, victims of accidents, and cancer patients in need of periodic transfusion.</li><li>One single blood donation can potentially save three lives.</li><li>The pandemic has caused the cancellation of many blood drives.&nbsp; In Nebraska alone, we’ve seen over 1,300 blood drives cancelled since the beginning of the pandemic, leading to the projected loss of around 35,000 units of collected blood.</li><li>Blood drives are conducted with the highest standards of safety and infection control.&nbsp; All staff and donors are subjected to health screenings, everyone wears a mask during the process, social distancing is maintained, and there’s an aggressive program of disinfection at each collection station.</li><li>The American Red Cross tests all blood donations for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies.</li><li>Individuals interested in donating blood are encouraged to go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcross.org%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C931a785245d84a458a8708d8a212c8fb%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637437548853095130%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=PZuVkjvAcDs3xJBDUNe%2BVAcwEdsGD3%2Bz2nGX9A6BWiU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;and make an appointment to donate.&nbsp; Appointments are required in order to maintain social distancing.&nbsp; Organizations interested in sponsoring a blood drive can also submit an application on the website.</li>
 </ul>Video from today’s press conference is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fxccsf22v8mwiue4%2FGov.%2520Press%2520Conf%252012.16.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7C931a785245d84a458a8708d8a212c8fb%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637437548853105096%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=y%2FYTCPZ7RvpXWdqFOtSRRkzGQjPi6yQfhnP5Z2dF4S8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts highlights beginning of vaccinations, encourages Nebraskans to donate blood

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - More than 100 Nebraska hospitals and health facilities are expected to receive a new coronavirus vaccine next week, but the state won't be getting as many overall doses as initially projected this month because of shipping delays, state officials said Wednesday.

Officials said the state will get 32,400 doses of the vaccine from Moderna, assuming that the company's drug wins federal approval on Thursday. Those doses will go to 112 Nebraska hospitals, health centers and health departments, including many in rural areas.

"We are ready to accept those shipments," said Angie Ling, incident commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The first 15,600 doses from drug manufacturer Pfizer arrived in Nebraska this week.

Ling said those vaccines have gone to 13 hospitals, and 1,746 people - primarily front-line health workers - have received the first of two doses necessary to achieve full immunity. Those recipients will get their second shots in January because the drug requires a three- to four-week waiting period between doses to be effective.

Gov. Pete Ricketts said Nebraska officials are expecting about 82,000 doses from the two companies by the end of December. State officials had originally projected 104,000 doses, but another shipment expected from Pfizer next week was postponed. It wasn't immediately clear when those shipments would arrive.

"In any new distribution process, there are logistical hiccups," Ling said in a statement after the governor's news conference. "This is especially true with such a massive and delicate operation such as this - but we expect that those minor delays will be solved shortly by Pfizer."

Ricketts said he's confident that, even with the delay, Nebraska will still be able to offer vaccinations to the general public by April as expected. The state's distribution plan calls for the first doses to go to front-line medical workers, along with teachers, meatpacking workers, first responders and other people in critical industries who are more likely to encounter the virus.

Despite the new shipments, Ricketts urged residents to continue avoiding crowds, confined spaces and close contact with other people outside their household.

"We've still got work ahead of us with regard to slowing the spread of the virus," he said.

Even so, state officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-204b27b542c53030c04992ab5f17f364" target="_blank">have relaxed some restrictions</a>. Some cities have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-omaha-51cb57ca9d631117cf05fa07c8e0d966" target="_blank">eased their rules</a>&nbsp;as well. And on Tuesday, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services announced that it will once again allow inmate visits at five of its prisons starting Dec. 23. Director Scott Frakes said family members and friends will have to register for a visit in advance, wear masks and socially distance themselves.

The number of hospitalized coronavirus patients in Nebraska continued to decline as of Tuesday after a sharp increase in November that prompted Ricketts to tighten some social distancing rules.

The state's hospitals held 677 total patients as of Tuesday evening out of 4,043 total staffed beds, according to Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online tracking portal</a>.

The state confirmed 1,517 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, and the numbers have trended downward since reaching a single-day high of 3,443 on Nov. 16. Nebraska reported 150,861 confirmed cases and 1,438 deaths since the pandemic began.

By GRANT SCHULTE-Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - More than 100 Nebraska hospitals and health facilities are expected to receive a new coronavirus vaccine next week, but the state won't be getting as many overall doses as initially projected this month because of shipping delays, state officials said Wednesday.Officials said the state will get 32,400 doses of the vaccine from Moderna, assuming that the company's drug wins federal approval on Thursday. Those doses will go to 112 Nebraska hospitals, health centers and health departments, including many in rural areas."We are ready to accept those shipments," said Angie Ling, incident commander for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.The first 15,600 doses from drug manufacturer Pfizer arrived in Nebraska this week.Ling said those vaccines have gone to 13 hospitals, and 1,746 people - primarily front-line health workers - have received the first of two doses necessary to achieve full immunity. Those recipients will get their second shots in January because the drug requires a three- to four-week waiting period between doses to be effective.Gov. Pete Ricketts said Nebraska officials are expecting about 82,000 doses from the two companies by the end of December. State officials had originally projected 104,000 doses, but another shipment expected from Pfizer next week was postponed. It wasn't immediately clear when those shipments would arrive."In any new distribution process, there are logistical hiccups," Ling said in a statement after the governor's news conference. "This is especially true with such a massive and delicate operation such as this - but we expect that those minor delays will be solved shortly by Pfizer."Ricketts said he's confident that, even with the delay, Nebraska will still be able to offer vaccinations to the general public by April as expected. The state's distribution plan calls for the first doses to go to front-line medical workers, along with teachers, meatpacking workers, first responders and other people in critical industries who are more likely to encounter the virus.Despite the new shipments, Ricketts urged residents to continue avoiding crowds, confined spaces and close contact with other people outside their household."We've still got work ahead of us with regard to slowing the spread of the virus," he said.Even so, state officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-204b27b542c53030c04992ab5f17f364" target="_blank">have relaxed some restrictions</a>. Some cities have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-ricketts-nebraska-coronavirus-pandemic-omaha-51cb57ca9d631117cf05fa07c8e0d966" target="_blank">eased their rules</a>&nbsp;as well. And on Tuesday, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services announced that it will once again allow inmate visits at five of its prisons starting Dec. 23. Director Scott Frakes said family members and friends will have to register for a visit in advance, wear masks and socially distance themselves.The number of hospitalized coronavirus patients in Nebraska continued to decline as of Tuesday after a sharp increase in November that prompted Ricketts to tighten some social distancing rules.The state's hospitals held 677 total patients as of Tuesday evening out of 4,043 total staffed beds, according to Nebraska's&nbsp;<a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece0db09da4d4ca68252c3967aa1e9dd" target="_blank">online tracking portal</a>.The state confirmed 1,517 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, and the numbers have trended downward since reaching a single-day high of 3,443 on Nov. 16. Nebraska reported 150,861 confirmed cases and 1,438 deaths since the pandemic began.

Coronavirus Update