(KLZA)-- The good news is there  has been a downward trend in the number of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks within the Southeast District Health Department five-county jurisdiction.

SEDHD Director Grant Brueggemann advises that with the variants of the coronvirus beginning to circulate across the country, we need to remain vigilent.  He notes that even though the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more readily available, it does not mean it is time for everything to go back to normal.  

Last week in Nebraska the number of hospitalzations in the state due to COVID-19 reached their lowest point since October 1.